Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade (John 10:22-23).
Tom Brown makes a fascinating argument that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah (the Feast of Dedication or Feast of Lights which was a man-made celebration not found in Scripture), so that provides for him some insight into the age-old question, “Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?” (also a man-made celebration not specifically found in Scripture).
Interesting!
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December 12, 2005 at 16:49
This weekend my pastor taught a message called, What If There Were No Christmas? First he had the congregation come up with answers. One person said we would still be doing animal sacrifices. In the message he mentioned other things Christianity gave us:
Equal rights because we are made in God’s image
Great universities such as Harvard
Free speech
Hospitals
Red Cross
Woman’s rights
Child labor laws
Democracy
World vision
Samaritans purse
The list goes on. We have a lot to celebrate in celebrating Christmas. Even when I was in Egypt five years ago I asked the man selling Papyrus, “What year is it here in Egypt.” He looked at me like I was stupid and said 2000. “Two thousand years from what I asked?” He was perplexed. Thank you God that Christmas happened. Happy Holidays to all of you:
[Middle English holidai, holy day, from Old English h lig dæg : h lig, holy; see holy + dæg, day; see day.]
hol i·day er n.
December 12, 2005 at 21:54
What about the Feast of Purim (Esther 8:20-32)? Scripture records no direct revelation from God to Mordecai to create this celebrative memorial feast. It was a “man-made” holiday, created by God’s people simply to commemorate His intervention and deliverance. And here’s the point—God nowhere in Scripture condemns that action. It would seem to me the testimony of Scripture is that God is just fine with His people creating special days to remember what He has done for them. Sure seems reasonable to me that Christmas and Easter fit within the framework of that model.
December 13, 2005 at 01:02
Another thought. I’m sure some will say, “But Christmas and Easter are based on pagan holidays.” Unquestionably true, but this is a straw man argument. What is important is the intent and purpose of the celebration NOW, not what it used to be. I would argue that the NT principle of redemption covers this kind of situation. We are called to redeem what is enslaved to the world—to “buy it back” out of salvery and set it free for Christ. In the NT the idea of redemption is mostly personal (salvation), but in Eph. 5:16 it is “time” that is redeemed. The time in the passage is linear time (kairos), not global time (aeon), making the thing redeemed more objective. (Also, Lev. 25:23f adds some interesting insights as a prefiguring type of redemption.) In my mind, it is a good thing that the church has redeemed some pagan holidays, buying these “times” back out of salvery to their past and setting them free for the glory of Christ. That’s what the Spirit of Christ does best.
December 13, 2005 at 04:42
Passer-by,
Maybe Jesus didn’t command the celebration of Easter, but He did of the crucifixion. I guess He knew that we would follow the angels and celebrate the joyful times of birth and resurrection, but need a reminder to celebrate His death. Just like we like to celebrate the victorious Christian life, but need reminders to take up the cross.
I agree about redeeming pagan festivals, it just bothers me when the pagans “redeem” Christian ones!
December 13, 2005 at 10:46
I think it argues more that Christians can/should celebrate Hannukah than to celebrate Christ’s birth on a date which we know to be far too late in the year to be accurate.
December 13, 2005 at 12:03
I was not aware there was a theological debate over whether to celebrate holidays or not. What is the logic behind not celebrating Christmas, or Easter, or Good Friday? Aren\’t we beings made to workship God? I know we can worship him individually, and daily, but don\’t these types of holidays encourage us to worship and honor him as a group?
December 13, 2005 at 12:13
Rachel, I would disagree with you. The fact that Jesus, as a Jew, apparently took part in a man-made Jewish festival does not obligate us in any way to do the same. It simply illustrates that Jesus did not condemn a holiday that was instituted by God’s people in response to God’s intervention on their behalf, but apart from any direct revelation and instruction by God. And concerning the dates of Christ’s birth and resurrection, those are irrelevant—we are celebrating the EVENTS, not the days. The fact that the church recognizes dates is to encourage unity, not to engage in historical date-setting.
