Why Do Christians Celebrate Christmas Like Secular People?

It’s true that there are many customs during the Christmas season that are shared between believers and those who may not identify as Christian. Let’s explore why this is the case while keeping the foundational Truth of Christ’s birth at the forefront.

The Blending of Traditions

The celebration of Christmas, as we know it today, is a fascinating blend of various historical and cultural influences:

Pagan Roots: Many traditions associated with winter holidays, such as decorating evergreen trees, feasting, and exchanging gifts, have roots in pre-Christian pagan festivals. These ancient cultures celebrated the winter solstice as a time of rebirth and Light returning to the world.

As Christianity spread, the Church often redeemed and repurposed existing cultural practices, infusing them with new Christian meaning. This made it easier for new converts to embrace the Faith while still holding onto familiar seasonal customs.

Historical Development: The specific date of December 25th for Christmas is not mentioned in the Bible. It was likely chosen in the 4th century in Rome to coincide with the pagan Roman festival of Sol Invictus (the “Unconquered Sun”).

The aim was to replace a celebration of the literal sun with the celebration of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the true “Sun of Righteousness” (Malachi 4:2) and the “Light of the World” (John 8:12).

Secularization Over Time: Over centuries, many of these traditions became more widely adopted and, in some societies, increasingly detached from their original spiritual significance.

Things like Santa Claus (derived from Saint Nicholas), Rudolph, and extensive commercial gift-giving have become prominent aspects of the secular Christmas, often overshadowing the spiritual focus for many.

The Christian Core of Christmas

Despite these shared customs, the heart of Christmas for believers remains unequivocally the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. For Christians, it is a celebration of:

God Becoming Man

The central truth is that God, in His infinite Love, sent His Son to be born as a human being. This is the mystery of the incarnation.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his Glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of Grace and truth.” — John 1:14

“who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” — Philippians 2:6-7

The Promise of Salvation

Christ’s birth was the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the beginning of God’s plan of Salvation for humanity.

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” — Isaiah 7:14

(Immanuel means “God with us”)

“And the Angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great Joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'” — Luke 2:10-11

Hope and Redemption

Christmas reminds us that God entered our broken world to bring Hope, Peace, and the possibility of eternal life through faith in His Son.

For Christians, the challenge and the joy lie in redeeming the season. We can participate in cultural traditions, but always with an intentional focus on the profound spiritual meaning behind them—that Jesus Christ was born to save us. It’s about remembering that the true gift is not under a tree, but came from heaven to earth.

How Can Christians Intentionally Keep Christ at the Center?

Keeping Christ at the center requires intentionality and a conscious effort to focus our hearts and minds. Here are several ways we can do this:

1. Prioritize Spiritual Disciplines

Daily Devotionals and Bible Reading: Dedicate time each day, especially during Advent, to read scriptures related to Christ’s birth, prophecies, and His purpose on earth.

Key passages to explore:

• Luke 1:26-38 (Annunciation to Mary)
• Matthew 1:18-25 (Annunciation to Joseph)
• Luke 2:1-20 (Birth of Jesus)
• Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Worship-Led Prayer: This is a perfect time to offer prayers of adoration and gratitude for the gift of Jesus. Focus on His Sovereignty, Love, and the Salvation He brings.

Fasting (Optional): Some Christians choose to fast from certain distractions or luxuries during Advent to create more space for spiritual reflection and connection with God.

2. Transform Family Traditions

Nativity Scene Focus: Make the Nativity scene the central decoration in your home. Gather around it to read the Christmas story from Luke 2 and Matthew 2. Consider adding one figure to the scene each day of Advent, building up to the birth of Jesus.

Service and Giving: Shift the focus from receiving gifts to giving, embodying the spirit of Christ who “came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Volunteer at a soup kitchen, donate to charities, or participate in gift-giving programs for needy families.

“Happy Birthday Jesus” Celebration: On Christmas Day, bake a cake and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. This simple act can powerfully remind everyone of the true reason for the celebration.

Christmas Caroling: Instead of just background music, actively sing or listen to carols that proclaim the theological truths of Christ’s birth, such as “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night,” or “Joy to the World.”

3. Engage with Your Faith Community

Church Services: Prioritize attending Advent services, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day worship. These gatherings are specifically designed to focus on the spiritual significance of the season through Scripture, sermons, and communal worship.

Community Outreach: Participate in your church’s Christmas outreach programs, sharing the Hope of Christ with others. This could involve caroling in the community, delivering gift baskets, or hosting a community meal.

4. Reframe Secular Customs

Gift Giving: While gifts are a secular tradition, we can reframe them as a reflection of God’s ultimate gift of Jesus to us, and the gifts of the Magi to the newborn King (Matthew 2:11). Explain the spiritual meaning behind the act of giving to your family.

Lights and Decorations: See the lights as symbols of Jesus, the “Light of the World” (John 8:12), who dispels the darkness of Sin. The evergreen tree can symbolize eternal life found in Christ.

Conclusion

By consciously weaving these practices into your Christmas, you can ensure that the glorious Truth of God’s love, manifested in the birth of His Son, remains the radiant center of your celebration. May this season be a time of deep spiritual renewal as we worship the King who came to dwell among us.

Share this article: Help other believers keep Christ at the center of their Christmas celebration by sharing these practical, faith-filled ideas.

Related Scripture: John 1:14 | Luke 2:10-11 | Isaiah 9:6 | Philippians 2:6-7