What does the Bible say about Christmas, and should Christians celebrate it?
Introduction
The modern Christmas holiday is fraught with temptations: excessive spending leading to debt, indulgent eating leading to gluttony, and a cultural focus on Santa Claus that can easily overshadow the Christ-child. While the biblical event is glorious, the celebration is often corrupted by worldliness.
The question for the Christian is not "Should we celebrate the Incarnation?" (Yes, absolutely) but "How do we worship the Savior while resisting the secular spirit of the season?"
Main: Anchoring Christmas in Biblical Priorities
The Christian approach to Christmas must be intentional and counter-cultural, focusing on truth, self-control, and stewardship.
1. The Undeniable Biblical Mandate: Worship the Incarnation
The foundation of Christmas is the truth that God took on human flesh: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
A Fact Worthy of Praise: The Bible records the shepherds and the Magi responding to the birth with awe and worship (Luke 2:20, Matthew 2:11). Our primary task is to emulate their humble, focused adoration.
The Power of Teaching: The celebration should be a powerful tool for teaching children and non-believers the core message: we celebrate because Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise.
2. Guarding Against Materialism and Debt (Stewardship)
The pressure to buy beyond one's means is a sin against the biblical call to wise financial stewardship.
Set Firm Financial Boundaries: A Christian should never allow a holiday to compromise their integrity or their family's financial security. The wisdom of Proverbs 22:7 (The borrower is slave to the lender) should be applied rigorously. Plan a budget and stick to it, letting your generosity be proportional to your means.
Refocus Giving: Redefine "giving" in your home. Prioritize sacrificial charity (supporting missions, caring for the needy) over reciprocal gift-swapping among the wealthy. Teach children that the joy of Christmas is in the act of giving help, not just receiving gifts.
3. Counteracting Gluttony and Self-Focus (Self-Control)
The constant cycle of parties and excessive feasting challenges the spiritual discipline of self-control.
Discipline Your Body: The Christian is called to exercise self-control because the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The indulgence in gluttony, which is the worship of food, directly contrasts with the spiritual focus of the season. Use the holidays as an opportunity to model moderation and thanks.
Redeem Secular Elements: When faced with symbols like Santa, use them as a bridge to the Gospel. Santa's gift-giving is a shadow of God's great, unearned gift (Romans 6:23). Teach the legend as a fun story, but never allow it to overshadow the reality of Christ.
Conclusion
The freedom to celebrate Christmas means the freedom to celebrate it correctly. Do not let the world define your holiday.
You have the Christian authority to discard any tradition that causes sin (like debt or gluttony) or diminishes your worship of Jesus. By making intentional choices, your Christmas can be a clear, joyful, and counter-cultural witness to the true light of the world.
