COGaIC: Is Christmas Celebration Okay?

The Slovenian version of Santa, Ded Moroz or Father Frost

In the latest issue of COGaIC’s Vision online the following is asked:

Although many Christians are aware of the connections between Christmas and various pagan winter festivals, they continue to celebrate the day as a joyous, tradition-filled festival in honor of Christ. Is that a problem?

COGaIC’s Brian Orchard answers in an article as follows:

An excellent summary of God’s attitude in this regard is found in Deuteronomy 12:29–32. Moses instructed the nation of Israel prior to their inheriting the Promised Land. He said, “When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, . . . and that you do not enquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way. . . . Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.”

The festival observed on December 25 was a part of religious celebrations long before the term Christ-Mass was applied to it. Many people today keep it as a secular, commercial holiday, giving little thought to the fact that the central symbolism of the season has roots in the pagan religions of antiquity. Others likewise overlook any pagan connections, celebrating the day on the basis of its relatively recent application to the birth of Jesus Christ. But according to the Bible’s teachings, a pious veneer does not nullify the pagan nature of the celebration and make it acceptable.

The Bible nowhere identifies exactly when Christ was born, nor does it give any instructions for celebrating the day of His birth. However, it is clear and unambiguous in prohibiting the celebration of traditions and customs whose origins lie in heathen or pagan practices that run counter to Scripture. According to John 4:23–24, “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Comments by COGwriter

So whether it is observed in Rome, Slovenia, Europe, the islands, Africa, Asia, North or South America, since “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) true Christians realize that Christmas celebrations are not okay as far as God is concerned.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days .

Is January 1st a Date for Christians Celebrate? Historical and biblical answers to this question about the world’s New Year’s day.

What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?

Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?