A Case For Christmas

‘Tis the season when the apologists, Bible scholars, traditionalists and historians love to weigh in on the questions, “is Christmas really Christian?” and “should Christians celebrate Christmas?“ Some argue that its roots and traditions all have pagan origins, from the date of celebration to the trees, tinsel, wreaths and gift-giving. ”It’s just Saturnalia with Christian trappings. Obviously, Jesus was not born in December!“ Others, with equal passion, insist that it’s anchored in Christian history, and even if we don’t know the exact date, it’s still Christ-honoring and should be celebrated.

I love a healthy debate as much as anyone, but who brought the red herrings to this party?

I ask, because the first question should probably be: ”if Christmas were Christian, what would it look like?“ And similarly, if it were pagan, then how would it differ from an idealized Christian model?

The Christmas story is narrated in Matthew and Luke. Neither provides dates, but the events themselves are obviously significant. Men were estranged from their Creator, and God was taking the initiative in healing the breach. He was offering “peace on earth, good will toward men.” The kingdom of Heaven was drawing near, and the Son of God would be its first ambassador. Jesus was bringing a message of healing, forgiveness and reconciliation. No degrees in theology are needed to figure this out; just read the text.

If these are the underlying and primary messages of Christmas, then one would properly think these would be central themes in its celebration. We receive with gratitude and humility the grace that God has extended to us, we embrace His offer of reconciliation, and then we extend grace and reconciliation to those around us. ”Peace” and “good will” are not just verbiage on Christmas cards. Christmas properly calls us back to our roots as Christians, and re-energizes us to live as ambassadors for Christ and His kingdom. This should characterize us as believers throughout the advent season, and indeed into the new year.

These are not theological abstractions. If we are living for Christ, then we will go to that family member, neighbor or co-worker we may have offended, or who may have offended us, and try to restore the relationship. If we’ve defrauded anyone, this is the season we make it right: confess the fault and make restitution. This is the season God began His reconciliation with us, and this should be the season that we take the initiative in attempting to effect reconciliation with others.

There is, of course, nothing inappropriate or ‘pagan’ about this. We can choose to have a Christian Christmas. But do we? And that’s really the question, because we aren’t fooling God with our superficial displays of devotion to Christ if we’re refusing the gifts He has offered. Family schisms, unforgiveness, rebelliousness and over-indulgence follow us through the year and often DEFINE the Christmas season, and these are the things that taint the holiday season; not tinsel, trees or Santa Claus.

Is Christmas Christian? Sadly, for many of us it probably is not. It certainly can be, and it certainly should be. No, we don’t know the date, and the early church leaves no record of ever celebrating Jesus’ birthday. The date apparently wasn’t that big of a deal for them, and it probably should not be for us. But while the date of His nativity was not preserved, the reason for His nativity certainly was. Have we forgotten, or is that part of the story unworthy of celebration? 

And when January arrives and the decorations go back to the attic, are we refreshed and at peace, enjoying restored relationships and savoring pleasant memories? Or is this the post-holiday hangover, with credit card bills testifying to over-spending, and new year’s resolution to “do better” and lose a few pounds gained since Thanksgiving?

You may be thinking, “That’s easy for you to say. You don’t know my family.” That’s true; I don’t but God does. And this does not lay a requirement on any of us to restore every broken relationship. As we know from history, God’s invitation to the kingdom has been largely ignored. But God took the initiative, and so must we. God offered grace, and so must we. God desires reconciliation and so must we.

Some may object to the celebration in December. If you’re persuaded that Jesus was born in September, is THAT your season of reconciliation? Is there ANY season of the year when you re-focus on “the reason for the season”? 

The problem with Christmas may not be with its history, but with us. Does this make sense?