[The text below represents an edited version of this Tomorrow’s World telecast.]

What Is Christmas About?

Christmas morning. It’s the highlight of the year for many children in the Western world. They leap out of bed to discover what Santa brought them this year. They bound down the stairs, eager with anticipation, imagining what new toys may be awaiting them.

And then, they see them.

Under the Christmas tree, there they are: neatly stacked presents covered in red and green wrapping, awaiting the children’s discovery of what’s inside. What could be more exciting than this yearly Christmas ritual?

Everyone loves a surprise. And children all over the Western world look forward to the thrilling moment on Christmas Day: The long-awaited instant when the presents are opened.

But does the Christmas-present opening ceremony live up to its billing? Do the presents really fulfill the wishes and dreams of those boys and girls? Or after a few minutes or hours of playing with a new game or doll, does the newness wear off? Or is the disappointment immediate, when an expected electronic game turns out to be pens or pencils? Sadly, all too often, the anticipation of the gift is greater than the real thing.

But think about it, though. Isn’t Christmas in general sort of like a disappointing gift? It’s bright, it’s colorful, attractive, and beckoning. But when you open it up, what’s inside? Is it what you had hoped for?

Let’s answer that question today on Tomorrow’s World, as we unpack the truth about this popular holiday.

Look Beyond Christmas Morning

Welcome to Tomorrow’s World, where we help you make sense of your world through the pages of the Bible.

Christmas is one of the most anticipated holidays of the Western world. For many, it’s a joyous time. And it’s especially fun for children. Millions of boys and girls arise Christmas morning, gleefully expecting to find gifts under the Christmas tree.

One of the most popular parts of Christmas is gift-giving. Everybody likes a present. And maybe that’s what makes Christmas so popular with children.

But just like children can be disheartened when they get socks or a sweater instead of the latest electronic game or a new puppy, Christmas is filled with unpleasant surprises for adults, too. Some are quite shocking.

Surprise #1: Christmas Is Not Christian

Let’s talk about some Christmas surprises in our program today. The first one is (number one) Christmas isn’t Christian at all.

Christmas is supposed to be the celebration of the birth of Christ. And yet, it’s made up of many customs that have their roots in ancient pagan traditions.

As author Desmond Morris wrote in his book Christmas Watching,

“Hardly anything we do during the Christmas festivities has the slightest connection with Christianity, let alone with the arrival of the infant Jesus” (Christmas Watching, p. 2, 1992).

Pagan Origins of Christmas

Simply put, the earliest Christians did not observe Christmas. This is a fact recognized by all reputable sources. Even those who observe this holiday with great fervor recognize this fact.

Notice this statement from The Catholic Encyclopedia:

“Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church. Ireneaus and Tertullian omit it from their lists of feasts; Origen… asserts… that in the Scriptures sinners alone, not saints, celebrate their birthday” (“Christmas,” The Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. 3, p. 724. 1907).

The early Church never kept Christmas. That’s quite a surprise for some, especially for a holiday which is assumed to be one of the most important in the Christian year.

In 350 AD, Pope Julius proclaimed December 25 to be the date of Christ’s birth. But before that, practically every month of the year had been suggested, by some teacher or another, as the month of Christ’s birth.

This can be found in the book The Pageantry of Christmas on page 10, edited by Stanley Fillmore.

And according to biblical evidence, there’s no way that December 25 could have been the birthday of Christ.

What Portions of the Christmas Story Are in the Bible?

Adam Clarke, the prominent biblical historian from the 19th century, explained in his discussion of Luke 2 that the shepherds and their flocks would have not been in the fields at the end of December, as that was the cold and rainy season in ancient Israel (Clarke’s Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 370. ).

So, the story that countless millions of children are taught each year is absolutely false. Christmas isn’t Christian at all.

Even details of Christ’s birth are jumbled, when told in the Christmas story. For example, the wise men from the East did not visit Jesus as a baby in a manger. Luke 2 describes an angel telling shepherds they would find the newly born Messiah as “a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). But by the time the wise men came to look for the “King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2), Jesus was already a young child and lived in a house (vv. 9, 11). At the time of the wise men’s visit, Christ would have been close to two years old (v. 16).

Surprise after surprise after surprise. You’d think a fundamental Christian holiday would actually stem from accurate Church history and from the Bible. But when it comes to Christmas, you’d be wrong.

Should Followers of Jesus Christ Love and Practice a Lie?

And what about the myth of Santa Claus? In the English-speaking world, Santa plays a prominent role. How many children go to sleep on Christmas eve, dreaming of the fantastic toys that Santa will bring during his night-time ride through the skies?

Did you grow up believing in Santa? Do you remember the instant you learned Santa wasn’t real? Were you perplexed and even crushed that someone—even your own parents—had lied to you?

It reminds me of a story from a few years back, when a morning disc jockey at Babylon, New York’s WBAB-FM station told his young listeners that there was no Santa Claus. Outraged mothers and fathers complained to the station, and disc jockey John Parise was forced to apologize. And yet, what he had said was true.

