Does the Bible Command Us to Celebrate the Birth of Jesus?
It is worth asking why this subject often stirs such strong reactions within the church. When questions are raised about Christmas and its biblical foundation, some leaders feel compelled to defend tradition rather than examine it through Scripture. This tension reveals how deeply customs can shape belief—and why returning to God’s Word must always come first.
I often wonder why some church leaders, including those who call themselves pastors, continue to argue so strongly over this subject. Many are aware of the concerns being raised and understand the historical and biblical questions surrounding Christmas. Yet even with this awareness, some still choose to defend the idea that it marks the birthday of Christ.
For those whose eyes have been opened, it can be deeply troubling to witness leaders promote what Scripture does not clearly affirm. This is not about attacking individuals, but about grieving the reality that tradition is often upheld more passionately than truth.
When a pastor or spiritual leader encourages people to celebrate what is presented as Christ’s birth—despite the absence of biblical command—it raises important questions about responsibility and discernment. Leaders are called to guide God’s people in truth, not to reinforce assumptions simply because they are familiar or culturally accepted.
This conversation should not be driven by pride or argument, but by humility and a sincere desire to honor Christ as He instructed. Truth should never be feared, and honest examination should never be dismissed. The goal is not division, but faithfulness—to Scripture, to Christ, and to the calling entrusted to those who lead.
From the beginning of Scripture to the teachings of Jesus Himself, the focus is never placed on observing His birth, but on responding to His call. When Jesus spoke, He did not point His followers to a calendar, a season, or a celebration. He pointed them to obedience, repentance, surrender, and faith. The question Scripture continually places before us is not when He was born, but whether we are following Him. To understand this clearly, we must return to what Jesus actually commanded—and allow His words, not tradition, to guide our faith.
Many people around the world observe Christmas as a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is filled with traditions, decorations, music, and gatherings. But an important question remains—one that believers should not be afraid to ask:
Does the Bible command us to celebrate the birth of Jesus?
What Scripture Actually Records
The Bible clearly records the birth of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. These passages affirm the miracle of the incarnation—God taking on flesh. Angels announced His birth. Shepherds witnessed it. Wise men later sought Him. — Matthew 1:18–25 (NIV); Luke 2:1–20 (NIV)
Yet, while Scripture records the event, it never instructs believers to observe or commemorate His birth on a specific date.
There is:
- No command from Jesus
- No instruction from God
- No example from the apostles
- No established observance in the early church
This absence is not accidental—it is significant.
What Jesus Did Command
Jesus was very clear about what He desired from His followers.
He did not say:
“Celebrate My birth.”
He did say:
“Follow Me.”
“Deny yourself.”
“Take up your cross.”
“Obey My commandments.”
“Remember My sacrifice.”
The one observance Jesus explicitly instructed His followers to keep was the remembrance of His death, not His birth:
“Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19)
Scripture places the emphasis not on the manger—but on the cross.
Birth Was the Beginning—Not the Focus
The birth of Jesus matters because of what it led to:
- His life of obedience
- His teaching of truth
- His suffering
- His crucifixion
- His resurrection
- His victory over sin and death
The manger points forward.
The cross stands central.
To focus solely on His birth without following His life and teachings is to stop at the doorway and never enter the house.
Tradition vs. Discipleship
Traditions themselves are not sinful. But tradition must never replace truth or obedience.
The danger is not acknowledging Jesus’ birth—the danger is:
- Honoring Him with words but not with lives
- Celebrating Him seasonally but not following Him daily
- Admiring Christ without surrendering to Christ
Jesus warned about this kind of faith:
“These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.”
A Call Back to What Matters Most
Scripture calls believers to something deeper than observance:
- A transformed life
- Obedience rooted in love
- Faith that produces fruit
- A walk that reflects Christ daily
Whether one observes a holiday or not, the real question remains:
Are we following Jesus?
Not in tradition.
Not in name.
But in obedience, surrender, and faith.
The True Invitation
Jesus never asked to be admired from a distance.
He called people to:
- Leave their nets
- Lay down their lives
- Walk His path
- Carry their cross
The focus of Scripture is not a date on a calendar—it is a life laid down.
“Scripture records the birth of Jesus, but it calls us to follow His life. True faith is not about observing a moment—it’s about obeying a Master.”
— CLK
Scripture does not ask us to commemorate the birth of Jesus—it calls us to follow Him. While the world may focus on traditions, dates, and outward celebrations, Jesus calls His followers to something far deeper: a surrendered life, marked by obedience, faith, and devotion to Him alone. The birth of Christ is recorded so that we may believe who He is—not so that we may ritualize the event.
Faith is not proven by what we celebrate, but by whom we follow. Jesus did not come to establish holidays; He came to establish a Kingdom. And that Kingdom is entered not through tradition, but through repentance, faith, and obedience.
The invitation remains the same today as it was then:
“Follow Me.”
May we be a people who honor Christ not merely with words or seasons, but with lives fully surrendered to Him.
Thank you for taking the time to explore The CLK Quotes & Articles. I hope this message encourages thoughtful reflection on the question, Does the Bible command us to celebrate the birth of Jesus? May it inspire you to seek truth through Scripture and deepen your personal walk with Christ. Feel free to explore other articles as we continue growing in faith and understanding together.
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