Christmas
Also known as Christmas celebration · Christmas observance · Observance of Christmas · Christmas Day · Celebration of Christ's Birth · Christmas holiday
In 1881, Zion's Watch Tower already identified Christmas as a pagan holiday that had been given a Christian name. In 1883, it suggested that December 25 may have replaced an earlier pagan festival, while in 1888 it offered another explanation connecting the date with the annunciation to Mary. Despite recognizing these problems, the publications in 1898 explicitly accepted Christmas as a voluntary commemoration of Jesus' birth. In 1902, 1903, 1904, and 1906, Christmas celebrations and gift-giving were encouraged. In 1908, December 25 was even described as potentially more appropriate for celebration than the day of Jesus' death because of its supposed connection with his conception. The favorable attitude continued through 1915 and into Rutherford's presidency. Publications from 1920 to 1924 still encouraged Christmas generosity and gifts, although they increasingly criticized pagan customs, commercialism, and religious imagery. The Watch Tower organization continued celebrating Christmas through 1926. In 1927, the earlier acceptance was reversed, and dedicated Christians were urged to abandon the celebration. In 1928 and 1929, further explanations connected Christmas with pagan religion and argued that it distracted attention from Christ's ransom sacrifice. Publications from 1935 to 1939 continued condemning the holiday, associating its traditions with Satan and Nimrod. From 1942 onward, the prohibition remained unchanged, but practical distinctions were developed. In 1951, certain secular employment questions were left to individual conscience. In 1959, accepting unsolicited Christmas gifts was allowed without participating in the holiday. In 1960, some holiday-themed school assignments were permitted as educational exercises, and in 1965 employer bonuses were expressly allowed. In 1967 and 1979, family visits or meals on a holiday were distinguished from participation in its observance. In 1983 and 1984, guidance concerning school activities became more restrictive than the 1960 allowance. In 1993, the publications explicitly acknowledged the earlier celebration of Christmas and its discontinuation after 1926. In 2001, guidance for Christians with unbelieving spouses was further explained. Publications from 2005 through 2021 continued rejecting Christmas while retaining the distinction between participating in a holiday and accepting gifts or engaging in ordinary activities not constituting holiday observance.
- Luke 2:8-11
- Luke 22:19, 20
- 1 Cor. 4:6
- 1 Cor. 10:20-22
- 1 Cor. 10:31
- 1 Cor. 11:23-26
- 2 Cor. 6:14-18
- Deut. 12:29-32
- John 4:23, 24
- Eph. 5:10
- Mark 7:7-9
- Rom. 14:5, 6
Key moments
- 1881–1883 Introduced Christmas was already described as a pagan holiday adopted by nominal Christianity. The publications acknowledged that December 25 was not the true date of Jesus' birth and suggested that the celebration may have replaced an earlier heathen festival. This criticism did not yet lead to a prohibition of Christmas observance.
- 1888 Refined Another explanation of December 25 was offered. The date was associated with the beginning of Jesus' human existence, approximately nine months before his birth, and was proposed as the possible origin of the Christmas celebration.
- 1898–1907 Broadened Christmas was explicitly accepted as a voluntary commemoration of Jesus' birth. The publications stated that although December 25 was not the actual birthday of Jesus and the Scriptures did not command the observance, Christians could join the general celebration and exchange gifts. Christmas presents, including Bible literature and subscriptions, were encouraged.
- 1908 Refined Christmas remained acceptable, and the argument for commemorating December 25 was elaborated. Because the date was associated with the annunciation and conception of Jesus, the publication suggested that it could be considered even more appropriate for celebration than the day of his death. Christmas gifts of Bible literature continued to be encouraged.
- 1924 Narrowed Certain Christmas customs, especially religious imagery depicting the wise men, were condemned as satanic, while Christmas gift-giving continued to be recommended. The criticism therefore applied to particular traditions without yet eliminating the overall practice of Christmas gifts.
- 1927 Reversal The previous acceptance of Christmas was rejected. The celebration was described as a Roman Catholic observance associated with pagan religion, and dedicated Christians were urged to abandon it rather than continue participating.
- 1928 Refined The rejection of Christmas was given a fuller biblical and doctrinal explanation. The celebration was said to lack scriptural authorization and to divert attention from Jesus' ransom sacrifice, while encouraging commercialism, selfishness, and religious falsehoods.
