Every year, as winter settles over our streets and homes grow warm with lights, people all around the world find themselves thinking about hope, generosity, and the birth of Jesus. For some, this season is wrapped in childhood memories and joyful traditions. For others, it’s a time of questions, hesitation, or mixed feelings — especially for those who want to remain loyal to Scripture above custom.
Yet one thing is beautifully clear: whenever people pause to consider Jesus, to reflect on His humility, and to express love, something good is happening. And Scripture never discourages us from remembering Christ or sharing kindness.
A Season That Opens Hearts
Even though the Bible does not tell us the date of Jesus’ birth, it does tell us this:
“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
The incarnation — God becoming man — is one of the greatest mysteries and mercies in all of Scripture. If a particular time of year awakens people’s attention to this miracle, then we have an opportunity to gently lift their eyes higher.
Not to a holiday.
Not to commercialism.
But to the Savior, whose coming changes lives.
Love Is Always in Season
The apostle Paul makes a remarkable statement:
“For all the law is fulfilled in one word… Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Galatians 5:14).
If the world slows down long enough for people to practice generosity, compassion, and kindness — then believers can enter that space with quiet confidence. Our message does not depend on a date, a festival, or even a cultural tradition.
Love isn’t seasonal — but sometimes the season helps people notice it.
Finding the Biblical Center
A Christ-centered approach doesn’t require embracing every Christmas tradition, nor does it require waging war against them. A balanced, Bible-faithful mindset simply asks:
How can this moment be used to point to Jesus?
Scripture gives us several clear themes we can highlight without hesitation:
1. God’s Gift of Christ
“For God so loved the world, that he gave…” (John 3:16).
The ultimate gift is not wrapped in paper — it is the gift of salvation. This truth allows us to speak meaningfully about giving without entering tradition debates.
2. Christ’s Humility
“Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor…” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
The spirit of humility shines in a world often distracted by materialism. The contrast itself becomes a teaching moment.
3. Light in the Darkness
“I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).
The symbolism of light is deeply biblical. Whether homes are lit with candles or neighborhoods with decorations, believers can turn the conversation toward the Light that never goes out.
4. Peace and Goodwill
“On earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).
Even people who rarely think about God sense their need for peace during this season. This creates fertile soil for gentle, Christ-centered conversations.
Respecting Differences Without Losing Our Message
One of the strengths of this season is that people come from many backgrounds — some celebrate Christmas enthusiastically, some cautiously, and some not at all. We can acknowledge that sensitively:
- Some treasure family traditions
- Some prefer a simple, quiet reflection
- Some do not observe the holiday religiously
- Some carry painful memories during this time
- But all can benefit from discovering — or rediscovering — the love of God.
Christ meets people where they are. And so can we.
A Time to Practice Christlike Love
Ellen White captured this balanced approach beautifully:
“We are not to praise the day or the season, but we can honor the occasion by seeking to bless others.”
—Adapted from Review & Herald, Dec. 9, 1884
Her emphasis was not on the date, but on reflecting Christ’s character whenever hearts are open to receive it.
This season gives us natural opportunities to:
- visit those who are lonely
- encourage someone who is grieving
- reconcile with a friend or family member
- share with those in need
- express gratitude
- testify of God’s goodness
- None of these depend on Christmas as a religious observance.
All reflect the life of Jesus.
The Point Is Christ — Not the Calendar
A season that turns attention to Christ is not a time we need to fear — it’s a time we can redeem.
Paul said:
“Let your speech be always with grace” (Colossians 4:6).
This season hands us countless opportunities to speak — and to live — grace. Not because the world calls it Christmas, but because Christ calls us to shine His love every day of the year.
Closing Thought
You don’t have to defend traditions you don’t practice.
You don’t have to attack traditions others value.
You don’t have to argue dates, origins, or customs.
Simply use the moment.
When people think of giving — point them to the Giver.
When people think of peace — point them to the Prince of Peace.
When people think of light — point them to the Light of the World.
When people think of love — point them to the God who is love.
And in doing so, you’ll offer a message that is truly biblical, truly Christ-centered, and truly hopeful — no matter what day it happens to be.
R Scott Holder
