Acts 13:38-39  “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses”.  <And> Col 2:16  “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.”

Did you know???  Kris Kringle came about as a mispronunciation of the German word Christkindl meaning “Christ Child”.  

Recently, a group of people asked if I celebrated Christmas?  I pondered their question carefully.  Then I beamed ready to explode with an answer so loudly, clearly and confidently with the reason for the season. Jesus Christ is the heart of Christmas.  The world brightly blessed in joy and song for the long awaited gift of the Messiah has finally come. Immanuel, our King of Kings, was packaged from heaven to live among us. Through Him we have hope of reconciliation that redeems, forgives and gives us the tree of eternal life   For all my life I have celebrated the Christmas tradition with family, friends and others God calls our neighbors.  Regarded dearly and eagerly that this was a part of what Christians did in their faith.  Worldwide Christmas was truly the most wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable time of the year.  It is the celebration of Christ birth for all…Yes! Of course, I celebrated Christmas!

Seems like a mega of buzzers went off from their mouths sounding Wrong Answer!  They scrutinized my thinking and contested every ingrained belief.  Barraging me with so many arguments (even with scriptures) to support their irrefutable viewpoints–seemd they had to be right.  To claim that Christmas is a pagan holiday, Christian celebrators are quite heretical and should not observe this festivity in any fashion was how one could prove to be righteous and implicitly saved.  Sounded legit.  Oh my! No more Christmas?

Are not other religious groups  allowed to hold to their religious observances with utmost sanctification and respect.  What was so wrong about good ole Christmas.  My lack of full understanding led me to deep studies about this holiday (totally Berean mode) as well as Easter and other traditions I held.  Was I right or wrong?  Tree or no tree?  Presents or charity only?  Acknowledge Santa, St. Nick, Kris Kringle or God?  Agghhh.  Ultimately wondering, if I could or should celebrate on Dec 25th or when?  I was unsettled my heart and mind full of self-condemning thoughts.  There was no peace on my earth.  Jesus save me! Ding! Ding! Ding! Wait that’s it exactly!  Where was Jesus?

Sister, Jesus our Lord and Savior saved us to free us that believe in Him. For us who are saved our faith is all that matters.  In examining Romans 14 the conclusion to the passage is this (vs 22) “So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. ²³ But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin*. We are no longer under the law.  We are covered under the blood of Jesus.  John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Concern (C):  Sister, do you KNOW why you do what you do?  Be convinced exactly of why you celebrate Christmas or any other tradition. In asking for wisdom in matters James 1:6 states, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

Encouragement (E):  Know your Bible make it your standard above all opinions, arguments. traditions, doctrine and even logic. Simce God’s thoughts are higher than ours.  Our best human reasoning can’t match God’s understanding  Further in Mark 7 states in support “Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” Is your heart inclined and reclined to Jesus during this holiday time. Are you giving to others in need, showing charitable hospitality, and being joyful and sacrificial demonstrating your love?

Actions (A):  Find out, Hold on and Tell about the Truth.  In John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  We need to observe Jesus at Christmas time and all times.  Being spiritually honest helps you be conscientiously clear.   Since the Bible warns us about adding anything to the words of the Bible, in Romans 22:18 perhaps reevaluate your traditions.  For example its True that Santa is not in the Bible, so why not tell about  God’s love instead to your children.  He does know when we are good or bad, he does give us good gifts from above.  Jesus does not need any fictional character to sell and spread the message of His love–He is the real deal.    And Merry CHRISTmas to You, Sister!

For further info check out these following links:
https://bible.org/article/should-christians-celebrate-christmas
https://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/holidays-and-celebrations/christmas/
http://www.sharefaith.com/guide/Christian-Holidays/christmas-traditions-of-santa-claus-and-trees.html