When the holiday season approaches, many people across the globe begin preparing for Christmas with decorations, gift shopping, and family gatherings. However, within the Christian community, not everyone observes Christmas in the same way or at all. A frequently asked question is: do Brethren celebrate Christmas? The answer isn’t entirely straightforward, as the Brethren movement encompasses various subgroups, each with its own beliefs and traditions. To understand the Brethren perspective on Christmas, one must explore their theological principles, historical background, and varying practices regarding religious holidays.
Understanding the Brethren Movement
Historical Roots and Core Beliefs
The Brethren, often associated with the term ‘Anabaptist’ or ‘nonconformist,’ trace their origins to early 18th-century Germany, particularly the Schwarzenau Brethren. The movement was founded on principles such as simplicity, nonviolence, humility, and a strong emphasis on New Testament teachings. Their approach to faith emphasizes community, personal devotion, and a rejection of worldly customs that aren’t clearly aligned with biblical instruction.
Diversity Within the Brethren
There are several branches of the Brethren movement, including:
- Church of the Brethren
- Plymouth Brethren (Exclusive and Open)
- Dunkard Brethren
- Old Order and Conservative Brethren groups
Each of these branches has different views on how to interpret Scripture and how to interact with wider society, which directly affects whether or not they choose to celebrate Christmas.
Do Brethren Celebrate Christmas?
A Mixed Answer
Whether or not Brethren celebrate Christmas depends largely on the specific group in question. Some Brethren denominations participate in Christmas traditions, while others completely avoid them due to concerns about pagan origins, commercialism, or lack of biblical support. Understanding these differences helps explain why there is no single answer to the question.
Brethren Who Do Not Celebrate Christmas
Among the more conservative or traditional Brethren groups, such as the Old Order Brethren or some Plymouth Brethren communities, Christmas is not observed. Their reasons include:
- Biblical Silence: The Bible does not command Christians to celebrate Jesus’ birth, nor does it specify a date for the event.
- Pagan Associations: December 25th was historically linked to pagan winter festivals like Saturnalia, which these groups prefer to avoid.
- Worldliness: The commercial and material aspects of modern Christmas are seen as distractions from genuine Christian faith.
- Focus on Simplicity: Celebrations involving decorations, feasts, and gift-giving are viewed as unnecessary or indulgent.
Instead of observing Christmas, these communities might spend the day in quiet reflection or worship without any of the traditional trappings of the holiday.
Brethren Who Do Celebrate Christmas
On the other hand, many members of the Church of the Brethren and some Open Brethren may celebrate Christmas in ways that align with their spiritual values. These celebrations tend to be modest and Christ-centered, focusing more on the birth of Jesus than on Santa Claus, gifts, or elaborate festivities.
- Worship Services: Churches may hold special Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services centered around Scripture and hymns.
- Community Outreach: Some Brethren congregations use the holiday as an opportunity to serve others, through charity work or food drives.
- Family Gatherings: The holiday may include simple family meals and sharing of biblical stories about Jesus’ birth.
In these settings, Christmas is not seen as a commandment but as a meaningful tradition that can glorify God if celebrated appropriately.
Theological Concerns Behind Christmas Observance
Questioning Human Traditions
Many Brethren are deeply cautious about religious practices that stem more from human tradition than from Scripture. They often quote Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees in Mark 7: 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions. To them, celebrating a holiday not explicitly ordained in the Bible risks veering away from authentic Christianity.
Maintaining Spiritual Focus
Even among Brethren who celebrate Christmas, there is a shared concern about keeping the focus on Christ. Many feel that the modern holiday has lost its spiritual core, becoming a season of excess, distraction, and consumerism. In response, Brethren churches may actively encourage members to de-emphasize the material and refocus on the gospel message.
Modern Influences and Changing Practices
Generational Shifts
Younger generations of Brethren, particularly those in urban or more socially integrated communities, may be more likely to celebrate Christmas in some form. This shift can include Christmas trees, holiday music, and gift-giving, though often with caution and spiritual framing. Older or more conservative members may view these trends with concern, fearing a drift from their historical values.
Globalization and Cultural Blending
As Brethren communities spread across the world, they encounter new cultures and practices. In places where Christmas is a national holiday or a central part of public life, some Brethren adapt by acknowledging the holiday while trying to maintain a balance with their beliefs. This adaptation can vary widely from one congregation to another.
Personal Choice and Community Standards
Individual Convictions
Within many Brethren churches, the question of celebrating Christmas is often left to personal conscience. Members are encouraged to study Scripture, pray, and seek God’s guidance rather than blindly follow tradition. This respect for individual conviction is a core Brethren principle.
Community Expectations
While some churches may be open to Christmas observance, others may frown upon it or discourage public participation. It’s not uncommon for a Brethren church to maintain a neutral stance while gently steering members away from worldly expressions of the holiday. In such cases, community harmony and spiritual integrity are prioritized over personal preference.
So, do Brethren celebrate Christmas? The answer varies, depending on which branch of the Brethren you ask. Some strictly avoid the holiday due to its non-biblical origins, while others embrace it as a way to honor the birth of Christ though usually in a simple, thoughtful manner. The central thread across all groups is a desire to remain faithful to Scripture and to avoid letting culture override spiritual truth. Whether by quiet worship or modest celebration, Brethren aim to keep their focus on Jesus, not just on December 25, but every day of the year.