Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet Outreach

Christmas

IS CHRISTMAS IN THE BIBLE?
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. [Isaiah 8:20]

Christmas is one of the most difficult observances for many Christians to come to personal terms with because of its largely secular nature. Most professing Christians believe it is an important holiday; moreover, it’s assumed Yahushua was born December 25th. Because Christians look to Him as Savior, this matter deserves deliberate consideration. There are numerous articles which speak to the historical origins of Christmas. However, the focus of inquiry and introspection isn’t so much where the observance of Christmas came from, but rather if such an observance is both given in Scripture as divine instruction and obeyed by the people of YHWH as a righteous decree and fruit of the spirit.

…LIKE UNTO THE WORLD?
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [1 John 2:15]

Cultures the world over have — and in many cases, still do — observe the time surrounding the winter solstice as a period of re-birth, “light” triumphing over “darkness,” gift giving and feasting. The date December 25 is marked as a “turning point” of invincibility in many Eastern “mystery religions.” “The day was not one of the early feasts of the Christian church. In fact, the observance of birthdays was condemned as a heathen custom repugnant to Christians” (George W. Douglas, The American Book of Days (1948), page 657 and onward).

While it is true that Yahushua Messiah is referred to as “the light” (e.g., John 1:9; Isaiah 49:6; Luke 2:32), nowhere does Scripture sanction a set-aside day for the observance of His being “the light” — or as a memorial of His birth. Although December 25 is customary and popular, there is no Scriptural basis for it. Had YHWH deemed this knowledge essential for salvation, He would have spoken through His prophets and apostles. But the silence of the Scriptures upon this point demonstrates it is hidden for the wisest purposes (e.g., Deuteronomy 29:29; Amos 3:7).

HARMLESS CUSTOM?
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God. [Romans 12:2]

It is evident from Gospel accounts that Messiah’s death is more important for salvation than His birth. It is through His atoning death that He secured our eternal salvation. Yet, Christians today tend to celebrate more the birth of the Savior than His death. Perhaps the reason is that the birth of a child captures the imagination more than the death of a redeemer. Society celebrates births, not deaths.

The Bible makes clear statements regarding “customs” which submit to authority other than Scriptures:

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you; and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. [2 Corinthians 6:17, 18]

And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” [Revelation 18:4]

And what of Christmas customs?

Thus saith YHWH, “Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go […]” [Jeremiah 10:2-5; see also Isaiah 40:19; Isaiah 41:7; Jeremiah 7:18, 19]

The practices of the world are idol worship in the eyes of YHWH. December 25 — or any other day — isn’t to receive a man-made honor meant for Messiah as the Redeemer of the world — the One who is received, trusted and relied on as He who could save to the uttermost all who come to Him.

…FOR PERSONAL CONSIDERATION
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. I receive not honor from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? [John 5:39-47]

The birth of Yahushua Messiah is of incomparable importance to the Christian faith. Without His birth, there would be no baptism, death, resurrection, ascension, mediatorial intercession in the heavenly sanctuary, or Second Advent. Why celebrate Yahushua’s birth at the wrong time of year because of pagan tradition?

This is an important area requiring personal research, prayer and heart-felt introspection; all believers are strongly encouraged to delve into the reasons for their beliefs. It’s not enough to take any doctrine or practice for granted, by any one denomination’s authority. Everything is to be measured against the expressed Word of YHWH with guidance through His spirit.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Encyclopedia Britannica: “Christmas”
December 25: Birthday of the Sun
The Festivals and Sacred Days of YHWH: Introduction
Worship of the German Forest: An Historical Overview (Scroll down page to view article)

Inclusion of a specific resource link does not necessarily indicate an endorsement of the originating ministry.