The Origins of Christmas

Christmas, Truth, Tradition, and the Biblical Witness

Christmas is widely presented as a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Many people sincerely associate it with worship, family, giving, and goodwill. However, believers who desire to follow Christ faithfully must test every religious practice by Scripture, not by custom or emotion. The key question is whether Christmas is commanded, taught, or modelled in the Word of God, or whether it is a tradition added later by men.

Scripture and Authority

The Measure of True Worship

The Bible warns that tradition can replace obedience to God. Therefore, believers must ask whether a practice is established in the New Testament pattern of the Church. Where Scripture is silent, wisdom requires caution. Faith is safest when it rests on clear biblical authority, not on familiarity or social expectation.

The New Testament Record

No Command to Keep a Birth Festival

The New Testament records Christ’s birth, yet it does not appoint a yearly celebration for it. The word Christmas does not appear in the Bible. Neither Jesus nor the apostles instructed believers to observe His birth as a holy day. After the resurrection, apostolic preaching centred on the gospel, Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. This message is presented as of first importance, showing where the Spirit placed the Church’s main focus.

The Date Question

Why December 25 Is Not a Biblical Foundation

Scripture gives no date for the birth of Jesus. Details in Luke suggest conditions that do not naturally fit mid winter. If God intended a yearly birth observance, He could have clearly revealed both the time and the manner. The absence of such instruction is significant, and it calls believers to careful discernment rather than assumption.

Customs and Spiritual Influence

Testing the Spirit of Religious Observance

The Bible teaches that religious practices carry a spirit and must be tried. Much of what is called the Christmas spirit can be produced by atmosphere, music, and social pressure, rather than flowing from the Spirit of God in a regenerated heart. Scripture also warns against learning the way of the heathen and against religious mixture, where borrowed customs are relabelled with Christian language.

Honouring Christ in the Gospel Day

Obedience, Holy Living, and Gospel Witness

The birth of Christ is precious because it declares God manifested in the flesh. Yet the manger points forward to the cross. Redemption was accomplished through Christ’s finished work, not through a calendar date. Believers honour Christ today by obeying His Word, living holy lives, and proclaiming the gospel. Love for Christ is shown by obedience, not ceremony. When believers choose Scripture above tradition, they walk in clearer light and deeper fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.