They call it Black Friday. It’s a day when many seem to transition from one holiday season to another. Many find it exhilarating to get up very early and join the crowds fighting for bargains. Some lose all reason, manners, patience and kindness to their fellow man for an understocked bargain. It’s the beginning of a season without reason.

Before you conclude that I’m a brother to Scrooge, let me say I like the holidays. There are many things to bring joy and happiness when families and friends can be together.

The Christian, however, faces many conflicts during this season. Christians are to be people of sound thinking (II Tim. 1:7). They are to use sound speech (Titus 2:8) and sound words (II Tim. 1:13). The example they set is always important (I Pet. 2:21).

To the Christian, this is truly a season without reason. The Bible speaks nothing of the date of Christ’s birth or celebrating the same. There is no historical evidence of when Christ was born. The early church, under inspired apostles and leaders, did not celebrate Christ’s birth; they celebrated his death by partaking of the communion that he instituted just before his crucifixion (Matt. 26:26-30).

This day, like others holidays, is man-made and without scriptural precedent or reason.

Each day the Christian is tried by the events, songs, decorations, skits and comments of others to participate in religious actions of the period. We need not be unkind, but we do need to speak as the oracles of God (I Pet. 4:11).

There are times that seemingly innocent activities can lead others to believe what is not true. Such was the case with eating meats offered to idols (Rom. 14:15-23). We must not become a part of unscriptural activities that send the wrong message to those around us.

Titus put it this way: “But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. … In all things show yourself to be … sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:1, 7-8)

This season is a part of our culture and life. We probably could not get completely away from it no matter how hard we tried, but we need not lie or participate in things that teach falsehood or set the wrong example. Just like any other activity in our lives, we must make decisions based on what the scriptures say. This would be true of any holiday.

So enjoy the family visits, the children and grandchildren, the blessings of food aplenty, and the gift of life for another day. Remember, these things are right and do come from God.

God created the family (Genesis 1-2). He created man and then woman as a “help meet” (suitable) for him. Then came the instruction to be fruitful and multiply to replenish the earth.

The family is to be made up of one man, one woman and children who come from that relationship. The scriptures also contain instructions to children as to their responsibilities to parents. We see God using the family relationship in many ways in the Old Testament, especially in His plan for man’s salvation through the birth of Christ. The importance of family to individuals and society cannot be overemphasized.

In our society, we often sacrifice the happiness of family for the pursuit of riches, prestige, position, fleshly desires and other such things. Often we realize, too late, that family is more important than all the things we have put before it.

At this time of year, we have a tendency to turn our thoughts to those we may have not shown proper respect for all the rest of the year. We sing “I’ll be home for Christmas,” and that is good thing. We buy gifts for those whose birthdays, anniversaries and school events we have either forgotten or paid little attention to all year. We go home to see Dad and Mom but visit little or not at all other days of the year.

We all look forward to the holidays each year, as they provide us a time to be with family, and that is good, but it is important to make family first the other days of the year also. Our children are with us every day, but that will not always be true. Do you realize that when most children leave for college, they do not return home? You will only have them those few years, and they will pass quickly.

To the children who now have families of their own, take time for your parents. The time will pass quickly, and one day you will get that unexpected call. Enjoy your family now, it is the most precious possession you will ever have.

My wife and I are enjoying our children and grandchildren now. We hope you are able to do the same. We wish you a happy holiday. Excuse me now while I take time to play with my grandchildren.

Some things in this life are confusing. It is not uncommon for me to see some TV commercial and, when it is finished, ask someone if they understood the point being made. Well, I must admit that I also am confused about all the news items about using “happy holiday” versus “merry Christmas.” Maybe you can help me out.

It seems in their effort to eliminate any reference to Christ, to religion in general or to be politically correct, many liberal-minded or atheistic people want everyone to quit saying “merry Christmas.” I would be inclined to agree with them if I thought their motives were pure because Christmas as a religious holiday is not a biblical concept. However, I suspect the movement is driven by those who want to eliminate all references to religion from our lives in the same way they have with prayer, displays, words, etc.

What is Christmas? Is it a holiday? Yes, it is a holiday in most parts of the world. Then what is wrong with saying “happy holiday”? As far as I can tell, nothing, as long as no strings are attached. But this movement now among us does attach strings, which is just one more step in taking away our freedom.

If my understanding is correct there are situations when I can be told what expression I must use in reference to December 25. I am required to say “happy holiday” or something similar, but I cannot say “merry Christmas.” Do those who advocate, and are forcing, this position oppose my wishing someone a “happy Thanksgiving” or a happy any other day? I don’t think so.

