Should Christians celebrate Christmas?
December 25th, 1647. The English Parliament has just made celebrating Christmas illegal. Their reason? It's too pagan. Fast forward to today: while some Christians decorate trees and hang stockings, others warn these practices dishonor God. One group quotes Scripture to defend Santa Claus, another quotes Scripture to condemn him. So who's right? The answer takes us on a fascinating journey through history, culture, and the heart of Christian freedom.
Welcome back to Word for Word. I'm Austin Duncan, and today we're tackling a question that might seem simple on the surface but actually runs quite deep: Should Christians celebrate Christmas?
You know, it's fascinating how this holiday can create such different reactions among sincere believers. Some families go all out with trees, lights, stockings, and Santa visits - finding joy and meaning in these traditions. Others carefully avoid these customs, concerned about pagan origins or commercialization. And still others fall somewhere in between - maybe they have a tree but skip Santa, or they celebrate but keep it very simple. Over the years, I've heard passionate arguments on all sides of this issue. I remember one Christmas when I was visiting family, and two relatives - both devoted Christians - got into quite a heated debate. One insisted that Christmas trees were condemned in Jeremiah 10, while the other countered that the passage was about carved idols, not festive decorations. The conversation grew increasingly tense until someone wisely changed the subject.
That's why this topic matters. These aren't just academic debates - they touch on how we practice our faith in everyday life. They affect our families, our church relationships, and our witness to the world. And they raise bigger questions about how Christians should interact with culture in general.
Today's episode kicks off our section on holidays, where we'll explore how followers of Christ navigate cultural celebrations. Christmas is the perfect place to start because it so clearly illustrates the tension between honoring sacred traditions and engaging with cultural practices. So let's dive in with our main question: Is celebrating Christmas biblically sound? And how should Christians approach the various traditions associated with it?
The Biblical Foundation
Before we look at specific Christmas customs, we need to establish a biblical framework for thinking about special days and cultural practices. The most helpful passage is found in Romans 14:5-6, where Paul writes:
"One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord."
This text gives us our foundation. Paul is addressing disagreements in the early church over which days should be observed as holy. Some believers, especially those from Jewish backgrounds, felt certain days carried special religious significance. Others believed all days were equally holy to the Lord. What's remarkable is Paul's approach. He doesn't declare one side right and the other wrong. Instead, he says each believer should be "fully convinced in their own mind" and whatever they choose, do it "to the Lord." What matters isn't the day itself, but the heart behind its observance.
The debate about whether Christians should celebrate Christmas has been ongoing for centuries. There are equally sincere and committed Christians on both sides of the issue, each with multiple reasons why or why not Christmas should be celebrated in Christian homes. A similar principle appears in Colossians 2:16-17:
"Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ."
Again, Paul places these observances in the category of Christian freedom - areas where believers can make different choices without judgment from others. It's important to note that the Bible nowhere commands Christians to celebrate Christmas. The early church described in the New Testament didn't mark December 25th as a special holy day. In fact, Christmas as an official feast day wasn't established until centuries after the Bible was written. But the absence of a command doesn't make celebration wrong. After all, the birth of Christ is certainly worthy of celebration! The angels, shepherds, and wise men all celebrated it with great joy. Scripture records these events not just as historical facts but as cause for worship. In the end, while there is no biblical mandate to celebrate Christmas, Christians can and do observe the birth of the Savior in many ways. Whether to celebrate Christmas in traditional fashion is a personal decision.
So our starting point is this: Celebrating Christ's birth is biblically permissible but not mandated. It falls into the category of Christian freedom - those areas where Scripture neither commands nor forbids a practice, leaving room for believers to follow their conscience. But what about all those Christmas traditions? The trees, the gifts, the carols, Santa Claus? To understand those, we need to explore how Christmas developed historically.
Historical Background
The story of Christmas as we know it today is fascinating and complex. Let's trace its development from the early church to modern times.
Origins of December 25th as Christmas
It may be a surprise to learn that the earliest Christians did not celebrate "Christmas" at all. The New Testament writers record the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1–2, Luke 1–2) but give no date and no annual festival. For at least the first 200 years of the church, there's no evidence of a set feast day for Christ's birth. In fact, around A.D. 200, the church father Clement of Alexandria mentions Christians in Egypt who proposed dates for Jesus' birth – April 20, April 21, May 20 – and "determined not only the year… but also the day" – yet none of them mentioned December 25.
By the 4th century, however, churches had begun observing two main dates:
December 25 in the Western Roman Empire
January 6 in the East, as the celebration of Christ's birth.
The earliest explicit record of December 25 as the feast of Christ's nativity is found in an ancient Roman almanac from A.D. 336, which lists December 25 with the note:
"natus Christus in Betleem Judeae"
"Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea".
Why December 25th? Historians have proposed two main theories:
The "Christianization" of Pagan Festivals Theory: December 25 in the Roman world coincided with popular winter solstice festivals – notably the feast of Sol Invictus ("Unconquered Sun") established on Dec 25 by Emperor Aurelian in 274, and the week-long Saturnalia (mid-late December) when Romans feasted and exchanged gifts. According to this theory, Church leaders chose December 25th deliberately to replace or absorb these pagan celebrations.
The "Calculation from Christ's Death" Theory: A less well-known but older theory is that the date December 25 was calculated from the date of Jesus' crucifixion. There was an ancient Jewish and Christian notion that great prophets died on the same date as their birth or conception. By the 3rd century, Western Christians commonly held that Jesus was crucified on March 25. An early Latin treatise, On Solstices and Equinoxes (c. 4th century), states: "Our Lord was conceived on the eighth of the kalends of April (March 25), which is the day of the passion of the Lord… and was born on the winter solstice (December 25)."
