O Worship the LORD in the Beauty of Holiness

QUESTIONS ABOUT CHRISTMAS

What does “Christmas” mean?  

“Christmas” is a term which was coined by the Roman church to designate the special mass that was held on December 25th to commemorate Christ’s birth. In some countries, an early morning mass is held for nine days until Christmas. And because it is held so early in the morning, it is called the Misa de gallo (“Mass of the chicken,” referring to the time when the cock crows). Then on Christmas Eve, a special midnight mass is held. 

The special masses that were held at this time is where the name Christmas came from – “Christ’s Mass.” The mass is a distortion of the Lord’s Supper, where the priest supposedly changes the bread and wine into the actual body and blood of Christ (transubstantiation). While we celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas, we should never participate in the mass. 

Is the 25th of December, the actual date of Christ’s birth? 

No one knows the actual date of Christ’s birth because there is no record in the Scriptures concerning the time of year when He was born. Different groups of early Christians commemorated His birth at different times of the year: Some in December, some in April, and in May, but mostly in January.

In the 4th-5th centuries when Christianity became a state religion in the Roman Empire, all Christian churches, except Armenians (celebrating 6th January), accepted 25th December as the day when Christ was born. One possible reason for this was the popular idea in the church at that time that Mary conceived on the anniversary of God’s creation of the Earth, which was believed to be 25th March, the traditional spring equinox. The 25th of December would then be the most likely date for Christ’s birth because it is exactly nine months after 25th March.

The truth of the matter is that it is immaterial whether or not the 25th of December is the actual date of Christ’s birth, because it is the event that matters, and not the day. The birth of Christ can be remembered on any day of the year. This situation can be likened to that of the Jews in the time of King Hezekiah who kept the Passover in a different month because of insufficient preparations. (2 Chronicles 30:1-3) 

Is it true that Christmas celebration originated from a pagan festival? 

The commemoration of Christ’s birth was not introduced into the church only in the 4th or 5th century as claimed. The following is quoted from the second chapter of a book by Nathan Boughton Warren (1815-1898) and first published in New York by Hurd and Houghton publishers in 1868, entitled, The Holidays: Christmas, Easter and Whitsuntide: Their Social Festivities, Customs and Carols: 

The religious observance of Christmas dates from a period as early, at least, as the Second Century. Haydn says it was first observed A.D. 98. Clement, the co-worker of St. Paul, mentioned by him in his Epistle to the Philippians (iii. 3), says: “Brethren, keep diligently feast days; and truly in the first place the day of Christ’s birth.” It was ordered to be kept as a solemn Feast, and with the performance of Divine Services, on the 25th of December, by Telesphorus, Bishop of Rome, about A.D. 137. His injunctions are, “that in the holy night of the Nativity of our Lord and Saviour, they do celebrate public Church services, and in them solemnly sing the Angels’ Hymn, because also the same night he was declared unto the shepherds by an angel, as the truth itself doth witnesse.” In the same age Theophilus, Bishop of Caesarea, recommends “the celebration of the birth-day of Our Lord, on what day soever the 25th of December shall happen.” In the following century, Cyprian begins his “Treatise on the Nativity,” thus: “The much wished for and long expected Nativity of Christ is come, the famous solemnity is come.” 

All of this happened in the first two centuries during the time when the church was still being persecuted by the Roman Emperors and before pagan practices began to be introduced into the church. 

Unfortunately, in the 4^th-5^th centuries when December 25 became officially accepted by all as the birthday of Christ, the celebration of the event took on some of the customs of the pagan festivities that went on at that time of the year, particularly, the old Roman Saturnalia festival (17-21 December), with its tumultuous and unruly celebrations. The cult of Sol Invictus (the invincible sun, the same as the Iranian god Mithra) celebrated the birthday of its god on 25^th December. Some believe that the church’s choice of a pagan feast date for celebrating Christ’s birth was deliberately done to change the rough pagan ways into a more civilized commemoration. 

How should I respond when someone says that it is wrong to celebrate Christmas? 

