by Nothing in the Bible says this, so I look to our world for an answer that does not violate scripture. I think of celebrating President and King’s birthdays. Did you know the King or Queen’s birthday is not celebrated on the Monarch’s actual birthday in any of England’s former territories, called commonwealths. Each territory celebrates on a different day of the year, and only England does it on the actual birthday. I know this because New Zealand is a Commonwealth of England. A funny thing about the Monarch’s birthday here in New Zealand, it changes days each year. Last year it was on June 3rd and this past year was on June 2nd. Similarly in remembering the birthdays of Presidents of the United States, we celebrate them all on only one or two days of the year, February 12th and/or 22nd.
Likewise, Jesus’ birthday was not on December 25th. Everyone knows this fact! Now, whether this date is chosen by family tradition, religious influence, or national proclamation, I find no violation in scripture whatsoever. Fact is, if you want to celebrate Jesus’ birth on a different day of the year you will not be violating any scripture, and the same if you decide not to celebrate Christmas at all because we are never commanded to remember this glorious day.
How to celebrate Christmas: First, focus on its purpose, which is to honor the birth of the Savior of this world. Second, look to scriptures for how-to and how-not-to, which my previous devotionals have shared. As we do this, we are not to violate scripture such as drinking alcohol — remember how our Savior was falsely accused of being a “winebibber” (Luke 7:34). We also do not party like the world — called by God, “wantonness” and “lasciviousness” (Romans 13:13; 1 Peter 4:3).
This year let’s celebrate Christmas with great fanfare, with all our hearts and the greatest divine joy, in accordance with God’s Holy Word!
