Introduction:

1. This is a question that requires a multi-faceted answer.

2. We will consider four main factors including:

a. What the Bible says about the birth of Jesus

b. The history and meaning of Christmas

c. The question of the church celebrating Christmas

d. The question of individuals celebrating Christmas

Discussion:

I. The Biblical Account

A. All we know of the time of His birth is Augustus was Caesar in Rome and Quirinius was governor of Syria (Luke 2:1-2).

B. The best estimate for the date is between 4-6 B.C.

C. We do not know the exact year let alone the date.

II. Christmas: Its History and Meaning

A. Sextus Julius Africanus popularized the idea that Jesus was born on December 25th in his Chronographiai (ca. 221 AD).

B. This date was based exclusively on three ideas:

1. The assumption that Jesus died on March 25.

2. Some Jews believed prophets die on their conception date.

3. The assumption of exactly a nine-month gestation period if Jesus were in fact conceived on March 25

C. Orthodox churches celebrate Jesus’ birth on January 6/7th.

D. The earliest reference to the celebration of Christmas is in a calendar from 354 AD.

E. Christmas means “Mass of Christ” prompting Protestant churches to condemn it as “trappings of popery.”

F. It was banned by the Puritans from 1647 until 1660.

G. It was declared a national US holiday in 1870.

III. Christmas As a Work of the Church

A. Whether or not any intrinsic sin is involved in celebrating Jesus’ birth, it seems unwise for the church to participate.

1. The only memorial in the New Testament is that of Christ’s death (Matthew 26:26-29; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34).

2. Due to the controversy, it is sure to offend some and cause others to stumble (Romans 14:13-23; 1 Corinthians 8).

B. Therefore, it is best for the church as a body to abstain.

IV. Christmas As a Personal Celebration

A. Many biblical principles restrain me from denying the right of individuals to personal celebration.

1. Paul took part in various Jewish customs not part of the NT (1 Corinthians 9:19-20; Acts 16:1-3; 18:18-21; 21:17-26).

2. It is acceptable to esteem one day above another if the practices are not inherently sinful (Romans 14:5-6).

3. The origin of a thing does not make it sinful; the practices and intentions involved determine that (1 Corinthians 8; 10:23-30).

B. Thomas Warren’s constituent elements argument is helpful.

1. Any total situation (e.g. Christmas), the constituent elements (individual parts) of which being Scripturally acceptable, must itself likewise be acceptable.

2. Therefore, it is acceptable if the elements involved do not violate Scriptural principles.

Conclusion:

1. There have been fissures in the body of Christ over Christmas.

2. For this, the corporate body is wise to abstain.

3. Individuals must make their own choice in the matter, and we must avoid condemning those who differ (Romans 14:13-19).

4. I am glad that so many people are thinking of Jesus’ birth, but Christians should be thankful for His coming every day.