Gospel Outreach International

Christmas means different things to different people. While most people love to celebrate it, some see it as a religious day, others as just a fun holiday. In this study, we look at Christmas carols and traditions to see how they match up with what the Bible actually says. We’ll explore how European culture and church history have changed the way we tell the Christmas story, and think about what parts of our modern Christmas come from the Bible and what parts come from elsewhere.

I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, and the drunkards make songs about me. Psalm 69:12

• Christmas is generally a happy time but can be difficult for those who have lost loved ones
• Christ’s birth took place in Israel/Palestine, while most carols reflect European culture
• Many celebrations come from Roman Church adaptations of heathen festivals
• The exact date of Christ’s birth is unknown
• Do carols stay true to scripture?

when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:7

Looking at our Christmas traditions and carols shows us that many things we believe about Christmas are a mix of Bible stories and cultural ideas. While our carols might not always match exactly what the Bible says, they can still be meaningful ways to celebrate Jesus’s birth. The important thing isn’t to stop singing carols or celebrating Christmas in traditional ways, but to understand the difference between what comes from culture and what comes from the Bible. We can enjoy our Christmas traditions while remembering that the birth of Jesus is what really matters.

Bible References

• Luke 2:14
• Psalm 69:12
• Job 38:7