The Bible does not teach that Jesus was born on "Christmas day." The first record we have of anybody celebrating the birthday of Jesus was in 188 A.D., after the apostolic period. December 25 was selected as the date to celebrate the birth of Jesus in part to discourage pagan converts from reverting to celebrating the birth of the Sun god on that day. The fact that shepherds were abiding with their flocks in the field at night when Jesus was born would surely indicate that He was not born in the winter months.

Christmas is not a part of the things pertaining to life and godliness which God has revealed (2 Pet.1:3, written in A.D.66). The Bible does not authorize us to celebrate the birth of Jesus. There are no passages of Scripture telling us to set aside a special time and commemorate the birth of Jesus with certain religious songs, prayers and other activities. We cannot honor Christ by religious ceremonies and customs invented by man (Matt.15:9).

The setting aside of unauthorized days for religious observances is a false and dangerous practice under the gospel age. Similar practices by early Christians were condemned as slipping back into the bondage of Judaism or Paganism rather than being a contribution to their spiritual strength (Gal.4:10-11).

Not recognizing Christmas as a religious holiday in no way implies that one doubts or rejects the virgin birth or any other Bible doctrine about Jesus Christ. We believe in and are thankful for the fact the "God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son" (Jno.3:16). We devote our lives to keeping Christ’s commands and worshipping God in spirit and in truth as the Bible teaches. Christmas is not a part of the kind of worship which the Bible authorizes (Jno.4:24).

Using Christmas as a civil holiday to exchange presents, enjoy a feast with our family, have a rest from normal activities, etc. is not wrong. It can be an opportunity to strengthen family ties, teach unselfishness, and promote cheer and goodwill among friends. If Christians send Christmas cards, they should be careful that they not be religious in nature, implying Christmas is being recognized as the birthday of Jesus. If Christians have Christmas decorations in their homes, they should be careful not to have manger scenes, and other religious decorations which would give the impression we are observing Christmas as a religious holiday.

Christians should guard against poor stewardship at Christmas time, spending too much on presents and having little to give to the Lord. They should guard against poor priorities, causing other things to come before their true responsibilities to the Lord and His church.

If one truly wants to honor Christ, then he should obey the gospel, live the Christian life on a daily basis, and seek to bring others to the Lord. To seek to pack it all into one day of the year, which is not even authorized in the first place will, not get the job done. Rather than trying to "honor Christ on his birthday", which the Bible does not command, why not assemble on the first day of each week with a faithful congregation of Christ’s people and remember His suffering and death by partaking of the Lord’s Supper? This the Bible does command (I Cor.11:26).