Bah! Humbug!

The sounds, the smells, the colorful lights and decorations; folks being thoughtful and remembering the poor, good feelings all around; what could possibly be wrong with any of this? Short days, cold, long nights can use some brightening up and some cheerful activities, so "Just leave me alone" the devotees to Christmas might say to those who decry the celebrations of the season.

"It's for the children!" many say, as a defense for continuing the observance in the face of all the incriminating evidence against it. Some will say, "We are honoring Jesus Christ, our Savior, by observing this season regardless of its origins." In actual fact, to put Christ into Christmas, you would have to hijack Him, since He was never anywhere in the observance, from its beginnings down to modern times.

This greatest of all the "Christian" holidays began in antiquity, as a pagan observance of the winter solstice, and has morphed into a quasi-religious observance that is really a great merchandising opportunity for merchants who cater to every whim, as people scramble to buy gifts for family, friends, and business associates. Surely, one can't be against booming commerce which brings jobs and prosperity to so many people.

Then comes the day after the big celebration, when the reality of the credit buying binge crashes in on many families who financed their generosity with credit cards bearing high interest rates. Many heads ache from the over-indulgence in food and drink that would be unthinkable at other times of the year, but which is perfectly acceptable during this winter season. The stress and strain associated with all that goes on leading up to the climax of the observance takes a toll on many of the participants.

Still, you might be thinking, "If I'm willing to accept the responsibility and put up with all of this pressure to conform, why should anyone care? It's nobody's business but mine!" And, if you are not concerned about what the Bible has to say about the situation, you would be right. However, actions have consequences, which include the universally popular observance of Christmas.

Consider that the Bible says that truth is important. Notice John 8:32: "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." I'm certain you are aware that one of the basic ten commandments given by God on Mt. Sinai concerned being truthful: "You shall not bear false witness" (Exodus 20:16). With that in mind, consider that Jesus Christ was not born on December 25th. So, the basic premise of the observance is based on an untruth – that's right – a lie!

Another big part of the celebration, especially for children, is the Santa Claus tradition. I hate to be the one to break it to you, but there is no Santa Claus. It is a lie!

What does the Bible say about the fate of liars? It is not pretty. Revelation 21:8 states: "…all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

Clinging to traditions is not new. Jesus dealt with the subject when He strongly corrected the Pharisees and Sadducees saying: "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition" (Mark 7:9). In another place, Jesus explained that paying lip service and using His name is not what is required. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). What is His will? That we worship him with sincerity and truth (1 Corinthians 5:8; cf., 1 Peter 1:22).

Christmas is not the only popular tradition or teaching that is not biblical. If you have the courage to face reality about many of the things taught by mainstream Christianity, then you will find our free booklet, Satan's Counterfeit Christianity very helpful.

As you read this booklet you may find yourself saying with Scrooge, in the popular Christmas story, "A Christmas Carol" – "Bah! Humbug!"