5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Romans 14:5-6 (KJV)
Some Argue: December 25 is Not Christ’s Birthday
Christmas is an accepted time to speak for Christ. It is an accepted time to portray pictures depicting the birth of Christ in a manger.
What other time can you do this?
We teach about the virgin birth, the baby in the manger, the angels singing, the shepherds coming to worship, the wise men bearing gifts from afar. We should continue to use Christmas to teach the Gospel.
Some Argue: Christmas is a Roman Catholic Holiday
Some say we should not use the word “Christmas” because it is Roman Catholic, and it refers to a mass. This line of reasoning came from the Seventh Day Adventists. Some make an artificial distinction about Christmas.
Some Argue: Christmas was a former Heathen Holiday
There was a Pagan feast day on this date. It was called the Mithraic Feast Day. It was to celebrate the victory of some Pagan god and was held widely through-out the Roman Empire. Christmas was probably celebrated on this date to keep young converts from going back into Paganism on this date. This is like:
- Hallelujah Night instead of Halloween.
- Watch Night instead of drunken parties on New Year’s Eve night.
- Christian Banquets on Prom Nights.
It was an alternative to something evil, not a continuation.
Some Argue: Christmas Trees are an Abomination (Jeremiah 10:3-4)
Some believe Jeremiah 10 speaks of the Christmas tree. This was actually speaking of idols. (verses 5-6) It is simply ludicrous to think we worship a tree!
Some Argue: There is Too Much Revelry at Christmas Time
This is true, but it should not stop us from doing right.
Some Argue: It’s Improper to Give Gifts on Christmas
Giving honors God when it is done properly. (Acts 20:35) When the word of God was revived, the Jews exchanged gifts. (Nehemiah 8: 9-12) When the Jews were saved from Haman, they exchanged gifts. (Esther 9:22)
So, giving gifts at Christmas is not improper when they are given properly. These people gave gifts because of love and that is the only reason we give on Christmas.