Keeping Christ in Christmas

By Milton J. and Pamela K. Orgeron, M.A., Ed.S., BCCC, ACLC, Author

Christmas…the day set aside to celebrate the birth of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for many individuals is a favorite time of the year. However, a lot of chatter can be found on the Internet and other places criticizing those who celebrate the birth of Christ because of how commercialized the holiday has become and of how other groups have applied different meanings to the same symbols (e.g.: See the article entitled, Should a Christian Celebrate Christmas). What many of these critics probably do not realize is that many of the traditions associated with Christmas have Christian symbolism. According to Barnett (2006), among them are:

• Evergreen Trees were the symbol of eternal life. Martin Luther introduced them to the Reformation Church as a picture of our endless life in Christ, by bringing in a tree to his family on Christmas Eve lit with candles (Isaiah 60:13).
• Candles are a picture that Christ is the Light of the world (John 8).
• Holly speaks of the thorns in His crown (Matthew 27:29).
• Red is a color of Christmas that speaks of Christ’s blood and death.
• Gifts are a reminder of the gifts of the Magi to baby Jesus. Each of them speak to a component of His incarnation: Majesty in life, Bitterest Agony in Death and He as Gods Perfect gift to us (Matthew 2). (The Christian Meaning to Ancient Traditions section, Bullets 2-6)

Though pagans apply different meanings to some of the traditional Christmas symbols, I am reminded of the old saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Let me take the example of sex to exemplify my point. The world has corrupted God’s design for sex through pornography, child sexual abuse, etc.. Does this mean that married couples should no longer participate in sex given that sex represents evil to other individuals? I think not! 

Even more important than the old saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” is what God’s Word says in 1 Samuel 16:7— ^“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” Obviously, God looks at one’s motives and the reasons behind why one celebrates Christmas in any specific way. Thus, we believe that as long as one’s motives are pure and one keeps Christ as the focal point in Christmas, then celebrating the birth of Christ is okay with God.

In closing, we would like to share a song entitled If Christ is not in Christmas, written and sung by Milton. A recording will follow the lyrics below:

If Christ is not in Christmas

If Christ is not in Christmas,
If Christ is not in Christmas,
Then Christmas isn’t merry
And holly’s just a berry.
And mistletoe can’t set aglow
The heart that really wants to know
How Light can fill our lives so darkened,
Song to which the shepherds hearkened,
Shining Star that draws us near
To perfect Love that casts out fear!

If Christ is not in Christmas,
If Christ is not in Christmas,
Then presents are just shiny paper,
Bows and ribbons thrown out later.
Festive tree, though once a treat,
When New Years’ past is on the street.
Enjoy the parties, give your gifts,
But don’t forget the One Who lifts
Our souls, born dead, to Life forever.
Christ in Christmas, now and ever!
Keep Jesus in your Christmas!
Keep Jesus in your Christmas!

Soli Deo Gloria!

© 2001 Milton Orgeron

© 2001 Milton Orgeron

References

Barnett, J. (2006). The Origin of Christmas Traditions and Christ’s Birth. Retrieved December 15, 2018 from https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/the-origin-of-christmas-traditions-and-christs-birth-1457395.html