What About Christmas?
Was Jesus born on December 25th? To many in this world, the answer seems obvious. This time of year we will see different groups that are going to put up nativity scenes along with banners that say “Joy to the World” or “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” Does it matter? Yes, it does indeed. While we might be grateful for individuals in the world speaking the name of Jesus at this time of year, we need to remember if they are speaking things that are inaccurate about Jesus or binding traditions foreign to Scripture; that is a sin. In this article, we will look at several points concerning what is called Christmas and the appropriate Christian response by Christians.
The Shepherds
The Bible does not give us a specific date, everyone would agree on that. However, does the evidence in the Bible begin to suggest this is the time of year that Jesus was born? Let us first consider one of the details of the account found in Luke 2:8. The shepherds were said to be found in the field. December, much like Northeastern Oklahoma, is typically cold and rainy in Judaea. This would make it highly unlike shepherds would be spending the night under the stars with their flocks.
The Romans
We could also consider the fact that Joseph and Mary were traveling to Bethlehem by decree of Caesar Augustus (cf. Luke 2:1-2). The Romans were not foolish to the point that they would send their citizens to travel at such a dangerous time. The hazardous conditions were similar to what we see in our modern era. However, unlike us, the travelers of the first century did not have climate-controlled, four-wheel drive vehicles to navigate the terrain. The Romans would never send their citizens to travel at this time because dead people cannot pay taxes.
Calculating Jesus Birth by Evidence
Luke 1:26 tells us that Jesus was about 6 months younger than John the Immerser. Luke 1:5 tells us that Zecharias was of the 8th course of the priests of the order of Abijah. If you were to start counting with the first month of the Hebrew calendar, which corresponds with March, you would count 8 weeks and find that Zecharias was serving in about May. So, after his week of service, Elizabeth would conceive about May and she is carrying John the Immerser. Jesus is conceived 6 months after that in, likely, November. So Mary would carry Jesus to term, which would likely be in August or September. If this is the case, then we could rationalize that shepherds would still be in the field with their herds. In addition, Caesar Augustus would think it wise to call a census before the weather turned.
Is it a sin to Celebrate Christmas?
So can a Christian celebrate Christmas in any way? Yes, A Christian can celebrate Christmas, however, it must be in a non-religious way. We all understand that God tells us what He expects for us in worship. He has told us what He wants in the leadership of the church. He tells us what He expects from His children. Never did He ask for us to celebrate the Lord’s birth. The Bible would surely tell us if God wanted us to do so. It is only a sin to add to God’s Word and bind things where God has not bound for the sake of man-made traditions (Matthew 15:3; Revelation 22:18).
There is nothing wrong with enjoying the festivities of Christmastime. There is nothing wrong with hanging lights or baking Christmas goodies. There is nothing wrong with exchanging gifts. There is nothing wrong with sitting around a dead tree and eating candy out of socks. To celebrate secular traditions of Christmas does not violate any Biblical precedents. When we teach the truth about Christmas, we have an opportunity to teach the truth about other things, namely the Gospel of Christ.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