What is the problem with “merry Christmas”? Could it be because Christ is part of the word? What word or phrase will be next? Do you think it is time to take a stand and put a stop to those who are the ones forcing opinions. I do.

Let us consider another confusing thing. Among those who oppose the “happy holiday” position, some are canceling services on Sunday, December 25. That seems to be a strange position if this is the day we are to reverence Jesus’ birth. Would you not think all the more emphasis would be placed on attending services rather than canceling them?

In the beginning of this article, I asked, “What is Christmas?” Is it a holiday? My answer was, yes, it is a holiday. It is a holiday — but not Christ’s birthday. Notice the following:

• There is no reference to the date of Christ’s birth in the scriptures.
• There is no scripture teaching us to observe December 25, or any other day, as his birthday.
• There is no recorded information on his date of birth.
• The real reason for the choice of the day most probably was that it fell upon an existing pagan festival. This was man’s choice, not God’s.

Christians must have authority from God for all acts of worship or work: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Col 3:17).

Christmas is a great holiday, but from a scriptural standpoint there is no basis to celebrate it as the birthday of Christ. The warning of Matthew 15:9 should be considered.

Yes, I’m trying to understand why man is so confused about Christ’s birthday. I personally am uneasy when someone wishes me a “merry Christmas” because I know it is not Christ’s birthday and do not want to indicate that I think it is. I would prefer a “happy holiday” because that is the way I celebrate it, and I can return the greeting with those words. I cannot wish anyone a “merry Christ-mass”, which is the meaning of the word.

However, when man confuses the issue, not because it is not Christ’s birthday but to take another step in eliminating references to God and Christ from our society, I must oppose their position. It is simply foolish and based upon the wrong reasons, not scripture.

What words are appropriate? I guess, after applying the scriptures, you must decide for yourself. But I urge you to remember that the day of Christmas is based upon the doctrine of men, and the greeting argument is an effort to eliminate religious terms from our society. Choose your words carefully.

It’s that time of year again. You know, the time when we talk about joy, love, being kind to our fellowmen — all the things Christ taught. Perfect strangers wish us a merry Christmas (Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ’s mass), or happy holidays. Families travel miles to assemble with Moms, Dads, brothers, sisters, Grandpas, Grandmas and many other relatives.

We think about the poor and those who are lonely. We especially care about the happiness of children. We listen to some wonderful music and songs that bring good feelings. Special movies and TV shows fill the airways. It is a hectic yet wonderful time of the year, and it’s all because Christ told us to celebrate his birthday, right? Wrong.

What is wrong with remembering Christ on Dec. 25? Nothing — if we remember Him the same way the rest of the year. We should remember Christ, but we need to do it every day of the year, not just one special day.

Most would say, what is wrong with setting aside a special day to remember Christ, and especially the day of his birth? Nothing, if Christ had taught that He wanted people to do so, but he did not. Christ emphasized His death and our special observance of it on the first day of every week (Matt. 26:26-29, I Cor. 11:24-25, Acts 20:7).

The scriptures relate the story of Christ’s birth in Luke 2. That account includes no instructions to celebrate His birth or any teaching concerning the day of His birth. All conclusions that we can read today concerning His birthday are speculation; none are from the Bible or have a biblical basis.

The story of Christ’s birth is a beautiful account of the fulfillment of prophecy and the scheme of redemption that was in the mind of God from the beginning (Eph. 3:9, II Thess. 2:13-14). It is an account to be studied for the facts available there. It should never be minimized, but it contains no authority for the religious celebration of His birth. Christians must do all things by the authority of this very Christ (Matt. 28:19, Col. 3:17).

It is not acceptable for man to devise his own laws (Matt. 15:8-9). As beautiful as the story of the birth of Christ is, and as much as it seems good to man to celebrate it, there is no authority to do so. Christians must function by the authority of the One for whom they are named.

The many religious functions of Christmas fall into the category of those mentioned in Matt. 15:9 because they are the creations of man, not mentioned in the Bible. Man must not presume what God or His Son desires. Not celebrating the birth of Christ may seem ridiculous, foolish and harsh, or overly narrow-minded to some, but it is a path that must be followed if we are to serve God with authority.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. But I’m wondering why we only seem to think about these happy, kind greetings and concern for others during this limited time. Did not the One whose birthday many claim to celebrate teach that this was to be a way of life, every day. Check Matthew 5-6.

So I wish the best for all during this season, but more importantly my wish is for your obedience to the Christ during all seasons. Only that obedience will bring true happiness and the eternal reward (Heb. 5:8-9).