Christmas,
Brought to you by: Jesus?
Our title was on a sign I saw south of St. Louis. Doubtless,
it was placed there by people with the noblest of intentions. I am sure they
meant nothing but the best for the religion of Jesus Christ! However, they
could not prove that statement if their lives depended on it. (Sadly,
unfortunately, their spiritual lives may!)
How would one prove that Jesus introduced "Christmas,"
that he is its author?
(1) He might begin by showing that Jesus was born on December
25th. Scholars and historians admit that this is unlikely, or that, even if it
were possible, it cannot be proved.
However, even if one were to find a birth certificate citing
December 25th as the birthday of Jesus, he still would not have proved that
Christmas, as we know it, was "brought to" us by Jesus. All he would
have proved is that Jesus was born on that day.
(2) One might find a prophecy showing that men should observe the
birth of the Savior. We find prophecies which tell us to hear, honor and obey
the Son, the coming, crowned King of Israel (Psa. 2; 110:1-4; Isa. 11:1-11;
Zech. 9:9, 10). But, where, O where, is the prophecy that speaks of the
exaltation of his birth as a matter of reverence and remembrance? And, if there
be such a passage, where is it tied to December 25th and to the custom and
manner of men today?
(3) By showing that Jesus himself authorized his disciples to
observe his birth, one might show that Jesus initiated Christmas. Jesus did say
that his disciples were to be taught to "observe all things whatsoever I
have commanded you" (Matt. 28:20). In all the revelation of God, where is
such a citation to be found? Further, if such an observance were found, would
it be in the motive and after the manner of "Christmas" as it is kept
today?
For example, Jesus indeed authorized water baptism in his name for
the remission of sins (Matt. 28:19; Lk. 24:47; Acts 2:38). Baptism can be found
authorized by Jesus, but baptism, as practiced by Catholicism bears little
resemblance to the baptism Jesus ordered and ordained (Acts 8:12, 38, 39; Rom.
6:3, 4; Col. 2:12). So, even if we were to find Jesus approving of his
birthday, are men noting it after the plan and pattern of God? If they are,
where do we find that plan? Where is the blueprint for the structure of
Christmas as we know it today (Col. 3:17)?
(4) Finding Christmas in "the apostles’ doctrine" might
show that Jesus instituted it (Lk. 10:16; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 4:6; 14:37). To
reject and repudiate the word of the apostles is to refuse God (1 Thess. 4:2,
8). Truly, as Jesus said, "He that heareth you, heareth me." To hear
the word of the apostles is to hear the very word of God (1 Thess. 2:13). Thus,
if it can be shown that the apostles told "the Christmas story," then
it can be shown that Christmas is brought to us by Jesus. Where, though, is
that testimony? Where is that evidence? We have "all truth,"
"all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (Jn. 16:13; 2 Tim.
3:16, 17; 2 Pet. 1:3). Where is Christmas, as seen among us today, displayed in
the Bible?
(5) One could find Christmas was brought to us by Jesus if he
could find an approved example of it in the New Testament. Jesus said nothing
about the day upon which the disciples were to show his death in the Lord’s
supper. The apostles did not specifically and directly command a set day.
However, we find that the disciples came together "upon the first day of
the week" to break bread" (Acts 20:7). When we do as they did, when
we follow their ways, we are following Christ’s ways (1 Cor. 4:17; 11:1, 2;
Phil. 4:9). Thus, we remember and show the Lord’s death in eating the bread and
drinking the cup "upon the first day of the week" (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor.
11:23-26). Now, is there a similar narrative with respect to commemorating and
celebrating the Lord’s birth? If so, where is it? Find it, and we may agree
that Christmas has been brought to us by Jesus.
Conclusion: We are not doubting or denying that Christ, the Son of
God, was born of a virgin and placed in a manger (Matt. 1; Lk. 1 & 2). We are
simply saying that the Christmas tradition was not brought to us by Jesus. He
did not authorize it. Therefore, as Christians, we cannot observe that which
God has not sanctioned (2 Jn. 9).
How many other things, like Christmas, can you think of which God
has neither authored nor approved? Infant baptism? Sprinkling for baptism?
Easter? Churches becoming social, recreational, and entertainment centers? If
you are tired of worldly religion, why not study the Bible, serve God, and
worship with us? If you have questions, we would love to hear from you.