The Bible does not explicitly mention or forbid the celebration of Christmas. No specific verse directly states that Christmas should not be celebrated. The origins and traditions of Christmas as a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ developed later in Christian history and are not addressed directly in the biblical texts. However, there are a few verses that some individuals reference in discussions about Christian practices and holidays like Christmas:
Jeremiah 10:2-4
Thus saith the Lord, 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 with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
Jeremiah 10:2-4
Colossians 2:16-17
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Colossians 2:16-17
Romans 14:5-6
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Romans 14:5-6
What teaching does the Bible give us about the celebration of Christmas?
In the Bible, there is no direct instruction or prohibition concerning the celebration of Christmas. This holiday, which we now recognize as the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, was established later in Christian history, beyond the biblical texts. The Bible itself does not provide specific details or commands regarding Christmas.
Understanding the Biblical Silence
Since the Bible does not specifically mention Christmas, it’s important to note that many of the traditions associated with Christmas, such as decorating a Christmas tree, giving gifts, and celebrating on December 25th, were developed over centuries within the Christian community. These traditions are not biblically mandated, but have been adopted as ways to celebrate and remember the significant event of Jesus Christ’s birth.
Guidance from the Scripture
While Christmas as a celebration isn’t outlined in the Bible, there are passages that guide Christians in their approach to holidays and traditions. For instance, Romans 14:5-6 encourages believers to make personal decisions about which days to hold in esteem, always keeping in mind that whatever decision they make should honor God. According to this passage, whether a person chooses to specifically celebrate Christmas or treat it like any other day, the key is that they are doing it in reverence to God.
In Colossians 2:16-17, the Apostle Paul advises not to let anyone judge them in matters of food, drink, or holidays. The essence of this teaching is that such outward practices are but a shadow compared to the reality found in Christ. This suggests that what matters most is not the external observance of the holiday but the internal significance and the focus on Christ.
Furthermore, Jeremiah 10:2-4 is sometimes referenced in discussions about Christmas traditions like decorating trees. This verse warns against adopting pagan customs and practices. However, many theologians and scholars argue that the context of this passage is about idolatry and the crafting of idols, rather than specific customs like tree decorating.
What Matters in Celebration
Therefore, the biblical approach to Christmas and similar celebrations is more about the attitude and the heart with which one observes these days. The focus should always remain on Jesus Christ—celebrating His birth, reflecting on His life and teachings, and expressing gratitude for the salvation He brought. As long as the celebrations are conducted with reverence and in honor of God, they can be seen as an expression of faith and joy.
In conclusion, while the Bible does not specifically instruct believers to celebrate Christmas, neither does it forbid such a celebration. Each believer is encouraged to decide how best to honor God through their observance of special days, ensuring that their actions reflect a heart devoted to glorifying God.