But as we join the nation in sharing yuletide cheer, it must be impressed upon us that most people put a great deal of religious significance on this particular season. It is the time of year when the world is closest to a cognizance of things spiritual, even though all that’s really happening is the Earth is farthest from the Sun.

    We understand that there is no special significance to December 25, that this day as the birth date of Christ was popularized in the fourth century under the newly “Christianized” Roman Empire. (I’m more inclined to describe it as the time when Christianity was officially “Romanized.”) Christmas, or “Christ’s Mass”, is one of the earliest and most long-lasting examples of adopting pagan practice in order to “sweeten the deal” and make the transition from paganism to Christianity as painless as possible. Out with Saturn and Mithras, in with Jesus, Mary, and the Wise Men, keep the special foods, greenery, singing, and gift giving. Voila! Christmas.

    But shouldn’t the “reason for the season” in the eyes of our friends and neighbors be an important consideration in our hearts and minds? Gift-giving is always good; so are greenery and pretty lights. Nothing is restricted or required regarding these things. But Paul, in First Corinthians, chapter 8, presents a similar situation. “Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one . . . However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. But take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died” (v.4, 7-11).

    I think this draws an important parallel to the situation we find ourselves in at Christmastime. Our practices in the holiday season should be exercised with caution, giving thought to the minds of our neighbors and friends. We know there is no significance to December 25—no evidence exists that Christ was born on that date. And if there were, no command or written example appears in the New Testament which allows for a holy day. To bind religious significance where God has not is to go beyond His divine authority. It may seem like a good idea, but it is second-guessing God. (If you doubt that most people bind Christmas as a holy day, try telling your neighbor that Christmas is non-biblical. I’ll never forget the girl in fifth grade who condemned me to hell!)

    We ought to insure that we cause none to stumble by giving the impression that we participate in such a practice. May we light up the eaves of our houses? I believe we may. May we join our school band or chorus in presenting “caroling songs” like “Silver Bells,” “The Christmas Song,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and others? Again, I think that is fine in most cases. Shall we join our chorus or band in songs of the nativity at special events held in church buildings? Or should we go to special Christmas events at churches as spectators? If that’s not aiding and abetting religious error, I don’t know what is. I’m not ready to begin micro-managing your holiday schedule. “But take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.”

    Should we wholly disregard the religious ferment around us? The gospels of Matthew and Luke present the details of Christ’s birth—the time and space given to it stresses the event’s significance: His lineage, His divinity, His coming as the object of prophecy and promise. And this is the time of year when more than just the people with fishes on their car bumpers will be thinking about Jesus and what He means. Let us avail ourselves of the opportunities in that. There is more than one Christmas song that speaks of sharing in the joy of Christmas all year long. Paul always found a good common starting point; let’s use this one. Perhaps we might present the holy day that God did sanction, a day that does occur all throughout the year: Sunday! Be not a stumbling-block, but a building-block to your neighbors this holiday season.