Jesus and Christmas

Peculiar people, that is what we are. (1Pt2:9) and because we are peculiar we have some great results (1Pt2:10) and a great challenge (1Pt2:11-12). But as peculiar people we need to understand the Good news is good news everyday not just on Christmas Day. Today we are going to look at peculiar people and Christmas. How did it all get started, should we or should we not involve ourselves in it, and what about personally. May we look at what the scripture says, or does not say today.

Peculiar (adj) strange or odd; unusual. Synonyms:strange, unusual, odd, funny, curious, bizarre, weird, queer, unexpected, unfamiliar, abnormal, atypical, anomalous, out of the ordinary; exceptional, extraordinary, remarkable; puzzling, mystifying, mysterious, perplexing, baffling; suspicious, eerie, uncanny, unnatural; informal freaky, fishy, creepy, spooky

Peculiar, not a very common word, but it is a biblical word

"his accent was a peculiar mixture of Cockney and Irish"

synonyms:strange, unusual, odd, funny, curious, bizarre, weird, queer, unexpected, unfamiliar, abnormal, atypical, anomalous, out of the ordinary; exceptional, extraordinary, remarkable; puzzling, mystifying, mysterious, perplexing, baffling; suspicious, eerie, uncanny, unnatural; informalfreaky, fishy, creepy, spooky

1 Peter 2:9 KJV 1900

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

We are peculiar, strange, odd, unusual for the world says “we will believe when we see” but the Bible tells us different (2Cor5:7)

2 Corinthians 5:7 NASB95

7 for we walk by faith, not by sight—

But keeping in context let me show you more from Peter

1 Peter 2:9 NASB95

1 Peter 2:9–10 NASB95

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Peter 2:10–11 NASB95

10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.

1 Peter 2:11–12 NASB95

11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

1 Peter 2:12 NASB95

12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

So we as peculiar people are to proclaim the excellencies of Him. So, if we are to proclaim, we need to proclaim the Truth, we need to proclaim what the Bible says. So what does the Bible say about Christmas?

Good News!

You know the story, you know the biblical account, but it is always nice to look at it again.

Luke 2:8–9 NASB95

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

Luke 2:10–11 NASB95

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

(insert nativity scene-1 already saved on computer)

We have read the scripture, we have heard what is commonly known as the Christmas story probably more times than we can count, but it is biblical? Did you know that most churches (bodies of believers) did not start to celebrate Christmas until the 19th century? Though it was introduced by Constantine in the 4th century.

Today many come to buildings like this to commemorate the birth of Jesus just like they do on what is commonly called Easter to remember His ath and on Mother’s day to celebrate mom. But what about the Bible, the New Testament Church, what did they did do?

While many N.T. Churches have returned to what was previously common, no special attention given to Christmas, is it wrong to acknowledge the Lord’s birth? What was the first church ever devoted to? (Act2:42)

Acts 2:42 NASB95

42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

We are a word Church, we believe in the Word of god and we try to speak where the bible speaks and for the most part am quiet when the bible is silent. So let’s look at what the Bible has to say about the Christmas and the celebration of the birth of Christ.

Birth of Christ

Birth of Christ1ent, we have already looked at that (Lk2:8-11)

We have looked at the birth announcement already (Lk2:8-11) now let’s look at the season, the birth and the proof. Then may we start to investigate Christmas, is it biblical.

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History as scripture tells us (Lk2:1-2)

The birth (Lk2:6-7)

The proof (Lk2:12)

What does the scripture say to celebrate or not to celebrate? (1Cor11:23-26; look at Gal4:9-10; Lk2:13-14 too)

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Now we can know from the scripture about the history, what was going on at the time of Jesus birth.

Luke 2:1–2 NASB95

1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

Most scholars agree that the birth of Jesus happened betwen 6-4 BC because the reign of Caesar Augustus and the rule of Herod ended in 1AD. So, having said that we do not know the exact year of His birth much less the day of his birth.

Now according to Encyclopedia Britannica - this was google in written form, lol. There is no mention as to the date of Jesus birth. So how did this whole Christmas thing get started if we don’t see it here in the scripture?

