A call to unity
about Christmas

By Joseph Tkach

In the fall of 1995, the Worldwide Church of God published its new position on Christmas observance.

In short, the church respects and affirms its members' personal choices on Christmas observance, encouraging all members to love one another as Jesus commanded, and not to condemn one another over use of days.

The church believes that Christians are free in Christ to avoid participating in Christmas or to celebrate Christmas, always keeping in mind that whatsoever is not of faith is of sin (Romans 14:23).

This change in the former position of the church, which condemned all celebration of the birth of Jesus, is based on what the church believes to be a clearer understanding of biblical teaching.

The church has always held the Scriptures in the highest regard. In Luke 2:10-11, an angel of God describes the birth of Jesus as "good tidings of great joy for all the people.''

Recognizing that it was appropriate for the angels to rejoice at the birth of Jesus (verses 13-14), the church believes it is certainly in keeping with the message of Scripture for its members to do so.

Following the apostle Paul's instruction in Romans 14, it is important that all members respect one another's views on this subject and not judge one another. Neither those believers who celebrate the birth of Jesus in winter, nor those who don't, are more righteous or more evil than the other.

Many of our members avoid the Christmas celebration for conscience sake. There is no sin in their abstinence. Other members devote themselves to worship, and celebrate with thanksgiving the miracle that God sent his Son into the world for our salvation.

We can all learn to say with Paul: "Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord.... Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God'' (Romans 14:6, 10).

Love, not command, is what motivates many Christians to celebrate during the Christmas season. They love their Savior and they love their families. The Advent season provides an opportunity for them to express both.

Likewise, love motivates many Christians who choose not to celebrate Christmas. They also love their Savior and their families. Their discomfort with the Christmas celebration is based on their desire to avoid taking part in something that defiles their conscience.

Can we respect one another's views, and follow Jesus' command that we love one another? I believe we can.

The fact that non-Christians or even some Christians celebrate Christmas as a secular holiday or in a profane way is not a reason for all Christians to avoid Christmas. After all, some get involved in ungodly conduct at our fall festival or attend it merely for a vacation. These are not reasons for all members to avoid the festival.

At the same time, the fact that many Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus in December or January does not mean that all Christians must do so. After all, there have been faithful Christians throughout the centuries who never celebrated Christmas.

The WCG supports its congregations and members as they work through their decisions regarding Christmas. Every pastor must provide meaningful worship opportunities during the Advent season for members who desire to celebrate the Incarnation of the Son of God.

The decision whether to observe Christmas, and if observing it, how to observe it, is a personal matter. Some Christians celebrate Christmas with traditional customs, while some celebrate it without traditional customs. Some avoid Christmas altogether.

The church teaches that Christians who celebrate Christmas and those who do not should seek to honor Christ (Romans 14:5-6).

May God grant us peace and unity as we live together in his grace and obedience.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998