"How peculiar! A church building without a nativity scene or Christmas ornaments; a worship service without a special Christmas program or ceremony. Isn't this the Sunday before Christ's birthday? Doesn't this church celebrate Christmas?"
While attending the services of the Southwest church of Christ, you will find that as a congregation we do not observe Christmas as a religious holiday. Indeed, this may be peculiar to some, but our reasons are deeply rooted in the sacred text.
The Holy Spirit revealed that everything we do is to be done by the authority of Christ (Col. 3:17). Paul wrote that we should "stand fast, and hold the traditions which have been taught . . ." (2 Thess. 2:15). John wrote that we should neither add to nor take away from the Word of God (Rev. 22:18ff). A commemorative ceremony or religious day for the Lord's birthday is neither commanded, authorized, nor alluded to in the Scriptures. It was not a tradition handed down by the apostles, nor was it ever observed as a religious holiday by Christ or Christians in the New Testament. In fact, the only "religious holiday" authorized to be kept by Christians is the observance of Christ's death (Matt. 26:26f). We celebrate this event each first day of the week (Acts 20:7).
Is it wrong, then, for a congregation or individual to think or speak about the birth of Christ on December 25? No. Neither is it wrong to think and teach about His birth any other time of the year. The Bible does tell of the birth of Christ, but let us be certain in our own minds to separate fact from fiction and truth from traditions of men.
Fact
It is a fact that Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea over 1900 years ago. Both the Bible and secular sources confirm this truth.
It is a fact that Jesus was born of a virgin (Matt. 1:18-25).
It is a fact that Jesus was born in a stable (Luke 2:1-7).
It is a fact that angels announced His birth to shepherds in the fields (Luke 2:8-14).
It is a fact that wise men came from the east to worship Jesus (Matt. 2:1-12).
Fiction
It is, however, fiction that there were three wise men. The Bible does not tell us the number.
It is fiction that the wise men came to the manger, as most nativity scenes portray. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were living in a house by the time they arrived (Matt. 2:11). Jesus was more than forty (40) days old when they came (see Matthew 2:13-22; Luke 2:22; and Leviticus 12).
It is fiction that Jesus was born on December 25. There is no record in the Bible or in any first century secular sources as to the specific date of our Lord's birth. Most likely His birth occurred near the Jewish Passover, which fell during the Jewish month of Nisan. This is evidenced by the fact that the shepherds were herding their sheep in the hills near Bethlehem, there awaiting the sacrifice at Passover.
It is fiction that the Bible calls the night of our Lord's birth a "holy night" or "silent night."
It is fiction that Christ's birth is to be observed as a religious festival called Christmas.
Clearly, there are many false ideas being perpetuated about the birth of Christ which must not go unchallenged. Thus, teaching and singing about the true facts related to Christ's birth, life, and death, throughout the year, are truly important (1 Pet. 4:11; Acts 20:27; Col. 3:16). However, as a congregation, or individually, let us not make more out of Christ's birth than what was intended by God. Let us not create a religious observance unauthorized by Scripture.
How then should an individual view Christmas? I submit, just like any other family or national holiday, such as Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July. Certainly the spirit of joy, gaiety, good will, gift-giving, and family togetherness that this season promotes are Christian values to be encouraged throughout the year. I believe as individuals we should participate in and enjoy the holiday season, not because Christ is in "X-mas," but because Christ is in us (Col. 1:27). In my home, "X-mas" is a family tradition of love and giving. On December 25, I will remember the Lord and praise His holy name, just as I must do every day of the year. True, this may seem peculiar to most in the religious world, but peculiarity should not be foreign to the Christian (1 Pet. 2:9). I would rather be peculiar and pleasing to God than to open the door just once in establishing an unauthorized religious celebration.
Happy holidays, and may we remember Christ this month and every month.This item originally appeared in http://www.swsbs.edu
