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Bible Answer Man Hank Hanegraaff sheds light on some common Christmastime debates. Santa, Christmas trees, and the holiday's date itself are examined in the light of historical and Biblical truth. 

 

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“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’”

Luke 2:8-14

Every year around Christmastime, serious concerns are voiced regarding the validity of celebrating Christmas. Some note that the origins of Christmas are pagan; others point out that the Bible overtly denounces Christmas trees as idolatrous; and still others suggest that Santa Claus is a dangerous fairy tale.

In response, let me first acknowledge that when Christmas was originally instituted, December 25 th was indeed a pagan festival commemorating the birthday of a false god. While this is historical fact, what is frequently overlooked is that the church’s choice of December 25 th was intentional. Instead of Christianizing a pagan festival, the church established a rival celebration. While the world has all but forgotten the Greco-Roman gods of antiquity, they are annually reminded that two thousand years ago Christ invaded time and space.

Furthermore, the Bible nowhere condemns Christmas trees as idolatrous. The oft-cited passage in Jeremiah 10:2–4 might at first blush appear compelling, but context precludes the pretext. Jeremiah’s description of a tree cut out of the forest adorned with silver and gold and fastened with a hammer and nails so that it would not totter is a reference to wooden idols, not Christmas trees. In fact, Christmas trees originated in Christian Germany two thousand years after Jeremiah’s condemnation of man-made idols. They evolved over time from two Christian traditions. One was a “paradise tree” hung with apples as a reminder of the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. The other was a triangular shelf holding Christmas figurines decorated by a star. In the sixteenth century, these two symbols merged into the present Christmas tree tradition.

This Christmas you might well consider using the Christmas tree in the home of an unbeliever as a springboard or opportunity to explain the reason for the season from the fall in Paradise to redemption in Christ.

Far from merely being a dangerous fairy tale, “Santa Claus” in reality is an Anglicized form of the Dutch name Sinter Klaas, which in turn is a reference to Saint Nicholas. According to tradition, Saint Nick not only lavished gifts on needy children but also valiantly supported the doctrine of the Trinity from the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325. Thus, Christians may legitimately look to Saint Nick as a genuine hero of the faith.

On December 25 th as you celebrate the coming of Christ with a Christmas tree surrounded by presents, may the selflessness of Saint Nick be a reminder of the Savior who gave the greatest gift of all:

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13

Even now you can place your trust in the Savior, Jesus Christ, who demonstrated that He is God through the undeniable fact of His resurrection. One way to do so is simply to pray a prayer like the following—remembering that there is no magic in the words, God is looking at the intent of your heart:

Heavenly Father, I thank You that You have provided a way for me to have a loving relationship with You;

I realize that I am a sinner; I am sorry and repent of (turn from) my sin; I receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior, who rescues me from the penalty of sin through His sacrificial death on my behalf. Thank You for the gift of eternal life with You in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.