Answer: There
is no doubt that some of what we now refer to as Christmas traditions can be
traced back, in some form, to pagan cultures and celebrations. The ringing of
bells, for example, is generally thought to have had its origin in the early
pagan winter celebration of ringing of bells to drive out evil spirits. In
later centuries, bells were rung on Christmas Eve to welcome in the spirit of
Christmas with joyful noise (Psalm 95:1). When Christians enjoy the beauty of a
glorious bell choir ringing Christmas carols, we are reminded of the coming of
Jesus into the world, not the driving out of evil spirits.
Similarly,
there was an early pagan tradition of lighting candles to drive away the forces
of cold and darkness. However, is it likely that our hearts are drawn to those
early pagans rather than rejoicing in our Savior, the Light of the World (John
1:4-9) as we light candles? Of course not. Nor is it likely that when I give
gifts to my loved ones at Christmas, the gifts will have less significance to
either of us because some Druid somewhere in time offered a gift to his goat as
part of some pagan ritual. No, we remember, as we should, the gifts given to
the Christ-child by the Magi (Matthew 2:11). Jesus was the greatest gift ever
given, and therefore His birth is worthy of celebration.
So
obscure are the beginnings of many Christmas traditions that reference books
and internet sites contradict one another on the details. Some of our most
popular and beloved Christmas symbols are entirely Christian, and were never
part of any pagan religion anywhere. At the same time, some Christmas
traditions undoubtedly do have their origins in the pagan past. What is
important is not the origins of traditions, but their significance to us today
as believers in the Son of God. December 25 was not mentioned in the biblical
narrative as the day Jesus was born, and, as such, we cannot be dogmatic about
it one way or the other. But even if the date is completely wrong, there is
still the opportunity for thousands of people who wouldn’t go to church any
other time of the year to go on Christmas day and hear the gospel of Christ.
If you
are fully convinced that you cannot, in good conscience, observe a particular
Christmas tradition, do not observe it. If you are fully convinced that a
particular tradition is too steeped in paganism to honor God in any way, by all
means forsake that tradition. At the same time, if you are fully convinced that
you can honor and worship God through a particular tradition, honor and worship
God (Romans 14:5)! For Christians, Christmas traditions can be an important
part of the celebration of the birth of our Savior, and they remind us of that
momentous event that changed the world forever. More importantly, they bring to
mind the miracle of new birth He created in us when He came into our hearts,
saved us from our sins, and made us children of God by the shedding of His
blood on the Cross (Colossians 1:20). It is this amazing truth that enables us
to say with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good
will toward men” (Luke 2:14).
Recommended
Resource: The Case for Christmas by Lee Strobel. .(courtesy: GotQuestions.org)
