Why certain Christians choose not to observe Christmas

 Years ago, someone questioned my Christmas celebration, prompting me to cite biblical support from the Gospel of Luke, where the nativity scene and the angel's announcement to shepherds are described. I believed this justified celebrating Jesus' birth on Christmas. However, a friend challenged this perspective, leading me to realize that Christmas isn't explicitly taught in the Bible, and its origins aren't rooted in biblical events. This revelation challenged my long-held assumptions.

The fact that around 2 billion people, including 1 billion Catholics and another billion in Protestant faiths, observe Christmas raises questions: does the sheer number of celebrants make it right? And does it truly matter whether one observes Christmas or not?

Numerous individuals celebrate the holiday for various reasons. If asked why they celebrate Christmas, some might mention honoring the birth of Jesus, while others view it as an opportunity for a Christian family gathering. For many, it's a tradition they've always followed.

The appeal of Christmas extends beyond its religious significance. The festive atmosphere, characterized by joyful people, generosity, and goodwill, captivates the senses. Bright lights adorn homes, and images of Santa Claus and his reindeer evoke a whimsical feeling of readiness for takeoff, even in regions without December snow. The vibrant and serene Christmas scene can be alluring and create a sense of enchantment and attachment.

WHY DO SO MANY INDIVIDUAL CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

Numerous individuals celebrate the holiday for various reasons. If asked why they celebrate Christmas, some might mention honoring the birth of Jesus, while others view it as an opportunity for a Christian family gathering. For many, it's a tradition they've always followed.

The appeal of Christmas

extends beyond its religious significance. The festive atmosphere, characterized by joyful people, generosity, and goodwill, captivates the senses. Bright lights adorn homes, and images of Santa Claus and his reindeer evoke a whimsical feeling of readiness for takeoff, even in regions without December snow. The vibrant and serene Christmas scene can be alluring and create a sense of enchantment and attachment.

Stores are crowded with shoppers on the hunt for gifts at discounted prices, accompanied by the festive melodies of "White Christmas," "Silent Night," or "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" playing in the background. Despite the potentially harsh weather outside in the northern hemisphere, the atmosphere inside is delightful and warm during December. Christmas trees adorned with twinkling lights and vibrant ornaments create a magical and radiant ambiance. Families are drawn to the unique mystery surrounding the Christmas season, making it a distinctive and widely celebrated religious holiday for people worldwide.

WAS MESSIAH REALY BORN ON THE 25TH OF DECEMBER?

The notion that Jesus was born on December 25 lacks biblical evidence, and historical writings suggest that Christmas was considered sinful more than 200 years after Jesus' death. Origen, an early Catholic theologian, repudiated the idea of celebrating Christ's birthday as late as A.D. 245.

In A.D. 354, a Latin chronographer mentioned Christmas, but it wasn't treated as an observed festival. The Bible, specifically in Luke 2:7-8, describes shepherds tending to their flocks at night during Jesus' birth. However, the cold and rainy weather in Judea during late December raises doubts about whether responsible shepherds would keep their sheep in open fields during that time.

The climate in Palestine from December to February is cold and piercing at night, and shepherds traditionally did not watch their flocks in open fields later than about the end of October. Additionally, Luke notes a census ordered by the Roman emperor at the time of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:1-3). The Romans, known for their administrative efficiency, would not have mandated travel during the wet and muddy conditions of late December.

The widespread belief in Jesus' December 25 birth lacks a factual basis, as highlighted by the quote from George Bernard Shaw: "If 50 million people believe a foolish thing, it's still a foolish thing."

Does Christmas genuinely pay tribute to Christ?

If the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ during the Christmas holiday holds significance as a pivotal celebration, it raises questions about its absence from biblical references. One might ponder why Jesus, in conferring considerable authority upon His 12 chosen apostles, did not instruct them to observe Christmas or introduce it to the early Church. The Scriptures emphasize the significant roles these apostles were to play in Jesus' Kingdom (Matthew 18:18; 19:28; Luke 22:29-30).

