Many Christians point to certain Bible verses as reasons to celebrate Christmas, but do these passages actually teach that believers should observe the holiday? This FAQ page examines the most common “Yeah, but what about…” verses and explains what Scripture really says in context.
There are three Scripture passages commonly used to argue that Christians should celebrate Christmas. Let’s examine each one carefully and see whether they truly support the holiday.
Many assume the wise men were celebrating Jesus’ birthday. But Scripture never says there were three of them — only that they brought three types of gifts. These were not birthday presents. They were royal gifts traditionally given when visiting a king.
Matthew 2:2 — “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.”
The wise men did not visit Jesus at the manger. Scripture says they came to a house and saw a young child, not a newborn baby. Their journey may have taken many months — possibly up to two years.
Matthew 2:11 — “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child… and presented unto Him gifts.”
The wise men did not exchange gifts with each other. They gave gifts to Jesus. If Christmas gift‑giving were truly about honoring Christ, Christians would give gifts to Him — not to one another. Modern gift‑giving is rooted in cultural tradition, not Scripture.
Some believe the shepherds were celebrating Jesus’ birth. But Scripture shows they were not participating in a celebration — they were fulfilling a mission from God.
Luke 2:8–17 describes the shepherds receiving a divine message and a sign. They were chosen as humble, trustworthy witnesses to proclaim the arrival of the Savior.
There was no feast, no decorated tree, no gift exchange, and no holiday celebration. The shepherds were not setting an example for an annual observance. They were eyewitnesses to a one‑time historical event — the arrival of the Messiah.
After seeing the child, they “made known abroad” what God had revealed. In a sense, they were the first evangelists.
Some argue that because angels praised God at Jesus’ birth, Christians should celebrate Christmas. But Scripture never says God wants us to repeat this event annually.
Luke 2:13–14 — “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God…”
Jesus never commanded His followers to celebrate His birth. The apostles never celebrated it. The early church did not celebrate it. In fact, early Christians strongly opposed birthday celebrations of any kind.
The Roman church did not adopt December 25th until the 4th century — largely to accommodate pagan converts who refused to abandon their winter solstice festivals.
If celebrating Jesus’ birth were important, God would have told us when and how to do it. Instead, Jesus commanded us to remember His death — not His birth — through the Passover symbols of bread and wine.
All modern Christmas customs come from pagan traditions. Christians who love God should avoid them.
You now know the truth from Scripture. The choice is yours: follow God’s Word or follow man‑made traditions.
No. Their gifts were royal offerings for a king, not birthday presents.
No. They were witnesses sent by God to proclaim the arrival of the Savior.
No. Scripture gives no command or example of celebrating Jesus’ birth annually.
Studies are prepared by the Gateway to Jesus Ministry Team, a group of seminary trained ministers with more than 20 years of experience in biblical teaching and evangelism.
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