Recently I had the opportunity to engage in a discussion over the merits of celebrating the birth of Jesus as a special day. The opponents of celebrating Christmas had some valid points, most dealing with the tendencies of Christians to turn Christmas into a day of rampant commercialism or tradition, devoid of any significant meaning. Furthermore the argument of the early NT church not celebrating the day does hold some merit. As the discussion wound its way around our group, it became apparent that no clear cut persuasive arguments would end the discussion in favor of one side or the other. It was at this point that I took the time to interject a simple missionary thought. Christmas, or the celebration of it has become a part of our culture, good or bad. The key I believe is to accept its presence and use it as an opportunity to contextualize the gospel message. Too many Christians fall into the trap of syncretization when it comes to this "holy"day, leaving nothing of worth or value to its real meaning. We need to see Christmas for what it is a day on the calendar where we remember that God became flesh and dwelt among us. Immanuel became a physical reality. But more than just celebrating Christmas on one day a year or in one season, I think it would be better to live out the significance of Christmas daily throughout the year. Doing this while recognizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, makes a proper celebration.
