That question comes up every year at Christmastime. In the first place, theres no direct biblical commandment to celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25. Theres nothing in the Bible that would even indicate that Jesus was born on December 25. In fact, theres much in the New Testament narratives that would indicate that it didnt occur during that time of year. It just so happens that on the twenty-fifth of December in the Roman Empire there was a pagan holiday that was linked to mystery religions; the pagans celebrated their festival on December 25. The Christians didnt want to participate in that, and so they said, While everybody else is celebrating this pagan thing, were going to have our own celebration. Were going to celebrate the thing thats most important in our lives, the incarnation of God, the birth of Jesus Christ. So this is going to be a time of joyous festivities, of celebration and worship of our God and King.
I cant think of anything more pleasing to Christ than the church celebrating His birthday every year. Keep in mind that the whole principle of annual festival and celebration is deeply rooted in ancient Jewish tradition. In the Old Testament, for example, there were times when God emphatically commanded the people to remember certain events with annual celebrations. While the New Testament doesnt require that we celebrate Christmas every year, I certainly see nothing wrong with the churchs entering into this joyous time of celebrating the Incarnation, which is the dividing point of all human history. Originally, it was intended to honor, not Mithras or any of the other mystery religion cults, but the birth of our King.
Incidentally, Easter can be traced to Ishtar in the ancient world. But the Christian church coming together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus is hardly something I think would provoke the wrath of God. I wish we had more annual festivals. The Roman Catholic Church, for example, celebrates with great joy the Feast of the Ascension every year. Some Protestant bodies do, but most do not. I wish we would celebrate that great event in the life of Christ when He was raised up into heaven to be crowned King of kings and Lord of lords. We celebrate His birth; we celebrate His death. I wish we would also celebrate His coronation.
Is the celebration of Christmas a pagan ritual? and other questions can be found in our Questions Answered section.
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