Should believers celebrate Christmas?
No one knows the day of our Lord’s incarnation. The Holy Spirit
did not reveal it to us. And, as believers, we must not be brought into a
bondage observance of any day. We must not honor one day above another. We do not
observe holy days and sabbath days of any kind. To be sure, the world’s
observance of Christmas has little, if anything, to do with the worship and
honour of Christ. For these reasons, and many others, some of the Lord’s people
conscientiously choose not to join in any form of Christmas celebration. I
respect their opinions and convictions - I must, because I once shared them.
While we must not look upon those who differ with us in scorn or contempt (Rom.
14:1-5), I believe it is best for us wisely to use this season of the year.
At this season of the year people everywhere are reminded of
the fact that Jesus Christ lived and died in this world. At this season of the
year virtually everyone in this world is confronted with the fact that 2000
years ago God almighty assumed human flesh and came into this world. Most have
no idea who Christ is, why he came, what he did, or where he is now. But they
cannot escape the fact that the Son of God came into this world. Above all
else, I have chosen to celebrate Christmas, because it gives me an open door
for preaching the gospel for the honor of Christ and the salvation of men. This
season of the year gives me an opportunity to tell sinners the good news of
grace, salvation and eternal life through the Lord Jesus Christ, by virtue of
his sin-atoning sacrifice at Calvary and the power of his almighty grace.
Another motive for celebrating this season of the year is the
fact that it is a time for giving. It does my heart good to see men and women
engaged in seeking the happiness of other people. Such a spirit should be
encouraged and nourished, not dampened and reprimanded. Giving is always good.
I grant that most giving at Christmas time has little to do with real
generosity and sacrifice; but giving is always good. Wouldn’t it be wonderful
if people were as thoughtful, generous, and caring the year round as they are
at Christmas time? May God give me such a spirit.
And Christmas is a time for the family. More than at any other
season of the year, families try to get together for Christmas. All the
children come home with all their children. It is truly a happy time. I am for
anything that promotes such warm family feelings of love and joy.
Yes, I think that it is best for us to celebrate Christmas, not
as a religious holy day, but for the remembrance of that blessed event when the
Son of God assumed our nature, that he might live and die as our Substitute and
accomplish our eternal redemption. December 25 is nothing to us. But Immanuel
is everything to God’s elect. We will magnify our Lord, our Savior, our King
for his birth! He was born at Bethlehem that he might die at Calvary, and
obtain eternal redemption for his people! Surely, no one can find fault with us
celebrating such a glorious Savior!
Grace Baptist Church of Danville - Grace For
Today Radio Message #881
2734 Old Stanford Road -
Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438
Donald S. Fortner, Pastor -Telephone 859-236-8235 - Email grace@mis.net