In the 17^th and 18^th centuries, the Puritans in England and New England tried to abolish Christmas. But that move was unpopular, and Christmas survived. They believed that Christians should not celebrate Christmas at all because there is no mention in the Scriptures that Christ’s birth is to be celebrated. Against all the arguments that have been used against celebrating Christmas, the following can be mentioned:

1. Although it is not mentioned in the scriptures, the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ stands in a good tradition which began in the early church, close   to the apostolic era.
2. The biblical principle of Christian liberty should be applied. (Romans 14:4-6) While it is not compulsory to remember the birth of Christ in any way, it is quite natural for people to remember the birth of someone they love in a special way.
3. The world today has largely forgotten the ancient pagan associations of Christmas celebration that were introduced only during the 4^th-5^th centuries AD.
4. What the Bible prohibits is the observance of days with the aim of gaining merit in God’s eyes through keeping the ceremonial laws. (cf. Colossians 2:20-23)
5. There is still included in Christmas today, the thought that it has something to do with Christianity and Jesus Christ. The church should therefore not lose this opportunity to declare the true meaning of this event and to witness to the Saviour’s birth. 

George Whitefield (1714-1770), the great 18th-century revivalist, preached a message entitled, The True Way of Keeping Christmas, in which he said, “What, shall we not remember the birth of our Jesus? Shall we yearly celebrate the birth of our temporal king, and shall that of the King of kings be quite forgotten? Shall that only, which ought to be had chiefly in remembrance, be quite forgotten? God forbid! No, my dear brethren, let us celebrate and keep this festival of our church, with joy in our hearts: let the birth of a Redeemer, which redeemed us from sin, from wrath, from death, from hell, be always remembered; may this Saviour’s love never be forgotten! But may we sing forth all his love and glory as long as life shall last here, and through an endless eternity in the world above!” (To read the complete message: https://www.ccel.org/ccel/whitefield/sermons.xviii.html#xviii-p0.2)  

Some people say that the Christmas tree is a pagan icon. Is having one in our home a stumbling block to others? 

It may be true that its origins can be traced back to a pagan Roman winter festival called Saturnalia. But the practice of decorating a tree at Christmas time today is a mere Western custom that developed in Europe since the 16th Century, as a tradition. There is actually nothing Christian about Christmas trees except a tradition that Martin Luther, the 16th century Protestant Reformer, set up one in his house and decorated it with candles. 

The tree itself is not regarded by anyone today an object of worship, but because it is evergreen, it became a symbol of undying life at a time of the year when all nature seems to be dead and lifeless.

 As the pagan associations of the Christmas tree have largely been forgotten, and there is nothing wrong or that is contrary to God’s Word with the custom itself, this is one area where Christian liberty can and should be exercised. 

Are there any guidelines for celebrating Christmas? 

The most important guideline is to make full use of the opportunity to preach the Gospel of Christ! This is one time of year when Bible verses can be displayed in public without incurring much public criticism. One sister in Life Church testified that it was at Christmas time that she was saved – when she heard the Gospel message sung in Christmas carols. 

The second guideline is for Christians to spend time to meditate on the great truth of the incarnation of God. Christmas reminds us of the wonderful mystery that God condescended to become a man in order that we might be saved. This can greatly revive and rekindle the flames of love in hearts that have grown cold toward Him. 

The third guideline is that we should refrain from propagating all the myths about Santa Claus, Frosty the snowman, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, etc. They only tend to obscure the truth behind Christmas, and make children think that it is the birthday of Santa Claus. Keep away from the ungodly and meaningless merry-making, drinking, and dancing. Instead of wishing ‘Merry Christmas’ it would be better for us to wish one another, ‘Blessed Christmas.’ And bring some gospel tracts along if you go carolling, as these will spread real Christmas cheer! 

The fourth guideline is to remember those who are poor. In the same message that George Whitefield preached on Christmas, he said, “Consider, Christ was always willing to relieve the distressed; it is his command also; and can you better commemorate the birth of your king, your Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, than in obeying one of his commands? Do not, my dear brethren, be forgetful of the poor of the world; consider, if providence has smiled upon you, and blessed you with abundance of the things of this life, God calls for some returns of gratitude from you; be ye mindful of the poor, and when you are so, then you may be said to have a true regard for that time which is now approaching…” In this regard, it has been the practice of Life Church for the past 13 years to designate the Christmas Eve offering for the poor, needy and underprivileged.  

There is nothing wrong with sending e-greetings, giving and receiving presents,  decorating a Christmas tree in your house or having a special family meal, as long as these do not take your eyes away from the Lord Jesus, who is the real reason for the season! 

There’s no Christmas without Jesus,

It’s to Him our eyes should see.

