138 – Dan – “Is it wrong to celebrate Christmas if your motive is right?”
“No email available. This was a personal exchange between me and Dan, on the subject of whether or not it is justifiable for Christians to celebrate Christmas, even though it is rooted historically in paganism.”
Comfort & Fear: The Thieves of Sacrifice
Christmas. Traditionally, a time of joy, family, and celebration. But what if this beloved holiday is subtly stealing something precious from our relationship with Christ? What if, in our well-intentioned festivities, we are sacrificing true devotion on the altar of traditions, rooted in paganism?
The world and flesh love Christmas. But as believers, we are called to a higher standard: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1) Our worship must be rooted in obedience, not warm feelings, or traditions of men.
It is no longer deniable that Christmas is rooted in paganism. The danger, like in today’s recording to Dan, lies in justification because of our desire for comfort or our fears of loss. We find ourselves in Genesis 15:11, where birds of prey descended upon Abram's sacrifice. Like Abram, we may be on the verge of doing the right thing, making a sacrifice for God, when the "birds of prey" of corrupt human reasoning swoop in. "Well, my motive is pure," we argue. "I'm not celebrating paganism, I'm celebrating Jesus." Good intentions can be corrupted if they are not aligned with God's commands.
Jesus himself warned us against prioritizing tradition over obedience: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!" (Mark 7:9) Nowhere in Scripture are we commanded to celebrate Christ's birth. In fact, the only event we are specifically instructed to remember is His death. "Do this in remembrance of me," He said at the Last Supper. (1 Corinthians 11:24)
When it comes to Christmas, let us examine our hearts. Are we truly worshipping God in spirit and truth, or are we clinging to traditions that may be hindering our devotion? Choosing obedience may require sacrifice, a letting go of cherished customs. But remember, God promises resurrection life on the other side of any death that results from our willingness to worship Him fully. "Do not go beyond what is written." (1 Corinthians 4:6) Let us not allow the thief of sacrifice to rob us of the true joy – a heart fully devoted to Christ.