What an uncomfortable and even nasty surprise—to find out the people you trusted most had fed you a lie. In an article run by Newsday back on December 23, 2004, professor Cyndy Scheibe pointed out:

“Who tells you Santa Claus is not real? It’s usually someone you don’t know or someone who’s not particularly trustworthy, like your annoying older brother… And who tells you he does exist? People you trust” (“Why Santa Matters”, Newsday, December 23, 2004).

So one ugly surprise about Christmas is that it’s based on myths and legends that have nothing to do with the Bible or the teachings of Christ. Christmas isn’t Christian at all.

But most people think, what’s the big deal? After all, does it really matter where it comes from, as long as we use it to honor Christ? That’s a common question.

Surprise #2: How We Worship God Matters to Him

And that leads us to our second Christmas surprise.

Number two: It matters to God how we worship Him.

Now, you might say, stop right there. I know that the origins of Christmas are a little shady, a little suspect, but does God really care? Stay with me, and let’s see.

How NOT to Worship God

In the time of ancient Israel, when God was first bringing His people out of Egypt, He gave them specific instructions on how to worship Him. The Ten Commandments form the basis of those instructions. But He also gave many other details as well, including the mandate to not worship the true God with pagan practices. Notice one of those instructions, found in Deuteronomy 12:29.

When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed… that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, “How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.” You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way (Deuteronomy 12:29–31).

Notice, God didn’t just tell them, “Don’t worship the pagan gods of those around you.” No, He said, “Do not worship Me, the true God, with the pagan forms of worship of those around you.”

Think about it. That’s exactly what is done today with Christmas. Ancient, pre-Christian symbols and forms used in the name of Jesus Christ. Maybe it is a big deal to God.

Pagan Holidays: The Way of the Gentiles

Later on in Israel’s history, the prophet Jeremiah got more specific. Notice what it says starting in Jeremiah 10:2.

Thus says the Lord: “Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the Gentiles are dismayed at them. For the customs of the peoples are futile; for one cuts a tree from the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple” (Jeremiah 10:2–4).

How could it be any more plain? The principle in the Bible is don’t mix the religion of the world with the religion of the true God. It matters to God how we worship Him.

Jesus Said Worship God in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24)

Notice what Christ said to the Samaritan woman at the well. By the way, the Samaritans were well known for mixing elements of the true religion with idolatrous practices—exactly what God has expressly forbidden. That’s one reason why the Jews were so antagonistic toward them. Notice, starting in John 4:23:

“The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23–24).

Think about it. How does keeping Christmas qualify as worshiping God in spirit and in truth? Jesus tells us how to worship Him, and the Father, according to truth, as outlined in Scripture.

True Worshipers Obey God

But Jesus goes on further. He explains that just proclaiming His name is not enough. We have to obey His and the Father’s commandments, not the traditions of men. Notice what He told the Pharisees in Matthew 15:3.

He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?... Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:3, 7–9).

To put this in the vernacular, Jesus is saying, “Don’t worship Me any way you want, thinking as long as it’s with the name of Jesus it’s ok. It matters to Me how you worship Me.” How can keeping an ancient festival of Saturnalia satisfy what Christ is saying? Especially when we see the early true Church never kept this festival?

Be Courageous: Follow Jesus and Do God’s Will

We need to seek not our own reasoning, but God’s will. What does God want, not what our friends do, or what our parents or grandparents taught us. We can’t be afraid of upsetting those around us. Some will not like it if we fearlessly follow the truth. But whom are we seeking to please? The world, or our Savior?

Many are shocked to read some of the actual words of Christ, such as in Matthew 10, starting in verse 34. Read it with me.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:34–38).

Step Out in Faith

In other words, it’s difficult to really obey God in this world, because so many are going the opposite way. But if you’re watching this program, and if you’re seeking the truth, and you’re understanding what you’re hearing, you can step out on faith. You can determine in your heart, “I’m going to follow the truth no matter what. I will open this Book and find out what God is really telling me to do.”

So be courageous. Step out on faith. Determine to really seek Him and obey Him, and He will bless you for it. It matters to God how we worship Him.

Replace Pagan Holidays and Traditions

But if we are to not keep ancient idolatrous rituals in honor of Christ, what days ARE we to keep?

Surprise #3: Christian Holy Days in the Bible

In this segment, let’s unwrap the third Christmas surprise.

Number three: The Bible reveals holy days Christians are to keep.

What are they? They can be found listed in your Bible. You may have heard of some of them. But you might have assumed that they’re Jewish. It also may come as a surprise that they can be found in the New Testament.

The New Testament Christians of the first century understood and observed these days. So, what are they?

Passover Is for Christians

First comes the New Testament Passover. It occurs in the springtime, usually in early April. Passover reminds us that Jesus fulfilled the role of the Lamb of God slain for our sins. That’s why Passover is important to Christians. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5:7,

For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.

In other words, the Christian Passover is the crucial first step in the plan of God, in bringing redemption to sinning mankind. And Passover was kept by the early Christians, even the Gentile Christians.

