10 Reasons Why Christians Celebrate Christmas

It is 2025, December, and we are all asking, why should I celebrate this year’s Christmas? Every December our house turns into a glitter explosion, the kitchen smells like cinnamon, and we all fight over who gets to put the star on the tree. People sometimes ask me, “But isn’t Christmas kind of pagan?” I totally get the question — I’ve read the same articles. Still, here’s why my heart can’t help throwing a giant party on December 25.

1. Jesus Actually Showed Up as a Baby

I can’t get over the fact that the God who made galaxies chose to arrive weighing about seven pounds, with tiny fingers and a newborn cry. When I read Luke 2 and picture Mary counting His toes, tears hit me every single time. That moment rewrote my entire life — so yes, I’m hanging stockings and grinning like a fool.

2. The Angels Threw the First Christmas Concert

One normal night, the sky cracked open and a choir of angels went full volume: “Glory to God in the highest!” If heaven itself threw a party, I’m definitely turning up Mariah Carey and joining in (off-key and all).

3. God Invited Regular People First

The religious VIPs in Jerusalem got zero invitations. Smelly shepherds on night shift did. That tells me Jesus came for ordinary, tired, overlooked people — exactly who I am on my worst days.

Every present I wrap is my tiny echo of the Magi laying gold, frankincense, and myrrh at Jesus’ feet. My kids’ handmade clay ornaments and lopsided cards? Same worship, smaller budget.

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5. Old Promises Came True in a Barn

For centuries prophets kept saying, “Born in Bethlehem… virgin birth… from David’s line…” and then one night every promise landed in a feeding trough. Lighting Advent candles feels like watching God cash a 700-year-old check made out to me.

6. The Creator of Everything Learned to Nurse and Cry

The One who spoke planets into existence chose midnight feedings and diaper changes. I still can’t comprehend that kind of humility. Celebrating Christmas is my stunned thank-you.

7. Jesus Is My Light — So I Hang Way Too Many of Them

Our electric bill hates me, but every twinkle reminds me that Jesus walked straight into my darkest seasons and flipped the switch. The brighter the house, the louder the reminder.

8. God Showed How Much He Loves Me

John 3:16 isn’t just a stadium sign — it’s the entire reason for the season. Watching my kids lose their minds over presents is cute, but it pales next to the gift sleeping in that manger.

9. A Savior Was Born — and I Desperately Needed One

I was stuck, ashamed, and running out of hope when Jesus found me. Christmas morning is my yearly shout of “He came for me!” while ripping open cinnamon rolls and gratitude at the same time.

10. Heaven Still Hasn’t Stopped Singing

The angels started a song 2,000 years ago and haven’t quit. Once a year I add my shaky, hot-chocolate-fueled voice to the chorus — because some news is too good to keep quiet.

The “Is Christmas Biblical?” Question (The Honest Debate)

Many Christians wonder: “The Bible never says to celebrate December 25 — and some traditions come from ancient winter festivals. Is Christmas actually unbiblical?”

Common objections people raise:

• Jesus was probably born in spring or fall, not winter (shepherds were in the fields).
• December 25 was originally a Roman holiday (Saturnalia) and later the birthday of the sun god.
• Christmas trees and wreaths are mentioned in Jeremiah 10:2-4 as pagan customs.
• Early Christians didn’t celebrate Christ’s birth — only His death and resurrection.

What Seventh-day Adventists (and some other groups) usually say: SDA churches teach that Christmas is not commanded in Scripture and many customs have pagan roots. They believe Christians are free to celebrate Jesus’ birth any day (or every day!), but they often skip December 25 services and trees to avoid mixing paganism with worship. Many Adventists still gather with family and give gifts, focusing only on Jesus.

Can Muslims celebrate Christmas? Most Islamic scholars say no — because it celebrates Jesus as God’s Son and the Incarnation, which contradicts the Quran’s teaching that Jesus is a prophet, not divine. Muslims respect Jesus (Isa) greatly and may say “happy holidays” or join cultural parties, but religious celebration of Christmas is generally not allowed.

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Do Christians have to go to church on Christmas? No Bible verse commands it. Some churches have beautiful Christmas Eve services with candles and carols; others don’t. Going can be wonderful, but staying home in pajamas reading the Luke 2 story together is just as “Christian.”

Kid-Friendly Ways to Celebrate the Real Christmas

1. Act out the nativity with dolls or costumes
2. Light an Advent wreath and read one Bible verse each night
3. Put baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas morning (keep the manger empty until then!)
4. Make a birthday cake for Jesus (any flavor — He likes chocolate too)
5. Give “Jesus gifts” — do secret kind things for others
6. Read the real story from a children’s Bible on Christmas Eve
7. Sing Happy Birthday to Jesus before opening presents
8. Donate a toy to a child who might not get any
9. Watch the stars on a clear night and remember the Bethlehem star
10. Thank God out loud for sending Jesus

Key Takeaways

Christmas started because Jesus really was born — and that’s worth celebrating every single year. The Bible doesn’t command a December holiday, but it also doesn’t forbid thanking God for the gift of His Son. Whether you go big with trees and lights or keep it simple with a Bible and a candle, the heart of Christmas is still the same words the angel spoke: “Don’t be afraid! I bring you the most joyful news ever announced… a Savior has been born to you!”