Which theory is correct? It's quite possible that both played a role. What we do know is that by the mid-4th century, December 25th was established in Rome and spread to other churches.
Development of Christmas Traditions
From its simple beginnings as a solemn church feast, Christmas gradually accumulated many traditions across different cultures. Most of these familiar customs – decorating evergreen trees, giving gifts, singing carols, feasting with family, hanging stockings, etc. – developed over centuries, often blending Christian themes with local folk practices. Let's look at some of these traditions:
Christmas Trees: The practice of bringing evergreen trees into the home and decorating them is traced to medieval Europe, particularly Germany. Evergreens symbolized enduring life through the winter. By one account, 16th-century German Christians were putting up Christmas trees; there's a legend that Protestant Reformer Martin Luther first added candles to a tree to symbolize the light of Christ. The Christmas tree as we know it gained huge popularity in the 19th century – for example, Queen Victoria's German husband Prince Albert introduced it in England in the 1840s, after which having a Christmas tree became a fashionable norm.
Gift-Giving and Stockings: Exchanging gifts has multiple influences. The Roman Saturnalia festival (a predecessor to Christmas time) involved people feasting and exchanging gifts in late December. More directly, the biblical Magi brought gifts to honor the newborn Jesus (Matthew 2:11), which gives a Christian model of gift-giving as an act of worship. In Christian tradition, the practice of giving to children is often linked to St. Nicholas. Nicholas of Myra was a 4th-century Christian bishop known for charity – later venerated as a saint. Legends say he gave dowry money to poor girls by tossing bags of gold through their window, which supposedly landed in their stockings drying by the fire.
Carols and Candles: Early church Christmas hymns (like those of Romanos the Melodist in the 6th century) were solemn. During the Middle Ages, more folk-like carols emerged (often in local languages) to celebrate Christ's birth with joy. By the Victorian era (19th century), many old carols were revived or new ones written.
Santa Claus: Santa Claus evolved out of the legends of St. Nicholas. In the United States, various European traditions merged. Dutch immigrants in New York kept alive the name of "Sinter Klaas", which English-speakers turned into "Santa Claus." In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore's poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (better known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas") portrayed Santa Claus as a jolly, plump, magical gift-giver flying in a reindeer sleigh. Later, 19th-century illustrators like Thomas Nast drew Santa in a red suit with a big beard, and by the early 20th century Santa was ubiquitous in Christmas advertising.
Church History and Cultural Battles
Throughout church history, Christians have held varying opinions about Christmas. For centuries it was an unquestioned church festival, but the Protestant Reformation brought new scrutiny. The most extreme were the Puritans, English Protestants in the 1600s who condemned Christmas as a Catholic invention with pagan roots. In England, after the civil war against King Charles I, the Puritans in Parliament banned Christmas in 1647, as mentioned earlier. They viewed the elaborate 12-day Christmas feasts and idleness as ungodly. Pamphlets of the time railed against "giving liberty to carnal and sensual delights" on Christ's supposed birthday. This wasn't popular:
People longed for their holiday, and pro-Christmas riots broke out in places like Canterbury when shops were forced to open on Christmas Day.
The Puritan ban in England lasted until 1660, when the monarchy was restored and King Charles II revived Christmas celebrations.
In America, a similar pattern occurred. The Puritan influence was strong in New England. The Massachusetts Bay Colony outlawed Christmas from 1659 to 1681; anyone caught celebrating (even taking the day off work) could be fined 5 shillings.
By the 19th century, Christmas was experiencing a revival:
Authors and ministers helped reshape Christmas into the form we cherish today – emphasizing its family and charitable aspects over the old drunken revelry. Washington Irving (1819) and Charles Dickens (1843) portrayed Christmas in literature. Their idealized Christmas scenes (peaceful gatherings, reconciliation, caring for the poor) had a real influence on society's view of the holiday.
In 1870, the U.S. declared Christmas a national holiday, reflecting its broad acceptance.
In the 20th century, Christmas became increasingly commercialized. In fact, the 20th and 21st centuries saw Christmas become a retail bonanza and media extravaganza. Businesses realized that the sentiment and traditions of Christmas could drive massive economic activity – from gift-shopping to festive foods to decorations. Advertising played on Christmas themes heavily – and not just Coca-Cola. For instance, the greeting card industry, the toy industry, and later the electronics industry all built marketing around Christmas gift-giving. In the U.S., surveys find that a significant portion of people celebrate Christmas in a secular way – for family or cultural reasons – rather than as a religious holy day. A 2019 Gallup poll showed only 35% of Americans describe their Christmas as "strongly religious," a number that has dropped over the past decade.
This historical overview helps us see that Christmas has had a complex journey. It began as a celebration of Christ's birth but has evolved through centuries of cultural additions, theological debates, and commercial interests. Today's Christmas is a mix of religious devotion, family traditions, cultural customs, and commercial activity. Understanding this history helps us see why Christians approach Christmas differently. Some, like the Puritans, worry about its pagan associations or excesses. Others see an opportunity to celebrate Christ and redeem cultural practices for His glory. But to navigate these differences wisely, we need to look more deeply at the biblical principles that should guide us.
Biblical Principles for Navigating Christmas
When it comes to Christmas, four biblical principles can help guide our approach:
1. Christian Freedom and Conscience (Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8-10)
As we've already seen in Romans 14:5-6, matters not explicitly commanded or forbidden in Scripture fall into the area of Christian liberty. Each believer must be "fully convinced in their own mind" and act according to their conscience before God.
The Bible makes clear that in matters not expressly addressed by God's commands, believers have freedom to follow conscience – but must do so in love and respect toward others. Christmas falls exactly in this category: it is nowhere explicitly commanded or forbidden in Scripture. It is one of those matters Paul would call "disputable" or indifferent.
This applies not just to whether we celebrate Christmas, but how we celebrate it - the customs, traditions, and practices associated with the holiday.
Here's the principle:
"An idol has no real existence" (1 Cor 8:4), so the meat itself isn't spiritually tainted – if you eat it with thanksgiving to God, you are not sinning per se. By analogy, just because December 25 once hosted a pagan festival or a Christmas tree might resemble a pagan tradition does not automatically mean a Christian using them to honor Christ is committing idolatry. The object or day in itself is morally neutral.
At the same time, conscience matters deeply:
However, not everyone's conscience is at the same place. Paul acknowledged some believers (he calls them "weaker" in conscience) sincerely could not eat that meat without feeling it was wrong, perhaps because it symbolized idol worship to them. If they ate against their conscience, even though the act isn't inherently sinful, for them it becomes sin (because willfully doing what one believes God forbids is a heart issue).
The practical application is clear:
Applying this to Christmas: if a Christian firmly believes that having a Christmas tree is participating in a pagan custom and feels convicted that it's wrong, that person should not violate their conscience by getting a tree just because others do. Conversely, if another Christian's conscience is clear that a tree is just a decoration and a reminder of Christ's evergreen love, they are free to have one. Neither should condemn the other.
Furthermore, love must guide our freedom:
Paul taught that those with "stronger" consciences (who feel free) should limit their liberty out of love if it might harm a weaker brother or sister. "Take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak," he says (1 Cor 8:9).
On the flip side, someone who abstains shouldn't berate those who do celebrate, essentially binding others' consciences where God has left them free.
"We cannot allow our own convictions about a holiday to cause division in the body of Christ, nor can we use our freedom to cause others to stumble in their faith."
So, whether you celebrate Christmas with all the traditional trimmings, observe it more simply, or choose not to mark it at all, the key is to do so with a clear conscience before God and with love toward other believers who may make different choices.
2. Engagement with Culture without Compromise (Acts 17, John 17:14–18)
The second principle concerns how Christians relate to the surrounding culture. Christmas, as we've seen, is partly a cultural celebration with many non-Christian or pre-Christian elements. How should believers approach this?
Jesus taught that His followers are "in the world, but not of the world" (see John 17:14–18). He did not pray for us to be taken out of the world, but to be protected from evil while we are sent into the world on mission (John 17:15-18). This means Christians should not simply withdraw from all cultural practices; rather, we engage our culture actively but with discernment, ensuring we don't adopt its sinful values.
A powerful biblical example comes from Paul in Athens:
Look at the Apostle Paul in Athens (Acts 17:16–34). Paul was distressed by the idolatry in the city, yet he did not boycott Athenian culture; instead, he engaged it thoughtfully. He noticed an altar inscribed "To an Unknown God" – a piece of the local religious culture – and used it as a starting point to share the truth of Christ.
"Men of Athens," he said, "I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around I even found an altar with this inscription: 'To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you." (Acts 17:22-23). Paul took a pagan cultural artifact and repurposed it to point to the true God.
This offers a model for engaging Christmas traditions:
Applying this to Christmas: the Christmas tree, Santa, lights, songs – these could be seen as "cultural altars" of our society's holiday celebration. We have a choice: either avoid them entirely (fearing contamination), or engage and redirect them toward Christ.
For example, we might take cultural traditions and infuse them with Christian meaning:
One might take the cultural tradition of gift-giving at Christmas and say: "This is a beautiful picture – we give because God gave us the greatest gift in His Son (John 3:16)." Or use the shining star on a Christmas tree to talk about the star of Bethlehem and Jesus as the Light. This is engaging culture redemptively.
However, discernment is crucial:
Jesus dined with sinners and engaged with Samaritan culture, but He never sinned or affirmed sin. Similarly, participating in Christmas customs should never mean falling into sin or idolatry. If a cultural practice is inherently idolatrous or immoral, Christians should reject it.
For instance, if "Christmas" for someone means drunken revelry at ugly sweater parties, a Christian should not join in the debauchery (1 Peter 4:3-4). But many Christmas customs are morally neutral (trees, songs about winter, exchanging gifts) – they become what you make of them.
This principle reminds us that God owns all creation:
All creation and all days belong to God. Psalm 118:24 declares, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." That includes December 25! So rather than seeing that day as "owned" by pagans or commerce, a Christian can reclaim it: God made this day, and I will rejoice in Jesus on it.
There is nothing inherently wrong with December 25 or with evergreens or lights – they are God's creation or human creativity, which can be directed either to self and idols or to the Lord.
In 1 Timothy 4:4, Paul said "everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer." That suggests a principle that even things which might have had bad associations can be sanctified by a believer's thankful use in line with God's truth.
So regarding Christmas, we can engage with cultural traditions insofar as we can do so in a way that honors Christ. We don't have to adopt every trend, but we also don't have to reject everything. The key is discernment - weighing each practice against biblical values and using what we can to honor God.
3. Gospel Opportunities in the Season (Colossians 4:5–6)
A third biblical principle is to make the most of every opportunity to share the gospel:
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt..." (Colossians 4:5–6). "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season" (2 Tim 4:2). There are certain times or seasons in culture that present unique openings for gospel witness – Christmas is certainly one of them.
Christmas creates natural openings for spiritual conversation:
Even the most commercialized, secular Christmas still cannot escape the shadow of Jesus' Nativity – it's on the calendar labeled "Christmas." People sing or hear carols that tell of Christ's birth. Nativity scenes are visible (despite attempts to minimize them). The concepts of "peace on earth" and "goodwill to men" (which come from the angels' announcement in Luke 2:14) are in the air.
As noted by many pastors, people tend to be more open to spiritual discussion around Christmas. Hearts are often softened by the themes of joy, giving, family, and even by nostalgia for the "true meaning of Christmas." Rather than shun the holiday, Christians can leverage it for evangelism.
Here are some practical ways to use Christmas for gospel witness:
When a neighbor or co-worker brings up Christmas plans, a Christian can share what their family does – like attending a candlelight service or reading the Nativity story – which naturally injects faith into the conversation.
Giving Christmas cards or gifts can include a Bible verse or a Christian book that points to Christ. For example, when you give cookies to neighbors, include a note: "Merry Christmas! 'For unto us a Child is born…' We're thankful Jesus came. Let us know if we can pray for you this season." Such gracious gestures align with Col 4:6 (speech "seasoned with salt") and can open hearts.
Inviting people to Christmas events: Many are willing to attend a Christmas concert, live Nativity, or children's pageant at church when they might decline other invitations. Those events explicitly share the gospel message in an accessible way.
This perspective sees Christmas not as a problem to avoid but as an opportunity to embrace:
As one minister put it, "Christmas provides us with a wonderful opportunity to share this truth… let us take advantage of this opportunity to remember Him, worship Him, and faithfully witness of Him."
The evangelistic potential of Christmas is substantial - it's one of the few times when our culture still acknowledges, however faintly, the reality of Jesus. We can build on that faint acknowledgment to present the full gospel.
4. Keeping the Priority of Worship (1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17)
The fourth principle is that whatever we do should be for God's glory and as an act of worship. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Colossians 3:17 adds, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
These verses remind us that all of life can be worship when done with the right heart. This applies directly to how we approach Christmas.
If we choose to celebrate Christmas, we should do so in a way that honors Christ and reflects His character. Our celebrations should express gratitude for the incarnation and foster genuine worship.
On the practical side, this might mean:
Beginning the season with prayer, dedicating our celebration to God
Making church attendance a priority during the season
Incorporating Scripture reading, especially the Nativity accounts
Creating moments for reflection on Christ's birth and its meaning
Ensuring our festivities (decorations, gifts, gatherings) reflect Christian values
This principle helps us keep the main thing the main thing. Whatever customs we adopt or adapt, the focus should remain on Jesus - the Word made flesh who came to dwell among us (John 1:14).
Now that we've established these biblical principles, let's address some of the most common concerns Christians have about Christmas.
Common Concerns About Christmas
Many sincere Christians have reservations about celebrating Christmas. Let's address four major concerns:
Concern 1: "Christmas and its symbols have pagan origins."
This is perhaps the biggest stumbling block cited by those who opt out of Christmas. They point out (accurately) that many elements – December 25th, evergreen decorations, the yule log, even gift-giving – have parallels in ancient pagan festivals.
For example, ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia around the winter solstice, Germanic tribes celebrated Yule, etc., and these involved decorations, feasts, and rejoicing over the sun's return. It's argued that Christmas was just a Christianized Saturnalia/Sol Invictus, so it's "really" pagan.
Similarly, claims are made that the Christmas tree comes from Druid or German pagan tree-worship, that holly and mistletoe are druidic symbols, that Santa has roots in Odin or other pagan figures.
Some opponents cite Jeremiah 10:2-4, which describes people cutting a tree, setting it up and decorating it with silver and gold, as evidence that the Bible forbids Christmas trees – but in context, that passage is talking about carving an idol for worship, not about a festive tree.
So, how should we respond?
The Bible shows that an object or custom's origin does not automatically determine its present use. It's the heart and intent of the user that matters.
As we discussed with the meat offered to idols: just because a pagan offered that meat to Zeus doesn't mean a Christian who later buys and eats it is worshiping Zeus. Paul wrote, "We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world" (1 Cor 8:4). Likewise, the sun gods of Rome or the fertility symbols of Druids are "nothing" – they have no real power or divinity.
So if today a Christian on Dec 25 says, "Today I honor the birth of Jesus," the fact that pagans once did something else on Dec 25 is irrelevant unless the Christian intends the pagan meaning. Intent and context are key.
Christmas trees for us do not carry a connotation of worshiping nature gods; they are a festive decoration (often topped by an angel or star recalling Christ's birth!). The candy canes we hang are said to symbolize a shepherd's staff or "J" for Jesus (a modern symbolic overlay).
In short, Christians have reinterpreted many of these symbols in light of Christ. Evergreens now can symbolize everlasting life, holly berries can symbolize Christ's blood, etc., even if those weren't their original meanings.
Historical evidence also suggests some "pagan origin" claims are overstated:
Most historians find no evidence of an ancient pagan practice of bringing decorated fir trees into the home – that appears to have started with Christians in medieval Germany, not with Druids. So some of what people label "pagan" may actually be Christian in origin!
(For instance, one theory is the Christmas tree came from medieval Paradise plays on Christmas Eve, featuring an "Eden tree" decorated with apples, symbolizing the tree of life and ultimately pointing to Christ. That's a Christian symbolic origin.)