- 1959 Broadened Accepting an unsolicited Christmas gift was considered permissible if the recipient did not take part in the celebration. Recipients were advised to express appreciation without referring to the holiday or reciprocating as part of Christmas observance.
- 1960 Broadened Children of Witness parents were permitted to complete certain school assignments involving holiday-related drawings or coloring when these were treated solely as educational activities rather than participation in a religious celebration.
- 1965 Refined The earlier permission to receive gifts without observing Christmas was applied specifically to gifts or bonuses from employers. Receiving an annual bonus during the Christmas season was not considered equivalent to celebrating the holiday.
- 1983–1984 Narrowed Guidance concerning school holiday activities became more restrictive than the 1960 permission for certain educational drawings. Children were instructed not to participate in activities connected with holiday observance, including drawing pictures, singing, playing music, attending parties, or completing holiday-oriented classwork.
- 2001 Refined The guidance concerning unbelieving spouses was further explained. Individual Christians were instructed to evaluate which requests from a person having family or community authority could be accommodated without compromising their religious convictions or participating in false worship.
Russell
Charles Taze Russell · 1877–1916
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Christmas was already described as a pagan holiday adopted by nominal Christianity. The publications acknowledged that December 25 was not the true date of Jesus' birth and suggested that the celebration may have replaced an earlier heathen festival. This criticism did not yet lead to a prohibition of Christmas observance.
2 quotes
But the change was mostly in name, for the pagan priests became christian priests and the pagan holidays came to be called by christian names--Christmas being one of these holidays kept sacred to the memory of a great Goddess--since called the celebration of Jesus' birth though actually nearly three months astray.
Zion's Watch Tower, December 1881 It is supposed by some to have been placed December 25 in order to the better take the place of and transform an old heathen festival at that date, into a Christ-commemorating one – at about the time so-called Christianity becoming popular with emperors, was embraced by thousands of the heathen people.
Zion's Watch Tower, December 1883 -
Another explanation of December 25 was offered. The date was associated with the beginning of Jesus' human existence, approximately nine months before his birth, and was proposed as the possible origin of the Christmas celebration.
1 quote
It seems probable that this was the origin of the celebration of December 25th as Christmas Day.
The Time Is at Hand, 1888 -
Christmas was explicitly accepted as a voluntary commemoration of Jesus' birth. The publications stated that although December 25 was not the actual birthday of Jesus and the Scriptures did not command the observance, Christians could join the general celebration and exchange gifts. Christmas presents, including Bible literature and subscriptions, were encouraged.
6 quotes
"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.
Zion's Watch Tower, December 15, 1898 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`.
Zion's Watch Tower, December 1, 1902 The habit of giving little remembrances one to another at this time of year seems to us specially appropriate.
Zion's Watch Tower, December 15, 1903 We may as well join with the civilized world in celebrating the grand event on the day which the majority celebrate—“Christmas day.”
Zion's Watch Tower, December 1, 1904 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.
Zion's Watch Tower, January 1, 1906 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.
Zion's Watch Tower, December 15, 1907 -
Christmas remained acceptable, and the argument for commemorating December 25 was elaborated. Because the date was associated with the annunciation and conception of Jesus, the publication suggested that it could be considered even more appropriate for celebration than the day of his death. Christmas gifts of Bible literature continued to be encouraged.
2 quotes
Remember to suggest DAWN-STUDIES and Manna for Christmas presents.
The Watch Tower, December 1, 1908 Indeed, in some respects December 25, which corresponds to the date of our Lord's annunciation or begetting by the holy Spirit in the womb of Mary, may be considered even more appropriate for celebration than the day of his death.
The Watch Tower, December 15, 1908 -
The earlier approval of Christmas celebrations and gift-giving was repeated. Bible literature was recommended as Christmas presents, and readers were encouraged to join others in celebrating December 25. During this same period, published Bible Student convention material acknowledged pagan associations of Christmas trees.
3 quotes
Surely no more desirable Christmas gifts could be found than STUDIES, MANNA, THE WATCH TOWER and the DIAGLOTT.
The Watch Tower, December 15, 1910 The Christmas tree, now so common at this day, was equally common in Pagan Rome and Pagan Egypt.
Souvenir Notes—Bible Students Conventions, 1912 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.
