Celebrate Jesus in a way that pleases God. It means to honor with public and/or private ceremonies of respect, festivity, or rejoicing.
Updated: Thursday, September 8, 2022
The historical development of Christmas is quite fascinating. According to the Bible, Jesus’ birth was celebrated by many well-wishers including the Magi who came bearing gifts. The early Christians in the Roman Empire wished to continue this practice but found that celebrating Jesus’ birth was very dangerous under Roman rule, where being a Christian could be punishable by death. Thus, Christians began to celebrate Christ’s birthday on December 25, which was already an important pagan festival, in order to safely adapt to Roman customs while still honoring Jesus’ birth. From New World Encyclopedia
How do you celebrate Jesus?
“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!” (The Message) ♦ Celebrate joyfully in the Lord, all the time. I’ll say it again: celebrate! (NTE) Philippians 4:4
It is your choice to decide what you do. Especially, if it is not required by God or considered a sin. Make no mistake, Jesus will get respect!
Everyone in heaven, everyone on earth, and everyone under the earth will kneel before the name of Jesus. Philippians 2:10 (WE)
Some things to think about:
-
- Should we celebrate Jesus and His birth on December 25 [or January 7 Eastern Orthodox]? If so, do you know why? No judgment, but have you searched the Scriptures to understand why?
- Some say, “Jesus is the reason for the season” and “that is the day Jesus was born”. I ask “what season” and according to what Scripture(s)?
- Also, where is it in the Bible that Jesus was born on December 25? As children of God—hopefully, you are one—we should read and study the Scriptures to understand why we do what we do.
- Do the Scriptures say Jesus celebrated His birthday? Fact: the Greek word for ‘birthday’ is, γενέσια genesia (ǰe-ne’-siy-a) [Strong’s reference G1077 ] n. birthday ceremonies. Genesia is found twice in the KJV: Matthew 14:6 and Mark 6:21, both in reference to Herod’s birthday.
- Did Jesus tell us to honor His birthday? Please search the Scriptures to see if you can find it.
- Lastly, are you led by the Holy Spirit in the way you honor the birth of Christ, or are you following a tradition?
Advice
Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom [The beginning of wisdom is: Get/Acquire wisdom]. If it costs everything you have [Above all your acquisitions], get [acquire] understanding. 11 I am guiding [teaching] you in the way of wisdom, and I am leading you on the right [or straight] path.
13 Always remember what you have been taught [Be determined/resolute in our instruction], and don’t let go of it [slack off]. Keep all that you have learned [Protect it]; it is the most important thing in [your] life. 26 Be careful what you do [Watch your feet on the way] and always do what is right [all your paths will be secure/sure]. Proverbs 4:7, 11, 13, and 26 (EXB)
Key Points:
-
December 25?
Is December 25th, a holy day [holiday] for you? Do you judge others by their observance of days, times, seasons…?
- Therefore, whatever you believe about this matter [food, drink, and the observance of days] should be held between you and God. That person is happy who does not condemn himself for practicing something he believes is right. Romans 14:22 (AUV)
- “You are trying to earn favor with God by observing certain days or months or seasons or years. 11 I fear for you. Perhaps all my hard work with you was for nothing.” Galatians 4:10-11 (NLT)
-
the birth of Jesus
What do the Scriptures say about how anyone celebrated the birth of Jesus?
- “The Wise Men went to the house. There they saw the child with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures. They gave him gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11 (NIRV)
- “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told to them.” Luke 2:20 (RKJNT)
-
Not in the Bible
Have you wondered why the Bible does not tell us much about Jesus’s birthday? However, take some time to read the Scriptures in the next section and prepare for the truth, ‘how to really celebrate Jesus the right way.’
If you have more time, please continue, if you don’t have time for more, please jump to the end to give feedback in the comment area/poll. Go to end.
Scriptures to read and study
Matthew 2:1-12 (focus verses: 9-11; key verse: 11); Luke 2:1-20 (focus verses: 15-20; key verse: 20); Luke 22:14-20 (key verses: 17-19); Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-23; Matthew 15:1-20 (focus verses: 3-9; key verses: 8-9); Acts 20:7-12 (key verse: 7, the disciples had communion each Sunday); Revelation 19:1-10 (focus verses: 6-8; key verse: 7); Romans 14:1-23 (key verses: 5 and 22); Galatians 4:8-12 (key verses: 10-11); Colossians 2:13-21 (key verse: 20)
Correctly celebrate Jesus
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges: The Christian Passover was no more to be in remembrance of the deliverance from Egypt, but of that far greater deliverance wrought by Christ. Bible Exposition Commentary: It is a memorial feast to remind the believer that Jesus Christ gave His body and blood for the redemption of the world.
Then Jesus took some bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to the apostles, saying, “This is my body, which I am giving for you. Do this to remember [as a memorial to; in remembrance of] me.” 20 In the same way, after supper [they had eaten], Jesus took the cup and said, “This cup [or This cup that is poured out…] is the new agreement [covenant; a binding relationship between God and his people; Jeremiah 31:31–34] that begins with [that is established by; or that is sealed with; in] my blood, which is poured out for you [interpreters differ as to whether it is the “cup” or the “blood” that Jesus says is “poured out”]. Luke 22:19-20 (EXB)
The answer to key point #3
For I have received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, That the Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, This is my body, which is for you: do this in remembrance of me. 25 In the same manner he took the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (RKJNT)
So you see my dear friends, it is not the birth of Jesus, but His death that we should observe. He said nothing about celebrating His birth. The only thing Jesus told us to do in memory of Him is to take communion; honoring His death. Thank God for coming in the flesh to die for us so we can have eternal life. Enjoy your holiday(‘s) if you choose to. However, remember to Celebrate Jesus Every Day Not Only On Chosen Special Days!
I pray that you have enjoyed and will make the most of this Bible lesson. Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺
Related studies/lessons/snacks for further Spiritual growth:
♥ Question for “Celebrate Jesus Every Day Not Only On Chosen Special Days”: Do you know how to really celebrate Jesus the right way?
I am forever striving to keep n my Father in my heart..bc, with out HIM I am nothing…
Amen(+)..
Chawn Tyler