How To Handle Disagreements About Christmas Peacefully

Young children have always amazed me in the way that they handle disagreements. Kids can disagree about an issue and even become hot with anger one minute then kiss and make up the next minute.  This is how followers of Jesus Christ should handle disagreements.  Unfortunately, disagreements between adults are far more complex and often end up damaging relationships.

The debate about whether or not Christian’s

should celebrate the Christmas holiday has been searing for centuries.  There are sincere Christian’s on both sides of the argument who truly believe they are doing what is right for themselves and their families.  So how can we be at peace and love one another if we disagree?

Luke 6:45 says, “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.”

The condition of one’s heart is a major factor in handling disagreements peacefully.  If we don’t check our hearts a simple disagreement can turn into a fight leading to resentment, bitterness and hatred.  As true followers of Christ we must repent of our sins and depend on His righteousness to purify our hearts daily.

A love for God’s word and the truth it represents is another crucial factor in resolving disputes peacefully.  If we stop arguing about what we think is true and agree on what is biblically true it would help us to resolve any dispute.  This does not mean we will always agree but we can peacefully disagree and still love one another.

What does the Bible say about celebrating Christmas?  Absolutely nothing.  The Bible makes no reference to the Christmas holiday.  It is not a commandment from God that we should celebrate Christmas or the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th.

What does the Bible say about Jesus?

John 1:1-3 tell us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”  The Bible clearly tells us that Jesus is eternally existent.

What does the Bible say about Jesus coming down to earth in the flesh?  The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah prophesied about the earthly birth of Jesus.  Luke Chapter 2 describes how the angels announced his earthly birth to the shepherds tending their flocks.  Matthew Chapter 2 recounts how wise men from the East saw a bright star leading them to Jesus where they worshipped and gave him gifts.

What did Jesus explicitly tell us to celebrate?  His death and resurrection. 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 declares, “In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”  For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.” Without his death and resurrection we who believe in Him would not be saved or have eternal life.

So what about celebrating Jesus’ earthly birth?  There is no commandment in the Bible against this.

What about the mistletoe, the Christmas tree with lights, caroling in the streets and consumerism?  These practices are rooted in pagan and occult traditions associated with the celebration of a Roman winter solstice festival called Saturnalia.  These traditions have nothing to do with Jesus or the Bible.  There are tons of historical facts and verifiable research that has been conducted on these man-made traditions.

So how can we agree to be at peace and love one another when we disagree on this issue?:

1. We should always check our hearts first and strive to avoid pointless arguments. (Proverbs 4:24)

2. Point to the truth of God’s word.

3. Separate fiction from facts.

4. Agree on the truth of God’s word.

5. State your decision on the issue and make it clear that it is between you and God.

6. Remember God is the ultimate judge and He will judge everyone on the final day of judgement.  (Matthew 12:36)

7. Obey Jesus’ commandment to love one another.  (John 13:34)

8. Pursue peace wherever possible and if it’s not possible pray for your brother or sister.