Navigating Christmas as a Christian: Observance, Celebration, and Spiritual Fidelity

Is Christmas Celebrated by Christians?

The celebration of Christmas among Christians is a subject of personal choice and varying practices. I, for one, do not indulge in drinking or gift-giving, refrain from erecting a Christmas tree, and avoid the Santa Claus myth or exchange of holiday cards. However, I do gather with family and friends, sing Christian songs, and read the Bible. The focus is on using the season to inspire service to the poor and vulnerable.

Understanding the Origins of Christmas

To comprehend the diverse perspectives Christians have on Christmas, it is essential to know the word's meaning and historical background. 'Christmas' is derived from 'Christ-Mass,' which signifies 'remembering Christ.'

In the early stages of Christianity, converts aimed to replace pagan winter solstice practices with more religious activities. The celebration of remembering Christ's birth became popular. Christians held religious services, performed nativity plays, composed and performed special Christian music, and read Bible passages during this time.

Over time, helping the poor and needy was also incorporated. Saint Nicholas, a Catholic saint known for his charity, inspired the modern Santa Claus tradition. Santa Claus is just another spelling for Saint Nicholas, with no association to Satan.

Evolution and Challenges of Christmas Celebrations

Christians managed to temporarily shift the focus from pagan winter practices to Christ-centric celebrations. However, the celebration gradually evolved into an excessive self-indulgent event marked by buying expensive gifts, feasting, and other pagan practices like Yule logs and decorated Christmas trees.

This shift turned what began as a religious celebration into a festive but potentially sacrilegious event. Some Christians see Christmas as evil and desire to abandon all its practices, while many others, including myself, prefer to retain only those aspects that reflect poorly on Christianity, such as the tree, mistletoe, excessive spending, overeating, and overdrinking.

Reclaiming Christmas for Christian Values

There are those who believe that Christianity should discard Christmas altogether due to its perceived demonic and evil connotations. Others, myself included, believe in reclaiming the celebration for its true spiritual significance. We can focus on remembering Christ, helping the poor, and using the season to inspire spiritual growth and benevolence.

By reclaiming Christmas, we can demonstrate that True Christianity remains a model of virtue, truth, and compassion. We can honor the spirit of Christ and the values He teaches, all year round.

The video below shows the spiritual damage caused by the commercial and secular aspects of Christmas. 'Will You Get More JUNK this Christmas'? This video encourages viewers to focus on meaningful ways to celebrate the season, such as remembering Christ, helping others, and practicing kindness throughout the year.

Conclusion

Christmas, as a celebration, is a complex issue for many Christians. However, by understanding its history and embracing its true essence, we can make informed choices to keep the season spiritually rich and meaningful. Let us remember that the true spirit of Christmas lies not in materialism but in the joy of sharing love and compassion with others. Embrace the season and use it as a time to reflect and grow spiritually.