Observance of Christmas in the Reformed Churches

[SoldierOfTheKing]

What has been the historic position on the observance (and non-observance) of Christmas in the Reformed Churches? How does Christmas fit in with the regulative principle?

 

[Canuckmom]

No one has answered this interesting topic, so I'll say what I think. I don't think Christ mass fits in with the Regulative Principal. There is no command in the Word to celebrate Christ's birth, not is there an example in the NT or the early church that they did.
The Puritans were against it, but I think many Reformed Churches on the continent of Europe did celebrate. They didn't reform far enough from Catholicism.

 

[SobriaInebrietas]

What has been the historic position on the observance (and non-observance) of Christmas in the Reformed Churches? How does Christmas fit in with the regulative principle?

I don't know of any "historic position" on the celebration of Christmas, but at my church, which does profess to hold to the Regulative Principle, everyone celebrates Christmas to one degree or another. I think it depends entirely on one's intentions and understanding of what Christmas is about and why it is celebrated. It is left up to the families to decide whether or not they think it is right.

My husband and I put up a few lights, decorate a small tree, our church sings Christmas hymns around this time, and the congregation goes out to sing carols every year to a convelescent hospital and a few other places. A lot of people also participate in volunteering. Are these traditions wrong? Not in and of themselves. Are they necessary then? I don't think so, I think some people do get the wrong idea that the only time to celebrate and be kind to others is during the holidays, but maybe participating in these kinds of things around this time of the year is a good way to minister to others and witness to others why we are celebrating.

I do not think that the Regulative Principle of worship applies to things of a celebratory nature (unless we place more importance on trees and presents than we do on the meaning of this holiday). We should be celebrating the life and works of Christ all year round, so why not now? Just because everyone else is doing it too and they don't have perfect intentions?

Just some thoughts... I have been arguing with a friend about this every Christmas for the last 3 years!

Erin