The Controversy Surrounding the Celebration of Jesus' Birth
Is the celebration of Jesus' birth an act of faith, or is it just a cultural tradition with no significance in scripture? This article explores the reasoning behind not celebrating the birth of Jesus as explicitly stated in the Bible, the origins of Christmas, and why some argue it is not in line with Christian beliefs.
Why We Do Not Celebrate the Birth of Jesus as Per the Bible
The question often arises: why don't we celebrate the birth of Jesus as the Bible might suggest? It is essential to understand that for no compelling reason is there a directive or explicit mention of commemorating this particular day.
The Bible, which is a revered text in Christianity, does not specify when Jesus was born, nor does it provide instructions to celebrate his birthday. This lack of information leads some to question the appropriateness of such celebrations.
Furthermore, the Bible commands the celebration of the Memorial of Jesus' death, an event of profound significance for Christians, but says nothing about his birth. This omission is not by accident; the date of Jesus’ birth is included for a very specific reason.
The Significance of Jesus' Adulthood and His Position in Heaven
Given that Jesus is now a powerful king in heaven, is it not considered an affront to his position to treat him as a defenseless infant? In no adult society would it be appropriate for a person to be treated with such care and infantilization. Would you find it respectful if someone treated you as a child, complete with pacifiers and baby clothes?
Moreover, the celebration of Christmas often involves indulgence in drinking, eating, and partying to the point of exhaustion, which conflicts with many traditional Christian values. This debauchery raises questions about the spiritual intention behind such festivities.
The Origins of Christmas: Ancient Pagan Customs
One of the most contentious points regarding the celebration of Jesus' birth is the origins of Christmas itself. Historically, Christmas is believed to have been influenced by ancient pagan traditions, particularly the celebration of the Roman winter solstice and the Greek festival of the unconquered sun.
A significant piece of evidence from the 7th century BCE is the scripture found in Jeremiah 10:3-5, which warns against worshipping trees. This passage describes a tree adorned with silver and gold and fastened with hammers and nails, paralleling the modern Christmas tree:
"For the customs of the peoples are a delusion. It is just a tree of the forest that is cut down, worked by the hands of the craftsman with his tool. 4 They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails so that it will not fall over. 5 Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm; nor be afraid of them."
The scripture indeed depicts the Christmas tree in a negative light, comparing it to a scarecrow in a cucumber field. This imagery suggests that the celebration of Christmas with a tree adorned with silver and gold is viewed as a sin of idolatry, a grave injustice.
Conclusion and Further Reading
While personal beliefs and traditions vary widely, the Bible's perspective on commemorating the birth of Jesus without clear directive or commandments is a subject of debate. It is crucial to engage with diverse viewpoints and resources to gain a holistic understanding of Christian practices and their origins.
For those interested in further exploration of these themes, we recommend visiting our website. Here, you can browse through many Bible subjects and even request a free Bible study. Join the conversation and deepen your understanding of the faith.
Thank you for your interest,
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