It’s name recognition
is universal and, until recently, so was its appeal.
Who can resist a family
dinner with roast turkey, bread dressing, Christmas pudding, and all the
trimmings?
Or going into the
living room, a warm fire roaring, hot chocolate topped with marshmallows in the
mug, while gleeful children unwrap presents found under the Christmas tree?
Or listening to the
public singing of Christmas carols, with those time-honoured verses are still
able to stir the soul?
Yes, Christmas still
evokes much enthusiasm throughout the world, and not just in the West. Asia
goes crazy over Christmas, including places like Indonesia, Singapore,
Thailand, and Japan.
Even in ‘laid-back’ Australia,
where a few even refer to it as ‘Chrissie,’ Christmas is still a very popular
day off for the big meal, the family gathering, and, if possible, a splash at
the beach while throwing ‘another shrimp on the barbie.’
In his best-selling
book, A Christmas Carol (1843),
Charles Dickens wrote about a miser called Ebenezer Scrooge, who tried to throw
a wet blanket on Christmas. He immortalised the words, ‘Bah! Humbug!’
Scrooge was eventually transformed into a kinder, gentler man, because of the
Christmas Spirit.
Today, amazingly, a
postmodern spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge has permeated western society. Christmas
has been under a concerted attack from two quarters.
Secularists: Courtesy of political correctness, some
secularists have declared war against Christmas. They want to ban displays of
Nativity Scenes on public property since, they claim, it crosses the boundary
of separating church and state. They also want to ban the greeting ‘Merry
Christmas,’ lest it offend non-Christians (personally, I know many
non-Christians living in the West who also enthusiastically observe some, or
all, or the Christmas activities). Vacuous phrases like ‘Happy Holidays’ and
‘Compliments of the Season’ are offered instead.
Christians: Christmas is also under assault by some
Christians, too. Just this year I heard a normally mild mannered Christian
become agitated and militant, just at the mention of the word ‘Christmas.’ This
individual insisted that Christmas is a non-Biblical, non-obligatory, downright
pagan event that should have no part in the life of a Christian. Not content
that they and their family boycott Christmas, this person tried to
‘proselytise’ others to join the Christmas boycott.
Chances are, this
individual is facing an uphill battle. And rightly so.
I, for one as a Bible
teacher and one that endeavours to train people to live a Biblically-correct,
Spirit-filled, God-honouring life, have no problem whatsoever in observing
Christmas. Here are some reasons:
BIBLICAL EVENT, NOT
BIBLICAL COMMAND
The Christmas story, as
found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, are part of the great narrative of
the coming Saviour. While no where are we commanded in Scripture to observe the
birth of Christ (indeed, it is highly unlikely that December 25th is the day of
His birth), we are still reflecting on two important Biblical events:
1.
The
Incarnation of Christ: ‘And
the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us ….’ John 1:14;
2.
Emmanuel:
Behold, a virgin shall
be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us - Matthew 1:23.
PAGAN BUT PURIFIED
Christian critics claim
that Christmas is a pagan holiday. Some elements, like the December 25th
coinciding with the winter solstice and/or the Christmas tree, could have pagan
origins. For some, this is like eating meat offered to idols. But for others,
when something is dedicated to God, it is no longer unclean. After all, the
pagan city of Jebus, after being captured by King David, was converted into
Jerusalem, City of God.
TIME OF REST,
FAMILY, FELLOWSHIP
Many people live
ridiculously busy lives. Christmas is a time to put on the brakes, rest, relax,
and have family time or interaction with friends. Most people find this an
immensely gratifying experience.
OPPORTUNITY TO
PROCLAIM CHRIST IN AN INCREASINGLY SECULAR SOCIETY
With so much
indifference and antagonism to the gospel message, Christmas is a golden
opportunity to publicly tell the gospel of Christ - with impunity! That’s why
many churches use this occasion to have concerts, plays, and other forms of
community outreach. Few can object because, after all, ‘It’s Christmas Time.’
CHANCE TO GET PEOPLE
INTO CHURCH
For some people,
Christmas may be the only time in the year they will darken the door of a
church. As such, they become a ‘captive audience.’ This again is a chance to
show them the meaning of Christmas - it is about Christ. As the saying goes,
‘Jesus is the Reason for the Season.’
Let’s remember that
celebrating Christmas is ‘optional.’ One’s eternal salvation is not dependant
on whether a person observes this holiday, or not. So if you choose to not to
celebrate, that’s perfectly fine; provided, you don’t emulate Ebenezer Scrooge
and try to spoil it for the majority who do.
We would do well to
remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 14:5-6:
One person esteems one day above another;
another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.
16 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord;fn and he who
does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it ….
As for Ebenezer
Scrooge, may he rest in peace (RIP).
Totally agree with you Dr Kameel.
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