The biblical reality is this: We are not commanded or encouraged to celebrate any holiday in the NT, nor are we prohibited from it. The OT Feast of Purim suggests that God was not displeased with Mordecai’s “man-made” holiday. The NT example of Jesus partaking in a “man-made” feast without comment suggests that it was a non-issue to Him. We are instructed in the NT to avoid “empty” rituals that have no meaning, but we are NOT instructed to avoid all such rituals if they DO have meaning (there is no defensible “thou shalt not”). There is no “Christian Law” guiding this issue, so it is a matter of freedom of conscience. Also, keep in mind that redeeming anything in culture (see my post above) is not just a one-time act, but an ongoing process, and that is certainly true of Christmas and Easter. In our family, we have to redeem the celebration of Christ’s birth and resurrection every year from the cultural forces that constantly try to paganize these celebrations of holy events. I believe that our commitment to do so is a continuing witness to the world of two key salvation doctrines: the incarnation, and the resurrection. I think those are important enough to keep redeeming Christmas and Easter.
December 13, 2005 at 12:16
Rachel, I would disagree with you. The fact that Jesus, as a Jew, apparently took part in a man-made Jewish festival does not obligate us in any way to do the same. It simply illustrates that Jesus did not condemn a holiday that was instituted by God’s people in response to God’s intervention on their behalf, but apart from any direct revelation and instruction by God. And concerning the dates of Christ’s birth and resurrection, those are irrelevant—we are celebrating the EVENTS, not the days. The fact that the church recognizes dates is to encourage unity, not to engage in historical date-setting.
The biblical reality is this: We are not commanded or encouraged to celebrate any holiday in the NT, nor are we prohibited from it. The OT Feast of Purim suggests that God was not displeased with Mordecai’s “man-made” holiday. The NT example of Jesus partaking in a “man-made” feast without comment suggests that it was a non-issue to Him. We are instructed in the NT to avoid “empty” rituals that have no meaning, but we are NOT instructed to avoid all such rituals if they DO have meaning (there is no defensible “thou shalt not”). There is no “Christian Law” guiding this issue, so it is a matter of freedom of conscience.
Also, keep in mind that redeeming anything in culture (see my post above) is not just a one-time act, but an ongoing process, and that is certainly true of Christmas and Easter. In our family, we have to redeem the celebration of Christ’s birth and resurrection every year from the cultural forces that constantly try to paganize these celebrations of holy events. I believe that our commitment to do so is a continuing witness to the world of two key salvation doctrines: the incarnation, and the resurrection. I think those are important enough to keep redeeming Christmas and Easter.
December 13, 2005 at 12:18
Sorry about the double-entry. I got an “Internal Error” message so I went back and resent. My apologies.
December 13, 2005 at 15:24
Jesus did celebrate the holidays, but always put the emphasis on praise to the Father for which he looked to at all times.
December 13, 2005 at 16:16
Grant has it right. We should celebrate but not just at certain times. We should celebrate at ALL times the mercy and grace God has shown us in the person of Jesus Christ. Our walk and witness every day should be a testimony to others as well as praise and honor to God.
December 13, 2005 at 21:17
No offense, Rob, but your conclusion, nice as it sounds, is totally unrelated to the question of this blog, “Should Christians celebrate Christmas?” Of course we should celebrate the redemptive acts of God regularly throughout the year. Frankly, that’s why the liturgical traditions have got it right in celebrating the Eucharist every week as a body. This is the ONE thing Jesus commanded us to do, and yet many church traditions relegate it to once a quarter, or only on fifth Sundays (my church), or whatever. But I digress.
You and Grant are right about celebrating the redemptive acts of God all the time, but you are wrong when you say “but not just at certain times.” Why not at certain times? Why shouldn’t the church be unified a couple of times each year to say, “On this day, we acknowledge together that Jesus became a man and was born of a virgin, or that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again on the third day.” It is a visible witness of the church worldwide to the most important doctrinal truths of Christianity.
Individual celebration is nice, but the more biblical model of the NT is the unity of the body of Christ. With all the doctrinal beliefs that separate the Christian church worldwide, Christmas and Easter represent fundamental truths that unite us. That’s why we should celebrate those holidays with joy and passion.
December 14, 2005 at 05:11
I agree with Passer-by. Just because since the New Testament we don’t have to follow the detailed ritual and calendar of celebrations in Leviticus doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have any special days and traditions. I think God instituted them for the Israelites as a continual and periodical reminder of His saving actions. I don’t see why this principle doesn’t hold today. Of course when people view the tradition as more important than what God is trying to tell us today, it’s time for a rethink. I also think this is an individual freedom – some regard the Sabbath as specially holy, some regard all days as holy. Both are fine if it is done for God’s highest glory.
