The “war on Christmas” refers to the perceived opposition by secular society against the Christian origins and traditions associated with the Christmas holiday. This can include efforts to remove Nativity scenes from public spaces, discourage the use of “Merry Christmas” greetings, or shift focus away from the religious aspects of the season.
For Christians, how to respond to these trends can be a sensitive issue. On one hand, some Christians feel that efforts to “take Christ out of Christmas” are an attack on their faith. They want to defend their right to celebrate Christmas as they see fit, without having to downplay the religious elements.
On the other hand, part of living in a pluralistic society means respecting that not everyone shares the same beliefs. Some arguments against public Christian displays are not intended as an attack, but rather as an attempt to create inclusive spaces that don’t alienate non-Christians. Additionally, the commercialization of Christmas is largely driven by secular businesses, not anti-Christian sentiments.
When discerning how to respond, Christians would do well to reflect on Jesus’ teachings and example. Jesus consistently chose love over legalism, relationship over rules. He rebuked religious leaders who prized rituals over mercy (Matthew 12:7). He taught that loving God and neighbor is what matters most (Matthew 22:37-39).
With this perspective in mind, here are some biblical principles that can guide Christians in responding to perceived affronts on Christmas:
1. Focus on Jesus, not on culture wars
During his life on earth, Jesus’ primary concern was preaching the good news of the kingdom of God, not fighting cultural battles (Luke 4:43). Christians today run the risk of distracting from the gospel when they pour too much time and energy into combatting cultural trends.
Rather than fixating on putative attacks on Christmas, Christians could dedicate themselves to proclaiming why Jesus came – to save people from sin and reconnect them to God (Luke 19:10). They can also follow Jesus’ model of engaging people through compassionate service, not condemnation (Mark 10:45).
2. Express views with grace and truth
Jesus perfectly modeled “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). He never compromised on truth, but he expressed it with patience, wisdom and grace. Truth without love breeds self-righteousness and division. Love without truth breeds empty tolerance.
It’s possible to explain the Christian origins of Christmas with conviction, yet graciously. Christians can kindly insist on their free speech rights regarding Christmas, while also listening to the concerns of those who think differently. Grace and truth together pave the way for healthy dialogue.
3. Prioritize religious freedom for all
A core tenet of Christianity is the God-given human right to exercise one’s beliefs freely. Religious freedom and freedom of conscience should be championed for all people, not just Christians. Certain Christians’ insistence that society privilege their faith traditions over others violates this ethic of reciprocity found throughout Scripture (Matthew 7:12).
Rather than demanding public Christmas displays, Christians could advocate for general religious freedom protections that create space for people of all faiths or no faith. This fosters a climate of mutual understanding and liberty.
4. Don’t escalate culture wars
Jesus consistently avoided inflaming conflicts or reacting defensively when challenged. He displayed unflappable poise in tense situations (John 18:23). He defied expectations of an aggressive Messiah, instead bringing a revolution of love. This example of self-control and grace under pressure applies in culture war dynamics today.
When controversies erupt over Christmas festivities, Christians can choose patience over protest. They can smile warmly and wish others a Merry Christmas, even if the greeting is not reciprocated. Christians can avoid flooding social media with angry tirades. Essentially, refusing to pour fuel on the culture war fire exemplifies Jesus’ model.
5. Make Christmas about compassion, not consumption
Jesus made it clear that ritual means nothing without love for others (Mark 12:31). Early Christians were known for radical altruism, not rallies or boycotts over public Christmas displays. They subverted the social order through uncommon love across class lines – the essence of Christmas.
Rather than obsessing over storefront banners or coffee cups’ generic holiday greetings, Christians could redirect their energy to feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, caring for prisoners and welcoming immigrants. Transforming Christmas into a season of exceptional generosity would be the most powerful witness.
6. Let light overcome darkness
Even if aspects of the surrounding culture seem increasingly indifferent or hostile to Christmas, Christians have an opportunity. Jesus called his followers the “light of the world”, cutting through darkness (Matthew 5:14-16). Light invariably draws people, providing a powerful counter to cultural trends.
Rather than frantically trying to enshrine Christmas in laws and institutions, Christians can create beautiful displays of light. Christians refusing to retaliate with anger, showing unusual grace, serving with pure motives, celebrating with infectious joy, loving those deemed unlovely – these qualities will stir curiosity. Light inevitably stands out against the darkness.
7. Focus efforts locally, not nationally
Trying to wield national political power to “put Christ back in Christmas” often proves futile and distracting. Jesus prioritized ministering to real people face-to-face, not advancing an abstract cause. He focused on reaching hearts, not legislating behavior.
Local churches can instead pour their efforts into bringing light within their own communities. Rather than protesting the generic town parade, churches could host a live Nativity production. Instead of lambasting retailers’ choices, churches can set up Christmas gift drives for children in need. Channeling efforts into local expressions of Christmas demonstrates Jesus’ method.
8. Cultivate holy discernment
As culture grows increasingly post-Christian, Christians will likely face more dilemmas over celebrating Christmas in the public square. They will need God’s wisdom to understand when to challenge traditions, when to preserve them, and when legal efforts become distractions.
Christians can pray for holy discernment about engaging culture (James 1:5). Wise, seasoned believers can help provide guidance on appropriate boundaries. A thoughtful, nuanced approach honors God more than reactionary tactics.
9. Remember the big picture
The Bible reminds believers that struggles in the present pale in comparison to the coming glory and victory (Romans 8:18; 1 Peter 1:6-7). No cultural trend can ultimately diminish the eternal riches that await faithful Christians.
Christmas is worth celebrating wholeheartedly – but also keeping in perspective. Even if aspects of Christmas come under fire, Christians take solace knowing their true hope lies not in holidays, but in their indestructible inheritance in Christ (1 Peter 1:3-5). An eternal mindset brings stability amid temporary conflicts.
10. Represent Christ with love
Peter wrote that Christians should always be prepared to “make a defense” regarding their faith, but to do so “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15-16). Jesus modeled perfectly defending truth yet showing grace under fire. He routinely dismantled arguments yet loved relentlessly behind the scenes.
When engaged in Christmas conflicts, Christians represent not just themselves but the Lord. If unbelievers only see Christians as angry culture warriors, they’ll never see the beauty of Jesus. Lovingly exemplifying Christ’s heart for people provides a powerful glimpse of God’s kingdom.
The perceived “war on Christmas” likely signals a broader cultural drift away from Christianity. But rather than responding with outrage, Christians have Jesus’ example to follow – defying ego and anger to embody radical love. This is the approach that can cut through cultural currents and draw people to consider Christ.
