People have differing opinions about Christmas, but most people can agree it is celebrated to recognize the Birth of Jesus Christ.
Has anyone stopped to think what Jesus himself would think about Christmas? Would he want a day set aside to honor his birth into the world?
As none of us really know and these posts examine ideas from different perspectives here are some speculations about what Jesus would think. It sounded like a fun topic to think about. These are speculations mostly based on Bible verses.
Would Jesus Want A Holiday For His Birthday?
1. The word "Christmas" does not appear in the Bible.
Although the word "Christmas" does not appear in the Bible the word "birthday" does.
But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. - Gospel Of Mark 6:1
Birthdays were indeed celebrated and jubilant in ancient times. Perhaps Jesus would expect some acknowledgement of his birthday based on the culture. However, Jesus is not full of pride (since he is sinless) so a person could only guess what he would want.
2. Saints were recognized in ancient times by their date of death (repose), and not by their date of birth.
A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death (better) than the day of birth.
- Ecclesiastes 7:1
A person could logically ask how this could be. Perhaps it is because God's plan is closer to unfolding, because you have learned some lessons along the way or because you are with God. The day of birth was not celebrated as much in the culture so no one knows for sure what Jesus would think.
3. He would almost certainly agree to giving, but not in a commercial sense.
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! - Gospel Of Matthew 7:11
The gifts mentioned here are probably not physical gifts like the ones exchanged at Christmas. Parents can give children gifts by teaching them properly and God gives gifts each day. Jesus would probably understand the context of giving physical gifts.
4. He would want you to think about your salvation more than presents.
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. - Epistle to Titus 2:11
The birth of Jesus is the beginning of the salvation of humankind, which makes up for the Fall Of Man in the Garden Of Eden. The giving of gifts might represent the joy of this salvation, but the salvation from his sacrifice is likely what he would want emphasized.
5. He might want empathy with other religions.
Jesus died to save ALL humankind. Throughout the Bible Jesus had empathy on people, especially if they had even a small measure of faith in something greater.
So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said:
Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. - Acts 17:22-23
It has been said that Jesus did not come to earth to establish a religion. His disciples seemed at first to acknowledge the Greek religion, which was definitely not Christianity. Jesus would probably like those who have faith to acknowledge his birthday somehow.
6. He would want you to love your neighbor as yourself, which is the sum of the Gospels.
The second is this:
'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these. - Gospel Of Mark 12:31
This quote also includes the notion of loving God. If you feel obligated to get somebody a present you can not really afford then this concept would apply.
It sounds like overall Jesus might like a day set aside in his honor, if it includes some principles with it. Some of these might be:
- It is based on not expecting anything in return.
- The giving is not based on the wealth a person has, but on how much of the wealth you give.
- It emphasizes a reason for giving, which is the path to your salvation.
- Love your neighbor.
He already knows what you are thinking, anyway. Jesus was sinless, so he also was not full of pride and self-absorption.
Merry Christmas To Everyone
Do you have any thoughts about what Jesus would think of Christmas?
You might also be interested in:
The Meaning Of Christmas
Author: Albert Wagner