December 14, 2005 at 13:17
PLEASE FIND A WAY TO CLEARLY DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE NUMBER ZERO AND THE LETTER O IN THE CODE PROCESS. IT IS A LITTLE EXASPERATING TO TYPE A REPLY, THEN GUESS WRONG BETWEEN THE TWO, THEN FIND EVERYTHING YOU JUST TYPED DISAPPEAR. OK, I AM GOING TO TRY AGAIN:
First, let’s remember that the Puritans not only did not celebrate Christmas, for thirty years they made it a criminal offense for anyone to do so. It was considered “Papist idolatry” for many of the reasons mentioned in this discussion. Baptists and Presbyterians likewise looked down on the whole idea, as did some Methodists. No state provided for such a holiday before 1836. Congress did not until the 1870s.
Second, of course Jesus celebrated Hannukah. He was born into a Jewish family, raised in a Jewish synagogue, first demonstrated his knowledge of Scriptures speaking to elders and rabbis at the Temple in Jerusalem, and had descent through Joseph from David, King of Israel. Why would anyone find this remarkable?
There is no doubt that our Christmas traditions incorporate many symbols and acts borrowed from pagan cultures. So what? The important thing is our focus in celebrating. The holly and the ivy were the symbols of Celtic gods of the waxing year and the waning year. But they make a very devout carol for celebrating the Nativity.
Am Orthodox rabbi pointed out that the Hebrew word Elohim (one of the words translated into English as “God”) is in plural form, but conjugated as singular, to show that all the forces in the universe worshipped by pagans as distinct gods, in fact proceed from, and are subordinate to, a single Creator. Can our celebration of Christmas not reflect the same insight?
December 14, 2005 at 13:58
Siarlys: Good points. (And I had the same frustrating experience with the illegible code. Ask for new characters and you might get zapped, too. I’ve started copying every post before I hit submit.)
You said: There is no doubt that our Christmas traditions incorporate many symbols and acts borrowed from pagan cultures.
That being true, it can also be said that pagans borrowed their symbols from God’s creation. Why do we allow pagans to have the final say in how elements of God’s creation are peceived or used in our worship? Should we condemn trees because idol worshippers used them for their asherah poles? Is fire off limits because the prophets of Baal used fire in their worship? Are stars out of bounds because astrologers like the Magi see them differently? All of the symbols we use, regardless of who used them first or last, are “good things” given by God for us to employ and enjoy for His glory. Who cares what they mean to pagans?! What matters is what they mean to us as Christians.
Hopefully most reasonable Christians have moved beyond the extreme anti-Catholic reactions of the early Reformation, and we can return to sanity concerning holidays and symbols. The legalism and emotional pressure imposed by some traditions on this issue, historically and sadly even today, is just plain wrong.
December 14, 2005 at 15:48
While its true that Christains and other Monotheists can adobt and co-op pagan traditions without destroying their faith (consider all the animal sacrifices in the Torah, for instance), it seems that way the Christmas is presently celebrated by most Americans (including Christain Americans) is decidedly more pagan than Christain.
The bringing of a live vegetation into the home or into the town square has may analogies in the pagan rites of numerous and diverse cultures. The general meaning of this rite is to bring the spirit or God of vegetation into the home or town. The tree is then treated as a King or God. It dressed in regal appearence, i.e. with orniments, gifts are laid at its feet. The fact that it is decked in light is particularly poignent.
So is this idolatry? Maybe. You could say that since 99% of people don’t have idolatrous intensions in setting up a christmas tree, it’s okay. You could also argue that the pagan symbols are more or less analygous to the christain ones. I.e. the coming of the Christ child is like the evergreen in winter; we treat the tree like a King / God because Christ is God and King. We lay gifts at the feet of the tree, just as the Magi laid gifts and the baby Jesus’ feet.
And then there is the whole Santa thing. This seems more harmless than the tree, but some pious people have pointed out the anagram. Of course, Saint Nicholas is a historical person, who did give gifts for to children. But the whole thing about magic reindeer is a bit suspect. Though again it does in a way teach Christain values, i.e. the righteous are rewarded with the gifts of heaven. (It is strange that in the Santa story, it is the good children, not the believing children, or the poor children – though it is poor children in the story of the 13th century saint, one might see this as an overly works-based look at the gifts of heaven)
Finally, I wouldn’t necessarily bet on the fact that Jesus celebrated Chanukah. Chanukah was a rather minor Jewish holiday and only became prominent in America as Christmas became such an increasingly big deal for American Christains. I don’t know if there is any evidence to suggest the Chanukah was obseved pre-exile. It is of course very clear the Jesus observed Passover (and probably the other Torah-based holidays).
