CHRISTMAS

It’s tragic that the true story should have become so badly garbled by human traditions. It’s also tragic that people ignore the Bible’s clear instructions and invent their own. Jesus Himself roundly condemned religious leaders of His day who were “making the word of God of no effect through your tradition” (Mark 7:13) A strong and weighty biblical principle is found in Deuteronomy 12. It tells us why we should observe the annual Holy Days and festivals God has revealed in His Word—not traditional holidays borrowed from paganism.

“You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates have they done to their gods … whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it, nor take away from it” (Deuteronomy 12:31-32)

Pagan religious acts and idolatry completely permeated the Christian world. It is too easy to get drawn into the subtle temptations of seemingly harmless practices. Sometimes curiosity can cause us to stumble. Knowledge of evil is harmful if the evil becomes too tempting to resist. To resist curiosity about harmful practices shows discretion and obedience.

Have you ever thought it curious that although two of the Gospel writers describe the circumstances surrounding Christ’s birth (the other two don’t even cover the event), neither of them gives the date? Has it puzzled you that the Bible never once mentions “Christmas”? And that none of the biblical writers says anything about commemorating that birth?

The biblical accounts of Jesus Christ's birth present some surprising differences from popular ideas and traditions. Do you know the facts from the fiction?

Most of us have been brought up with the traditional Christmas story—you know, the one about Jesus being born on Christmas day in a stable in Bethlehem with the shepherds and three wise men looking on as depicted in countless manger scenes.

But is that the way it really happened? Most people think so, but a careful look at what the Bible really says reveals some surprising differences.

Of course, none of these stories about Santa Claus, Father Christmas, etc, are actually true. Does the telling of such stories build in children a respect for truth, and does such a practice honour Jesus Christ, who taught that God must be worshiped with truth?—John 4:23, 24.

The Encyclopedia Americana states: “During the Saturnalia . . . feasting prevailed, and gifts were exchanged.” (1977, Vol. 24, p. 299) In many instances that represents the spirit of Christmas giving—an exchanging of gifts. The spirit reflected in such gift giving does not bring real happiness, because it violates Christian principles such as those found at Matthew 6:3, 4 and 2 Corinthians 9:7. On the other hand, surely a Christian can give gifts to others as an expression of love at other times during the year, doing so as often as he wants to. God Himself is a cheerful giver. He is pleased when we who are created in His image give generously and joyfully.

But let me not get side-tracked here. By examining the accounts of Mathew and Luke of what the Bible actually does say about the circumstances surrounding the true story of Jesus’ birth, we’ll see that they assuredly do not describe the Christmas story so popular at this time of year. With that said, after navigating through theological rough seas, I don't want to get much deeper into it. Certainly I don't want to look for "gremlins" and be the one to spoil the general global feeling of peace, family reunion and goodwill. Subsequently, I have to agree that this time of the year brings something special to our quotidian routine.

The word "Merry" is simple to define. It unquestionably means to be happy, joyful and light-hearted. The word "merry" fits into the ambience of laughter and frivolity. Merry Christmas implies that people should Make Merry and enjoy in the celebration of His birth and all hope implied in it, as prophet Isaiah wrote in 700 B.C., "There will be no more gloom for those who were in distress". We can take comfort in this certainty.

'To us a child is born', predicted Isaiah. This child who would become the deliverer. He would become the 'great light'. Jesus referred to Himself as the "light of the world". Whenever we see the lights of Christmas, let them remind us that they recall Christ, our true Light which in a time of great darkness, would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death.