|
Should We Celebrate Christmas?
Text: 1 Peter 3:15
Introduction
The season returns each year with familiar sayings: “Jesus is the reason for
the season” and “Put Christ back in Christmas.” Friends and neighbors often
ask what Christians should do with this cultural moment. Scripture calls me
to keep Christ set apart in my heart and to be ready with a gentle and
respectful answer for the hope within me (1 Peter 3:15). This lesson
considers what the Bible reveals about the timing of Jesus’ birth and how
disciples may—or may not—observe the holiday, so that our conduct honors the
Lord and our speech is shaped by His word (Colossians 3:17).
Was Jesus Born on
December 25?
Luke records the census under Augustus, Joseph and Mary’s journey to
Bethlehem, and shepherds living out in the fields by night when the angel
announced the Savior’s birth (Luke 2:1–11). The picture suggests a season
when flocks were kept outdoors at night, which in Judea typically aligns
with warmer months. Scripture does not assign a date to the birth of Christ;
the emphasis falls on who He is—“a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”—and the
good news for all people. Since the Spirit did not reveal a date, disciples
should avoid binding one.
How May a Christian Approach
Christmas?
1) As a religious
observance?
Disciples act in the name of the Lord—in His authority—in both word and deed
(Colossians 3:17). The New Testament supplies no command, example, or
necessary inference that authorizes a yearly religious festival for the
birth of Jesus. Worship that elevates human tradition to the level of divine
doctrine fails to honor God (Matthew 15:9). The apostles also warned
congregations against becoming enslaved to “days and months and seasons and
years” as a spiritual requirement (Galatians 4:8–11). The pattern we are
given is the Lord’s Day each first day of the week: the church gathers to
break bread, hear the word, pray, give, and remember the Lord’s death and
resurrection (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23–29; 1 Corinthians 16:1–2; John
4:24). Faith stays within what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6).
Therefore, Christians should avoid giving the impression that December 25 is
a divinely appointed holy day. Private or congregational practices that
frame the date as a commanded religious feast—special “holy day” assemblies,
seasonal creeds, or ritual observances tied to the calendar—go beyond the
revealed pattern (Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 4:6).
2) As a civil or
family holiday?
Scripture recognizes matters of liberty in which faithful people may choose
differently while honoring the Lord and keeping a clear conscience (Romans
14:5–6). Many activities commonly associated with the season—time with
family, hospitality, gift-giving, benevolence, lights and meals—can be
enjoyed without attaching religious authority to the date. The question is
not whether a calendar day possesses holiness; the question is whether my
choice springs from thanksgiving to God and love for neighbor, without
teaching or implying divine mandate (Romans 14:6; Colossians 3:17). Where
liberty is exercised, love governs conscience and influence (Romans 14:13,
19).
Conclusion
Scripture does not reveal a date for the birth of Jesus or authorize an
annual religious festival to commemorate it. Scripture does reveal a weekly
memorial on the Lord’s Day. Within the realm of liberty, families may enjoy
seasonal customs so long as they keep Christ’s authority in view, speak
truthfully about what God has and has not commanded, and pursue peace and
edification (Romans 14:19).
Invitation
The season often turns hearts toward giving. God has already given the
greatest gift: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten
Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting
life” (John 3:16). Come to Christ in faith, turn to God in repentance,
confess Jesus as Lord, and be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of
sins (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–5). Walk in newness of life with hope that does
not fade.
Should We Celebrate Christmas? Sermon
Outline:
Call to Action
Set apart Christ in your heart this season. Speak graciously and truthfully
when asked about Christmas. Keep the Lord’s Day with reverence every week.
If you choose seasonal customs, practice them with thanksgiving, generosity,
and clarity that your hope rests in the gospel, not in a date on the
calendar.
Key Takeaways
-
God has not revealed a date for
Jesus’ birth; the gospel points to the Savior’s person and work (Luke
2:1–11).
-
Christians act only with Christ’s
authority in worship and doctrine (Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 4:6).
-
Binding religious “holy days”
lacks apostolic warrant (Galatians 4:8–11; Matthew 15:9).
-
The Lord’s Day is the ordained
weekly observance for the church (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23–29; 1
Corinthians 16:1–2).
-
Seasonal customs may be matters of
liberty when practiced with gratitude and love (Romans 14:5–6, 19).
-
Hold out God’s greatest gift and
the gospel invitation (John 3:16; Acts 2:38).
Scripture Reference List
-
1 Peter 3:15 — Readiness to give a
defense with reverence.
-
Luke 2:1–11 — Historical setting
and announcement of Jesus’ birth.
-
Colossians 3:17 — Acting in the
name of the Lord.
-
Matthew 15:9 — Worship corrupted
by human commandments.
-
Galatians 4:8–11 — Warning
regarding observance of days and seasons.
-
1 Corinthians 4:6 — Do not go
beyond what is written.
-
John 4:24 — Worship in spirit and
truth.
-
Acts 20:7 — First-day gathering to
break bread and hear the word.
-
1 Corinthians 11:23–29 — The
Lord’s Supper instituted and examined.
-
1 Corinthians 16:1–2 — First-day
giving instruction.
-
Romans 14:5–6, 13, 19 — Liberty of
days; conscience, peace, and edification.
-
John 3:16 — God’s gift of His Son.
-
Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–5 — Response
to the gospel and new life in Christ.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the
church of Christ at Granby, MO
December 10, 2017
|
The
church of Christ
