Remark: Nothing. The Bible does not mention Christmas. However, it does provide biblical principles that can help us make wise and godly decisions during the holiday season.
What does the Bible say about giving special attention to certain days?
Romans 14:5-6 – One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Colossians 2:16–17 – Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Galatians 4:9-11 – But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
Remark: If some people want to commemorate the birth or death of Jesus on a certain day of the year, that is not something fundamentally wrong. Celebrating a certain day or a holiday (e.g. mothers’ day) is acceptable according to the principle provided in Romans 14. Scripture allows room for voluntary remembrance days.
However, there is also a clear balance in the Bible: while such observances may be practiced in good conscience, they must not become binding, lead into spiritual bondage (Galatians 4:9–11), or be connected in any way to salvation. They must not be elevated to the level of divine command (see also Matthew 15:9).
Are there celebration days Christians should not participate in?
Daniel 3:4-6 – Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
1 Corinthians 10:20-21 – But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
Remark: Read also Exodus 32:1-6. Scripture clearly shows that there are celebrations in which believers must not participate. In Daniel 3, attendance at a public ceremony meant bowing down in worship to an idol. In 1 Corinthians 10, participation in pagan feasts meant fellowship with demons. Such events are not matters of Christian liberty.
Not every holiday is the same, and this can depend on the country and culture in which we live. Some celebrations are directly connected with idolatry or false worship. These do not fall under the category described in Romans 14:5-6, because the issue is no longer personal conviction about a day, but participation in worship that contradicts allegiance to God.
Doesn’t Christmas have pagan roots and associations?
1 Corinthians 8:4 – As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
1 Corinthians 10:25 – Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake …
Remark: In these verses Paul addresses something that had a literal pagan origin—meat that had been used in idol sacrifices. His conclusion is nuanced. On the one hand, Christians must not participate in idol worship (see 1 Corinthians 10:20–21). On the other hand, an object or custom that once had a pagan association does not automatically have spiritual power over believers. “An idol is nothing in the world.”
This requires careful discernment. We should not take part in anything that involves the worship or veneration of someone or something other than God and his Son. At the same time, not every cultural custom carries inherent spiritual meaning.
Therefore, sweeping generalizations are not helpful. Each situation should be evaluated carefully in light of Scripture, conscience, and motive. For example, being invited to a Christmas dinner where there is opportunity to speak about Christ may be entirely appropriate. Being invited to a setting where images are actively venerated may require more caution. In some cases, even such situations could serve as opportunities for witness—but never at the cost of compromising allegiance to God.
Does Jeremiah 10 condemn Christmas trees?
Jeremiah 10:2-4 – Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
Remark: A careful reading of the full passage shows that the tree is fashioned into an idol. It is the work of a craftsman, overlaid with silver and gold, and treated as an object of worship (see the verses that follow). The context is clearly the manufacture and veneration of idols.
There is no reference to evergreen symbolism, commemorating Christ, or family celebration. The passage condemns idolatry, not the mere decoration of a tree. As with other issues, the decisive question is not the object itself, but whether it is being used in a way that involves false worship.
How should Christians behave during the holiday season?
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 – Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Philippians 3:19 – Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.
1 John 2:15 – Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him …
Isaiah 1:13-14 – Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.
Remark: The holiday season should be approached with spiritual discernment. Scripture calls believers to test everything carefully and to abstain from what is evil. Even religious gatherings can become displeasing to God if they are empty of true devotion (Isaiah 1:13–14).
Ironically, during a season that claims to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, many people have the least time to reflect on him and what he has done. Stress from preparations, distraction through glamour and advertising, excessive consumption of food and drink, and a wasteful gift culture can foster envy, pride, and dissatisfaction.
God does not want our hearts captivated by worldliness or by months of anticipation for a cultural event. If our focus shifts from gratitude and worship to indulgence and display, we risk loving the world more than pleasing God. The guiding principle remains: hold fast to what is good, reject what is sinful, and ensure that everything is done to the glory of God.
Are there biblical reasons to participate in certain Christmas-related activities?
Read Luke 2.
1 Corinthians 9:22 – To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
Remark: Luke 2 records that the birth of Christ was accompanied by joy and praise: the angels rejoiced, the shepherds glorified God, and the wise men brought gifts. While Scripture does not command an annual celebration of his birth, it clearly presents his coming into the world as good news worthy of rejoicing.
The proper focus, therefore, is not to celebrate Christmas as a cultural institution, but to honor Christ and his saving work. In the biblical account, gifts were brought to him. In the same spirit, believers may choose to direct their resources toward the advancement of his kingdom—supporting the local congregation, missionary work, and those in need.
In this way, the season can become a Christ-centered time of worship, gratitude, and generosity. It may also provide opportunities to reach others with the message of the gospel, following Paul’s principle of becoming “all things to all men” without compromising faithfulness to God.
How should we treat brethren who object to Christmas?
1 Corinthians 8:9 – But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
Remark: Christian liberty must always be exercised with love and consideration. Even if a believer is convinced that participating in certain Christmas-related activities is permissible, he should be careful not to wound the conscience of a weaker brother or cause unnecessary offense.
Liberty is not a license for self-assertion. The goal is edification, peace, and mutual respect within the body of Christ. Where differences of conviction exist, humility and patience should prevail, remembering that unity in Christ is more important than uniformity in cultural practices.
Conclusion
1 Corinthians 10:23, 31 – All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. / [31] Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Remark: Scripture does not command Christians to celebrate Christmas, nor does it forbid remembering the birth of Christ. The decisive questions are therefore not about tradition or history alone, but about worship, motive, conscience, and the glory of God.
Believers must avoid idolatry, reject worldliness, and refuse to treat any human tradition as necessary for salvation. At the same time, they should not bind others where Scripture grants liberty. Observing or not observing Christmas does not justify or condemn anyone before God.
In every case, the guiding principles remain clear: Does this honor God? Does it edify others? Does it preserve a clear conscience? If these questions are answered carefully and honestly, Christians can navigate the holiday season with both conviction and charity, seeking above all to glorify God in whatever they choose to do—or not to do.
Leave a Reply