Tough Question: Should Christians celebrate Christmas?
How dare I ask such a thing!
You may already know that I celebrate Christmas, but in keeping with 1 Corinthians 13 (love is not easily offended,) and for the sake of growing in spiritual maturity, this question deserves an honest evaluation.
Recently a man told me that he was culturally Christian but religiously nothing. He elaborated that he was raised in a Christian home, went to church, did the things, but that now he doesn't believe in any of it. I thought it was interesting that he had the self-awareness to identify that his religious upbringing shaped his world view, regardless of his change of faith (or lack thereof.)
I could go on about how we aren't saved by "winning the lottery" of being raised by Christian parents. God isn't interested in this kind of rote faith, but by a real relationship with him: loving him, reading his word, attending a home church, and acting on our faith.
But what stood out to me about the conversation with that man was that he was able to articulate the difference between faith and being culturally religious.
When it comes to celebrating Christmas, I'm culturally American. I love getting my photo taken with Santa Claus. I put up the tree, fill the stockings, make the treats. Those actions give me a sense of nostalgia, and I enjoy the way the holiday is celebrated in this country.
Image courtesy of JoeAnt Mae
Before we look at keeping Christ in Christmas, ask yourself, is there anything wrong with those cultural ways of celebrating? Would you consider it paganism? Idolatry? Materialism?
I'll admit, it's really hard for me to answer that question without bringing up Jesus, but it's worth the effort.
I'm not here to judge, but I AM here to grow spiritually. Sometimes that means making things uncomfortable while we look a little deeper.
I also celebrate Christmas as a Christian. A highlight of my year is the Christmas Eve service, especially getting to sing on the praise team. And I sing. And sing. And I belt out every Christian Christmas carol while I drive my car basically from Thanksgiving through mid-January.
I love to attend the local living nativity each year. Last year, we even went to Sunday morning worship "in Bethlehem." It was awesome!
This month, our local Coffee and Christ group adopted 14 seniors at a nursing home and gave them gifts after leading worship.
I could go on and on. I love Christmas because I love Jesus.
So let's ask again question: Is it wrong for Christians to celebrate Christmas?
Is it wrong to celebrate Christmas culturally, such as an American holiday? Is it wrong to celebrate Christmas as a Christian holiday? Are there exceptions to either of those situations?
I can't wait to hear your thoughts. Merry Christmas!