We are coming to the climax of the biggest time of the year. I recently found out that Christmas takes up ten percent of our year- ten percent! Year after year we have this much time dedicated to the celebration of Jesus’ birth- and year after year it is under attack. There is always someone or something against Christmas- whether it’s the atheist ranting against the religion of it, or the overwhelming sense of commercialism from society. Christmas is under attack- and I believe it’s worth saving. So here’s a Christian’s defense of Christmas.

In Defense of the Story

“What we are in fact celebrating is the awe-inspiring humility of God, and no amount of familiarity with the trappings of Christmas should ever blind us to its quiet but explosive significance. For Christians believe that so great is God’s love and concern for humanity that he himself became a man.” This passage was written by J. B. Phillips, and was included in an advent book I’ve been reading this month. The author goes on to make an interesting point- Christmas is about two things: First, that Christmas is a celebration of the humility and love of Christ, an event that in itself deserves a whole year of celebration. Second, however, Phillips makes the argument that Christmas is not just about celebrating that Jesus came- but that Jesus will come. The truth is, we are living in the midst of an epic story. One that started at Creation, and will continue until Jesus comes again. It’s the story of mankind and mankind’s salvation- and the birth of Christ is the midpoint.

Christmas is a monument to this midpoint, a holiday that lets us stop and remember this event. An event that changed the world. It is only right that we should spend ten percent of our year celebrating Jesus’ birth.

In Defense of the Season

But that ten percent has been twisted by the world. It has been commercialized, you can’t deny it. Many Christians I talk to struggle with celebrating the holiday with how secular it has become. Which is why I wrote on this topic today, because we as Christians can redeem Christmas.

I believe that as Christians we should celebrate the joy and love of the season, the faith it inspires, and the hope we should hold in it. Through that we can have joy even in the presents, and the decorations, and the food (especially the cookies). We can put up a tree with lights, and listen to Nat King Cole, and bake more cookies- but the backbone of every tradition and celebration should come from a love of God. 

Even many secular Christmas movies agree that Christmas is a time of love, and a celebration of good. As Christians, it is our responsibility to center that celebration back on Christ.

In Defense of Joy

All in all, it is important to remember the reason for Christmas- this monumental event in an epic story- and it is important to remember our role in preserving it. 

But I also want to encourage you all to keep a very important Christmas tradition- and that is joy. Have joy in this holiday; have joy in the gift giving, in the songs and movies, in the tree and lights. Have joy in spending time with family and friends, and in the Bible readings and Christmas hymns.

The simplest way we can center Christmas in Christ is to have joy, real true joy, in the season He gave us- hot chocolate, cookies and all.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14, KJV)

Merry Christmas, everyone!