Christmas is a pagan holiday with a Christian name. In fact, the Pagan culture has had a great influence on our civilization, such as the names of the days of the week. However, since Sunday was named for the sun god and Monday for the moon god, we do not hesitate to live our normal lives on those days and call them by their given pagan names. We do not worship on Sunday, but we do not hesitate to pray on that day or to do missionary work.
Consider when Jesus was here on earth when one of the Pharisees asked Him if they should pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus told them, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:21. Under the guidance of our heavenly Father we have to live in this world and cope with who and what we live with.
Regarding Christmas, we have already established the fact that it is of pagan origin, but we cannot ignore the fact that it is here. It is the time of the year when people take vacations, especially schools. It is the time of the year when people, businesses, and social groups are giving greetings and presents to one another. Many do this just for prestige, some for love, some for other advantages, but gifts and greetings are prevalent. Because the world and churches are doing these things at Christmas time, would it be wrong for a Seventh-day Adventist to give a gift to someone or to take a vacation at Christmas time or to wish someone happy holidays?
I do believe it is wrong to ascribe the joy of Christmas to the birth of Christ, for that is false theology, and children should be taught the truth at all times. Never, never lie to a child. Tell them the way it is—there is no Santa Clause. They can’t help but see and hear about it, but they must know the truth. However, it is not wrong to give children gifts because you love them, or even to give gifts for appreciation to your friends and loved ones. Just don’t forget that the best Friend we have is Jesus, and He deserves the best gift.
Now let’s learn what the Lord has revealed to us. “While urging upon all the duty of first bringing their offerings to God, I would not wholly condemn the practice of making Christmas and New Year’s gifts to our friends. It is right to bestow upon one another tokens of love and remembrance if we do not in this forget God, our best Friend. We should make our gifts such as will prove a real benefit to the receiver. I would recommend such books as will be an aid in understanding the Word of God, or that will increase our love for its precepts.” The Review and Herald, December 26, 1882.
If you have a Bible question you wish to have answered, please e-mail it to: ruthgrosboll@stepstolife.org.