December 14, 2005 at 16:23
I live in a community (Iowa City, Iowa, home of the University of Iowa) that is absolutely RIFE with anti-Christian feeling and witchcraft (as cool and New Age, right?). This school distract started forbidding the use of the word Christmas years before anyone else was doing it. This particular year it seems to be everywhere, to the degree that “Happy Winter Holidays” makes me wonder if SNOW is what we’re celebrating, because we have a lot of it.
But then snow melts, and other places don’t have it at all.
My heritage is Swedish and in Sweden families celebrate (somewhere between the
11th and the 15th, but typically on the 13th, an occult number) the feast of Santa Lucia.
In the morning before dawn (or, we do it in the evening) the oldest girl in the household takes on the role of Santa Lucia, which means not just “Saint Lucy” but “the holy light.” Santa Lucia wears a white dress—innocence, holiness—and a crown of lit candles on her head. (Yes, it’s tricky, which is why we’ve always had to be careful. My oldest daughter used to do it but now the youngest girl of our five daughters is the only one at home so it’s her job.) In the darkness she carries in to the family waiting in darkness some saffron buns
and coffee. (We have substituted other things:
plain buns, hot chocolate for non-coffee-drinkers.) Simple ritual that just lasts a couple of minutes, but very lovely, and we sing “Santa Lucia” along with it.
Now, is this PAGAN because it is related to a solstice that pagans celebrate? I think not. I like the idea of the light in the darkness which is so very scriptural… it is like the outdoor lighting of the Easter fire at a brazier, for the Easter vigil.
The symbolism is that at the darkest point of winter (compared to: when we were in the darkness of sin) Christ came to us.
Something that is remembered differently and much more vividly if we go through the ritual of the “Santa Lucia”... and obviously the “Bread of the World” image is one that’s nice to teach the children.
best,
Dr. Bridget
December 14, 2005 at 18:47
When I put up the Christmas tree and hang the lights I am reminded:
The Light of the World hung on a tree—The Gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. That is Christmas
December 14, 2005 at 22:26
“One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord.” Paul’s letter to the Romans tells how we ought to treat Christmas. By Reading Colosssians chapter 2 we see that we should be careful when such seasons come about because of other people’s traditions. As long as Christ has the preeminence and our worship is in spirit and in truth, there should be no problem.
December 15, 2005 at 05:21
Siarlys and Passer-By, notice it says “0..9” and “A..F”. The letters only go to F so ambiguous ones I, O or S don’t appear.
Nick, I agree. Also in Paul’s letters is the principle that we should not offend the weak. Maybe you mean this also, but I want to expand a bit. So if someone comes in and cannot break the idea that you are bringing in tree spirits, even though you explain about Jesus hung on a tree, it might be time to break the tradition. Of course I mean “offend” in the sense of conscience, not for people who tell you that Christian traditions offend them. Most of these (at least in free countries) want to claim freedom of belief but deny you the same freedom. Even in the public square it should be reasonable to allow Christian, non-Christian and non-religious symbols; I guess the details are for the lawyers to argue over. I think the most common and tricky issue here is when Christians are invited to celebrations of other religions. How do you know whether acceptance will be considered by the non-Christian as validation of their religion?
December 15, 2005 at 12:04
Can someone tell me what is the meaning of putting a tree up and decorating it? Can someone actually cellebrate Christmas without the tree and santa decorations?
Is it wrong for someone to NOT celebrate Christmas at all? is that denying God in any way?
I tend to get into more of a conversations with unbeleivers who ask me why I don’t, I get to explain to them why and who Jesus is and what he did for me. If I were to celebrate it- No unbeleiver would ask me anything, he/she would just say merry Christmas.
December 15, 2005 at 12:47
I thank Passer-by for addressing my post and I am sorry that when I posted, I did not have time to explain my simple statement. I also want to acknowledge those who brought up the incorporated symbolism that permeates today’s Christmas celebration. My take on that is: it all belongs to Him anyway so as long as we don’t use it for idolatry or pagan reasons, how can it be wrong?
