Originally Posted at “The Deliberate Agrarian”: 25 December 2014
Repost To Upland: 24 December 2016

“Simeon’s Prophecy to Mary”
by Rembrandt (1628).
This artwork depicts a lesser-known but crucial part of the Christmas story, as told in Luke 2:25-35.
Click Here for more information about the painting.

Despite the fact that Jesus was likely born in spring and the Bible doesn’t instruct Christians to celebrate His birth, and despite Christmas’s connections to pagan traditions and commercialism, and the fact that some Christian groups historically didn’t observe it, I’ve come to embrace Christmas. Allow me to explain.

Firstly, the birth of Jesus Christ, who is God in human form, is a world-changing event. Any holiday that honors this event holds significance.

Secondly, Christmas challenges secularism, the prevailing belief system of popular culture and government. The way some institutions and individuals try to acknowledge the holiday while avoiding its true meaning is fascinating and reinforces the idea that Christmas serves as a yearly reminder of America’s Christian heritage and the arrival of Jesus.

Thirdly, Christmas offers a unique opportunity for families and friends to come together in celebration and joy. It’s a time for kindness, reflection on the past, and hopefully, recognizing the reason behind the season. These are all positive aspects.

I hold respect for fellow Christians who choose not to celebrate Christmas. As the old Christian saying goes:

In essentials, unity.

In non-essentials, liberty.

In all things, charity (love).

Therefore, while I respect different choices, I will continue to observe this tradition and find joy in the holiday. Rest assured, I won’t be offering anyone a “joyous winter solstice” greeting.

Merry Christmas, my friends.

Herrick Kimball

P.S. For valuable insights into the historical roots of Christmas, Click This Link from Answers in Genesis. The article concludes with this thought:

What should concern Christians more is how much we’ve embraced pagan practices during Christmas. Some go overboard, and we should be wary of making Christmas about figures like Santa, Charlie Brown, or Rudolph instead of Christ’s birth and purpose.

What matters is grasping the magnitude of God’s Son leaving heaven and humbling Himself! Why would the universe’s Creator choose this, knowing He’d be raised by flawed humans in a flawed world, only to be rejected and die a horrific death?

As incredible as it seems, He did it to atone for humanity’s sins (Romans 3:23, 6:23). We, undeserving sinners doomed to die, could then live eternally with Him in paradise. Now, that’s worth celebrating! Find out more about this wonderful gift.

“The Shepherd’s Adoration”
Bartome Murillo (17th century)