WHAT ABOUT CHRISTMAS?

Here are some undeniable facts about Christmas:

1. There is no proof that Christ was born on December 25th.  But the good news is in the fact THAT HE WAS BORN  as our Savior, that He came down from Heaven to seek and save the lost. (Luke 2:8-12).

2.   Christ should be just as precious to us as if he had been born on December 25th. In fact, He should be more precious to us than if He had been born yesterday.  If He had been born only yesterday, we would know nothing of His wonderful life.  His miracles, His teachings, His death for our sins, His resurrection and ascension into heaven.  We would know nothing about the New Testament church and the spreading of Christianity upon the earth, as in the Acts of the Apostles.  In fact, if Christ had been born yesterday, we would not yet have the New Testament and Christianity.

3.   Another fact worthy of consideration is the fact that we can rejoice in Christ, as Christians and believers in Christ on December 25th just the same as on the other 364 days of the year.  We do not have to cease to be happy in Jesus at “Christmas” just to be different from others.  Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always (Phil. 4:4).  This would take in Christmas the same as all other days of the year.

4. Instead of revealing the date of the birth of Christ, God has revealed the day on which he was raised from the dead — the first day of the week (Mark 16:8-9, Luke 24:1-47).  God does want us to celebrate this day.  It is a day called the “Lord’s Day”.  (Rev. 1:10; I Cor. 16:2; Acts 20:7)  In it we are especially rejoiceful and glad.

5.   We should show our faith in Christ, in His birth, in His life, in all He did for us, and is doing for us in very proper way; but we should not deceive others into thinking we are celebrating December 25th as the birthday of Christ, for there is no good reason to believe it is the date of His birth.

6. But when all the facts are considered, there is nothing to prevent our enjoying the holiday season just ahead called “Christmas”.  We may give and receive gifts in this season or at any other season of the year, on December 25th or any other day of the year that we wish — on our birthday or that of others.  In fact, we should “rejoice with them that do rejoice” at Christmas or any other time.  There is not enough happiness in the world anyway.  We can, however, do all this without celebrating Christmas as the birthday of Christ.

7. Finally, it is proof of the divinity of Christ to find Him so popular in the world nineteen (2,000) years after His birth that the civilized world wants to celebrate His birth, whether it knows the date or not.  Thank God for our Lord and His coming into the world, regardless of the exact date of His arrival by virgin birth.  We shall, therefore, go on teaching His truth, whatever is proper and fitting, regardless of “Christmas”.

—Written by Gus Nichols