The Watch Tower, December 15, 1915
Rutherford
Joseph F. Rutherford · 1917–1942
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Christmas continued to be associated with acceptable generosity, giving, and Christian sentiment. The publications could praise Christmas customs and the joy associated with them, while also acknowledging that no biblical command required celebrating Jesus' birth and that some Christmas traditions had pagan origins.
3 quotes
The custom of giving tokens of love and friendship prevails wherever the story of Jesus has gone.
The Golden Age, December 22, 1920 This is the reason why "Babylon the Great” adopted it; for there is no command in the Scriptures requiring the followers of Christ to observe the day of his birth by Christmas-day celebrations.
The Golden Age, May 25, 1921 We all treasure the joys of Christmas and recall with pleasure its sweet songs of heavenly music, the merry faces of little children bright with expectation of coming favors, the beautiful Christmas trees bespangled with gold and silver, and the twinkling little candles like tiny sentinels on the mount of green.
The Golden Age, December 19, 1923 -
Certain Christmas customs, especially religious imagery depicting the wise men, were condemned as satanic, while Christmas gift-giving continued to be recommended. The criticism therefore applied to particular traditions without yet eliminating the overall practice of Christmas gifts.
2 quotes
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.
The Watch Tower, December 15, 1924 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.
The Golden Age, December 17, 1924 -
The previous acceptance of Christmas was rejected. The celebration was described as a Roman Catholic observance associated with pagan religion, and dedicated Christians were urged to abandon it rather than continue participating.
1 quote
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?
The Golden Age, December 14, 1927 -
The rejection of Christmas was given a fuller biblical and doctrinal explanation. The celebration was said to lack scriptural authorization and to divert attention from Jesus' ransom sacrifice, while encouraging commercialism, selfishness, and religious falsehoods.
1 quote
Again, there is no command to observe the day to be found in the Bible, but we are commanded to observe the memorial of our Lord's death.
The Golden Age, December 12, 1928 -
The rejection of Christmas was repeatedly reinforced. The publications associated the celebration with Satan, commercial exploitation, and the concealment of the importance of Christ's ransom sacrifice. Christmas traditions were also connected with Nimrod, pagan religion, and false teachings about the dead. It was maintained that neither Jesus nor God had commanded the observance.
5 quotes
Satan, however, has taught the people to give more prominence to the birth of the babe Jesus than to the death of the man Jesus, in order to hide the importance of the ransom, the chief doctrine in the Christian religion.
The Golden Age, December 25, 1929 The immoderate indulgence and the reckless spending, the senseless giving and the thoughtless receiving at Christmas-time are all a part of Satan's method of stampeding people en masse into a course of action which really dishonors God.
The Golden Age, December 18, 1935 Celebrated in many countries, as it is, Christmas is a religious and a commercial practice based upon false statements and void of the truth.
Consolation, December 15, 1937 Thus, Christmas celebrations are, in fact, celebrations in honor of the Devil himself.
Consolation, December 14, 1938 But neither Christ nor His Father ever commanded anyone to celebrate either of these dates.
Consolation, December 13, 1939
Knorr
Nathan H. Knorr · 1942–1977
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Christmas continued to be rejected as an unchristian celebration. The fact that churches observed it was not considered evidence of its Christian origin or legitimacy.
1 quote
Its celebration by certain religious organizations does not make it Christian, any more than bingo games, lotteries, or card parties in religious parish houses or parish schools are therefore Christian.
Consolation, December 9, 1942 -
Secular employment involving Christmas merchandise, such as selling Christmas cards or trees, was distinguished from personally celebrating Christmas. Decisions about such employment were assigned to individual conscience rather than governed by a universal organizational prohibition.
1 quote
The Lord has not laid that responsibility upon the Society; it is each individual’s responsibility to decide his own case.
The Watchtower, September 15, 1951 -
The condemnation of Christmas remained unchanged. Participation was described as involvement in a God-dishonoring festival, even when the participant did not personally accept its supposed religious origins.
1 quote
By celebrating they become a party to a Goddishonoring festival, whether they believe it or not.
Awake!, December 22, 1956 -
Accepting an unsolicited Christmas gift was considered permissible if the recipient did not take part in the celebration. Recipients were advised to express appreciation without referring to the holiday or reciprocating as part of Christmas observance.
1 quote
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.