In a reference book by Sextus Julias Africanus written in 221AD he popularized the idea of Jesus birth being on December 25th. Here is how he based his idea.

Based on assumption Christ Died, March 25th

We have already established that we do not know the year, much less the day of His birth, can you think where in the scripture it tells us the exact date of His death?

Though there was 3rd century writer by name of Tertullian as well as the Christians in Rome and North Africa came to believe they had figured out the date of March 25th

We can know He died

Based on Jewish belief that a person died on the date of their conception or birth.

A belief in the Jewish culture known as the “intrigal age” a theory that is not scriptually based and is highly disputed by many.

Based on that, Jesus was conceived on March 25th, add 9 months and bingo, you come to December 25th.

There are many orthodox churches taht vary the dates to January 6th or 7th. In reality, we hold the scripture in our hand and it does not tell us an exact date of His birth. There are lots of other dates that are specified in the scripture, just not this one.

The reason for advent as the orthodox churches look at it is the preparation and the celebration of the birth of Christ, the incarnation of God in the flesh. If we are going to celebrate His birth, but not because scripture says it, maybe we better look what scripture does say to celebrate

The Bible does say to celebrate Christ’s death (1Cor11:23-26)

1 Corinthians 11:23–24 NASB95

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

1 Corinthians 11:25–26 NASB95

25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

Paul, through implication, expresses his concerns over observing days, months and years that is it not unifying (Gal4:9-10)

Galatians 4:9–10 NASB95

9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years.

We need to keep the big thing the big thing, the death the burial the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So scripture does not support the celebration of Birth does it or does it? (see Lk2:13-14)

Luke 2:13–14 NASB95

13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

There was a celebration in heaven at the birth, whenever that was, but there is no command to continually celebrate, but there is for His death, burial and resurrection.

Some more history

Origen, early patriarch denounced celebration of birth (AD245)

Tertuillian early historian does not mention it with other feast days (AD240)

Christmas did not show up in calendar until (345AD)

It was shortly after that, that some areas of the church started to recognize something that was not in the scripture. Just like the forefathers did, they read into the scripture what was not said in the scripture. This happen in places like

Constantinople (379AD)

Antioch (380AD) and Alexandria (430AD)

Then in 1647 Christmas was banned by the Puritans, it was outlawed until 1681.

Interesting fact the early American’s did not recognize Christmas for they believed it to be an English custom, it was in 1870 that Christmas was declared a national holiday.

Just so we know where we are thus far, we don’t know the year of His birth, we have no biblical command, instructions to celebrate His birth. In fact it was a great controversy between the Catholic and and the Protestant churches.

So, now 2000 years later may we consider

Should the Church have a work in Christmas?

Please keep in mind as we are looking at Jesus and Christmas we are looking at it in a biblical sense and to this point as the church (the body of believers).

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Paul gave warnings about days (Gal4:8-11)

Paul spoke of being enslaved to weak and worthless things (Gal5:4; Col2:16-17)

Paul was not adverse to keeping Jewish customs when fit the purpose (1Cor9:19-20)

Paul did make it clear about personal preferences too (Rom14:5-6)

Also, that personal preferences should not be bound on others (Gal2:3-5)

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Paul gave warnings about days (Gal4:8-11)

Galatians 4:8–9 NASB95

8 However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again?

Galatians 4:10–11 NASB95

10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.

Notice, Paul did not say that observing days, months, seasons, years was wrong, but that he was concerned.

May we still have the concern that Paul had, it is easy for us to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas, of weak and worthless things that bring in the traditions of man, not God into the church (the body of believers)

Now I have to be honest this passage in Galatians is about why were they incorporating things regarding salvation that were not in accordance to God’s will? For justification is by faith not by law, not by religious days, seasons, so we need to be careful.

