Christmas

"CHRISTMAS Day," in celebration of our dear Redeemer's birth, has for long centuries been celebrated on December 25th; and altho it is now well known that this date is in error, and that it more properly corresponds with the date of the annunciation to Mary, nine months before our Lord was born, and that he was born about October 1st,--nevertheless, since the Lord has given no instructions whatever upon this subject, and since it is proper to do good deeds and think good thoughts upon any day, it cannot be improper, in harmony with general usage, for us to remember in a social way our dear Redeemer's birth at this time.

CHRISTMAS (or Christ's festival) by general usage is celebrated on December 25th; and since its commemoration is not enjoined in the Scriptures, but is merely a voluntary commemoration of a great fact rather than of a particular date, we do well to celebrate it decorously at the usual time;-- notwithstanding the fact that we disagree with the date, and hold, according to the evidences, that our Lord was born about October 1st, and that December 25th, nine months previous, was probably the date of the annunciation.*--`Luke 1:30,31`.

The habit of giving little remembrances one to another at this time of year seems to us specially appropriate.

We may as well join with the civilized world in celebrating the grand event on the day which the majority celebrate—“Christmas day.”

Since, then, the majority of Christian people have become habituated to the celebration of December 25th as our Lord's birthday, we need make no protest, but join with all in celebrating that day with rejoicing of heart, giving gifts and remembrances one to another, thus copying divine favor, which gave to mankind the Son of God as a gift of mercy and love for our redemption.

We suggest to all residing in the favored territory that such subscriptions, costing them but 60 cents each, would be excellent Christmas gifts, which might accomplish much for the Truth.

Satan has induced the clergy throughout the age to magnify these wise men in the eyes of the people and to have Christmas cards printed with their pictures on them, and has caused people to worship lights and stars and the images of the wise men.

An exchange of presents that would speak of your regard would be a gift that would seem of itself to hold the spirit of esteem.

We see now that Christ had nothing at all to do with the institution of “Christmas”; and the question arises, Shall we continue to observe a Roman Catholic holiday and bow the knee to Rome?

Rather than refuse or return them, it would be better merely to express appreciation by word of mouth or letter or card; and, while wholly ignoring any reference to the holiday season, we could use the occasion to make some reference to our New World hope.

So, since it is a matter of skill and a classroom assignment, the child of dedicated parents may fulfill such an assignment.

However, Jehovah’s Witnesses for conscientious reasons do not take any part in these holiday activities​—whether it be singing, playing music, acting in plays, marching in parades, drawing pictures, attending parties, eating and drinking, and so forth.

But they feel it is incompatible with the family’s deep-seated religious convictions for their children to engage in classwork based on holidays that they do not celebrate.