Common misconceptions
Myth: The reason why Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas
is that they do not believe in Jesus.
Fact: We are Christians. We believe that salvation comes only
through Jesus Christ.—Acts 4:12.
Myth: You divide families by teaching members not to celebrate
Christmas.
Fact: We care deeply about families, and we use the Bible to help
build stronger families.
Myth: You miss out on the “Christmas spirit” of generosity, peace on
earth, and goodwill toward men.
Fact: We strive to be generous and peaceable every day. (Proverbs
11:25; Romans 12:18) For example, the way we conduct our meetings and preach is
in harmony with Jesus’ instruction: “You received free, give free” (Matthew
10:8) In addition, we direct attention to God’s Kingdom as the true hope for
peace on earth.—Matthew 10:7.
Why don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses celebrate Christmas?
*Jesus commanded that we commemorate his death, not his birth.—Luke
22:19, 20.
*Jesus’ apostles and early disciples did not celebrate Christmas.
The New Catholic Encyclopedia says that “the Nativity feast was instituted no
earlier than 243 [C.E.],” more than a century after the last of the apostles
died.
*There is no proof that Jesus was born on December 25; his birth date
is not recorded in the Bible.
*We believe that Christmas is not approved by God because it is
rooted in pagan customs and rites.—2 Corinthians 6:17.
Why make Christmas an issue?
Many still celebrate Christmas despite knowing about its pagan roots
and lack of support from the Bible. Such persons could ask: Why should
Christians take such an unpopular stance? Why make it an issue?
The Bible encourages us to think for ourselves, to use our “power of
reason.” (Romans 12:1, 2) It teaches us to value the truth. (John 4:23, 24) So
while we are interested in how others view us, we adhere to Bible principles
even if it means that we become unpopular.
Although we choose not to celebrate Christmas ourselves, we respect
each person’s right to decide for himself in this matter. We do not interfere
in the Christmas celebrations of others.
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