It is implied that Jesus is the reason for the season. I thought we were in the winter season. I suppose the signs are saying Jesus is the reason winter has come upon us. Yes, I’m being a bit ridiculous. These folks are suggesting that Jesus is the reason for the “Christmas” season. I stand amazed that the folks who argue that “Christmas” has become too commercialized are the same folks who are spending hundreds of dollars in the stores. Second, I’m amazed that Jesus would be blamed for all the festivities and activities going on in the name of religion.

It has become quite common for many denominational churches to have their own “Christmas” plays, “special” services, “cantatas” and even Santa Clauses. And all the while they argue that it is special because it is the birthday of Jesus. All of this commotion in the name of Jesus is just as much hogwash as many of the other additions the denominations have made to the Word of God. Several things are wrong with this “Christmas” season.

First, absolutely nothing is said in the scriptures about the time of Jesus’ birth. The facts seem to prove that Jesus was NOT born at this time of the year at all. The fact that shepherds were in the fields (Luke 2:8) suggests that it was a warmer time of the year. Bethlehem is on an equal plain with Montgomery, Alabama, and because of the height in terrain usually has severely cold winter nights. Shepherds did not leave their flocks in the field at this time of year. During winter the flocks were kept up in a combination corral- stable (many times a rock cave which served as a stable).

Second, The December 25th date has absolutely nothing to do with the birthdate of Christ but was the date of a pagan festival. This pagan festival date was adopted as a Christian festival about the middle of the fourth
century (350 A.D.) Christianity Through the  Centuries, Earle E. Cairns, (Zondervan Publishing House, 1981, 2nd  Ed., pp. 120 & 160) This festival was later incorporated in the rituals of the Roman Catholic church with the Christ Mass, hence the shortened name “Christmas.” Today’s denominations still march to the drum of their harlot  other, the Roman Catholic Church.

Third, the Christian follows the instruction of God as to the importance of an event. Never in any scripture is the birthdate of Christ given nor is any importance placed upon this event except the announcements that He had come into the world, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). I suggest to any reader that the emphasis is to be put on the term “Savior.” This was the emphasis of the event—the Saviour of all mankind was here. The fulfillment of prophecy was here. The Messiah was here! The emphasis was not His birthdate.

The events upon which the scripture places emphasis are those of the death-burial-resurrection of this Saviour. His death is far more significant than His birth. This was His purpose. He prayed that there might be some other way to redeem mankind but this was the Father’s will (Matthew 26:39). It is for this reason that God made this the event to be remembered. Paul, speaking of the Lord’s Supper, emphasized the importance of the Lord’s death, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do  show the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:26). In Acts 20:7 we find that the Christains met every first day of the week to eat this bread and drink this cup. Therefore, the Christian is instructed to place the emphasis upon the death of Christ, not His birth.

To say that commercialization of “Christmas” has tainted the “reason for the season” is bunk. “Christmas” is just as much a manmade element as is the commercial element. May God help genuine Christians to see and know the difference.

—John D. Cotham
Shady Valley, TN