Not to jolly old Saint Nicholas

Nor a glitt’ring Christmas tree!

Shops in town are decorated

Decked in colours bright and gay.

Tinsel lights and shapes created

Merge into one grand display.

“There’s no Christmas without buying

Gifts and toys to give,” they say.

Oh, that they should be realizing

All these things will fade away!

Santa Claus is just a story

Reindeer never pulled his sleigh.

Why then, does he get the glory

On this sacred, holy day?

But a baby in a manger

Really lived in Israel:

He was born to be our Saviour –

It’s His story we must tell!

I will think of Christ this Christmas –

How He left His throne above,

gave up all His heav’nly riches

For to manifest His love!

Take the tinsel and the glitter

and the ‘santas’ all away

For God’s love is far, far greater

Than this man-made grand display!

                                                                                                                   – Pastor  

Shorter Catechism Question 25

25. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?

Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God; and in making continual intercession for us.

Appointments for the Week

Tuesday, Dec 10

        8.00 pm     Prayer Meeting (Dn Teo Kian Guan)

Thursday, Dec 12

      10.00 am     Ladies’ Prayer Group

Saturday, Dec 14

        3.00 pm     LTF / YLM

Sunday, Dec 15

  8.00 am     Rejoice and Give Thanks Nehemiah 12:27-47 (Eld Ng Beng Kiong, with Holy Communion)

  8.00 am     Choir Practice

  9.15 am     Library (Sanctuary Balcony)

  9.40 am     Sunday School

10.15 am     Coffee Corner

11.00 am Rejoice and Give Thanks Nehemiah 12:27-47 (Eld Ng Beng Kiong)

11.00 am Children’s Ministry

11.00 am Chinese Service (MPH)

11.00 am Filipina Service (Rm 1-6)

12.15 pm Library (Sanctuary Balcony)

  2.30 pm Thai Service (LMH)

  4.00 pm Indonesian Service (Rm 1-6)

Announcements

Christmas Street Evangelism @ Orchard Road

13 & 20 Dec (Fridays), 7pm

Outdoor atrium @ Ngee Ann City (Takashimaya)

(Meet at steps outside Chanel)

Contact: Dn Lim MY / Eld Michael 

Christmas Eve Bilingual Service

“Jesus came for you”, Matthew 1:18-25

Speaker: Rev Calvin Loh

24 Dec (Tuesday), 8pm, Church Sanctuary

Invite your friends!

Life B-P Church Calendar 2025

Next year’s calendar is available for collection, please obtain a copy at the front counter. Members who wish to have an additional calendar may request for 1 more copy from the deacons.

Pre-Nursery Sunday School

Registration for 2025 Pre-Nursery Sunday School class is now open for children aged 18 months to 3 years old. Parents who are keen, please email Ling Ling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Catechism Class for Easter Baptism on 20 April 2025

will commence on 12 January 2025 at 9.30am. Please pre-register by emailing to Church Office. Those seeking baptism, reaffirmation of faith and transfer of membership must attend the catechism class. Closing date: 5 January 2025.

Traffic Warden Service

We welcome all church members to join in this work. Our TW’s role is to provide godly service to facilitate worship. We need help in following time slots for Sunday: 7.30-8am or 10.30-11am with a frequency of once or twice a month.
Please contact Dn Chan Yong or Bro Kelvin.

Mailbox Club Bible Correspondence Course (MBCC)

Another Church Outreach Ministry invites Lifers to register their young children, teens, or grandchildren with our MBCC. Those whose loved ones, friends or colleagues who are either young in their faith or being non-believers, are interested to know and explore more of Christianity, are also invited to register with us by filling in the registration forms which are now available at the Church front counter and post them to:

Life B-P Church

No.10, Gilstead Road

Singapore 309064

Attention: Mrs Ong Chuay Ying 

YLM: Word made Flesh, Food made Fresh

21 Dec 2024 @ Life B-P Church Beulah MPH. 6.30pm. An evening of feasting, fellowship, and the Good News of Jesus Christ. All are welcome! 

The Presbytery Seminar 2024: Culture Wars: Engaging Today’s World

28 Dec 2024 @ Life B-P Church. 10am. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ybmpy3mu by 23 Dec 2024.

YLM 3^rd Anniversary

31 Dec 2024 @ Life B-P Church Beulah MPH. 7pm. “Unity in Christ” by Dn Ian Tay. For enquiries: contact Rae-ann 

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