Even where something truly has pagan roots, the decisive factor is how Christians view it now:
Paul said of meat sacrificed to idols, "the earth is the Lord's and everything in it" and "why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience?" (1 Cor 10:26,29).
As one pastor wisely said, "What really matters is not where the special day came from and who originated it but why you are doing it." If a Christian family is using a formerly pagan symbol in a way that now honors Christ, the original pagan usage is moot. They are not pagans; they belong to Jesus, and "to the pure all things are pure" (Titus 1:15).
God can redeem cultural elements:
The cross itself was a pagan symbol of shame (used by Romans for execution) until Christ redeemed it into a symbol of salvation; now Christians wear crosses. If God can redeem even the cross, surely He can redeem a winter festival for His Son's glory.
Therefore, while we respect anyone's conscience who, like the Puritans, is uncomfortable with the pagan connections, we affirm that nothing about Christmas forces a Christian to honor pagan gods. You can celebrate 100% focused on Christ.
In summary, the pagan origin concern, while understandable, doesn't necessarily make Christmas wrong for Christians today. What matters is our intent, our focus on Christ, and our recognition that customs and symbols take their meaning from how we use them now.
Concern 2: "Christmas has become too commercial and materialistic."
This concern resonates with a lot of believers (and even some nonbelievers!). The complaint is that the true meaning of Christmas is lost amid frantic shopping, consumer greed, stress about gifts and décor, and an overall commercialization driven by retailers and media.
It's hard to deny that in many places, Christmas is largely a consumer holiday – the season when businesses make a huge chunk of their profits, when people feel pressured to buy expensive gifts, when Santa and advertisements encourage children to make long wish lists.
The commercialization can lead to financial strain, debt, and a shallow focus on material things. Christians rightly worry that this materialism contradicts the message of Christ, who came in humility and taught us not to lay up treasures on earth.
This concern is valid. But rather than abandoning Christmas entirely, Christians can respond by practicing a counter-cultural approach:
Simplify and be Intentional: We don't have to buy into the high-pressure consumerism. Set a reasonable budget for gifts that doesn't put your family in debt or undue stress. Perhaps give fewer but more meaningful gifts, rather than heaps of gadgets. Some Christian families choose to limit gifts to three per child (symbolizing the three gifts of the Magi) to keep things moderate and thoughtful. By not over-emphasizing the gift frenzy, we show that Christmas joy isn't dependent on expensive presents.
Emphasize Giving over Receiving: Involve the whole family in giving to others – whether it's volunteering, donating to a charity, or preparing gifts for those in need. This counters the commercial message with compassion. Teaching kids to pick a gift for a child who has less, or to put together a shoebox for a poor community, helps them see Christmas is about sharing, not just comparing toys. The Bible says "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7); Christmas is an opportunity to instill cheerful giving, reflecting God's gift to us.
Resist Secular "Holiday" Pressure: As individuals, we can quietly resist the cultural pressure to make Christmas a show of consumption. For instance, instead of stressing about having the "picture-perfect" Christmas decor like on Pinterest or TV, we can keep our home focused with maybe a Nativity as the centerpiece and not worry if everything isn't lavish. Often, simpler celebrations with heartfelt worship are more fulfilling than busting the bank for extravagant displays.
Keep Christ Central in Activities: We'll talk more in the practical section, but basically, ensure that worship and reflection on Christ's birth aren't squeezed out by the busyness. Many Christians attend a Christmas Eve candlelight service or carve out time to read Luke 2 as a family before opening gifts – these habits deliberately put Jesus in the spotlight before the worldly stuff rushes in. Even something as simple as praying together on Christmas morning, thanking God for His "indescribable gift" (2 Cor 9:15), can recalibrate everyone's hearts.
Ultimately, commercialization is a call to Christians to be counter-cultural. Romans 12:2 says "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." We can enjoy festive gift-giving and shopping as part of the season, but we refuse to let it dominate our mindset.
We guard the holiness of the holiday – literally holy-day – by not allowing consumer idols to replace our focus on Jesus. If we find that the pursuit of the perfect Christmas (lights, gifts, etc.) is making us anxious, angry, or greedy, then we need to step back and re-center.
By keeping a distinct testimony in how we spend our time and money at Christmas, we actually address this concern head-on and show a better way. While others chase sales, we cherish the Savior.
Concern 3: "What about Santa Claus? Is it wrong to include him in our celebrations?"
Santa Claus is a figure that many Christian parents feel uneasy about. On one hand, Santa is a beloved cultural tradition – a fun, imaginative part of childhood for many, associated with excitement and generosity. On the other hand, the Santa story is fictional – telling children that a man in a red suit comes down the chimney with gifts.
Some worry this could either deceive kids or, when they eventually learn the truth, harm their trust (i.e., "Were we lying about Jesus too?"). Additionally, Santa sometimes seems to take center stage over Jesus in Christmas celebrations. Kids might think more about Santa's arrival than the birth of Christ.
There's also the "naughty or nice" moralism Santa is based on: "He's making a list, checking it twice… gonna find out who's naughty or nice." This essentially teaches that good behavior earns rewards (presents) and bad behavior means you get nothing (or a lump of coal). As several Christian commentators note, this is the opposite of the gospel, which says we receive God's gift of grace despite our sin (none of us could earn salvation by being "nice").
