The Bible does not command or forbid celebrating Christmas, leaving room for believers to honor Christ’s birth in a way that glorifies God. When celebrated with discernment and a Christ-centered focus, Christmas can be a meaningful time of worship, remembering, and sharing the gospel.
There has been a long-standing debate regarding whether Christians should celebrate Christmas. The church's celebration of Christmas on December 25 came later as a way to honor the day Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The Bible does not command Christians to celebrate Christmas, but it also does not forbid it, leaving the decision to personal conviction and a desire to honor the Lord. Old Testament feasts like Passover and Pentecost show that God values holy days of remembrance and teaching, which supports the idea that Christmas can serve as a meaningful time of worship and discipleship. The New Testament encourages believers to honor the Lord in how they observe special days (Romans 14:5–6), and Jesus’ birth is surely a special day. While concerns about pagan origins or cultural traditions surrounding Christmas are valid, they do not invalidate the celebration when it is centered on Christ. Jesus came to earth humbly, taking on humanity and fulfilling hundreds of years of prophecy, to save the world from their sins, which is something to remember and celebrate. When approached with discernment, Christmas can be a powerful opportunity to worship Jesus and share the good news of Jesus’ coming with others.
Some objections to celebrating Christmas are based on concerns that, while understandable, are not necessarily grounds for rejecting the holiday altogether. One common argument is that since the exact date of Jesus's birth is unknown, choosing December 25th is arbitrary and even misleading. While it’s true that Scripture does not record the precise day of Christ’s birth, this does not make it wrong to set aside a specific day to honor and remember this world-changing event. The significance lies not in the date itself but in the meaning of the celebration—the arrival of the Savior into the world.
Others object to Christmas due to its association with pagan traditions or secular cultural elements. Some point to early connections between December 25th and pagan festivals, while others take issue with modern customs like gift-giving, Santa Claus, or materialism. These concerns deserve thoughtful consideration, especially when cultural practices risk overshadowing Christ. However, the presence of non-Christian elements does not negate the value of celebrating Christ’s birth. When approached with discernment and a heart focused on worship, Christmas can be a meaningful and God-honoring celebration for believers.
Moreover, Christmas presents a unique and powerful opportunity for gospel outreach. In a culture where many observe the holiday without understanding its true purpose, Christians have a chance to redirect the focus toward Jesus. Celebrating Christmas with intentionality—through worship, generosity, and conversations about the incarnation—can open doors to share the hope and truth of the gospel with family, friends, and neighbors who may otherwise never hear it.