WHAT ABOUT CHRISTMAS?

Gus Nichols

Here are some undeniable facts about Christmas.

1. There is no proof that Christ was born on December 25th. But the glorious good news is the fact that He was born as our Savior, that He came down from heaven to seek and to save the lost (Luke 2:8-12).

2. Christ should be just as precious to us as if He had been born on December 25th. In fact, He should be more precious to us than if He had been born yesterday. If He had been born only yesterday, we would know nothing of His wonderful life, His miracles, His teachings, His death for our sins, His resurrection and ascension into heaven.

3. Another fact worthy of consideration is the fact that we can rejoice in Christ, as Christians and believers in Christ, on December 25th, just the same as on the other 364 days of the year. We do not have to cease to be happy in Jesus at "Christmas" just to be different from others. Paul says' "Rejoice in the Lord always' (Philippians 4:4). This would take in Christmas the same as any other days of the year.

4. Instead of revealing the date of the birth of Christ, God has revealed the day on which He was raised from the dead—the first day of the week (Mark 16:8-9, Luke 24:1-47). God does want us to especially celebrate this day. It is a day called the "Lord's Day" (Revelation l: l O. 1 Corinthians 16:2, Acts 20:7). In it we are especially rejoiceful and glad.

5. We should show our faith in Christ, in His birth, in His life, in all He did for us, and is doing for us, in every proper way...but we should not deceive others into thinking we are celebrating December 25th as the birthday of Christ.

6. When all the facts are considered, there is nothing to prevent our enjoying the holiday season just ahead called "Christmas." We can do this without celebrating "Christmas" as the birthday of Christ.

7. Finally, it is proof of the Divinity of Christ to find Him so popular in the world nineteen hundred years after His birth that the civilized world wants to celebrate His birth whether it knows the date or not. Thank God for our Lord and His coming into the world, regardless of the exact date of his birth.