So how should Christians handle Santa? There are a few approaches:
Avoidance: Some Christian parents choose not to include Santa at all. They tell their kids plainly that Santa is pretend, not real. For example, Pastor John Piper shared that in his family they "never even mentioned Santa Claus… If the kids asked, we said, 'That's not a real story… it has nothing to do with Christmas in reality.'" Instead, they focused entirely on Jesus – doing things like a manger scene and giving gifts in Jesus' name. This approach ensures clarity: children know Christmas is about Jesus, not Santa.
Redefine/Integrate with Truth: Other families choose a middle path: they teach the historical truth of St. Nicholas and connect Santa to that. They might say, "Santa was inspired by a real Christian man, Saint Nicholas, who gave to the poor because he loved Jesus. Now people celebrate his spirit of giving." In this way, Santa is demythologized a bit and tied back to Christian charity. Some will explicitly tell kids that today's Santa is like a make-believe game we all play to remember St. Nicholas's example of generosity.
Participate in Santa as Make-Believe (temporarily): Some Christian parents do go ahead and "do Santa" – writing letters, leaving cookies out – but they strive to keep Jesus still central and plan to gently reveal the truth when the child is old enough. They might consider it an imaginative game that children enjoy, akin to playing make-believe. When done carefully, children often transition out of belief in Santa around age 6-8 and, if handled well, they don't feel betrayed; they understand it was a fun tradition of make-believe and that their parents were giving the gifts out of love. The key if choosing this route is to not let Santa eclipse Jesus.
From a discipleship perspective, the main issues with Santa are truth-telling and emphasis. We should never outright lie in a way that violates trust. If a child point-blank asks, "Is Santa real?", many Christian parents will not lie; they might turn the question around ("What do you think?") to gauge if the child is ready to know.
From a theological perspective, the moralistic "be good for Santa" theme can be countered by parents explicitly teaching grace: i.e., "We give gifts not because you earned them by being good (we all have bad days!) but because we love you – just like God gave us Jesus out of love, not because we were good." This can turn Santa's narrative on its head within the Christian home.
So, is it wrong to include Santa? Not inherently – it depends on how it's handled. Many faithful Christians have fond Santa traditions and it didn't harm their faith at all; others avoid him and that's fine too. Romans 14 freedom applies here as well. The key is to be truthful and keep priorities straight.
As one pastor remarked, "The way we celebrate Christmas amounts to idolatry whenever we put something – presents, food, even family – in the place of God. But for many Christians, Christmas is a wonderful celebration of the birth of Christ. We celebrate in honor of our Savior." Santa can be one of those "somethings" that either becomes an idol (if he crowds out Christ) or just a bit of innocent fun (if kept in proper place). Each family must judge wisely.
Concern 4: "Does Christmas dilute or confuse the gospel message?"
Some worry that all the festivities and non-religious traditions might dilute the distinct Christian message. The fear is that Christmas becomes a sentimental holiday about peace, love, family – all good things, but people may stop short of the full gospel (our need for salvation, Jesus as Lord and Savior, not just baby Jesus in a manger).
Even among Christians, there's a temptation to leave Jesus as an infant in the crèche, rather than the crucified and risen Lord. The manger scene is powerful, but we must remember it leads to the cross and empty tomb. If Christmas is isolated from Easter, the gospel can be obscured.
Also, culturally, some feel Christmas promotes a generic message of "be good, be kind" (as exemplified in many Christmas movies that conclude with humanistic warmth, but no Christ). The concern is that people think that is the essence of Christianity – i.e., a sort of Santa-gospel of being nice equals going to heaven, which is false.
How to address this?
First, the responsibility is on the Church and Christian parents/teachers to clearly articulate the gospel during Christmas. We should explicitly connect the cradle to the cross: explaining that "the Son of God was born so that He could one day die for our sins and rise again – the birth is just the beginning of the Gospel story."
For example, when telling the Christmas story, include Matthew 1:21: "You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." The angel's message already included the gospel purpose. Also Simeon's prophecy (Luke 2:30-32) speaks of salvation for all peoples. By highlighting those scriptures, we ensure the gospel is front and center, not just the "cute baby" aspect.
Second, counter the moralism by teaching grace: As noted, emphasize that Jesus came because we couldn't be "good enough" on our own. Christmas should humble us (God had to intervene) even as it lifts us (God loves us so much He sent His Son).
If children mention Santa's naughty/nice list, it's a perfect chance to contrast that with Jesus: "Santa might give you coal if you're bad, but Jesus offers us love even though we've all been bad sometimes. Isn't that wonderful? He came to save naughty people!" Not that we encourage naughtiness, but we highlight grace.
The true gospel is "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8), and "by grace you have been saved, not by works" (Eph 2:8-9). We can incorporate those truths into Christmas teaching.
Third, realize that much of the cultural Christmas ethos ("peace on earth, goodwill to men") actually comes from the Bible, and thus it's an entry point to deeper truth. People long for peace and goodwill; the gospel explains how we can have peace with God and genuine goodwill (through changed hearts).
Rather than seeing the cultural feel-good messages as purely dilution, we can see them as fragments of the real message. Our task is to complete the picture. For instance, many love the idea of the "spirit of giving" at Christmas – we connect that to "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son" (John 3:16). Many talk about light in darkness with Christmas lights – we say "Jesus is the Light of the World" (John 8:12). In doing so, we inject the specifically Christian content into the otherwise vague concepts floating around.
So yes, the culture's version can be a diluted gospel, but we can enrich it with the full gospel. One common slogan in Christian circles is "Keep Christ in Christmas." It's become almost cliché, but it's true that we must be intentional to keep the celebration Christ-centric. Otherwise, all the other stuff will naturally take over because our culture pushes that.