The Watchtower, December 1, 1959 -
Children of Witness parents were permitted to complete certain school assignments involving holiday-related drawings or coloring when these were treated solely as educational activities rather than participation in a religious celebration.
1 quote
So, since it is a matter of skill and a classroom assignment, the child of dedicated parents may fulfill such an assignment.
The Watchtower, November 15, 1960 -
The earlier permission to receive gifts without observing Christmas was applied specifically to gifts or bonuses from employers. Receiving an annual bonus during the Christmas season was not considered equivalent to celebrating the holiday.
1 quote
It would not be Scripturally wrong for a Christian to accept a present or bonus given to him by his employer during the Christmas season.
The Watchtower, December 15, 1965 -
A Christian wife with an unbelieving husband could accompany him to visit relatives on a religious holiday if her behavior clearly demonstrated that she was not celebrating it. Holiday greetings, gift exchanges, and participation in the festive spirit were distinguished from an ordinary family visit.
1 quote
If, at her husband’s request, a Christian wife did go along to visit relatives on a worldly holiday, her conduct would undoubtedly make it plain that she was not celebrating the holiday.
The Watchtower, December 1, 1967
Franz
Frederick W. Franz · 1977–1992
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The earlier distinction between attending a family meal and participating in Christmas was repeated. Attendance could be acceptable in certain circumstances, provided the individual did not personally share in religious activities or holiday observances.
1 quote
That would be a possibility, for an individual could be present where others are carrying on religious activities without personally engaging in these.
The Watchtower, November 1, 1979 -
Guidance concerning school holiday activities became more restrictive than the 1960 permission for certain educational drawings. Children were instructed not to participate in activities connected with holiday observance, including drawing pictures, singing, playing music, attending parties, or completing holiday-oriented classwork.
2 quotes
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.
School and Jehovah's Witnesses, 1983 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.
The Watchtower, November 15, 1984
Governing Body
1992–
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The rejection of Christmas remained in force. An official historical publication acknowledged that Watch Tower headquarters and certain branches had previously celebrated Christmas and that the observance ceased after 1926. Contemporary publications continued to describe Christmas as incompatible with true worship.
2 quotes
However, after further investigation of the subject, the members of the Society’s headquarters staff, as well as the staffs at the Society’s branch offices in England and in Switzerland, decided to stop sharing in Christmas festivities, so no Christmas celebration was held there after 1926.
Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, 1993 As much as it might appeal to popular tastes, celebrating a “White Christmas” amounts to “touching the unclean thing.”
The Watchtower, December 15, 1993 -
The guidance concerning unbelieving spouses was further explained. Individual Christians were instructed to evaluate which requests from a person having family or community authority could be accommodated without compromising their religious convictions or participating in false worship.
1 quote
But with that in mind, the individual Christian has to decide what noncompromising things can be done at the request of one having authority in the family or in the community.
The Watchtower, December 15, 2001 -
The earlier distinction between celebrating Christmas and receiving unsolicited gifts was reaffirmed. Acceptance depended on circumstances and individual conscience, while gifts intended to induce compromise were to be declined.
2 quotes
You may decide that accepting the gift under those circumstances is not the same as taking part in the holiday.
What Does the Bible Really Teach?, 2005 If the Christian’s conscience would be at rest, he might choose to accept the gift and express thanks without any reference to the holiday.
Keep Yourselves in God's Love, 2008 -
Publications continued teaching that Christians should not celebrate Christmas because Jesus did not institute the observance, the early Christians did not celebrate it, and its customs were associated with non-Christian worship. Historical publications reaffirmed the earlier discontinuation of the celebration. The prohibition remained unchanged through the latest verified statement in 2021.
5 quotes
A second reason: The only event Jesus specifically instructed his followers to commemorate was his death, not his birth, and this was to be done as a simple communion meal.
The Watchtower, December 1, 2012 As a result of careful, closer scrutiny of the subject, the Bible Students came to realize that the origin of Christmas and the practices associated with it actually dishonor God.
God's Kingdom Rules!, 2014 But Christmas is actually connected with false worship.
What Can the Bible Teach Us?, 2015 Celebrating Christmas, however, is not one of them.
The Watchtower, No. 6, 2017 Many become upset when Jehovah’s Witnesses do not join them in celebrating unscriptural traditions, such as birthdays and Christmas.
The Watchtower (Study Edition), May 2021
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