The celebration of Christmas, while embraced by most Christians as a time to honor the birth of Jesus Christ, has come under scrutiny from certain modern and traditional authors who argue that many customs associated with the holiday are non-biblical, rooted in paganism, or detract from the true significance of Christ’s incarnation. This essay explores the critiques of Christmas by notable Christian thinkers, examines the historical and cultural origins of its traditions, and presents alternative ways to celebrate that align more closely with biblical principles.
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The Historical Roots of Christmas Traditions
The Date of December 25th
The Bible does not specify the date of Jesus’ birth, and the selection of December 25th as Christmas Day is widely believed to have been influenced by pre-Christian pagan festivals. The Roman celebration of Saturnalia, a festival honoring the god Saturn with feasting and gift-giving, occurred in late December. Additionally, the Roman festival Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (the “Birthday of the Unconquered Sun”), a celebration of the winter solstice and the sun god, also fell on December 25th.
Many scholars believe early Christians chose this date to provide a Christian alternative to pagan celebrations and to make Christianity more accessible to Roman converts. This decision, however, has led some to argue that associating Christ’s birth with a pagan date compromises the holiness and distinctiveness of the Christian faith. As Colossians 2:8 warns:
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
The Christmas Tree and Other Decorations
The use of evergreen trees, holly, and mistletoe predates Christianity and was associated with pagan practices symbolizing life and fertility during the winter months. Martin Luther is often credited with introducing the tradition of decorating Christmas trees with lights in the 16th century, drawing inspiration from the stars shining through the trees.
However, critics like Charles Spurgeon, the famous 19th-century preacher, cautioned against adopting secular customs in worship, stating:
“We have no superstitious regard for times and seasons. Certainly, we do not believe in the present ecclesiastical arrangement called Christmas…because we find no scriptural warrant whatever for observing any day as the birthday of the Savior.”
Psalm 96:9 provides a timeless standard for worship:
“Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.”
This verse reminds Christians that worship should always reflect God’s holiness rather than human traditions.
Santa Claus and Gift-Giving
The modern figure of Santa Claus is derived from Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity, and from Norse mythology’s Odin. Critics point out that the commercialization of Santa Claus and the emphasis on material gift-giving have shifted the focus away from Christ’s birth to consumerism and folklore. This shift reflects a troubling emphasis on worldly values over biblical truth.
As Jesus warned in Matthew 6:19-21:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Modern Critiques of Christmas Traditions
John Piper: Keep Christ at the Center
Contemporary theologian John Piper warns that the commercialism of Christmas often replaces the worship of Christ with the worship of materialism. He emphasizes that Christians must reclaim the holiday as a time for exalting Jesus, not indulging in secular distractions:
“If Christ is not at the center of your celebration, whatever you are celebrating, it is not Christmas.”
Piper challenges believers to focus on the theological significance of the incarnation—God becoming flesh to dwell among us (John 1:14)—rather than allowing cultural traditions to obscure the message of the gospel.
Paul Washer: A Call to Purity in Worship
Evangelist Paul Washer has expressed concerns about how Christmas practices can lead to syncretism, the blending of biblical truth with pagan or worldly influences. He calls Christians to purify their worship and avoid practices that may compromise their witness:
“If a practice, no matter how innocent it may seem, detracts from the glory of Christ or leads to confusion about who we worship, it must be cast aside.”
Washer’s critique aligns with the biblical command in Romans 12:2:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
A.W. Pink: Biblical Worship Above All
Theologian Arthur W. Pink warned against traditions not rooted in Scripture, arguing that they often distort the simplicity and purity of biblical worship. Regarding Christmas, he stated:
“To mix the sacred with the profane is to dishonor the things of God.”
Pink’s writings echo a call for Christians to evaluate whether their traditions glorify God or merely conform to cultural norms.
Theological Concerns with Christmas
1. A Misrepresentation of the Incarnation
Critics argue that the commercialization of Christmas obscures the profound mystery of the incarnation: that God the Son took on human flesh to redeem humanity (Philippians 2:6-8). The emphasis on sentimentalism, decorations, and folklore can dilute the theological richness of this event.
2. A Failure to Separate from the World
Scripture calls Christians to be set apart from worldly practices. As 2 Corinthians 6:17 exhorts:
“Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
Adopting customs rooted in paganism or commercialism compromises this call and confuses the Church’s witness.
3. Idolatry of Tradition
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for prioritizing human traditions over God’s commands. Mark 7:8 records His words:
“You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”
Similarly, critics of Christmas traditions warn against elevating cultural practices above biblical truth, turning the holiday into an idol rather than a celebration of Christ.
Biblical Principles for Celebrating the Birth of Christ
While Scripture does not command the celebration of Jesus’ birth, it provides principles for worshiping God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Believers who choose to celebrate Christmas can do so in ways that honor these principles:
1. Focus on Worship and Thanksgiving
Christians can emphasize the worship of Christ through singing hymns, reading Scripture, and reflecting on the significance of His birth. Luke 2:10-14 recounts the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth, offering a model of joy and praise:
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”
Christ-Centered Holidays: A Renewed Focus
In a culture often overwhelmed by secular traditions and consumerism, Christians can reclaim holidays like Christmas and Easter by reshaping them to reflect their faith in Christ. This approach emphasizes worship, biblical reflection, and service over materialism and cultural distractions. By grounding celebrations in Scripture, families can honor Jesus and teach future generations the true meaning of faith, focusing on Christ’s incarnation, resurrection, and ultimate redemption.
This method encourages believers to engage in intentional practices such as reading Scripture, worshiping through hymns, serving the needy, and creating family traditions that prioritize God’s work in redemption. For example, Christmas can center on the humility and wonder of Christ’s birth, while Easter can be a time to reflect deeply on His death and resurrection. Even culturally neutral holidays like Thanksgiving can be redefined as occasions for gratitude to God for His provision and faithfulness.
Ultimately, the goal is to glorify God and proclaim the gospel in every celebration, transforming holidays into opportunities for worship and witness. As the apostle Paul reminds us, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). By reclaiming the calendar for Christ, Christians can honor Him and shine His light to a watching world.
Why Churches Use Trees and Decorations
Many churches incorporate Christmas trees, lights, and decorations as part of their celebrations. While these elements are not rooted in Scripture, they have become ingrained in modern traditions, making them difficult to escape. Some churches use these items symbolically to point to Christ, though their origins remain tied to cultural customs rather than biblical instruction.
Here are a few common symbolic “connections” often made:
- Evergreens: Represent eternal life through Christ.
- Lights: Symbolize Jesus as the “light of the world” (John 8:12).
- Stars: Reflect the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Magi to Jesus (Matthew 2:9-10).
Conclusion
The celebration of Christmas is a complex issue for many Christians, combining elements of biblical commemoration, cultural tradition, and secular influence. While some view it as a meaningful opportunity to honor Christ’s birth, others see it as a distortion of biblical truth that demands careful re-evaluation.
As Paul writes in Colossians 3:17:
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
By critically examining traditions and focusing on Christ, Christians can redeem the season as a time to proclaim the profound truth of Emmanuel—God with us.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