But back to my original point, I was alluding(sp?)
to the fact that so many Christians these days have a Sunday morning mentality. They go to church on Sunday morning to sing praises and worship and hear God’s word from a priest or preacher and that is the extent of living out their faith. Others wait until ONLY Christmas and Easter to even commit that much time to Christ. I know how it is since I was one. I finally accepted that the point of being a follower of Jesus is that I allow Him to transform me into a new creature. The reality of this will compell me to live a life mindful of who I am in Christ and determined that all who are around me see that truth lived out in joy, peace, patience, kindness,etc. every minute.
High ideals? Hardly. I stumble and stagger, fail and fall but I keep getting up, keep learning from my mistakes and keep getting better than I was yesterday. This takes consistency not once or twice a year or even once or twice a week. Like a professional athlete or a good parent, there is no time off from being a Christian. It’s who you are always.
So my point is not that we should not celebrate Christmas. We should and it should be a Christian celebration of the birth of Christ. Stand up for that and don’t fall for “inclusion” to the 20o/o or so Americans who have rejected Jesus. Say “Merry Christmas” at Christmas and be willing and able at ANY time to testify to the Truth. I’ve got to get back to work now.
Remember, peace on earth begins with peace in you.
December 15, 2005 at 18:44
this is just a side note and not directed towards anyone or submitted as a commentary regarding any of the previous comments…
i find it interesting that groups of Christians act pious and self-righteous because they don’t celebrate Christmas or even birthdays. does this make them righteous people? no it makes them just as laughable as the pharisees that Jesus rebuked so sternly and repeatedly.
last year i had a discussion with a jw that couldn’t answer any of my “oops there goes your theology’s scriptural support” questions. instead they kept asking questions like “do you celebrate Christmas?” i don’t generalize and say that this is the attitude of all jw’s, but i was definetely shocked for this individual.
if Christmas becomes something that’s more about giving and recieving presents then that’s definetely a problem. i’m also shocked that Christian parents tell their children santa claus exists. wow, what a terrible way to introduce children to the concept of celebrating the birth of Jesus; through a fictitious fat man whose image was originally created by coca-cola to sell more of its product. mmm hmm…
bad parent, no! nnnn-o!
anyways…
if a holiday’s true meaning for an individual or family is truly centered around God then what’s the harm in it? we should be grateful we’re not forced to celebrate muslim, hare krishna and buddhist holidays throughout the year…
December 16, 2005 at 11:56
Nathan, thanks for mentioning birthdays (not just Jesus’)... the scriptural support for celebrating birthdays is not exactly promising. In the two birthdays mentioned in the Bible (Gen 40:20 and Mark 6:21 and similar) someone gets beheaded.
In spite of this I and most Christians celebrate birthdays. The question is not whether it is commanded in the Bible, but whether the celebration (or lack of celebration) honours God.
December 17, 2005 at 20:24
like i said, if the focus is on God then go nuts. if not, then it’s probably not spiritually healthy to celebrate whatever holiday is in question. this is really dependent on the person, not the times birthdays or other man made holidays are referenced in the Bible.
blindly celebrating or refraining from observing a particular day is pointless. this has nothing to do with spirituality, just mindless rule following without thought or understanding.
Christians have much larger issues to deal with than what days we should or shouldn’t celebrate throughout the year. if one gets hung up on an issue this small in their walk with God then that’s a revealing commentary on their spiritual maturity.
December 17, 2005 at 20:30
by “hung up” i mean: seriously concerned to the point of continuous argument and weakened faith.
it’s good to be concerned with what things are and aren’t validated by Christians and society in general.
December 18, 2005 at 02:23
Thank you Dr. Bridget for the enlightening post on Swedish customs.
The association of light and God and in particular Jesus, “the light of the world”, is curious. In Genesis, God seperates light and darkness and is clearly the master of both. In the Torah, God appears in two forms, fire and smoke. A pillar of smoke by day and fire by night. When the ark is first consecrated the entire tanbernacle becomes filled with smoke and indeed utter darkerness. The same occurs when the Solomon consecrates the temple.
Not until Isaiah do we first see the idea of holiness and redemtion being associated with light. But none of the other prophets pick up Isaiah’s theme.
But in the New Testiment this idea of light comes up again and again. John and Paul especially.
This is a mystery to me. While we cannot see without light, we would be equally blind without darkness. It is the contrast between light and darkness that allows for our world. And indeed this contrast is the first act of creation.
Be merry this christmas and happy in your observence of your holy days.