Adventists and Christmas Debate: Where Are We Heading?

by Joel D. Abonales, Jr.

At this time of the year, various views in the church have been hotly debated as to what role
should the celebration of Christmas season plays in the experience of Seventh-day Adventist Christians.
Since our church has no official stand on this matter, anyone is entitled to his own opinion based upon his
studies and conviction.[1] While this may be the case, however, we are to uphold that the Bible and the
Bible alone must be the rule of faith and practice (Isaiah 8:20; Acts 17:11) and functions as safeguard
from errors (2 Peter 3:16, 17).

Perhaps the foregoing and endless debate of different views has created an impact both on a
personal and spiritual level. Thus, to beat down or denigrate the opposing side is an indication of the
attack to the opponent’s character (ad hominem) and the danger of waiving the badge of honor inducing
pride over celebrating or not. These and others that have permeated on social media are causing animosity
among members, lose sight of mission, and the relationship to grow cold.

ANIMOSITY AMONG MEMBERS

I remember one of the controversies in our church history, when leaders and members were hit
bottom spiritually by a disaster. Even Ellen White called it “the saddest experience of my life”[2] and
“the most grievous trial of my life.”[3] I am referring to the General Conference session of 1888 that
prompted differing reactions of the law in Galatians. Personal differences and animosities had been
developing between two groups of church leaders. Some felt it was very bad while others say it was very
good. In addition, there came to the point where the prophetic gift of Ellen White had been put into
questioned. With this in mind, we need to learn important lessons from the experience of our church.
Otherwise, we would fall into the same depressing experience. Howbeit, we must not let Satan control our
thinking and emotions in handling issues like Christmas. Instead of clarity and learning, hate is spreading
among those involved in the discussion.

Why am I saying this? Because I have been observing how our people in the Philippines behave
on social media, Facebook in particular. They cannot rightfully handle themselves in matters of
discussion. Personal attack is used that causes division among us to grow quickly and difficult to control.
That is why I concur with what a renowned Adventist scholar and preacher stated, Leslie Pollard,
“Technology is a wonderful tool but a horrible master.” This is the very world we are living in right now.
Where discussions on faith and practice becomes personal; thus, resulting in devilish bashing. That is the
saddest part of our ministry, when our differing views are causing animosity among our members. In
handling issues like doctrine, ethics, conduct, church discipline etc., Scriptures has not fall short in telling
us principles on how “WE” believers should conduct ourselves for the interest of others (Col. 4:6; Phil.
2:3-5; 4:8) and what should be done with the erring ones (Matthew 18:15-20). The same principle applies
on social media. Therefore, when we are careful enough to present views and ideologies by posting,
clicking, and commenting, I believe that grace, love, and truth will absolutely exude in the hearts of all
men. In this regard, a former devout muslim, Nabeel Qureshi, who became a powerful defender of
Christianity expressed the same feeling of sensitivity on his deathbed, he said:

“It’s very important that we discuss matters of truth but at the end of the day that is supposed to
be undergirded by love and by peace. When we talk to people about our beliefs we should do it through a
lense of love and the whole point should be to bring people together to the truth and not to hurt one
another but to help one another.”[4]

Our goal is not only to learn but also to bring the truth with love. Consequently, we should
always spread LOVE not HATE because the God whom we serve is the God of love (1John 4:8) and this
love has brought the Son of God to lay down his life for us (John 15:13). Therefore, it is IMPERATIVE
for us that we should love one another (v. 12), especially to those who are of the household of faith
(Galatians 6:10, NASB).

LOSE SIGHT OF MISSION

As members of the remnant church, our primary role is to proclaim the everlasting gospel to those
who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people (Revelation 14:6 NKJV). This
proclamation could only be realized when one felt the urgency of the call. Since we believe that we are
living in these last days, there’s no more time to be wasted. Therefore, it is HIGH TIME for us to respond
to the gospel call and take part in saving souls (Matt. 28:19-20). Thus, the proclamation of the saving
truths of the third angel’s message identifies aspects of God’s message which His Church will emphasize
before His Second Coming.[5] And even Ellen White frequently wrote about the church’s mission:

“The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was
organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the
beginning it has been God's plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world
His fullness and His sufficiency. The members of the church, those whom He has called
out of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory. The church is the
repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be
made manifest, even to “the principalities and powers in heavenly places,” the final and
full display of the love of God.”[6]

Fundamentally, it is clear that our church has a mission to carry to the world. However, when
faced with debatable issues, our concern is that it disturbs the church members—losing their sense for
mission and confidence in the church. In fact, I can remember several issues such as 1888 Minneapolis
meeting, Questions on Doctrines in the 1950s, the Sanctuary Doctrine debate in 1980 and, Women’s
Ordination before quinquennium in 2015 had been subjected into a hotbed debates inside the church.
With all these issues, some ordinary members and even church leaders could testify to the negative effects
of the issues and how it became detrimental to the church and the dispute had even reached the onlookers.
A respected scholar, Ekkehardt Mueller, has reasonably observes the fallouts and potential effects of
Women’s Ordination debate in which can also be apply to certain issues in the church:

“(1) Ad hominem arguments not only hurt people but may also create hostility
between the attacker and the attacked, destroy trust, and hinder future cooperation and
teamwork. In the end we may have a split within the Church—if not visible, then
invisible. This may hinder the unity and mission of the Church for years to come. (2)
Quite likely, onlookers will also be affected. Non-Adventist observers of the debate may
be appalled by what they see happening in Adventist circles and what they read on the
Internet. Thus the debate may have negative effects on the Church’s outreach and on its
reputation in the general public. (3) The same may be true of our church members and
young people. The ordination debate has nothing to do with the Bible’s most
fundamental teachings. It does not belong to the core of Adventist beliefs. Hence, it is
all the more disturbing to church members when they see people involved in the debate
avoid, offend, and judge one another because they are on different sides of the
 ordination debate—and they see little to nothing of the divine love that Jesus wants His
disciples to exhibit. This may raise serious doubts about the Church in the minds of
church members.”[7]

We may not share the same view on certain issues and our level of understanding differ from
each other and, thus can still be united in respect and understanding in the cause of the gospel and mission
of the church. Mueller further adds, “The time has come to stop rhetoric that hurts others. Individuals and
institutions should foster peace and REFRAIN FROM ADDING FUEL to the fire. All of us need to reach
out to others in respect and love, even if some differences remain.”[8]

COLD RELATIONSHIP

We must admit that we are fallible human beings and the problem is NOT the Scripture but us
HUMAN INTERPRETER. Those involved in the heated discussions on Christmas sometimes use the
Scripture not for sharing the precious gems of truth instead to attack and hurt their opponent. Spiritual
pride and hostility can tremendously destroy relationship. Our teamwork for future ministry could be
affected if we wrestle much on our differences. Instead of dealing with certain issues, we attacked and
heavily condemned others. In theology, we refer to these as ad hominem arguments. Yes, we may able to
say that we might have won the argument. But, in fact, we have lost the relationship. Our public
reputation is at stake when they see on the internet what is happening to our church. The worst that could
happen is when an onlooker weak Adventist lose his confidence to the unity and mission of the church. I
believe, if this will always be our attitude in dealing with issues, we will end up biting and hating each
other. Our love will grow cold and it would destroy our relationship as brothers and sisters created in the
image of God. So, be extremely careful in presenting our personal views and always consider the effect of
our actions before commenting and clicking. In this respect, Ted N.C. Wilson, General Conference
President, has drawn the line on Christmas issue by saying:

“We must be careful not to allow the subject of Christmas to become a divisive
issue among us, criticizing or alienating those who may see it differently than we
ourselves do.”[9]

Lastly, there are several lessons to be pointed out when our church is faced with depressing
issues. First, we should pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Our constant communication with
God will closed the door for Satan to control our thinking and emotions. Next, we should learn to love our
brethren despite all our differences. Then, we should diligently study the Scripture for ourselves and not
allow anyone to do the thinking for us. Finally, let us maintain our confidence in the Seventh-day
Adventist Church and in the writings of our prophet Ellen White (1 Thessalonians 5:20). Though the
church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall.[10] And God will always be with this Church even
to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20 NLT).

May we ask Christ to find the balance of being straight and being gentle as we present the truths
to others.[11]

*The author of this article is the Youth Pastor of Manila Center Seventh-day Adventist Church,
Phlippines.

_____________________________
1. There are those who hold the idea that Christmas has pagan origin. Ronald Obidos, “Should Christians
Celebrate Christmas?,” February 14, 2010, accessed September 20, 2017,
http://angtinigsailang.org/featured/should-christians-celebrate-christmas/. (rjm comment: please look for
other reference) Some contends that the issue is difficult to demonstrate for there is no primary historical
evidence that December 25 is of pagan origin. See Angel Manuel Rodriguez, “Should Adventists
Celebrate Christmas?” accessed September 20, 2017,
https://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/materials/practical-christian-living/should-adventists-celebrate-
christmas. See also Dr. Diego Sausa, Facebok post, September 20, 2017 (1:10 p.m.), accessed September
27, 2017, https://web.facebook.com/groups/globalbiblicalstudiesforum/permalink/1374555842674131/. I
am indebted to my good friend who finds a balance approach based on biblical principles: “So, how could
a Christian settle this issue biblically? Answer: By looking at the biblical principles to decide theological
issues. Looking at the biblical principle, the liberty of observing this practice seems to find a support in
Romans 14:5, see: Jaymark Molo, “Could Seventh-Day Adventist Celebrate Christmas?” August 22,
2013, accessed September 20, 2017, https://amologetics.wordpress.com/2013/08/22/could-seventh-day-
adventist-celebrate-christmas-3/.

2. See Manuscript 21, 1888.

3. Manuscript 30, 1889.

4. Nabeel shares a series of thoughts on his deathbed before his last breath last September 16, 2017 due to
stomach cancer at the age of 34. See, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2Hl5pYDF8U&feature=share.
accessed September 19, 2017.

5. Fernando Canale, “The Message and the Mission of the Remnant: A Methodological Approach,” in
MESSAGE, MISSION, AND UNITY OF THE CHURCH, ed. Angel Manuel Rodriguez (Hagerstown:
Review and Herald Publishing, 2013), 274-275.

6. The Acts of the Apostles, 9.

7. Ekkehardt Mueller, “The Biblical Research Institute and the Issue of Women’s Ordination to the
Pastoral Ministry,” accessed October 1, 2017,
https://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/sites/default/files/pdf/BRI_and_the_issue_of_Women
%27s_ordination.pdf.

8. Ibid. Emphasis mine.

9. Ted N.C. Wilson, “Do Adventists Celebrate Christmas?,” accessed September 18, 2017,
http://perspectives.adventist.org/en/questions-answers/questions/go/2015-12-24/do-adventists-celebrate-
christmas/.

10. Selected Messages 2:380.

11. 1 Peter 3:15; 2 Timothy 2:23-24; Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 3:8-9.