Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?

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Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
Danny Bawi Thianhlun
The word “Christmas” is not found in the Bible but Christians around the world still celebrate Christmas until today. Many scholars write and define about the history and meaning of Christmas in different perspective views. Some of the so-called Christians also argue not to celebrate Christmas because it is not mentioned in the Bible and no one knows the exact date of the birth of Christ. It is indeed questionable if Christians should continue to celebrate it or not. 

Both of Biblical and secular historians have been trying to explore the exact date of Christ’s birth through centuries but they are still unable to figure it out to bring up the exact one. As many Christians who argue against celebrating the Christmas, there is no the exact and historical date of Christ’s birth but it does not also mean not to celebrate the Christmas. For true Christians, Christmas means,  “celebrating the precious day of God the Father Who sent His only Son (Jesus Christ) to this world as a missionary Who is willing to sacrifice His life for the sinners.” Therefore God the Father is the One Who pioneered the mission work in this world through His Son and Jesus Christ was the pioneer missionary. David Livingstone, a pioneer missionary, to Africa in 19th century once said, “ God the Father is the One Who started the mission and His Son Jesus Christ was the first missionary to this world.” In other word, Christmas is the unique and first day of Jesus  who was born to start the work of human redemption to fulfill the Father’s will (I Timothy 2:4). John 3:16 clearly describes the true meaning of Christmas, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Today many Christians still argue in negative ways that Christians should not celebrate the Christmas. It is acceptable as they have their own reasons. One of the very common reasons is because of the ways and results of celebrating Christmas by the so-called as well as traditional Christians. The fruits of celebrating Christmas by those who celebrate Christmas to fulfill their own sinful desires should not determine to blur or confuse the true meaning of Christmas.

Likewise, celebrating Christmas will be essential as well as unstoppable for true Christians as this is the day of celebrating Jesus’ birth that brings the good news of salvation for all the sinners. Moreover, it is important that Christians do not signify the word “Christmas” and celebrate the “date” but the true meaning of Christmas. It is so saddened that many people who claim themselves as Christians in many countries especially the western countries consider Christmas as one of the holidays. Therefore, the unacceptable ideas and the heresies of others who are against celebrating Christmas should not influence our faith and churches today.

In summary, Christmas is the day of Jesus’ incarnation as a human being to bring good news to this world and save the people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Christians therefore will continue to celebrate Christmas in memory of Christ’s birth on earth until the end of the world as He came to dwell among us and to sacrifice His life to fulfill the Father’s will that is human redemption purpose.  

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