CHRISTMAS: FROM HEAVEN OR FROM MEN?
In Matthew 21:23, the chief priests and elders questioned Jesus as he was teaching, saying, “…by what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?” In turn, Jesus asked them a question, “The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men” (Matthew 21:25)? The principle of authority is set forth in Jesus’ question. There were only two possible sources of authority: from heaven (God) or from men (not from God).
Authority is necessary in all of life and especially essential in matters of religion. The word authority is defined as “power or right to give commands, enforce obedience, take action or make final decisions.” Authority is demanded in Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus….” “In the name of” means “by the authority of.” We also read in I Peter 4:11, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God….” Therefore, regarding every word or action the question must be asked: “Does the Bible authorize this action or teaching?” For example, is there Bible authority for the celebration of religious holidays? How about Christmas? (Easter, and any other “religious” holiday, can also be included.) Let us examine the Bible in answering this question.
LAW OF MOSES
Special holy days were observed under the law of Moses. It was their usual practice and custom. There were many occasions which were not only national holidays but also religious holy days as well. The Israelites observed the passover, pentecost, feast of tabernacles, new moon, the sabbath, jubilee, etc. (Levitcus 23). The Old Testament provided authority for the observance of these times and days. Therefore, they were familiar with the observance of religious holy days. This is a significant point to be observed; for it is evident that when they became Christians they ceased all such observances!
When Jesus died on the cross, he abolished the observance of holy days. They are no longer valid. They cannot be observed today with God’s authority. Notice these passages: “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances…” (Ephesians 2:15). “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross” (Colossians 2:14). “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” (Hebrews 8:13).“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises” (Hebrews 8:6).
In order for “holy days” to be observed in the Christian age, there must be authority from the New Testament. But, there is no New Testament authority!
LAW OF CHRIST
The New Testament does not authorize the observance of holy days. Authority cannot be found either by command, example or implication. The New Testament is silent regarding any such observances. Jesus did not teach it, the apostles did not command it, nor did first century Christians ever practice the observance of special days.
There were some among the churches of Galatia that began to observe special occasions and were condemned for it. In Galatians 4:9-11 we read, “…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.” They had been redeemed out of such observances! Now, some were going back to them again. They were condemned in their observance of such “days.” This serves as an example for us today.
Nowhere does the New Testament authorize the celebration of Christ’s birthday in any shape, form or fashion. We are not told on what day he was born, nor even the month! The Bible does not give instructions to remember his birthday, period! Men may go all out, by custom and culture, to remember their own birthdays. But that does not provide authority for us to remember Christ’s birthday. God has not left it up to man to figure out what is pleasing to God. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8). God’s way is always the right way. We act because we are told how to act by God.
There is only one occasion in Christ’s life we are told to remember and commemorate, that is his death. God explains exactly what he wants done. “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:26-29). Why eat the Lord’s supper? Why remember the Lord’s death? Because it is authorized by the New Testament.
God specifies the day upon which the Lord’s supper is to be observed. “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread…” (Acts 20:7). Why not observe it on Friday or Wednesday? Why not observe it monthly, once or twice a year? The Bible says “the first day of the week!” Every week has a first day; therefore, the Lord’s supper is observed every first day.
God specifies the elements that are to be used: “unleaven bread” and “fruit of the vine” (Matthew 26:17; Matthew 26:26; Matthew 26:29). Why not eat bananas or mashed potatoes and drink apple or orange juice? The reason is because they are not authorized!
God specifies the reason the Lord’s supper is to be observed. “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). 1 Corinthians 11:29 says we eat and drink “…discerning the Lord’s body.”
Someone says, “since we are to remember his death, why not remember his birth?” That seems like a good idea to many. However, it cannot be done “by faith” because Romans 14:23 says that “…whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The celebration of Christ’s birthday (on any day) cannot be done according to the Faith — the Word of God. It is not authorized by the New Testament.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
Many place a religious significance to December 25th as Christ’s birthday and desire that everyone else do the same. We often see signs which read: “Put Christ back into Christmas,” “Keep Christ in Christmas” or “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” However, Christ is not now in Christmas and has never been in Christmas. The celebration of Christmas with religious significance is of pagan origin. It is a mixture and corruption of pagan and religious practices. It has evolved through the centuries into its present form today. It is therefore from man, not from God.
On the other hand, December 25th is a national secular holiday in the United States. While we live in this world, we must not be “of the world.” We cannot partake of the world’s evil in any regard. Though much of the world around us celebrates December 25th as Christ’s birthday, what should Christians do?
- Be careful not to lead people (in any respect) to believe you observe December 25th religiously.
- Refrain from using decorations that have a religious connotation: a nativity scene, star, angel, cross, “three” wise men, etc.
- Refrain from singing “Christmas carols” about the birth of Christ.
- Use greeting cards that depict a seasonal atmosphere rather than a religious one.
- Teach your children that December 25th is not the Lord’s birthday.
- Teach your children that the Bible does not tell us to celebrate the Lord’s birthday.
- Teach your children that Christmas and the Lord’s church have nothing in common.
- Be certain to practice good-will as an attitude of life all year long, not just at this time of year.
- We must not teach, either by word or action, what the Bible does not teach.
Christmas, is it from heaven or from men? It is not from heaven and therefore stands condemned by heaven. “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23).