Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley - The Truth About Christmas

Morning Thoughts

What is the truth about the history, celebration, and accuracy of the Christmas holiday? (Written December 21, 2005)

This morning, we are approaching the time of year when folks celebrate Christmas. Many things are done in relation to this celebration that are traditional, historical, and sometimes not very accurate. Some
think that this is the time of Christ's birth (hence the name of the holiday). Others think that it is a time to give and receive gifts. For others, it is a time to gather with family at the close of the year and enjoy one another's company and fellowship. Sadly, for many it is a time of year to make money and get gain. So, what is the truth about this celebration?

Firstly, the accuracy displayed about the theology of the holiday is sadly inaccurate. The time of year set aside to celebrate the birth of Christ is inaccurate. The shepherds were keeping their flocks in the middle of the night. Now, if the shepherds were keeping the flocks (for feeding), then a simple inference will reach the conclusion that it was more than likely either the late spring or early summer. The winter celebration is mis-timed.

Also, the nativity scenes are flocked with error. The Lord commanded us not to make any graven images when giving the Ten Commandments. Now, the first commandment was not to have any other gods. So, some might query, "Why bother with the second when the first already states that?" We are to have no other gods, but we are not to even make images of the one true God! Images of God or Christ clearly are in violation of the law of God. Therefore, baby Jesus figurines are idols. Also, the nativity scene has the wise men (we know that there were 3 gifts, but we do not know if there were 3 wise men) coming to the manger along with the shepherds. The Bible speaks of the wise men coming to the house (not the manger). In fact, had the wise men been on the scene at the manger, John the Baptist would have been killed.

Notice that Herod specifically asked the wise men at what time they first saw the star. Now, had they been there at the manger, John the Baptist would have only been 6 months old. Therefore, Herod's decree to kill all the babies 2 years of age and under would have killed John. However, by the time that the wise men got to Bethlehem, Jesus was already around 2 years old (in the house), and therefore, John was spared from the murder of the king. So, now that man's traditions of the celebration of the birth of Christ will not hold up to Holy Writ, what is the history of Christmas?

The "religious" holiday began when the Roman Catholic Church was attempting to convert heathens of others nations that they entered into. One of the Catholic methods of conversion was to incorporate the heathen celebrations into their religion. The heathens had a winter celebration coupled with gifts from the "gods of the skies." The Catholics incorporated this and called it the birth of Christ along with one of their beloved "saints" named Nicholas. So, that is how the celebration of Christmas as the birth of Christ began. People ask me, "Do you celebrate Christmas then?" My response is that I do celebrate the holiday as a family tradition and not as a religious holiday.

We do not need one time of the year to celebrate our Lord, but rather we should think of Him always. Also, as a family holiday, I will try to defend against any effort to incorporate the holiday into the church. However, one thing that I am thankful for about the holiday is that the name of the Lord is mentioned more by people who generally do not than at most times of the year. It is my prayer that they will name the name on more occasions than just Christmas and Easter, but I am thankful that they do name Him. This is by no means an in-depth look at these things but merely a skimming of the high points. More can be said, and I will be glad to give any information to those who might be interested.

In Hope,

Bro Philip