The Theology of Christmas

It is ironic to hear the outcry of those who are attempting to fight back against the attack on Christmas. Not that I am in agreement with those that are utilizing the very laws that at one time provided us the freedoms to display our faith, but are Christians truly shocked that the event that represent the birth of our Lord and Savior would actually come under attack? Christianity has always been attacked, since the very beginning. So, why is this any different?

I may share some things on this post that may ruffle some feathers. It is not my intent to categorize all that are speaking out against the attacks on Christmas, but more to pinpoint a truth that is ignored by many because of its inconvenience, and to an extent, the commercialization and traditional aspects of something we hold so dear. So, here we go!

For many, the celebration of Christmas is the only representation and act that they have used all year in demonstrating their faith. There is nothing like putting up a manger to declare to the world that we are Christians. Why not! It is for the most part an inexpensive and less sacrificial way to declare our belief in Jesus. Am I against the manger display? Of course not. I am just bringing light to a large portion of those believers that choose to declare their Christianity once a year. Where have they been the rest of the year?

The fact is that Christianity and anything that represents our beliefs are under attack every single day around the world. Where is the outcry for the persecutions that are taking place around the world against Christians? Legislation against Christianity occurs all the time in our governments. Yet, the loudest outcry is heard when our ability to celebrate Christmas comes under attack. The true battle should be fought everyday in defense of our faith.

For many others, there is no difference between the manger and Santa Clause. This is the commercialization part of Christmas. The manger is just another decoration used to celebrate the holiday. There is no difference between Santa’s workers in the North Pole and the kings that came to pay tribute to the birth of our Lord. They are just characters in a good story that makes the holiday season merry.

Okay now, you may ask, “What does this have to do with theology? and, Why include it in the Theology Exchange?” I am glad you asked. You see, the birth of Jesus is the very cornerstone of our Christian theology. It was not the launch of a new holiday for the world, but the birth of a Savior who would redeem and justify us through His righteousness. Man has a condition of sin that makes us fall short of the Glory of God. Redemption came when Jesus was born. Reconciliation was achieved between fallen man and his Creator, in the Person of Christ.

In the paragraph above I have touched on areas of theological studies such as Christology (the study of Christ), Hamartiology (the study of sin), and Soteriology (the study of Salvation). Christmas should reflect the reason for the birth of Jesus. Man’s sin separated him from his Creator, and put in action a plan of salvation that would reconcile us to the Father, through His Son Jesus Christ. This required a sacrifice that only One could have paid, this in the person of Jesus Christ.

Christmas should remind us of our Savior, and not of a holiday season celebrated in just the exchange of gifts. No, I am not against Christmas and its celebration and the exchange of gifts. However, let your outrage against the attacks of Christmas be focused upon the most important part, the foundation of our faith. You might find that the attack on the true meaning of Christmas is carried out every day of the year, and the battle must be fought daily.

So, fight the good fight of faith every day, and defend the freedoms that allow us to share the true meaning of Christmas.

Have a very Merry Christmas!