Luke 2:10-11, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” 

There are some well-meaning people, both in the past and present, who have suggested that Christmas should not be celebrated. We could say that their Christmas strategy is to have no Christmas at all. Some arguments against Christmas are flimsy or outright ridiculous, but there are some sober-minded reasons that ought to be given serious thought. For starters, there is the fact that instead of being a day devoted to Christ and Christian celebration, Christmas had become a season of consumerism, sentimentalism, and partying. Everything but Christ seems to be emphasized. This is often, and sadly, true. Second, some contend that it is wrong to celebrate and emphasize Christ’s incarnation only once a year, as opposed to having that marvelous truth before our eyes throughout the year. 

Without doubt, Christmas is abused, by professing-believers and unbelievers. The day is used by plenty as an excuse to party, be greedy, or get charge happy. Even for those who do not get drunk, are not greedy, and who do not get (too) charge happy, the celebration has less to do with Christ and more to do with “the season” or the “spirit” of Christmas (and that is not a reference to the Holy Spirit). Christmas is seen as a time to feel good about oneself, one’s neighbors, family, and humanity in general. While that is certainly positive, we cannot and must not separate the joy of the celebration from the blessed fact of God the Son being made flesh. This is a theologically rich holiday, and we must work at ensuring the theological truth isn’t crowded out by mythological fantasy.  

So, let’s not cancel Christmas. Don’t feel guilty about the trappings and festivities of the holiday, but don’t get lost in the minutiae. Keep the main thing the plain, obvious, and most celebrated thing. Dear reader, unto you was born on Christmas day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Turn to Him in repentant faith and follow Him!