Practically, this might mean prioritizing worship (attending church services, singing Christ-focused carols, reading Scripture) above all the Santa/movies/gifts, etc. If kids see that the most important traditions in your family are the ones about Jesus, that will send a strong message.
In short, the concern that Christmas might dilute the gospel is valid if we let the holiday be only cultural. But if we intentionally tie everything back to the gospel, Christmas becomes one of the strongest gospel reinforcements.
Having addressed these concerns, we find that none of them are insurmountable. Pagan origins can be nullified by Christian reorientation. Commercialization can be countered by conscious Christ-centered simplicity and generosity. Santa can be handled in a truthful, minimized way or omitted to keep focus on Christ. Gospel dilution can be prevented by robust teaching and emphasis on the full redemptive story.
Now let's turn to some practical applications - how can we apply these principles in our homes and churches?
Practical Applications
Now that we've established these biblical principles and addressed common concerns, let's get practical. How can we and our families celebrate Christmas in a way that honors Christ?
Forming and Evaluating Family Traditions
Every family has Christmas traditions, whether intentionally set or informally inherited. It's valuable to pause and evaluate them in light of your faith. Sit down (perhaps before the season starts) and consider each major tradition: Does this honor God? Is it harmless fun, or does it carry meanings that conflict with our beliefs?
Most will be neutral or positive. For example, baking cookies or watching "It's a Wonderful Life" are innocent activities for enjoyment – nothing unbiblical there. A problem might be if a tradition encourages greed (e.g., everyone making extravagant wish lists could feed covetousness) or if it causes undue stress that steals time from worship.
Keep the traditions that enhance your celebration or family bonding, modify those that need a more Christ-centered tweak, and feel free to discard those that hinder or have lost meaning.
When creating new traditions, base them on biblical principles or redeeming virtues. For instance, an Advent wreath with weekly Scripture readings can be a great tradition to prepare hearts. Or a "Jesse Tree" where each day of December you hang an ornament that represents a Bible story from creation to Christ, tracing God's redemptive plan – a wonderful teaching tool for kids. These kinds of traditions directly reinforce the gospel narrative.
But even simple secular traditions can be given a spiritual dimension: if your family loves decorating the tree together, you might begin that time with a short prayer of thanks for the "evergreen" love of God or play Christ-honoring carols as you decorate.
Balance fun and reverence. It's perfectly okay to have purely fun traditions (like ugly sweater contests or building gingerbread houses) – Christianity isn't joyless! But ensure there is also space for reverent worship and reflection.
Plan ahead to avoid overload. Often the meaning of Christmas gets lost simply because we're overbooked with parties, pageants, shopping, etc. Proactively set boundaries: maybe limit how many events you'll commit to, so that you protect quiet family time or Sunday worship from being squeezed out.
Teaching Children the Meaning of Christmas
Christmas offers a golden opportunity for family discipleship. Kids are curious and excited, and there are many tangible elements that can teach spiritual truths. Here are ways to teach effectively during this season:
Tell the Nativity Story often and creatively. Read the accounts from Luke 1–2 and Matthew 1–2 together. Use a children's Bible for little ones or even act it out with costumes or figurines. Perhaps have the children set up the Nativity scene piece by piece as you read (placing Mary and Joseph, then baby Jesus, then shepherds, etc., as their parts of the story come). This engages them.
Connect Christmas to the Gospel in child-friendly terms. For example: "Jesus came as a baby because He had to become human like us to take our punishment. He grew up and one day died for our sins and then rose again. Christmas is the start of that rescue plan!" Even with young kids, you can convey: "Baby Jesus didn't stay a baby – He became our Hero!"
Use Object Lessons. Kids learn well with visuals. A candy cane can teach about Jesus the Shepherd and His sacrifice. A wreath (a circle) can teach about God's eternal love and the crown of thorns. Christmas lights can teach how Jesus is the Light in our darkness, and how we also shine His light (Matthew 5:14). Even the evergreen tree – always green – can symbolize eternal life that Jesus gives.
Involve children in giving and serving. Have them pick out a toy they already own to donate to a less fortunate child, or use some of their saved allowance to buy a gift for someone in need. Maybe bake cookies together and deliver to an elderly neighbor with a homemade card that says "Jesus loves you!" These activities teach that Christmas is about sharing God's love, not just receiving.
Answer their questions honestly. Kids may ask, "Why do we do XYZ at Christmas?" Don't brush it off with "Oh, it's just what we do." Use it as an opening. If they ask about Santa, be gentle and truthful at a level they can handle (as discussed above). If they ask "Was Jesus really born on Dec 25?" you can explain, "We don't know the exact date, but this is the day Christians chose long ago to celebrate it. The important thing is that He was born, not the date."
In essence, saturate the season with teachable moments. The goal is that your children, as they grow, don't just associate Christmas with presents and fun, but with the foundational truth: "God so loved the world that He gave His Son."
Respecting Different Convictions Among Believers
Within any church or extended family, you'll find a spectrum of Christmas practices. Some decorate every inch and fully embrace Santa for the kids; others keep it very minimal and avoid any "secular" elements. Some might not celebrate at all for personal reasons. How do we maintain unity and love amid these differences?
First, remember Romans 14:3-6 – do not judge one another over disputable matters. If you have a strong conviction, it's fine to explain your perspective if asked, but avoid a dogmatic or disdainful attitude.
