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PROGRAM D-7735
If you’re a Christian, should you participate in the typical Christmas celebrations going on all around you? Sometimes these occasions are not at all Christian, even though they’re done in the name of a Christian holiday. We need to give this some careful thought.
We are not called to be separatists, but we are called to do everything to the glory of God. So, we have that balancing act to consider as a guideline in this area.
Another biblical principle is found in Romans 14:13: “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.” As Christians, we must always be careful that what we do is not misinterpreted and misunderstood, causing others to stumble.
While it’s true that we should not live in fear of what other people will think, nor is it possible to please everyone, it’s also true that sometimes we have to adjust our plans and behavior, not because it would be wrong for us, but because it would be a stumbling block to others who would misunderstand.
Consider this principle found in 1 Corinthians 9:22b: “I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.” For Paul, the most important thing was to have an opportunity to tell others about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
So, within the limits of morality and the law, without violating any of God’s principles, he was willing to be whatever he had to be, do whatever he had to do to have those opportunities.
We can ask ourselves: Would some limited participation in these celebrations give us an opportunity to talk to people—to reach out to people? I do believe and know from experience that these occasions can afford us opportunities to establish a rapport and build some bridges to those who might have thought we were “untouchable” or came from some other planet. But if so, we must carefully keep our balancing act in mind, and never allow ourselves to compromise the testimony of Jesus Christ.
That should give you something to think about during this Christmas season. Remember, even for a Christian, Christmas can become a pagan holiday if we don’t focus our minds and our activities on who Jesus is and why he came. But it can also be a time that others are more open to talking about Jesus, and let’s not miss those opportunities. Use this season to share with others the good news we have about our Savior.