Inspirational: Symbols of the Savior, Redeeming Christmas from Pagan Claims

by: Linda Kirby/WGON 12.22.25

About two decades ago, Satan worked hard to turn people against celebrating the birth of Christ. He pushed the idea that Christmas was nothing more than a pagan holiday, spinning the narrative in such a way that many stopped decorating—or even stopped celebrating altogether—the birth of our Savior.

We do not know the year, month nor day of Jesus’ birth but what is important is THAT He was born. Many believe December 25 is a pagan holiday so celebrating on that day is celebrating paganism. But here’s something to consider: if an event happens on a given day, and later people choose that day to celebrate something else, it doesn’t mean they are celebrating everything else that ever happened on that date throughout history. Celebrating Jesus’ birth on December 25 has nothing to do with paganism. Jesus knows what you are celebrating, and He knows your heart.

Here’s how I see our decorations heralding His birth:

• The evergreen tree reminds us of the eternal life Jesus gives—life that never fades. “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)

• The lights on the tree, home, and yard represent Jesus as the Light of the world. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

  The eternal circle on the door we call a wreath, represents His eternal love. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

• The carols we sing echo the angels who proclaimed His birth. “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” (Luke 2:13–14)

• Our giving of gifts reflects how God gave His only Son to die on the cross, offering salvation from hell. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

• Our receiving of gifts represents receiving that salvation and becoming born again in Christ. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

So you see, our traditional celebration of Jesus’ birth is filled with symbolism that points directly to Him. As Christians, we celebrate His coming and show love to those around us, just as He did. It is a season of joy, peace and good will, just as the carols proclaim. Satan doesn’t like that. He’s been trying to stop Jesus since the garden, and he’s had some success with the “Christmas is pagan” narrative. But I say this: Jesus knows who you are worshiping and whose birth you are celebrating. Don’t let Satan win.

MERRY CHRIST - MAS!