Why Christmas?

There are many followers of Jesus who object to the whole idea of the Christmas festival. Some are wary of the beginnings of this celebration, which probably started as a correcting alternative to a pagan feast. The apprehension has to do with the danger of the non-Christian elements swallowing up the Christian meaning. Perhaps there is merit in their concerns because even today Christmas has practically become a secular event. In modern society, Christmas is no longer about Christ.

Compounding the problem is that those who are supposed to have the proper understanding of the festival, that is, Christians, are themselves swallowed up by the secularism of the season. We give more attention to and spend more time or money on decorating, preparing for parties, and shopping for gifts rather than in remembering and worshiping the King of kings. The excitement is more about the celebrative events rather than the person of Christ the Savior.

Even within the church, if we are not careful, we can become distracted by our plans to come up with Christmas activities and programs. Though well-meaning we end up spending a lot of resources on elaborate productions, complete with sophisticated lighting and props. Regular ministries give way to intensive (and sometimes exhausting) rehearsals for the drama and/or musical extravaganza. We get caught up in preparing for an excellent presentation that participants begin to get into each others’ nerves. All that for one or two nights of what seems to be nothing more than entertainment that caters to our religious sentiments and likings. The attempt to correct the worldly perspective would seem to have failed.

Yet, does this seeming failure warrant a total abandonment of the festival by followers of Jesus? The true intent of Christmas is to celebrate Christ, not the season. And there are still those who at least try to keep Christ in the center of their celebrations. For me, that is enough. For when Christ is celebrated by his people, he is pleased. The failure of some to properly acknowledge Christ need not dissuade me from celebrating him. As far as I am concerned, every opportunity to celebrate Christ is worthwhile.

“Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2.10–11 NET).

Why Christmas? Why not?

—Keith Y. Jainga