Torn Over Christmas? & Christmas Freebie

Examining Our Christmas Celebrations

How do you feel about Christmas?

Do you observe it differently now compared to when you were a child? Do you observe it at all? Did you know Christmas has pagan roots? Does that bother you?

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Don't get nervous. I'm not going to tell you what you should or shouldn't be doing this time of year. I can't because I don't have it all sorted out myself. I'm torn. I don't believe people should go around telling others they should not celebrate Christmas.

For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:11)

I wrote a book on the Bible Holidays, so I get a lot of email in December asking, "What do you do about Christmas?" I'm answering that question below.

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The Pagan Question

Since the beginning of the church, controversy has surrounded pagan customs. On one side were those who wanted to "Christianize" the customs to win over the heathen. On the other side were those who rejected anything connected to paganism.

Some Christians observe Christmas as they always have, with family traditions, Santa, and all the trimmings, but with a focus on the Savior's birth. Some avoid the Santa scene, resist materialism (pardon the pun), and focus on Christ.

Some have completely given up Christmas because of its pagan roots, because the Puritans didn't observe it, or because of the materialism. Those who abandon Christmas usually face significant pushback from friends and family.

Our home is divided. It's rough. My husband wants to celebrate Christmas. I look forward to the end of December every year because I can't stand the focus on spending money.

December 25 Isn't in the Bible

I have no problem that celebrating Jesus' birthday wasn't commanded by God. Purim wasn't commanded by God either, but was suggested by the Hebrews as an observance to remember a miracle of God.

I want to celebrate the birth of Christ as a miracle of God. The Incarnation is the most wonderful miracle of all! I would just prefer not to merge the celebration with a pagan festival. It's a compromise I don't feel good about.

12 Things I like About Christmas

Focus on Christ
Bible studies about Jesus!
Families getting together (for some, the only time of the year)
Church programs (giving to the needy, the elderly, plays, songs, etc., focusing on Christ)
Nativity scenes
Generosity
Caroling
The music (especially Handel’s Messiah)
Lights
Homemade gifts and cards
Baking Goodies
Creativity (crafts, gingerbread houses, decorations, Chrismoms, etc.)

12 Things I don’t like about Christmas

Lack of focus on Christ
Pagan roots
Lonely people feeling lonelier
Christians disagreeing
Greed (coveting)
Materialism
Shopping, shopping and more shopping
Debt- LOTS OF DEBT!
Family stress
The good are rewarded philosophy that spills over in “saved by works” mentality
Santa worship (idolatry)
Political War on Christmas

Our Christmas Evolution

The Sixties

As a child, we did what everyone else did in the sixties. Full-blown Santa is coming, tinsel-decorated tree, with a big-time focus on presents. We didn't leave out Jesus, but He wasn't the focus. My mother would read the Christmas story in front of the nativity scene on Christmas Eve. Jesus got about 15 minutes of the holiday rush.

The Seventies

I was very dedicated to the Lord when my children were born. When my first children were toddlers (over 30 years ago), we had a birthday cake for Jesus each year.

Our traditional centerpiece was a Santa kneeling over the Baby Jesus in the manger. I also took my children to have their photo taken with Santa. Santa even came to our church to pass out presents.

The Eighties

By the time my oldest children were school age, we dumped all Santa décor and focused on Christ. (We also stopped all Easter bunny traditions that year.)

We made Chrismons (symbols of Christ) for the tree out of white and gold felt and sequins and hung them every year as we read Scripture verses for each symbol: door, crown, sheep, bread, and others.

We made Chrismoms (symbols of Christ) for the tree out of white and gold felt and sequins and hung them every year as we read Scripture verses for the symbol (door, crown, sheep, bread, etc).

We sent out “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” Christmas cards.The tree and stockings were still a family tradition.