“Jesus is the reason for the season.” We often here this phrase around this time of year. The point of using this phrase is to remind people of the religious significance of the season. The season implied here is the Christmas season. The denominational world largely believes that Jesus Christ was born on December 25th. Some will say we do not know for certain what day Jesus was born, but use that day to celebrate or commemorate his birth anyway. In either case, the plea is to not get caught up in all the material things that surround this time of year. Instead, remember to celebrate the birth of Jesus. But what is the real reason for the season? We’ll notice a couple reasons for the religious significance placed upon this time of year — specifically December 25th.

Biblical Ignorance

Sadly, one thing that is highlighted during this time of year is the fact that so many people will follow what they’ve always done rather than consult the Bible to see what they should be doing. Many people do not know the difference between what the Bible teaches and what man has invented. If we are to celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th, surely we can find something about that in the Bible.

When we study the Scriptures regarding the birth of Christ, there are several things we learn. First of all, we can read that this event did happen (Matthew 1:18-25; Lk. 2:1-20). Jesus was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:23) in the town of Bethlehem (Luke 2:4,15). Both of these things fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2). Angels announced his birth (Luke 2:8-14). A group of wise men (usually thought to be three, but the number is never given) came to worship Him and bring gifts (Matthew 2:1-12). These are a few of the things we learn about the birth of Jesus from the Bible.

When we study the Scriptures on this topic, we can also notice some things that are not found in the Bible. One thing we see is that the date on which Jesus was born is never given. It wasn’t until the 4th century that we find the December 25th date proposed for Christ’s birth (Wycliffe Bible Commentary). The fact that the shepherds were “out in the fields” with their sheep (Luke 2:8), suggests that the time when Jesus was born was much earlier in the year. In that region, shepherds would have their flocks out in the warmer summer months and bring them in when the weather turned cold — late October to mid-November (Barnes’ Notes). Not only is the December 25th date not stated in Scripture for Christ’s birth, but there’s also really no good reason to guess that it was that day.

What we also find absent from Bible teaching is any command for Jesus’ disciples to commemorate His birth. As a result, we find no instructions as to how to celebrate His birth. Additionally, we find no examples of disciples in the New Testament observing Christ’s birth. The only memorial we read of the disciples observing relates to the death of Christ. Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper to commemorate His death (Matthew 26:26-29). He gave instructions how this was to be done (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25). We read of the disciples engaging in this act and when they did so (Acts 2:42; 20:7). But we read nothing about the disciples remembering the birth of Christ.

Spiritual Apathy

Many people already know the things stated above. They recognize the fact that we do not and cannot know the date on which Jesus was born. They may even realize that there is nothing in the New Testament suggesting that the early church engaged in some sort of observance of the birth of Christ. And yet, they continue to celebrate Christmas as a religious holy day.

We need to realize that everything we do must be backed by Christ’s authority. We are told, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). The teaching the apostles did was founded upon the authority of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20). Whatever we do in spiritual matters must be first authorized in the word of God.

Many will try and classify the religious observance of Christmas as a “good work.” But God has already told us what are good works. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We read about what God considers good works in Scripture. If we’re practicing something in religion that we cannot find in Scripture, we cannot call it a good work. Using Christmas to observe the birth of Christ is found nowhere in Scripture and is therefore not a good work.

Conclusion

While the denominational world goes to great lengths to celebrate the birth of Christ this time of year, those who are holding fast the pattern of sound words (2 Timothy 1:13) will not be joining them. Instead, we will be continuing in the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42) and observing the things Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:20). While it is important to remember the grace of God in sending Jesus to this earth to make atonement for our sins, we have no authority to celebrate the birth of Christ as a religious holy day. Let’s be content to stay within the bounds of Scripture and serve God according to His will.