In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I’ve encountered several people who have told me that God hates Christmas and that celebrating it honors pagan gods. This is a topic I’ve written about before, though not specifically addressing the holiday itself. Today, I want to share my perspective on Christmas, what God has revealed to me, and how I reconcile my faith with this celebration.
Here one comment of how I respond:
God has told me directly that He does not hate Christmas. In fact, He gave me a vision of Christmas lights and wreaths. I feared He would rebuke these traditions, labeling them as evil. To my surprise, God instead told me that He does not hate Christmas.
Here is my diary entry from the day God told me He did not hate Christmas:
This doesn’t mean God necessarily endorses the holiday, but it does suggest that its celebration can be approached in a way that honors Him.
Legalism and Imposing Beliefs
Many Christians struggle with legalism, where personal convictions are imposed on others as universal truths. I respect those who choose not to celebrate Christmas because they feel it doesn’t align with their understanding of God. However, the problem arises when people insist that their convictions apply to everyone else.
When people argue that Christmas is a pagan holiday, they often overlook the fact that many traditions have pagan origins. Yet, the origins of something don’t necessarily define its current meaning or use. For instance, God created all things, and everything ultimately belongs to Him. The issue isn’t the tradition itself but the intent behind it.
If someone practices something to honor a false god, that’s problematic. But idolatry isn’t limited to pagan deities—it can also involve things like money, fame, or power. The key question is why a person engages in a particular tradition.
Intent Matters
Christmas means different things to different people. Some may see kneeling at a Christmas tree as a form of idolatry. But for most Christians today, that’s not the intent. If I put presents under my tree and kneel with my child to open them, I’m not worshiping a false god. I’m celebrating love, generosity, and Christ’s birth.
It doesn’t make sense when people tell me that my actions are inherently tied to ancient practices simply because of historical associations. What matters is the intent behind my actions, not what others believe or what people did centuries ago.
For example, giving gifts isn’t inherently evil. If I give my sister a present for her graduation, no one assumes I’m committing idolatry. The act of gift-giving becomes meaningful based on the reason behind it.
Creating Traditions to Honor God
Can we create our own traditions to glorify God? Absolutely. As someone who loves creativity, I often incorporate imagination and storytelling into my faith. I have started to write fantasy and science fiction, weaving in themes that honor God. Similarly, Christmas traditions like gift-giving, decorating, or feasting can be used to glorify Him when done with the right heart.
Yes, some people might use Christmas for purposes that don’t align with God’s will. But that doesn’t mean everyone does. God reminds us in Scripture that “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).
Focus on Loving God and Others
Ultimately, people will have opinions about how we live our faith. But what matters most is our heart’s posture before God. If we love God with all our heart, mind, and soul, and love our neighbors as ourselves, we fulfill His greatest commandments.
So, if you choose to celebrate Christmas, do so in a way that honors God. If you choose not to, let that decision come from a place of conviction, not condemnation of others. Let’s focus on our intent and trust God to guide our hearts.
You can read about my other blogs about Christmas and tradition that are thought to be evil, here:
