The celebration of Christmas, with its festive traditions and profound spiritual significance, is a cherished part of Christian culture worldwide. Some would question, nevertheless, if believers are specifically commanded by the Bible to observe this feast. The Bible may not specifically address Christmas as we know it, but it does include deep lessons and predictions that serve as the basis for the celebration of Christ’s birth.  The biblical underpinnings and tenets that motivate and uphold the celebration of Christmas will be examined in this article.

Where In The Bible Does It Say We Should Celebrate Christmas?

We might learn more about the deeper significance of Christ’s incarnation and why Christians gladly celebrate it by looking closely at important texts. Let’s explore the Bible to find the scriptural foundation for commemorating Christmas, embracing the true spirit of the season and the hope it brings to our lives.

To celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, December 25 is observed as a holiday by the majority of Christians worldwide. (Of fact, even many non-Christians today celebrate this festival with gift-giving and social events.) However, the precise date of Jesus’ birth is unknown, and as the roots of Christmas—which the majority of people believe to be Christian—come under scrutiny, some are starting to question whether Christians should observe the myriad traditions associated with this widely observed Western festival.

First, unlike the Sabbath in the Ten Commandments, there is no mandate in the Bible to observe Christmas as a holy day. Scripture doesn’t indicate that you have to keep December 25th sacred. It is not a biblical holy day, even if it may be a public holiday.

And what about Christmas’s beginnings? There have long been worries about this holiday’s pagan components. Christmas-related disputes date back hundreds of years. The English Parliament temporarily outlawed Christmas due to the Puritans’ claims that it was a “popish festival with no biblical justification” and a period of wasteful and immoral behavior. Christmas was banned for a while (1659) even in Colonial America. More recently, religious organizations and secular members of society have clashed over public property that contains crosses and nativity scenes.

The birth of Christ is undoubtedly highlighted in the Bible (Luke 3:7). It tells of shepherds coming to adore the newborn child (v. 16) in addition to the magnificent news of the birth of the Messiah (v. 13). These modest worshippers also did not keep silent about what they seen (v. 17). In addition, it is said that Jesus received presents from wise men in the east; however, this is most likely a story from Jesus’ early years (Matthew 2:11). If people observed the birth of Christ by worshipping and offering presents, maybe we can take a cue from their behavior.

Most people are aware that Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus, despite its pagan components. In reality, though, more time is spent in December shopping malls than it is examining the life of the Savior. Shepherds and wise men battle with Frosty the Snowman and Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer for our attention. In the chaos that occurs between “Black Friday” and Christmas Eve, consumerism often takes center stage.

However, what if Christians made a greater effort to share and buy Christian resources that draw others to Jesus or to witness Christ over the Christmas season? What would happen if more families made time and financial commitments to short-term mission service that served the underprivileged and promoted the gospel? Would it not boost our churches this holiday season if believers studied the predictions of both Christ’s first and second advents? Maybe we should be more concerned about Christmas’s modern practices than its pagan beginnings.

While many may contest that they “worship” this holy day, what is worship? Merely going to a midnight service or Christmas concert does not constitute worship. It explains how we spend our money and live our lives. Paul stated in Romans 14:6 that “He who observes the day observes it to the Lord” and in 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Bible verses about what happened at Christmas: Every reason to celebrate!

Finally, the long-awaited Messiah was born, greeted by a celestial multitude of angels despite being unknown, lowly, and born in a stable! This marked the beginning of our everlasting salvation and a full revolution! It makes sense why the angels started singing! How is the birth of Jesus celebrated? These verses from the Bible that recount the events of that first Christmas should motivate you!

“… an angel of the Lord appeared to [Joseph] in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21.

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’ … And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” Luke 2:10-14.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not comprehend it. … And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-5,14.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17.

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4-5.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible offers a solid biblical foundation and ideas that motivate and promote the commemoration of Christ’s birth, even though it does not expressly demand it. The Bible is full of stories, lessons, and predictions that highlight the importance of the incarnation and its lasting effects on humanity. The historic occurrence of Jesus’ birth, the Messiah, portends redemption, hope, and the accomplishment of God’s promises.

Christians have the chance to ponder and celebrate the marvelous gift of God’s love and grace via Christ during the Christmas season. Let us keep in mind the biblical principles that guide this wonderful season as we get together with loved ones, exchange gifts, and partake in festive customs.

May our celebration of Christmas be an expression of gratitude, worship, and devotion to the One whose birth we commemorate. Let the spirit of Christmas permeate our hearts and shine forth as a testimony to the world of the transformative power of Christ’s coming.