As Christians across the world mark the birthday of Jesus Christ, known as Christmas, some clergymen have spoken on the significance of the day, always observed on December 25. However, most Christians believe that Christmas is a day to be hallowed, being the birthday of Christ. But some pastors regard it as a festivity derived from idol worshippers of the olden days, declaring it abominable. Three of such clerics reflect their views. Emmanuel Clement brings you the excerpts:
‘Christmas is for Roman idol, not Jesus’
Christmas is purportedly referred to as the birthday of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. But the fact is that, it is totally wrong. This celebration was coerced into the Christendom by Emperor Constantine of the Roman Empire in AD 725. In other words, he instituted the marriage of the Roman Sun celebration, which is the birthday of Nimrod, and went into alliance with the Church of Rome to accept the day as the birthday of the Son of God. Therefore, there is no record that the early Apostles ever celebrated the birthday of Christ because by December, Israel is usually cold; so the shepherds could not be possibly out then with their sheep, since it was recorded that Jesus was born in the manger.
The early Apostles who are the progenitors of our faith as laid down by Jesus Christ never celebrated the birthday of Christ and never pointed us to it. The doctrine handed over to us as believers pointed us to the Cross, where Jesus Christ died for us and all the benefits is for the salvation of our souls.
Jesus Christ should be celebrated every day, but keeping a season and a day for him is idolatry.
Again, it was AD 350 that Pope Julius declared that December 25 be celebrated as Jesus’ birthday. History reveals that the church at Jerusalem commenceD the celebration of Christmas in 440AD, following the leading of Roman Catholism. Even if December 25 is Christ’s birthday, the life of Christ should reflect in whatever we do on that day. Certainly, the parading of Santas Claus, which they call Father Christmas, is far from it.
– Pastor Anthony Guinea,
The Ministry Of Spoken Word Endtime, Lagos.
‘Xmas is a heathen feast’
Christmas is a heathen feast; we are not told to celebrate any feast in the New Testament. The date of Christ’s birth is not stated in the scriptures though we know it is around October. But it’s not stated because it’s not a spiritual issue. We can make use of the public holidays and the seasons to have church meetings and outreach programmes and create worldwide awareness of Christ.
Well, celebrating Christmas is an individual thing. I think if we celebrate it, it’s an act of respect that we acknowledge the sovereignty of the Lord and His birth. If we celebrate our earthly birthday or loved ones, why not Jesus our Lord? It is a universal acceptance and acknowledgment that we celebrate the birthday of Jesus.
Whatever you celebrate randomly is already something you observe. To observe means we give total details and attention to a thing; hence, we must observe and celebrate our Lord. Thank you Jesus for coming and dying for our sins.
– Apostle Psalm Okpe,
President and founder, Fresh Oil Ministry, Egbeda, Lagos.
‘I don’t think it’s biblical’
I don’t think it is biblical celebrating Christmas; but it is a godly celebration. It is by choice and not a must to celebrate IT, anyway. If any church does not believe in it, nobody should condemn it because it is not a sin not to celebrate Christmas.
– Rev. (Dr.) Chike Obiechina,
General Overseer, Lovers of God Living Church Inc, Lagos.
