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What is Christmas anyway? Is it decorated trees, bustling malls, cookies and breads? Is it mangers, animals, shepherds and wise men? Is it candles, carols and special prayers? Is it visits to relative’s homes complete with a big meal and opening presents?
Perhaps any or all of these things are associated with Christmas, but none of them IS Christmas. Tossing aside the shady origin of the word Christmas along with how various traditions started, Christmas should be an intimate celebration within our hearts of all Christ came to do and did. Whether Christ was born in December, September, April or July; the true meaning of Christmas is not WHEN He was born but rather THAT His birth, life and death redeemed us.
I believe that if God wanted us to set aside A DAY to celebrate the birth of His Son, He would have stated in His Word when that day is. God certainly gave specific instructions as to when His feasts in the Old Testament were to be observed. It is very simple to determine when Jesus died, was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven. But, there is absolutely no way to accurately determine when Jesus Christ was born.
There is absolutely no indication the early Church ever did anything to recognize the birthday of Jesus Christ. There is nothing in the Bible urging Christians are to set aside a day to solemnly remember every detail of Jesus’ birth. This is not because His birth is unimportant, but rather because God does not want His people emphasizing the date instead of the redemptive work in Christ.
The meaning of Christmas is not found in the baby lying in the manger surrounded by animals, shepherds and wise men. The meaning of Christmas is not found in the details of His birth but rather the great truth that Jesus did indeed come into this world to redeem and save us from our sins. To be our redeemer He had to be born a man or His death would not have satisfied God’s justice.
The birth of Jesus is no more important than His perfect life, His suffering or His death. It took all these things for Him to be our Savior and ultimately our Lord. Again; that which is important is not WHEN Jesus was born but rather THAT His birth allowed God to redeem us.
Long ago I decided that it was perfectly fine to put up a Christmas tree, hang lights and celebrate a holiday December 25th. If find nothing wrong in pausing to remember the birth of our Lord Jesus during this time of year, but I do not believe we are elevate one day above all others and turn it into some kind of holy day. Christmas is not A holy day in God’s eyes but rather ANY day we pause and thank God for His abundant grace and mercy found in the birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension of His Son.
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