What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Reasons against celebrating Christmas"
Answer
A major reason against the traditional celebration of Christmas is its demonstrably pagan origin, as the date of December 25 was originally dedicated to the festival of the Babylonian and Persian sun god. Moreover, the modern celebration often leads to attention being diverted from Jesus Christ and instead directed toward the exchange of gifts, self‑indulgence, and worldly pleasures. Critics also point out that the waste of resources on unnecessary decorations and amusements associated with the holiday contradicts the Christian command of self‑denial.
Pagan Origin and Babylonian Customs
»It is indisputably proven that Christmas was originally a pagan festival. The time of year and the ceremonies with which it is still celebrated demonstrate its origin. ... The name by which Christmas is commonly known among us – Yule Day – immediately proves its pagan and Babylonian origin. “Yule” is the Chaldean name for a “infant” or a “small child”; and since December 25 was called “Yule Day” or “Day of the Child” by our pagan Anglo‑Saxon ancestors long before they came into contact with Christianity, this sufficiently proves its true character.«
The Adoption of Sun Worship by the Church
»Around the middle of the fourth century, another form and element of sun worship was added. Among the pagans, December 25 had been celebrated since ages as the birthday of the Sun. ... The Church of Rome adopted this festival and made it the birthday of Christ. And within a few years, the celebration of this sun festival had spread throughout the empire in the East and West.«
Distraction from the True Meaning
»During the Christmas celebration, fathers, mothers, children, and friends are distracted from the great purpose to which the custom is ascribed. They devote all their attention to exchanging gifts, and their senses are turned away from contemplating the source of all their blessings, both spiritual and material. In their focus on gifts and honors they bestow upon themselves or their friends, Jesus is not honored and is forgotten.«
Selfishness instead of Honor for God
»The wise have given us an example of what we should do. Jesus should be the object of our worship, the recipient of our gifts. Not man, but our Redeemer should be honored. We should bring our praise, gifts, and treasures to Him; but instead the world lets its treasures flow into the channel of self‑gratification and to the honor of people.«
Misallocation of Resources
»In the professing Christian world, enough is spent on extravagant splendor to meet the needs of all the hungry and clothe the naked. Many who have taken Christ’s name spend his money on selfish pleasure, on satisfying appetites, on strong drinks and rich delicacies, on luxurious houses, furniture, and clothing, while they give the suffering of their fellow humans hardly a glance of compassion or a word of sympathy.«
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Original Sources (English)
