What Do We Do?

Christmastime is upon us, and for many Americans, it is a time to reflect on the first coming of Christ, focusing mainly on His birth. Yet, this season has been observed differently in various countries. Germany is home to many Christmas traditions such as wreaths and Christmas trees, which were initially known as “paradise trees” representing trees in the Garden of Eden. Some German observances, however, have little to do with biblical teachings and more to do with pagan traditions, such as the recognition of an evil, horned creature called Krampus. In Japan, many recognize Christmas, but Christ is not a factor; the holiday is largely seen as a celebration of American commercialism. In Ethiopia, Christmas is called “Ganna” and is observed on January 7th, following the Julian calendar. Christmas celebrations can look quite different in Australia and New Zealand as well, due to their summer weather.

There are some who shun celebrating Christmas altogether, especially Jehovah’s Witnesses, because they associate it with the ancient Roman festival Saturnalia. They also note that decorations such as evergreens and mistletoe seem to have roots in Norse paganism. Of course, many things in God’s creation have been displayed in a corrupt manner by mankind, e.g., the rainbow. This does not mean we shy away from them entirely. So, how should the believer treat Christmas? Should he condemn such celebrations and those who participate in them, or should he embrace them and revel in the so-called spirit of Christmas, which often seems eerily similar to consumerism?

The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 14:5, “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” In this chapter, Paul makes it clear that, whether observing or not observing special days, practices, and customs, the believer must be focused on honoring the Lord. In verse 10, he declares, “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” A member of the Church of Christ might sneer at a member of the Church of God for worshiping with loud instruments, while an Episcopalian might scoff at a Baptist for observing communion quarterly rather than weekly. With every denomination can come a new opportunity for condemnation!

Ultimately, the believer is called to glorify God. If Christmas, for him, is a time to reflect and rejoice in the first coming of Christ, why should he be ashamed of that? If, for another, Christmas has become wholly commercialized and not spiritually beneficial, why should he be looked down upon as though he were ruining its “wonder” by not acknowledging it? We would do well to remember the teaching of 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”