The USA Today reported the findings of a new holiday survey over half (56%) of 18-29 year old Americans believe Christmas is not primarily “religious.” To quote LIfeWay president Ed Stetzer, “A lot of Americans celebrate Christmas like they participate in yoga: unaware and unconcerned about its religious roots.”
But let us be clear: Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s birth. The word “Christmas” is from Christ-mass, a time of worship concerning the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Whether Americans celebrate this aspect or not, this does not change the fact that December 25th has long been the date Christians of all backgrounds have traditionally recognized the birth of their Lord.
Yes, there are other holidays during December, and certainly an often unhealthy focus on the non-religious aspects of the holiday. However, without Jesus, there is no Christmas.
Let us remember today, despite work, shopping, or stresses of the day, that in two days we will commemorate the day God became a baby; the Creator joined creation; the Messiah entered the manger.
Let us not forget Christ. Let us embrace the Advent, the coming of our Lord, this Christmas.
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DILLON BURROUGHS is an author, activist, and co-founder of Activist Faith. Dillon served in Haiti following the epic 2010 earthquake and has investigated modern slavery in the US and internationally. His books include Undefending Christianity, Not in My Town (with Charles J. Powell), and Thirst No More (October 2011). Discover more at DillonBurroughs.org.
posted December 23, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Actually I understand Saturnalia was the reason for the season (the reason the RCC put Christmas on Dec 25) and Mithras was being honored during Saturnalia in those times.
So Mithras is the reason for the season. But in fact the young people are right; it’s a secular holiday now which Christians are free to celebrate as they see fit.
posted December 23, 2010 at 10:06 pm
Dec. 25 has nothing whatever to do with the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Any reasonable read of the accounts of that event, real or apocryphal, put the date sometime in September. The Dec. 25 date was a wholly artificial overlay on the solstice-related sacred celebrations which have been going on for many many thousands of years before that. The “religious roots” of Christmas get all of the public respect a contrived, bogus marketing scheme deserves.
posted December 24, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Dillon your subheading says “Learn to Do Good. Seek Justice. Help the Oppressed.”
All good things that everyone can aspire to. Which of those does whining because Christmas season isn’t just like it used to be come under?
posted December 29, 2010 at 9:09 am
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