Given the absence of any indication that Christ taught His apostles to observe Christmas and that they, in turn, failed to impart such instructions to the early Church, it prompts reflection on whether Christmas aligns with Jesus' intentions. Despite ample opportunities spanning years, the apostles never introduced or advocated for the celebration of Christmas. The widespread adoption of Christmas as a cultural practice begs the question of its origins, especially when the Bible does not endorse it, Jesus did not observe it, and His closest followers did not establish it within the early Church.

The Genuine Roots of Christmas

Many individuals rarely pause to question the relevance of key Christmas symbols—such as Santa Claus, reindeer, adorned trees, holly, mistletoe—to the birth of the Savior. Few in the southern hemisphere, experiencing a summery December, wonder about the association with winter scenes typical of the northern hemisphere during Christmas.

The reality, corroborated by numerous books and encyclopedias, is that these traditions trace back to ancient pagan festivities. Even the chosen date, December 25, finds its origins in a celebration commemorating the birth of the ancient sun god Mithras. While Jesus never instructed His followers to observe Christmas, He did caution against adherence to false, human-made religious doctrines, emphasizing the futility of worship based on such teachings (Mark 7:7).

The Catholic Encyclopedia acknowledges that the Christmas season has its roots in an ancient festival coinciding with the winter solstice. Intriguingly, the early theologian Origen, living around 182-251 AD, made no mention of it, and Tertullian, another theologian from the same era (circa 155-230 AD), noted compromising Christians participating in the pagan winter festival of the Roman Empire, which later evolved into what we now know as Christmas. Tertullian highlighted the adoption of pagan customs by some Christians, expressing concern about the fidelity of these individuals to their own religion.

Over time, Catholic religious leaders elevated the significance of this pre-Christian celebration by incorporating the Mass of Christ into it, eventually giving rise to its familiar name, "Christmas."

An issue of choice rather than content.

Beyond Today magazine aims to impart the living truth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that a true Christian's obedience lies not in personal preference but in adherence to God's truth. The publication is dedicated to presenting God's unadulterated truth, leaving readers to decide how to respond and whether they will honor it. The commission from Jesus Christ is to teach the truth of God and to welcome those who hear and obey it as disciples and fellow workers. The hope is that understanding the truth about Christmas will guide individuals toward genuine happiness and align them with God's purpose.

Historically, Christmas, as portrayed, does not authentically represent Christ and contradicts sound biblical teaching. It stands in opposition to God's truth, and the call is for people to worship God in truth, as emphasized in John 4:23-24, rather than engaging in fables.

Drawing from Deuteronomy 12:28-32, the message underscores God's explicit command for His people to worship only in the ways He prescribed, without additions or omissions. Copying or adopting pagan religious practices is condemned as an "abomination" and something that God hates. Despite this, millions observe Christmas without considering its origins, often assuming that the sheer number of Christians celebrating makes it right or believing that good intentions justify deviating from God's commands. The question is posed: Can we truly honor God or please Him if our worship contradicts His explicit instructions?

Vital inquiries exclusive to your responses.

The pivotal question at hand is whether our concern should be more directed toward the opinions of others or toward fulfilling God's requirements. Additionally, is it plausible for fellow human beings to provide salvation? If our salvation hinges on honoring God's truth, then why prioritize the approval of people over God?

Addressing those who profess religiousness but reject the true teachings of Jesus Christ, he posed the question, "Why do you address me as 'Lord, Lord' but fail to adhere to my instructions?" (Luke 6:46; compare Matthew 7:21). Considering Christ's opposition to Christmas, why would any discerning Christian choose to observe it?

Navigating the path laid out by Jesus in a world that deviates from it is undeniably challenging. However, it proves to be significantly superior and inherently more fulfilling than following the hollow ways of the world.

As stated in 1 John 2:15-17, God advises us, "Do not harbor affection for the world or its possessions. Anyone who cherishes the world does not possess the love of the Father. For everything in the world—the cravings of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—emanates not from the Father but from the world. And the world, along with its desires, is diminishing, but whoever does the will of God remains eternal."

WRITTEN BY DAMIAN OMONDI