Something to be Merry About

Besides the fact that Christmas is over commercialized and the existence of Jesus Christ is getting further and further removed from the stores we buy our gifts from, there is another dilemma that arises this time of the year… The dilemma that Christmas was originally a pagan holiday and that Jesus most likely was not born in December.  Some of us want to fight keep Christ in Christmas while others say things like, “Why are we even putting Christ in a pagan holiday anyway”.

⁴Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. ⁵For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, ⁶yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. –1 Corinthians 8:4-6

Though eating meat and celebrating Christmas are two different scenarios, the situation is similar. Paul would knowingly eat meat that was sacrificed to idols (pagan gods). He did it knowing that there is only one true God, and he gave thanks to that God for the food that had been provided. His conscience was clear because he in no way gave any honor or reverence to the supposed deity’s to whom the meat was offered. Instead, his reverence and gratitude was directed towards the Lord.

So then, what shall we do with Christmas? Should we continue to use it as a remembrance and celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Or should we lock forces with those who are fighting to remove the existence of Christ from the celebration? Hopefully your choice is the former. Some time ago a band of Christians fought to bring the influence of Christ to a pagan celebration, and they won; If you were to ask the question today, “What is the meaning behind Christmas?”, the majority of the world’s population would tell you that it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

What it boils down to is the heart behind the celebration. If Paul would have bowed down and worshiped the false Gods, he would have been in error.  Likewise, if your reverence is directed towards the winter solstice this Christmas, you are in error. There is plenty to be concerned about and lots of ways to be distracted this Christmas, but let’s keep the “reason for the season”, and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29)!

⁶ For to us a child is born,  to us a son is given… And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. –Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas to You and Yours!