Would Jesus Want a Holiday Commemorating His Own Birth?
Your suggestion aligns with much of what we know about Jesus’s teachings and character as presented in the Gospels. Jesus consistently emphasized humility, service to others, and focusing on the spiritual over the material or self-glorifying. Here’s why it’s plausible to think Jesus would not have wanted a holiday commemorating his own birth:
1. Jesus Rejected Earthly Status and Glory
- Humility in His Life: Jesus was born in a humble setting-a manger-and lived a life of simplicity, associating with the marginalized and rejecting worldly wealth or power. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus says, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." This underscores his focus on service over self-aggrandizement.
- Rebuking Glorification: After performing miracles, Jesus often told people not to broadcast what he had done (e.g., Mark 1:44: "See that you don’t tell this to anyone"). He avoided drawing unnecessary attention to himself, focusing instead on his mission.
2. Jesus Emphasized the Spiritual Over the Temporal
- Teachings on Worship: Jesus emphasized worshiping God in spirit and truth, rather than adhering to rituals or traditions for their own sake (John 4:23-24: "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."). A holiday commemorating his birth, especially one centered around materialism (as Christmas often becomes), would likely detract from the spiritual focus he championed.
- Focus on God the Father: Jesus consistently directed attention to God the Father rather than to himself. For example, in John 5:30, he says, "I seek not to please myself but him who sent me." A holiday about his own birth might feel contrary to this principle.
3. Jesus Valued Actions Over Rituals
- Faith in Practice: In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." This suggests he valued acts of kindness and service far more than ceremonial recognition.
- Rebuking Empty Traditions: Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their focus on outward displays of piety while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23-28). A holiday that risks becoming an empty tradition would likely go against his teachings.
4. A Holiday Risks Missing the Point
- Materialism and Commercialization: Modern Christmas, with its focus on gift-giving and consumerism, would likely feel far removed from the values Jesus taught. A holiday intended to honor him can inadvertently shift attention to material pursuits.
- Divisions Over Observance: Jesus prayed for unity among his followers (John 17:21: "That all of them may be one."). Holidays can sometimes create division over how, or even whether, they should be observed-something Jesus might have wanted to avoid.
What Might Jesus Want Instead?
Jesus might prefer that his followers focus on living out his teachings every day, rather than commemorating his birth annually. Acts of love, kindness, humility, and service align more closely with the principles he emphasized. Instead of celebrating his birth, Jesus might encourage efforts to feed the hungry, care for the sick, and seek justice for the oppressed-ways to embody his message of love and compassion.
Conclusion
While Jesus’s teachings leave room for interpretation, the Gospels suggest he would prioritize meaningful actions over ceremonial recognition, humility over glorification, and spiritual connection over worldly displays. A holiday commemorating his birth might feel inconsistent with these values, particularly if it distracts from his core message of love, service, and devotion to God.