One Ministers Perspective on Celebrating Christmas

Childhood Memories of Christmas

As a child, Christmas was a magical time for me. Our home was adorned with Christmas trees, lights, mangers, and even light-up candy canes lining the walkway. My family made the season enchanting, with traditions like stockings filled with fruits and nuts—a cherished memory from my mom’s own childhood—and collecting the annual Santa Coca-Cola cans (I can still hear the jingle: “Santa packs are coming!”). But beyond the festivities, I always knew the true reason we celebrated: the birth of my Savior.

Questioning the Celebration

As I grew older, however, I encountered a different perspective. Some saints in the church and even members of my extended family chose not to celebrate Christmas. They viewed it as a pagan holiday, claiming that it angered God. I heard arguments that Christmas trees were idolatrous and that those who embraced the holiday couldn’t possibly be saved. Determined to be in right standing with the Lord, I plunged into a rabbit hole of research. I discovered the claims of pagan roots and recognized how commercialized the holiday had become. This led me to question: Was I unwittingly inviting something unholy into my home?

The Journey Toward Balance

At that point, I became cynical and judgmental. Conversations with Christians who celebrated Christmas only heightened this attitude. When they explained, “We’re not worshipping Santa; we’re celebrating the birth of Christ,” I dismissed their reasoning, focusing instead on the lack of biblical instruction to celebrate Jesus’ birth. In my zeal for purity, I felt more like a Pharisee than a follower of Christ. The joy of the Holy Spirit was replaced with a harsh, critical spirit.

Thankfully, God didn’t leave me in that place. As I continued to seek Him, my perspective shifted. One pivotal moment came while pumping gas at Walmart. In the background, I heard “Joy to the World” playing over the speakers. It struck me: In a post-Christian world where biblical values are increasingly marginalized, here was a public proclamation of Jesus. At the mall, I heard “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night.” These weren’t just festive tunes—they were declarations of the gospel in spaces where Christ’s name is rarely spoken. This realization reminded me that, in this season, the world—whether intentionally or not—is talking about Jesus.

Responding to Common Arguments

Another common argument I’ve encountered is, “Why celebrate Christmas when we could observe the biblical festivals?” For a season, I sympathized with this viewpoint. But as I delved deeper into Scripture, I realized these festivals were given specifically to the Jewish people as part of their covenant with God. Gentile believers are not commanded to observe them (Acts 15:28-29; Romans 14:5-6). Instead, we are called to celebrate Christ in ways that resonate with our context and culture. Teaching about these festivals is valuable, as they point to Jesus, but they are not binding for the church.

Embracing Christmas as a Witness

Interestingly, Jesus Himself celebrated a holiday not established in the Old Testament. According to John 10:22, He observed Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Dedication. This acknowledgment shows that commemorating events with spiritual significance, even those not explicitly commanded in Scripture, can honor God.

As a minister, I now view Christmas as a powerful opportunity to share Jesus. Rather than tearing down the holiday, I’ve chosen to use it to uplift Christ. It’s a chance to remind the world—and our families—of the hope found in Him. The songs, the symbols, and the season itself can all point to the Savior if we use them wisely.

Christian Liberty and Unity

I’ve also come to embrace the concept of Christian liberty. Romans 14:5-6 teaches that “one person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.” Paul’s counsel reminds us that it is not the outward observance but the heart’s intent that matters. Dr. David K. Bernard explains this beautifully in his podcast, emphasizing that we should respect individual convictions within the body of Christ. If you choose to celebrate Christmas, do so unto the Lord. If you choose not to, abstain unto the Lord. What we must avoid is judging our brothers and sisters.

The True Reason for the Season

Christmas, for me, is no longer about legalistic debates or cultural compromises. It is a season to reflect on the miracle of Christ’s birth, to share His love, and to make His name known in a world desperate for hope. One of my favorite traditions is reading the birth of Christ on Christmas morning and watching a movie related to it. My kids look forward to these moments as a cherished part of our family celebration. Let’s focus on what unites us as believers: our shared mission to glorify God and proclaim His gospel. Whether you celebrate with a tree, lights, and stockings, or choose a quieter observance, may our hearts be set on Jesus, the true reason for the season.