Should Christians Celebrate Christmas on December 25th?

Heavenly Father, we come before You seeking discernment and truth. Reveal to us the schemes of the enemy and help us walk in righteousness and holiness. Let our hearts be steadfast, focused on You and Your eternal Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Unmasking the Agenda Behind December 25th

As the world eagerly anticipates December 25th, many Christians pause to ask an important question: Is this celebration aligned with God’s will, or is there an agenda behind this date that seeks to lead believers astray? Today, we will explore the spiritual forces at play during this season and seek to uncover the truth that will guard our hearts and minds.

The Historical Roots of December 25th

The selection of December 25th as the date for Christmas did not originate from Scripture. Historically, this date was intertwined with pagan celebrations such as Saturnalia and the worship of Sol Invictus, the Roman sun god. These festivals were marked by revelry, excess, and idol worship. By associating Christ’s birth with this day, the enemy’s intention was to subtly merge idolatry with the worship of the true God. Deuteronomy 12:30-31 warns us,

"Be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, 'How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.' You must not worship the Lord your God in their way."

The Influence of Mithras

One of the most significant pagan figures associated with December 25th is Mithras, a deity worshipped in the Roman Empire. Mithraism, a mystery religion practiced by Roman soldiers, held that Mithras was born from a rock on December 25th. His birth was celebrated as the triumph of light over darkness. This parallels the Roman festival of Sol Invictus (the Unconquered Sun), further cementing December 25th as a day dedicated to solar deities rather than the birth of Christ.

The parallels between Mithras and Christ were striking and concerning for early Christians. Mithras was seen as a mediator between heaven and earth, and his followers believed in rituals that mirrored communion, where they partook of sacred meals symbolizing divine flesh and blood. His worship involved initiations, underground temples (mithraea), and the concept of rebirth and salvation through him. The enemy’s strategy was to blur the lines between pagan rituals and the worship of Jesus Christ. This spiritual deception sought to supplant the unique and holy nature of Christ's incarnation with a counterfeit rooted in idolatry.

The spread of Mithraism, especially among Roman soldiers, made it a dominant and influential force across the empire, and its ties to December 25th reinforced the shift away from true worship. The adoption of this date for Christmas was part of a broader effort to convert pagans by reinterpreting their customs through a Christian lens. Yet, the danger lies in the compromise of pure faith with pagan influences.

The Subtle Corruption of Truth

The enemy often disguises deception with good intentions. While celebrating Christ’s birth seems noble, the underlying pagan roots compromise the purity of our worship. Colossians 2:8 cautions us,

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

By adopting a date filled with pagan symbolism, the focus shifts from Christ’s holiness to worldly customs and distractions.

Satan Claus: A Mockery of Christ

The figure of Santa Claus further distorts the message of Christmas. Santa, an omnipresent and omniscient figure who rewards based on deeds, mirrors the attributes of God, yet trivializes them. This figure shifts attention away from Jesus, replacing Him with a commercialized, fictitious character.

The Bible clearly states in Exodus 20:3, “You shall have no other gods before me.” By elevating Santa Claus to such prominence, the true meaning of Christ’s birth is diminished, and the enemy succeeds in diverting worship from the Savior to a worldly icon.

The Christmas Tree – A Symbol of Paganism

Another prominent symbol during this season is the Christmas tree. Many may ask, “What does a Christmas tree have to do with Christ?” Historically, evergreen trees were used in pagan rituals to honor nature gods and spirits during winter solstice festivals. This practice was later incorporated into Christmas traditions, but its roots remain questionable. Jeremiah 10:2-4 (NLT) says:

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not act like the other nations, who try to read their future in the stars. Do not be afraid of their predictions, even though other nations are terrified by them. Their ways are futile and foolish. They cut down a tree, and a craftsman carves an idol. They decorate it with gold and silver and then fasten it securely with hammer and nails so it won’t fall over.’”

This passage serves as a stark warning against adopting the customs of pagan nations, particularly practices involving carved and decorated trees. While this was written over 600 years before Christ, many see parallels between this description and modern Christmas tree traditions.

Why this is concerning for Christians:

• Roots in Pagan Worship – The practice of decorating trees dates back to ancient pagan winter solstice rituals. Evergreens were believed to have special power, representing life amid death. The modern Christmas tree, while secularized, carries echoes of these traditions.

