Can Christians celebrate Christmas? This is a debate that has been pestering Christians for years.
The short answer? Yes.
Here is why…
First, we must know the importance of purity in worship and resisting Satan’s attempts to infiltrate and distort the faith.
The issue is not whether Christians can celebrate Jesus’ birth but how they should do so in a way that honors God and aligns with biblical principles. Celebration is not condemned; in fact, the Bible is filled with examples of rejoicing in God’s works:
Luke 2:10-14: The angels rejoiced at Jesus’ birth, proclaiming peace and goodwill.
Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Scriptural Warning
However, Scripture also warns against mixing true worship with elements rooted in falsehood or idolatry:
Deuteronomy 12:30-31: “Take care that you be not ensnared to follow them… You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way.”
2 Corinthians 6:14-15: “What partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial?”
We must understand (and the fact is greatly ignored or dismissed in churches) that Satan has indeed infiltrated the churches. He attacks believers in Christ in two ways;
1. Dismissing the truth by convincing some that it is illegal to celebrate it (telling us about the worship of false gods like Sol Invictus and the feast of Saturnalia. Yes, this is true, but it is how we celebrate Jesus on this day that matters.
If Christmas celebrations are genuinely focused on Jesus Christ, honoring His birth and reflecting His teachings without incorporating pagan rituals and symbols, it effectively replaces Saturnalia and any other pagan celebrations. Such a Christ-centered celebration would redeem the date from its historical associations and turn it into a time to glorify God
2. Twisting the truth and mixing the earthly pagan worship rituals into the celebration, like the tree, mistletoe, yule log, santa claus, etc.
He wants to divide the Christians, and has been doing that since the beginning (example: all the various denominations). This way, he spreads discrimination, feelings of superiority, entitlement, and hatred among God’s people.
And THIS is exactly how he manages to damage our relationship with God. So, yes, it is true that Saturnalia was also celebrated on 25 December.
So, can we celebrate the birth of Christ on 25 December?
Yes.
Can we have a tree, yule log, mistletoe, etc.? No.
Because that is mixing the honouring of God with pagan rituals.
The main question becomes:
Does the way we celebrate Jesus’ birth reflect worship in spirit and truth?
The Torah is clear about the Holy Days instructed by God, but Jesus was not born on any of those days. Did God approve other days on which the Israelites celebrated God on a day that they decided? Yes.
Esther 9:22 KJV: “As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.”
The gifts were not about wealth or extravagance but were portions of food shared out of love and gratitude, showing that celebration should not be about materialism but about community and generosity.
Satan’s strategy of division among Christians has been effective throughout history. The emergence of various denominations and disagreements over doctrines often leads to feelings of Superiority and Entitlement. Believers may judge others based on how they celebrate or whether they choose to celebrate at all.
Hatred and Discrimination within the body of Christ.
Hatred and Discrimination due to differences in practice can lead to unnecessary conflict within the body of Christ.
Paul warns against such divisions in 1 Corinthians 1:10: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
Focus on Christ
The focus must remain on Christ, not on judging others for their choices regarding non-essential matters.
To celebrate Christmas in a way that honors God, Christians should:
Focus on Jesus and ensure the celebration revolves around the incarnation, worshiping Jesus as the Savior of the world.
Luke 2:11: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Avoid Pagan Symbols by reject practices like the tree, mistletoe, yule log, and Santa Claus, that is clearly linked to pagan rituals and distract from God’s glory.
Practice Generosity and Love to reflect God’s character by using the season to serve others, give generously, and demonstrate Christ’s love.
Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Worship in Spirit and Truth
Worship in Spirit and Truth. Spend time in prayer, Scripture reading, and singing hymns or songs that glorify God.
John 4:24: “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
While some may choose to celebrate Christmas and others may abstain, Christians must extend grace and unity toward one another:
Romans 14:5-6: “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord.”
Ephesians 4:3: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Do not judge others
We must avoid judging others for their choices regarding Christmas and ensure that our personal practices align with biblical principles.
Yes, Christians can celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25, but the focus must remain on Jesus, free from pagan influences. Incorporating symbols like the tree, mistletoe, yule log, or Santa Claus is inappropriate because it mixes the worship of God with elements rooted in idolatry, which Scripture explicitly warns against.
When we celebrate in a way that honors God, rejects pagan practices, and promotes love and unity among believers, Christians can use Christmas as an opportunity to glorify God and share the message of salvation in Christ. Satan’s attempts to distort and divide must be countered with obedience to God’s Word and a commitment to pure worship.