What has religion got to do with Christmas?

This question was asked recently by a young boy, who I guess is only used to the image of a bearded, stocky man in a red suit at Christmas time. So how does what he calls' religion' have anything to do with the 'modern' Christmas image in Western society? Perhaps his idea of religion is people praying in churches and being told what to do by the priest or pastor.

I am certain that this boy is not the only person confused by two different approaches to what we know as Christmas. What is even more confusing is the ever growing trend to call it 'Xmas". This of course suits those who want to get rid of any religious connation about Christmas.

Yet you cannot separate Christmas from the Christian religion. Without the birth of Christ there would be no Christmas, as there would be no Christ! It would be a very different world if Jesus Christ the Son of God had not come. There would be no Christian countries.  We would all be worshipping idols. Many of us would be slaves. It has been estimated that about one third of the population of the old Roman Empire were slaves. Interesting isn't it that it was the Christian countries that first abolished slavery!

If you live in a Western society nation then you will find it is based on Christianity. The central theme of Christianity is Jesus Christ.  When Christians celebrate Christmas they are remembering the birth of Jesus the Christ. For 2,000 years or so Christians have been remembering the birth of Christ.

The modern Santa Claus phenomenon is largely due to a massive commercialisation of Christmas time. It suits manufacturers and retailers as they make huge profits from the sales of Christmas goods. The real importance of Christmas is lost to millions and millions of people around the world.

So then what is the real importance of Christmas?

Let's look at the Holy Scriptures for the answers.

Luke 2:1-14

"(1) And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
(2) This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.
(3) So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
(4) Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
(5) to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
(6) So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.
(7)And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

(8) Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
(9) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
(10) Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

(11) For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

(12) And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

(14) "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

The birth of Jesus Christ was proclaimed by an angel of God. This Babe is announced as Christ the Lord. Then the marvellous revelation of a multitude of God's heavenly host proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

The Old Testament Prophet Isaiah prophesied centuries before of this Babe.

Isaiah 9:6-7

"(6) For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(7) Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."

The Holy Scriptures have on record in the four gospels in the New Testament; the birth, death, burial, resurrection and ascension to Heaven of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews highlights Christ's perfect humanity in chapter 9.

Hebrews 2:9-15

"(9) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

(10) For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
(11) For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
(12) saying:"I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."
(13) And again:"I will put My trust in Him." And again:"Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."
(14) Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,

(15) and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

It was necessary for our salvation that Jesus Christ was born into this world of ours. It was necessary that He grew to manhood and voluntarily paid the price of your sins, and my sins, on that Roman cross at Calvary. The end result for all those who believe in Him and receive Him as their Lord and Saviour is eternity in heaven with him.

Is it any wonder Christians celebrate at Christmas time the birth of Jesus Christ?

What has the Christian religion got to do with Christmas?

Everything!

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point. You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part

 or parts of the verse, that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]