  
  

• Idolatry in Disguise – Though many today view the Christmas tree as harmless decoration, the essence of the practice mirrors the idolatry condemned in Jeremiah. The emphasis on material beauty and celebration can distract from Christ's birth and God's command to avoid the customs of non-believers.

  
  

• Slapping God in the Face – By incorporating practices that resemble ancient idolatry, Christians risk repeating the very actions God denounced. Even if the intent isn't worship, the origins and symbolism remain rooted in customs that God clearly calls “futile and foolish.”

While this passage directly addresses idolatry, it serves as a sobering reminder that adopting pagan customs can detract from true worship. As believers, we must ask ourselves if such symbols enrich our celebration of Christ or simply reflect worldly traditions that have no foundation in Scripture.

Christians Cannot Conquer Pagan Holidays

It is impossible to redeem or “Christianize” a pagan holiday by simply changing its focus. Participating in celebrations rooted in idolatry is akin to joining a yoga class solely for the "stretching," believing the spiritual implications do not apply.

Just as yoga inherently stems from Hindu practices of paying homage to demon deities and cannot be divorced from its roots, Christmas celebrations linked to pagan worship cannot be purified by intention alone. By participating in these customs, believers risk offering worship to demon deities, thereby slapping God in the face. 1 Corinthians 10:21 reminds us,

“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”

But Pastor, Many Churches Celebrate on December 25th!

It is common to hear, “But pastor, many churches celebrate on December 25th, and it’s been a tradition in my family since I was young!” However, just because something is a tradition does not make it acceptable. People have been rebelling against God with the “tradition” excuse for thousands of years. This includes pastors and churches that go against Gods commandments. Its no secret that the problem with Christianity is mainly rooted in counterfeit churches and their traditions. Even Christ himself addressed this very issue.

Let me be very clear: If everyone jumped off a cliff, does that mean you should too? In Matthew 15:3, Jesus says,

“And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?”

It's right there in the Word of God! God calls us to follow His Word, not human customs that lead us away from Him. And instilling these values in our children is planting the seeds of sin in their young malleable hearts and minds. Satan wins, and he used you as his weapon and tool.

Being in the World, Not of the World

John 17:14-16 reminds us,

“They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”

As followers of Christ, we are called to stand apart. This means rejecting traditions rooted in darkness and embracing celebrations that reflect the light of Christ. Participating in pagan-influenced festivities contradicts the call to holiness. 2 Corinthians 6:14 declares,

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

Let us not compromise by mingling the sacred with the profane.

Exposing the Enemy’s Agenda

The enemy seeks to dilute the power of Christ’s birth by intertwining it with worldly customs and distractions. Isaiah 5:20 warns,

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.”

As believers, we must remain vigilant, discerning the schemes of the devil and guarding our faith against compromise.

Honoring Christ in Spirit and Truth

Rather than conforming to December 25th traditions, let us seek to honor Christ daily, celebrating His incarnation with sincerity and truth. John 4:23 states,

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth.”

Our focus should be on glorifying God, not adhering to man-made holidays that serve hidden agendas. Celebrate Christ’s birth with reverence, free from the entanglements of worldly traditions.

Practical Steps to Reclaim Christmas:

• Center on Scripture: Read the nativity story and reflect on the humility and significance of Christ’s birth.

  
  

• Reject Secular Icons: Shift the focus from Santa Claus and commercialism to Jesus.

  
  

• Serve Others: Embody the love of Christ through acts of kindness and charity.

  
  

• Gather in Worship: Assemble with fellow believers to worship and give thanks for the Savior’s coming.

  
  

Conclusion

As we approach this season, let us remember Romans 12:2,

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The call to celebrate Christ is not bound by a date but by a heart that seeks Him in spirit and truth.

Reject the deception that clouds December 25th and choose to honor Christ in ways that reflect His holiness. May our worship be pure, our focus steadfast, and our hearts fully devoted to the King of Kings.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, we seek to worship You in truth and purity. Reveal to us the hidden agendas that seek to lead us astray and empower us to stand firm in faith. Let our celebrations reflect Your glory and bring honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.