Some of us have mixed feelings about the recent controversy that has arisen over the Christmas season. It has its roots in our newfound sensitivity to those without a “Christian” background or foundation.
Retail stores all over our nation are substituting the word “holiday” for “Christmas” to keep from offending anyone in their advertisements. However, even more people are distressed and angry that religious thought appears to be given less and less respect as time goes by.
It is true that “anti-Christian” sentiment has grown in recent years. Web-sites on the internet that foster skeptic or agnostic beliefs have grown in number. On the other side, religious leaders have marshaled their forces to counter this tendency.
Where Should We Stand?
I must admit I have some sympathy for both viewpoints. Biblically, there is not one ounce of encouragement for a celebration of Jesus’ birth. His birth was and is a most marvelous event, primarily because God came down to dwell among His people. In the words of the Bible we read:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth,” John 1:1, 14.
Paul also described this event in Philippians 2:5-11. There, Paul tells us of Jesus’ willingness to redeem man, even though it would involve temptation, pain and suffering.
Remarkable as that birth was and is, it takes a “back seat” biblically to His resurrection. When the Gospel is given description in 1 Corinthians 15, the emphasis is not on His birth, but His resurrection. Verses 3-4 say:
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures,” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.
Jesus’ birth brought the Savior to man, but Jesus’ death brings man to the Savior through the Gospel!
On the Other Hand
Why, then, is there sympathy for the other view? Many of us are deeply concerned about the direction that our nation is taking. In so many ways, godly attitudes and actions are more likely to be ridiculed than respected today. Taking “Christmas” out of our culture is one of many bold steps that are now being taken that will lead us to humanism and secularism.
Strangely enough, a large majority of Americans still “believe in God.” Valid surveys bear this out, and the latest numbers I have seen indicate that “believers” outnumber “non-believers” 9-1. Yet, as has become common, a small minority seems to have more “clout” than the majority.
Today’s entertainment, education and literature all seem to lean as far away from the good, the godly, the righteous ways of man as possible. Alcoholism, pornography, perversion and divorce are commonplace today even in a society claiming belief in God.
Christians have fought battles, swimming upstream and against the current for centuries, but we still long to see our nation return to her roots, to principles that exhibit respect for God and His creation.
What Can We Do?
There is no question that today’s “Christmas” has become a national holiday. Can a Christian observe this day without violating biblical principles? You do not have to believe December 25th is Jesus’ birthday to exchange gifts, take the day off for family and friends, and recall the days of youth. The ”tree and ornaments” have no foundation in the birth of Jesus. Eating turkey and watching “A Wonderful Life” has nothing to do with Jesus’ birthday. Being with family, exchanging gifts and singing “White Christmas” all make up the good part of this season.
I do not see how anyone can claim to honor biblical principles while practicing that for which there is no biblical authority – celebrating this season as a religious holiday. To do so is to speak where the Bible does not speak, and to remain silent when the Bible does speak. This we must not do, Colossians 3:17.
The Pessimistic View?
Will the present trend continue? Will our nation eventually become a nation that ignores its heritage? Will we finally be a collection of humanists, denying the existence of God and opposing every Bible influence? Who can say. Is that pessimism? Or is it realism? I, for one, will give my wife, my children and my grandchildren gifts this month – not because some think Jesus was born in December, but because I love my family and I have the opportunity to be with them on that national holiday.