Feast of Unleavened Bread: Commanded in the New Testament

Next, we find the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It follows right after Passover. The Feast of Unleavened Bread teaches us that we must change and grow. Christ’s sacrifice sets us free, but we can’t continue in sin. We have to resist sin and learn a new way of life, with God’s help. As Paul also says in 1 Corinthians 5:8,

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Pentecost: Also Called Feast of Firstfruits and Feast of Weeks

The third holy day in the lineup of God’s New Testament holy day calendar is the Feast of Firstfruits. In New Testament times it was called Pentecost, meaning “fiftieth.” Pentecost occurred in late May to mid-June.

In the Middle East, in the holy land, this was the time of the beginning of the wheat harvest. For Christians in the New Testament, Pentecost was the day in 31 AD when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early Church. That’s found in Acts 2:1.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting (Acts 2:1–2).

This was the beginning of the New Testament Church of God. It began the “firstfruits” of salvation. The bigger harvest occurred later at the end of the summer. So, what we learn from this feast day is that God is not calling everyone today, only a small group of firstfruits, the early harvest. The rest will have their chance later.

New Testament Holy Days for Christians to Celebrate

Have you ever heard about the New Testament Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and Pentecost? Are you aware that New Testament Christians should be keeping these days? That might come as a surprise to you. But instead of Christmas and other traditional holidays, these are the biblical holy days that Christians are to keep.

Feast of Trumpets: End-Time Prophecy and the Return of Jesus Christ

The next holy day, or feast day, is called the Feast of Trumpets. The Feast of Trumpets occurs in late September or early October in the Roman calendar. It prophetically represents the triumphant return of Jesus Christ. He will come to earth a second time.

Only this time, He will come in power and glory, during a time of war, misery, and destruction here on earth. Find out more about it through our telecast entitled, “What Is the Feast of Trumpets?”

Atonement Pictures Satan Being Locked Up

After the Feast of Trumpets comes the Day of Atonement. The Day of Atonement also occurs in late September or early to mid-October. It represents humanity being purified from sin. And it represents the source of that sin, the devil, being taken away.

The Day of Atonement was still held in high esteem by New Testament Christians in the first century, as we find in Acts 27:7. In this passage, Luke detailed the journeys of Paul and his traveling companions as they sailed on the Mediterranean Sea. We read this:

“We sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone. Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea. Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them” (Acts 27:7–9).

In the New International Version, it translates it this way:

“By now it was after the Day of Atonement” (Acts 27:9, NIV).

How are we to understand this? Well, the Day of Atonement took place in late September or early to mid-October. After that time, sailing on the Mediterranean was stormy and dangerous. But the writer, Luke, used the Day of Atonement as a marker of time that his audience would be familiar with, even Gentile Christians. Why would they care about the Day of Atonement, unless they were actually keeping it years after the Church was founded in 31 AD?

The Feast of Tabernacles Pictures the Millennium

The next biblical feast day is the Feast of Tabernacles. In short, the Feast of Tabernacles is a seven-day period that usually falls in early to late October, foreshadowing 1,000 years of peace, prosperity, and abundance on earth.

This is still in the future, but it is coming soon. Jesus Christ will personally reign on this earth. And all humanity—those who survive the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord—will enjoy the blessings and benefits of living under the rule of Jesus Christ.

The Last Great Day: The Second Resurrection and Great White Throne Judgment

That brings us to the last feast day of God’s biblical holy days.

This is called the Last Great Day. It follows on the heels of the Feast of Tabernacles and represents the time of the general resurrection. This is the time when the great masses of unsaved billions will be raised to life again and have a genuine chance for salvation. This day is for them. It’s after the 1000-year millennium.

Their understanding will be opened, God’s Spirit will be made available to them, and they’ll be offered eternal life.

Choose God’s Holy Days Instead of Pagan Holidays

Those are the holy days found in your New Testament. In contrast to Christmas, Easter and other traditional holidays, these are the holy days that are found in the Bible—and were kept by the early New Testament Church. And so, they should be kept by Christians today.

That might be a surprise to you. But check it out for yourself. Don’t believe us, believe your own Bible.

Follow Jesus’ Instructions

In 1 Kings 18:21, we read the famous account of the prophet Elijah and his showdown with the prophets of Baal. It says:

And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him” (1 Kings 18:2).

Live by Every Word of God—the Bible

God is delivering the same message to us today. God wants us to reject the world’s traditions that only have the veneer of the name of Christ. And He instructs us to keep the biblical holy days that He made holy. He commands us to worship Him in spirit and in truth with other sincere Christians who are discovering this precious truth as well. We hope and pray that includes you.

Hey, everyone, thanks for watching. We hope you found this video helpful. We here at Tomorrow’s World want to help you make sense of your world through the pages of the Bible. So if you found it helpful and want to learn more, be sure to get our free copy of our study guide Is Christmas Christian? Just click the link in the description or order online at TWTV.org/Christmas. It will be sent to you completely free of charge.

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See you next time!