If the relentless commercial build-up to Christmas with all the tinsel trappings has you pondering where in the whole business is the original meaning, and if it has not been thoroughly abandoned to the worship of something else instead, you could be forgiven for considering taking Time Out from the occasion and leaving the rest of the world to manage it without you.

Some countries (such as England) have decided against printing anything “religious” on their Christmas postage stamps for fear of causing offense to folks who don’t go much for the real meaning of the Holy day. I am pleased to report that the New Zealand Post Office has no such intentions, noticing that last year’s Christmas stamps featuring Jesus and the Magi were extremely popular. Of course, the NZPO knew they were on to a good thing as regards profits, but any resistance to the postmodern drive to strip Christmas of anything Christian is still a good thing. Perhaps we are just a little backward here Down Under, and for that I am sometimes grateful. But the rest of the mad rush of Christmas presses on.

One writer has some very sensible points to consider for those Christians who wonder if Christ is so much left out of the occasion that the whole business is nothing but stressful idolatry. He had listened to a pastor quote Scripture and sum it up as exactly that - idolatry. But is it? Does it need to be that?

“Should Christians celebrate Christmas?” or, “How should a Christian celebrate Christmas?” These are questions of concern for many sincere believers. In fact, many believers dislike the season and have refused to celebrate it at all. A number of reasons are given, and while I might agree with some of their concerns and some of the reasons offered against the observance of Christmas, I would not necessarily agree with their conclusions…

How should believers respond to such questions and to the criticism leveled against the celebration of Christmas and the Christmas season? Is it scripturally wrong to celebrate Christmas? Is it pagan?

Everywhere we go during the season, the signs of Christmas are there with all their glitter, tinsel, lights, greenery, cards, festivities, carols, bells, Santas, manger scenes, angels, trees and presents–and the push by Madison Avenue and the gimmicks of the retailers. The Christmas season either makes or breaks many businesses.

Should we play the part of Scrooge and say, “bah humbug!”? Should we call attention to the fact that certain of our Christmas traditions such as the yule log, the decorated tree, and mistletoe each have their roots in pagan festivals? Should we assert that celebrateChristmas is to promote paganism and materialism and thus is just not the biblical thing to do?

I personally do not agree with that conclusion. In this short study, we will take a look at some of the arguments and issues and consider some of the biblical options open to us as believers.

This was written by J. Hampton Keathley III , Th.M. who was a 1966 graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and a former pastor of 28 years.
To continue reading the excellent points made by this writer, click here.
In August of 2001 J. Hampton Keathley III, was diagnosed with lung cancer and died on August 29th, 2002.

In the run up to Christmas with so much to do Take a moment to ponder, just one or two, And think of the baby who was born about now Two thousands years back in time near this hour, And think of the gifts that you've chosen with care To give to those others whom you hold dear. But what of that baby whose birthday it is; What gift will you give Him, which will be His? I have an idea for something unique Something quite special, can you guess as I speak? Our Father gave Jesus, He gave Him for you, And what Jesus wants most is simply you too. (author: Judah, 2005)