Paul gave warnings about days (Gal4:8-11)

Paul spoke of being enslaved to weak and worthless things (Gal5:4; Col2:16-17)

Paul did make it clear about personal preferences too (Rom14:5-6)

Also, that personal preferences should not be bound on others (Gal2:3-5)

Galatians 5:4 NASB95

4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

Paul was not adverse to keeping Jewish customs when fit the purpose (1Cor9:19-20)

Paul did not warn the Galatians he told them they were severed when they are trying to add to salvation. Paul did warn the Colossians

Paul did make it clear about personal preferences too (Rom14:5-6)

Colossians 2:16–17 NASB95

16 Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day— 17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.

Also, that personal preferences should not be bound on others (Gal2:3-5)

So on a personal level, you judge, you celebrate, you don’t celebrate, and in your celebrating or not celebrating personally we should not bind our personal belief on others since it is not in the scripture. Our salvation is in Christ, not in His birth, it is because of His death and resurrection that salvation is available to us.

Paul gave warnings about days (Gal4:8-11)

Paul spoke of being enslaved to weak and worthless things (Gal5:4; Col2:16-17)

Paul was not adverse to keeping Jewish customs when fit the purpose (1Cor9:19-20)

Romans 14:5–6 NASB95

5 One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God.

1 Corinthians 9:19–20 NASB95

19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law;

Paul wanted to sin people to Christ. Think of Timothy whom he did have circumcised (Act16:1-3) because of who he was trying to reach at the time, but another time did not have Titus circumcised.

Also, that personal preferences should not be bound on others (Gal2:3-5)

Paul makes

Paul gave warnings about days (Gal4:8-11)

Paul spoke of being enslaved to weak and worthless things (Gal5:3; Col2:16-17)

Paul was not adverse to keeping Jewish customs when fit the purpose (1Cor9:19-20)

Paul did make it clear about personal preferences too (Rom14:5-6)

Romans 14:5–6 NASB95

Paul made it clear about personal preferences, we should too, and not try to bind things regarding personal preferences on others. Remember this is not a salvation issue, it is a celebration issue, and should we as a church have a work in Christmas. Let me expand on the personal preference just a little more from scripture.

Paul gave warnings about days (Gal4:8-11)

Paul spoke of being enslaved to weak and worthless things (Gal5:3; Col2:16-17)

Paul was not adverse to keeping Jewish customs when fit the purpose (1Cor9:19-20)

Paul did make it clear about personal preferences too (Rom14:5-6)

Also, that personal preferences should not be bound on others (Gal2:3-5)

Galatians 2:3–5 NASB95

3 But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. 5 But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.

Gal

Galatians 2:3–4 NASB95

Galatians 3:5 NASB95

5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

Christmas or no Christmas it is not a salvation issue, it has nothing to do with justification by faith.

We should not make something that is not in the Bible to be doctrine and we should not compel people to celebrate nor not celebrate on a personal level.

Jesus warned about the traditions of man (Mk7:1-13)

Paul spoke of being enslaved to weak and worthless things (Gal5:3; Col2:16-17)

Paul was not adverse to keeping Jewish customs when fit the purpose (1Cor9:19-20)

Jesus warned against laying aside the commands of God (Mk7:8-9)

Paul did make it clear about personal preferences too (Rom14:5-6)

Mark 7:8–9 NASB95

8 “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” 9 He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.

Also, that personal preferences should not be bound on others (Gal2:3-5)

So, don’t let things become a stumbling block to others.

So just a little more about Jesus and Christmas, scriptually speaking

Scripture is silent regarding observing, so observing it is man’s tradition not God’s.

Don’t make a man made tradition a church doctrine and bind it on others.

Though it is unwise to, as a church, to commemorate this, it does not make it wrong.

On a personal level may we remember

It is between you and the Lord (Rom14:5-6)

Don’t condemn others who do/do not observe (Rom14:4, Rom14:10-12)

Be sensitive to others personal convictions (Rom14:13-19)

Let us hold fast to the confession of our faith, let us be steadfast in the following of the apostles doctrine (Act2:42) and may we consider what the scripture does say about the birth of Christ.

Isaiah 9:6 NASB95

6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:7 NASB95

7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.

Let us not remember just this week His birth, but remember daily why He came. He was born to die, to die and be resurrected so that we could be born again!