SHOULD CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS?

 

Christmas comes from the Latin word dies Natalis Meaning: "Birthday" or "Day of Birth" However, the Latin word specifically referring to Christmas is:

Dies Natalis Domini

Meaning: "The Day of the Birth of the Lord"

In Latin, "Natalis" is the adjective form, meaning "of or pertaining to birth," while "Dies Natalis" means "birthday" or "day of birth."

 

WAS CHRISTMAS OBSERVED IN THE APOSTOLIC DAYS?

No, Christmas, as we know it today, was not observed in the apostolic days.

The early Christian church celebrated the Epiphany (January 6), which commemorated the visit of the Magi to Jesus, but there is no evidence that they observed Jesus' birth as a holiday.

The apostolic era, which spanned from approximately 33 AD to 100 AD, focused on observing Jewish holidays, such as Passover, and the Lord's Day (Sunday) for worship.

The celebration of Jesus' birth on December 25 originated in the 4th century, when Pope Julius I chose this date to coincide with existing Roman festivals and traditions.

 WHAT ROMANS FESTIVAL WAS DONE ON DECEMBER 25TH 

The Roman festival that was celebrated around December 25th, not December 4th, was:

Saturnalia

Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture and time. It was celebrated from December 17 to 23, and involved feasting, gift-giving, and merriment.

Additionally, the Roman festival of Sol Invictus (Unconquered Sun) was celebrated on December 25th, which was also the winter solstice in the Roman calendar. This festival marked the beginning of the lengthening of days and the return of the sun.

Early Christians incorporated elements of these festivals into the celebration of Jesus' birth, which eventually became known as Christmas.

HOW DOES THE EARLY CHURCH REACT ABOUT CHRISTMAS 

The early Christian church did not universally accept or celebrate Christmas. Here's a brief overview:

1. Early Christian era (1st-3rd centuries): Christmas was not observed. Early Christians focused on Easter (Passover) and other Jewish holidays.

2. 4th century: Christmas began to be observed in Rome and other parts of the Western Roman Empire. Pope Julius I (337-352 AD) chose December 25 as Jesus' birthdate to coincide with existing Roman festivals.

3. Eastern Orthodox Church: The Eastern Orthodox Church initially rejected Christmas, considering it a pagan holiday. They eventually accepted it, but celebrated the Epiphany (January 6) as the primary holiday.

4. Puritan and Protestant reactions: During the Reformation, some Protestant denominations, like the Puritans, rejected Christmas as a "popish" or "pagan" holiday. They saw it as a distraction from the true meaning of Christianity.

SOME NOTABLE EARLY CHRISTIAN LEADERS' VIEWS ON CHRISTMAS:

- Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD): Origen, an early Christian scholar, rejected the idea of celebrating Jesus' birth, considering it a pagan practice.

- St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD): Augustine, a prominent Christian theologian, accepted Christmas but emphasized the importance of spiritual reflection over festive celebrations.

The early Christian church's reaction to Christmas was complex and varied. It took centuries for Christmas to become a widely accepted and celebrated holiday within Christianity.

WHAT CAUSED THE GENERAL ACCEPTANCE OF CHRISTMAS IN CHRISTENDOM 

Several factors contributed to the general acceptance of Christmas in Christendom:

1. Edict of Milan (313 AD): Emperor Constantine's edict established Christianity as a tolerated religion in the Roman Empire, paving the way for Christmas to become a widely accepted holiday.

2. Council of Nicaea (325 AD): The Council of Nicaea, convened by Constantine, helped establish a unified Christian doctrine and facilitated the spread of Christmas.

3. Pope Julius I's decree (337-352 AD): Pope Julius I chose December 25 as Jesus' birthdate, coinciding with existing Roman festivals, making it easier for pagans to convert to Christianity.

4. Christianization of Germanic tribes (4th-6th centuries): As Germanic tribes converted to Christianity, they brought their own winter festivals and traditions, which merged with Christmas celebrations.

5. Medieval Christianity (5th-15th centuries): Christmas became an integral part of medieval Christian tradition, with the establishment of Advent, the development of Christmas carols, and the incorporation of folk customs.

6. Catholic Church's influence (16th-19th centuries): The Catholic Church's efforts to standardize liturgical practices and promote Christmas as a holy day contributed to its widespread acceptance.

7. Victorian era revival (19th century)*: The Victorian era saw a resurgence of interest in Christmas traditions, thanks in part to Prince Albert's Germanic customs and Charles Dickens' writings.

8. Globalization and cultural exchange (20th century onward): Christmas spread globally through colonialism, migration, and cultural exchange, becoming a widely recognized and celebrated holiday.

These factors cumulatively contributed to the general acceptance of Christmas in Christendom.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRISTMAS TO THE BODY OF CHRIST WITH SCRIPTUTES 

 Here are the significance of Christmas to the Body of Christ, supported by Scriptures:

SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE 

1. Celebration of Jesus' Birth: Luke 2:10-11, "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the MESSIAH, the Lord.'"

2. Incarnation*: John 1:14, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

3. Salvation*: Luke 2:30-32, "For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."

SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE 

1. Light in Darkness: John 1:4-5, "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

2. *Hope and Joy: Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

3. Gift of Love: 2 Corinthians 9:15, "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"

COMMUNITY AND FELLOWSHIP 

1. Unity: Ephesians 4:3-6, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

2. Family and Relationships: Matthew 25:40, "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"

3. Outreach and Evangelism: Matthew 28:19-20, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

PERSONAL REFLECTION AND GROWTH 

1. Reflection on Faith: 2 Peter 3:18, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

2. Renewal and Revival: Psalm 51:10-12, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

3. Gratitude and Humility: 1 Corinthians 4:7, "For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?"

These Scriptures highlight the significance of Christmas to the Body of Christ, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth, community, and personal reflection during this special time of year.