by Peter F. Whyte, 12 Dec 2006, updated 22 Dec 2008
Is Christmas merely the myths and legends of King Jesus? Or is there more to the story? At this time of year unbelievers often pose questions of Christians. Here are a few answers given by Christians from a variety of traditions, and some reflections and meditations to illuminate the real meaning of Christmas.
That's Christmas! from andy pearce on Vimeo.
Gloucester Cathedral Choir singing "In the bleak midwinter"
HT: Jay Wingard, Reformed Brethren
We are all familiar with Christmas. We are familiar with the cards, the presents the lights and Santa. And of course there is also the birth of Jesus. Yes, it rolls of the tongue as easily as that—the birth of Jesus. The birth of Jesus sits comfortably with the trees and the tinsel. The fact that the Son of God entered this world as a baby (Galatians 4:4) has lost its power to shock us. ... read more in David Luke’s article, 12 December 2006 >>>
Not the Twelve Days of Christmas, but Twelve Reasons for Christmas from John Piper. Something to meditate on this Christmas, as we worship Christ the King. ... read more in John Piper’s Taste & See Article, 11 December 2001 >>>
We only have a vague idea of when Jesus Christ was born. Matthew made up the star’s appearance. The dating of Christmas is an accommodation to a pagan feast. Hebrew prophesy doesn't say that a “virgin” would give birth.
“Bunk!” That’s how Dr. Jack Kinneer describes the above statements as popular myths assuming the implausibility of Biblical narrative about the birth of Jesus. Kinneer is a New Testament professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS) in Pittsburgh. ... read more >>>
Somehow the legend persists that Martin Luther wrote the famous Christmas carol “Away in a Manger.” The truth of the matter is that the carol was not written in German but in English, and that it did not make its first appearance—right here in Philadelphia—until the 1880’s. However, according to the famous Luther scholar Roland Bainton, “Away in a Manger” may have been written in 1884 to honor the German Reformer on the 400th anniversary of his birth. And in a way the legend is appropriate, because as much as any other theologian, Luther had a passion for celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. ... read more in Philip Ryken’s Window on the World from 12 December 2004 >>>
Philip Ryken reflects on the meaning of the Christmas star. ... read more in Philip Ryken’s Window on the World “Star Light, Star Bright” from 22 December 2002 >>>
With apologies to Jimmy Stewart, what difference would it make in the world if Jesus had never lived his wonderful life? ... read more in Philip Ryken’s Window on the World from 11 December 2005 >>>
According to the Bible “Christ Jesus Came into the World to Save Sinners”. In a sermon on 1 Timothy 1:12-17 John Piper explains the meaning of Christ’ birth. ... read more in John Piper’s Christmas Day 1983 sermon >>>
John Piper gives the answer from the lips of Jesus himself. ... read more in John Piper’s Taste & See Article, 11 December 2001 >>>
Scripture doesn’t specifically command believers to celebrate Christmas—there are no prescribed “Holy Days” the church must observe. In fact, Christmas was not observed as a holiday until well after the biblical era. It wasn’t until the mid-fifth century that Christmas received any official recognition. ... read more in this short answer by John MacArthur to an often asked question >>>
The late James Montgomery Boice reminds us that Christmas is more than Santa Claus and Christmas trees. “If you are not a Christian,” he says, “the best way to celebrate Christmas is by becoming a Christian, that is, by believing in Jesus, asking Him to come into your heart and determining to follow Him as His disciple. But perhaps you already are a Christian. Perhaps you already have believed in Jesus. How should you celebrate Christmas then?” ... read more in this extract from James Montgomery Boice’s book The Christ of Christmas, Chicago, IL, USA: Moody Bible Institute, 1983 >>>
A Christmas meditation by Paul Helm published in reformation21, in the Helm’s Deep column, December 2006.
How can a person have a divine nature and a human nature at the same time in the way that we believe Jesus Christ did? ... read more in this short answer to a difficult question that the Christmas story raises by R C Sproul >>>
In one of his columns for The New York Times, Nicholas Kristof once pointed to belief in the Virgin Birth as evidence that conservative Christians are “less intellectual.” Are we saddled with an untenable doctrine? Is belief in the Virgin Birth really necessary? ... Read more from Albert Mohler on this all-important question >>> ; ... read part 2 “The Doctrine of the Virgin Birth Under Attack—Again” >>>
Can a true Christian deny the virgin birth? This question would perplex the vast majority of Christians throughout the centuries, but modern denials of biblical truth make the question tragically significant. Of all biblical doctrines, the doctrine of Christ's virginal conception has often been the specific target of modern denial and attack. ... Read more from Albert Mohler on this all-important question >>>
Mark Johnston reflects on the nature of the Incarnation. “It is one of best-known facts of Bible; yet it is shrouded in mystery. Its details are rehearsed every year in preaching, reading and song; yet they defy our comprehension. The virgin birth — or, more accurately, the virginal conception.” ... Read more >>>... (reformation21, June 2008).
Vaughan Roberts has produced a new booklet called Christmas in three words that seeks to do just that. You can read an abridged version at Evangelicals Now (December 2007).
Melinda Penner reflects on the implications of some of our popular Christmas carols. In doing do, she uncovers the dark side of the time of celebration. ... Read more from Melinda Penner on the real reason for the season >>>
In The People Who Walk in Darkness Will See a Great Light—The Glory of Christmas", Albert Mohler explains how "the image of light is central, not only to Christmas, but to Christianity." (Albert Mohler Web site, Commentary, 21 Dec 2005).
Albert Mohler provides a helpful answer to the question. (Albert Mohler Web site, 21 Dec 2009).
Tim Challies shares a prayer from Scotty Smith that offers a helpful perspective on Christmas and an encouragement to meditate more deeply on Christ. (Challies.com, 13 Dec 2009)
Here are some thoughts either way, though predominantly on the side of not doing it. However, there is a good deal of food for thought and not a few creative ideas:
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