I remember receiving visitors at our home in Pennsylvania during the Christmas season. Our home was adorned with outdoor lighting, and, inside, we were decked out with a tree, garland and angels. The visitors were Jehovah’s Witness missionaries. Their mission was not only to convert our household to their faith philosophy, but also to convince us of the evils of celebrating Christmas.
They argued that the Scriptures don’t mention the celebration of birthdays, so clearly Jesus would not appreciate all the fuss. Their second argument was the totally pagan date of December 25th. They asked, “Do you realize this is a pagan date? Do you realize that the Christmas tree is a pagan symbol?”
Yes, as a matter of fact, I realize December 25th is likely not the day Jesus was born and that the date and some of its symbols have pagan roots. Jesus was likely born in the spring – lambing season, most appropriately. But I explained to our visitors that, since it is unlikely we will ever know the exact date of His birth, the best we can do is to pick a day and then celebrate like there’s no tomorrow. December 25th is as good as any.
To their point that celebrating Christ’s birth is frowned upon by those who are scripturally perceptive, I asked them, “Do you not consider the gathering of heavenly host who sang and praised the birth, announcing it to shepherds, a celebration? What about Simeon and Anna, who were clearly moved to rejoice in the birth of their Messiah? Don’t forget the three very influential leaders who traveled “afar” to deliver gifts to this young King.” If that’s not celebration, I don’t know what is.”
“Birthday parties are for pagans,” was their response.
I was getting nowhere, it seemed. But my purpose was not to judge their hearts or win an argument. I simply wanted my love for the Lord to be evident. So I said, “I believe that our Lord is pleased, honored, and glorified every time we humble ourselves in genuine praise and worship, no matter the reason or the date on the calendar. What matters is the attitude of our hearts; that’s what pleases Him.”
They stared at me blankly and left shortly thereafter, likely convinced that I was a lost cause.
I think often about Jacob’s youngest son, Joseph. You know the story. He was thrown into a pit by his jealous brothers and left for dead. At the suggestion of his brother Judah (who feared being charged with murder), the brothers sold Joseph to Midianite merchants who were passing by. The Midianites then sold Joseph as a slave to the captain of the guard under Pharaoh. Through amazing circumstances, he was eventually promoted to a position of power in Egypt. Later, when confronting the brothers who had plotted his death, Joseph said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done.” This parallels Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good…”
Does December 25th have pagan origins? Yes. Has the world twisted and abused this holy celebration through commercialism, Godless partying, and secular humanistic pandering? Yes. Can God use all of that for good? Absolutely! He can, and He does!
It thrills me to hear Christmas carols playing in the malls and department stores. I smile at how He gets His message out to the masses. The airwaves are full of God-honoring Christmas special programs. And societies all over the world step up with benevolent acts of love toward those in need during Christmas.
What’s all the fuss? It’s all about Jesus. We were created to make a fuss over Him. And if our hearts are genuinely worshipful and thankful through it all, I believe He cherishes the fuss of the faithful.
O come, all ye faithful.
Joy in Jesus,
Jacquee