RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-10-27	What About Christmas?
		Some Christians choose not to celebrate Christmas. The most common reason is that some of the traditions surrounding Christmas have pagan origins. Bells, candles, holly, yuletide decorations are mentioned in the history of pagan worship. Though many of these traditions have pagan roots, having such in the home does not necessarily indicate a return to paganism. Most do not need a Christmas tree to demonstrate their pagan thinking! Many of these traditions have been given new or Bible-oriented meanings. Candles or lights are lit to remind us that Christ is the light of the world (Jn.1:4-9). A star placed at the top of the tree reminds us of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi (Mt.2:2). Gifts exchanged reminds us of the greatest gift of God to mankind, Jesus the Savior of the world (2Co.9:15; Ep.2:8). Also an argument used against the “tree” comes from Jeremiah 10:1-16. It refers to a tree cut down and decorated (Je.10:3-4). Jer 10:3  For the customs of the peoples are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. Jer 10:4  They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers So that it will not topple. A closer look at the context reveals they carved (v.3, “hands of the workman”) the wood into an idol and they worshiped it. I suppose if someone worships their Christmas tree, then the warning of Jeremiah applies. However, I am not convinced even unbelievers worship a Christmas tree. They use it as a decoration, then throw it out with the trash when done. The date of December 25 is not likely even close to when Jesus was born. And yes the date does correspond directly to the pagan winter solstice. This date was used in an effort to Christianize the popular pagan holiday. It seems best to simply point out the date is likely wrong, but not use it as a means of rejecting the idea of Christmas. Also the “manger scene” with Jesus in a stable and the magi visiting Him is false. The Magi visited Jesus in a “house” (Mt.2:11) when Jesus was around 2 years old. I struggle with Santa Claus in that he takes the focus off of Jesus. There certainly appears to be a “War on Christmas” Grade schools now sing, “We wish you a Happy Holiday” in lieu of “Merry Christmas”. Major shopping stores forbid their employees from wishing anyone a “Merry Christmas”. The exclusion of “Christmas” is less about sensitivity and more about censorship. It is primarily a spiritual battle, not a political one. Excluding the word “Christmas” only results in a more secular culture. Why do Christians celebrate Christmas every year? We do it out of gratitude for what God has done for us. Thus, Christmas should help us to be especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate. So the meaning of Christmas is “love”. God loved us and sent His Son to die for us (Ro.5:8). Rom 5:8  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. So the cross of Jesus is the reason for the birth of Jesus. Paul tells us to “speak the truth in love” (Ep.4:15). The Christmas season should be a wonderful opportunity to share Christ's love through the gospel. Jesus truly is the reason for the season. So, “Merry Christmas!” Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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