For example, if you choose not to celebrate Christmas, don't label those who do as "compromisers" or "pagan" - that's hurtful and likely inaccurate regarding their motives. Conversely, if you do celebrate, don't mock someone who doesn't as a "Scrooge" or assume they're legalistic – they may have sincere reasons.
Extend grace and understanding.
Often, these conversations can be handled by focusing on the common ground: We all agree Jesus was born and that's glorious. We all likely agree that whatever we do should honor Him. The rest is a matter of application.
In families, if you have relatives with different approaches, communicate in advance to avoid conflict. For instance, if grandparents love to spoil kids with tons of gifts but you're trying to teach simplicity, politely discuss a compromise. Or if you don't do Santa but you visit relatives who do, prepare your kids so they won't blurt out "Santa isn't real" to their little cousins – maybe coordinate with those parents on how to handle it.
The key is charity – "Love is patient and kind… it does not insist on its own way" (1 Cor 13:4-5). For the sake of peace and relationship, we might flex a bit.
Don't let Christmas divide the church. It's tragic if, in celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace, believers get into fights. Make allowance for each other's traditions.
Keeping Christ at the Center
Finally, perhaps the most crucial practical aspect: actively keeping Christ at the center of all the celebration. This has been implied in much of the above, but to distill some specific strategies:
Begin the Season with Prayer. As Advent or December starts, pray personally and/or as a family dedicating the season to God. Ask God to help you honor Him, to not lose sight of Jesus amidst everything. This act of surrender can set the tone.
Prioritize Worship Services. Make church attendance on Sundays in December and on Christmas Eve/Day a non-negotiable part of your schedule. Plan around them, not vice versa. Many churches have special Christmas services – attend those. They often are designed to focus on Jesus through Scripture and song in a way personal devotions might not fully.
Use Advent Devotionals or Bible Reading Plan. Many believers use an Advent devotional guide through December. It might have a short daily reading and meditation on a prophecy or name of Christ (like one day on "Jesus is the Lamb of God," next on "Jesus is the Light," etc.). This daily refocusing on an aspect of Christ keeps your mind aligned with Him even as other tasks swirl.
Include Christ-Centered Music. Music powerfully shapes atmosphere and focus. There are plenty of rich Christmas carols and hymns that exalt Christ's birth – incorporate those into your playlist more than the secular jingles. Singing along to "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" or "O Holy Night" in the car or at home can turn a mundane moment into worship.
Make the Nativity Scene Front and Center. Physically, you can symbolize Christ at center by making the Nativity the most prominent decoration in your home. Some families even leave baby Jesus out of the manger until Christmas morning to build anticipation (symbolically "waiting" for Jesus).
Pray often during the festivities. For example, before opening gifts, pause and pray, thanking God for the "indescribable gift" of Jesus (2 Cor 9:15) and asking that your family's enjoyment of presents would be in a spirit of gratitude and love. When sitting down to Christmas dinner, pray and acknowledge Jesus as the "guest of honor" at your table. These prayers anchor the time in Christ.
Tell the Gospel Story to someone. Make it a personal mission to verbally share the gospel with at least one person during Christmas time. It could be a friend, a neighbor, or even via a Christmas card letter where you include a heartfelt note about what Christ means to you. When you actively share about Jesus, it cements Him at the center of your celebration.
In conclusion of practical tips: Christ will be at the center of Christmas if He is at the center of our hearts (Col 3:17). The external practices help, but it truly comes down to our personal devotion.
Conclusion: Finding Freedom in Christ
We've covered a lot of ground today. Let me summarize what we've learned:
Celebrating Christmas is a matter of Christian freedom - neither commanded nor forbidden in Scripture (Romans 14:5-6). Each believer should be fully convinced in their own mind and honor the Lord with their choice.
Christmas has a complex history, evolving from a celebration of Christ's birth to include many cultural elements over the centuries. Understanding this helps us discern which aspects align with our faith.
While concerns about pagan origins, commercialization, Santa Claus, and message dilution are valid, none are insurmountable if we approach Christmas with biblical wisdom and intentionality.
Practically, we can keep Christ at the center through thoughtful traditions, teaching children the true meaning, respecting different convictions, and prioritizing worship.
Whatever decision you make about Christmas - whether to celebrate fully, partially, or not at all - let it be made with biblical principles in mind, with a clear conscience before God, and with love toward others who may make different choices.
If you do celebrate, let your celebration be distinctively Christian - focused on Jesus, characterized by generosity and joy, and creating opportunities to share the gospel.
If you choose not to celebrate, do so with grace toward those who do, without judgment or condemnation, remembering that we all serve the same Lord.
And for all of us, let's keep our eyes fixed on the magnificent truth at the heart of Christmas: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
That truth is worth celebrating, not just in December, but every day of the year.
Next week, we'll take another step in our holiday series by exploring "How should Christians respond to Halloween?" Until then, I encourage you to prayerfully consider how God might be leading you to approach Christmas this year. May your decisions be guided by His wisdom and filled with His peace.
Thank you for joining me today on Word for Word. Whether you're decorating a tree or keeping it simple, may Christ be glorified in all you do.
References and Further Reading:
"Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?" - GotQuestions.org
"Redeeming Christmas" - John MacArthur, Grace to You
"The Origin of Christmas" - Biblical Archaeology Society
"Christmas in Puritan New England" - History.com
"A Brief History of Christmas" - Britannica
"Rethinking Santa" - Focus on the Family
"Christmas: Celebrating the Christian History" - Christianity Today
"The Bible and Christian Liberty" - Ligonier Ministries
