I’m sure by now many of y’all’s social media feed is filled full of holiday cheer. For some of you who follow various Presbyterian and Reformed pages, you are inundated with messages of “Xmas is pagan!l “Xmas is Biblical and Christian,” “Xmas is fun,” and my favorite “Anyone who uses X in Xmas is probably a communist.” (X represents Christ by the way. You can read more about this here.) It’s important to know that the OPC does not have a position on the celebration of Christmas, and particularly the private exercise thereof. I’d like speak to three things - public practice, private practice, and Christmas as a cultural tradition.
Public Practice- Do we celebrate Xmas when it falls on the Lord’s Day? In the OPC & in our church we do our best to adhere to the Regulative Principle of Worship. The W estmi nster Confession of Faith 21.1 states: “……the acceptable way of worshiping the true God is instituted by Himself, and so limited by His own revealed will, that He may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the holy Scriptures.” Each local Session of each church in the OPC leads the trajectory for how to apply the RPofW. The good thing is, is that we have a cloud of witnesses before us to help guide us through any confusion. The regulative principle forbids adding symbols and ceremonies not expressly commanded in Scripture when they have religious significance attached to them. What about the songs? Our Psalter/Hymnal actually has “Christmas Hymns,” to sing. What about the sermon? It is acceptable to have a message on the incarnation, but it’s also acceptable to continue a series in which the Pastor may be in the middle of. One thing is for sure, is that if Xmas falls on the Lord’s Day, we are to obedient to the 4th Commandment. We don’t suspend God’s commands.
Private Practice- Family gatherings for worship or festivities are informal and not held to the same regulative principle standards for public worship. The pastor, the means of grace/elements, the preaching of the Word, etc. are not present. Although, we would caution against the extreme consumerism which causes us to break the 10th Commandment as well as others, you do have liberty in this area. It is a great opportunity for hospitality, fellowship, and fun.
Cultural Tradition- Although various Scottish and English Reformers despised Christmas, Christmas has maintained a cultural holiday in North America. There are various traditions across America. Enjoy Xmas with your friends and family.
Let us be partakers of Christian liberty, but not abuse that liberty. Those that practice Xmas are not “holier” than those that don’t. Those that don’t celebrate Xmas are not any “holier” for not celebrating it.
Remember Romans 12:18, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."
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