The Bible does not explicitly command or describe the celebration of Christmas as we know it today. Christmas traditions (like December 25th, trees, gifts, etc.) developed centuries after the New Testament was written. However, the Bible does speak about the event Christmas which commemorates (the birth of Jesus Christ) and offers principles relevant to how believers might approach celebrations.
1. The Birth Of Jesus Christ Narratives:
* Matthew 1:18-2:12: Focuses on Joseph, the Magi, Herod, and the flight to Egypt.
* Luke 1:5-2:40: Focuses on Elizabeth, Zechariah, Mary, the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna.
* These passages provide the core biblical account of Jesus’ birth. Celebrating Christmas centers on remembering and honoring this miraculous event – God becoming human (the Incarnation).
2. Theological Significance of the Incarnation:
* John 1:1-14: Declares the eternal Word (Jesus) becoming flesh and dwelling among us.
* Philippians 2:5-11: Describes Jesus humbling himself by taking human form.
* Galatians 4:4-5: “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
* 1 Timothy 3:16: “Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh…” (NIV)
* Christmas celebrates this foundational truth: God entered human history in the person of Jesus Christ.
3. Principles Relevant to Celebrating:
* Giving and Generosity: The Magi brought gifts (Matt 2:11). Jesus Christ himself taught giving (Acts 20:35). Generosity during Christmas reflects God’s gift of Christ to the human world (2 Cor 9:15).
* Joy and Praise: The angelic announcement brought “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). Mary, the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna responded with praise and joy (Luke 1:46-55; 2:13-14, 20, 28-32, 38). Celebrating with joy aligns with this response.
* Worship and Focus on Jesus Christ: The central focus should be worshipping Christ, not materialism or tradition (Matt 2:11; Luke 2:20). Paul urges focus on things above (Col 3:1-2).
* Peace and Goodwill: The angels proclaimed peace and goodwill (Luke 2:14). Christmas encourages reconciliation and peace among people.
* Christian Liberty and Conscience: The Bible doesn’t command specific holy days beyond the Sabbath principle. Paul discusses this regarding Jewish festivals/Roman holidays:
* Romans 14:5-6: “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord… They who do so give thanks to God.”
* Colossians 2:16-17: “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
* This means celebrating or not celebrating Christmas is a matter of personal conviction and conscience, not a command. Christians should not judge each other on this (as long as Jesus Christ is honored if celebrated).
4. Celebrating Jesus’ Birth is Not Wrong
Although the Bible doesn’t command it, celebrating Christ’s birth can be meaningful:
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”
The angels and shepherds rejoiced at Jesus’ birth. If done with the right heart, remembering and honoring Jesus through Christmas is appropriate.
5. Potential Concerns/Criticisms (addressed biblically):
* Pagan Origins? Some traditions have historical links to pagan festivals. The principle is about current meaning and focus.
* 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
* 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22: “Test everything. Hold on to what is good. Reject every kind of evil.” If elements distract from Christ or involve practices contrary to Scripture, they should be avoided. The core celebration of Christ’s birth can be “redeemed” and focused on Him.
* Commercialism/Excess? The Bible warns against greed, covetousness, and love of money (Luke 12:15; 1 Tim 6:10; Heb 13:5). Celebrations should not be characterized by these.
* “Not the Actual Birthday”? The exact date of the birth of Jesus Christ isn’t known. The Bible emphasizes the fact and significance of the Incarnation, not the specific calendar date. Celebrating it on a set day is about remembrance and proclamation.
Some argue Christmas has pagan origins (e.g., Saturnalia, winter solstice). While true in part, the meaning Christians attach to the celebration matters more:co
Paul emphasizes personal conviction in observing special days, as long as it is done unto the Lord.
6. Use Christmas for Good
Christmas provides a great opportunity to:
- Share the Gospel – Explain the reason for Christ’s coming (John 3:16).
- Practice generosity – Reflect God’s gift to us.
- Show love and unity in families and communities.
- Worship Jesus – The focus should be on Him, not the festivities.
In Summary:
* The Bible does not command the celebration of Christmas.
* It does record and emphasize the profound significance of Jesus’ birth (the Incarnation).
* Celebrating Christmas is a tradition developed by the Church to remember and proclaim this central truth.
* Principles like joy, praise, worship, generosity, peace, and focusing on Jesus Christ should guide how it is celebrated, if one chooses to observe it.
* Whether or not to celebrate, and how to celebrate, is largely a matter of Christian liberty and conscience (Romans 14, Colossians 2:16-17). The key is to honor the Lord in whatever you do (1 Cor 10:31).
* The celebration should ultimately point to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
The focus should always be on the wonder of “Emmanuel” – God with us (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23).
Last modified: June 26, 2025
