Do Brethren Celebrate Christmas

Across many Christian communities, Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. However, not all Christian denominations approach the holiday in the same way. Among those with a distinct view are the Brethren, a group of Christian fellowships rooted in the Anabaptist and Pietist traditions. Whether Brethren celebrate Christmas or not often depends on the specific branch of the Brethren and their interpretation of scripture. This topic explores the traditions, beliefs, and practices surrounding Christmas within Brethren communities, offering insight into a lesser-known perspective on a major Christian holiday.

Who Are the Brethren?

The term ‘Brethren’ encompasses a variety of religious groups that trace their origins to the Radical Reformation of the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe. These include theChurch of the Brethren, thePlymouth Brethren, and theExclusive Brethren, among others. Though differing in practice and belief, they generally emphasize simplicity, nonconformity to the world, and a strict adherence to the Bible.

Each Brethren group interprets biblical teachings uniquely, which means their views on holidays such as Christmas can vary significantly. However, there are common threads that influence their stance on this celebration.

The Brethren’s Historical Stance on Christmas

Suspicion of Non-Biblical Traditions

One of the main reasons some Brethren groups do not celebrate Christmas is their skepticism toward religious customs that are not rooted explicitly in the Bible. The Bible does not mention the celebration of Jesus’s birth as a religious holiday, and it does not give a specific date for his birth. Because of this, many Brethren see Christmas as a man-made tradition rather than a divine ordinance.

They are wary of what they perceive as ‘pagan’ influences on Christian holidays. The historical link between Christmas and Roman pagan festivals such as Saturnalia raises concerns among conservative Brethren, who prefer to avoid customs not found in the early Church.

Focus on Simplicity and Humility

Brethren faith emphasizes simple living and humility. The commercialism and extravagance often associated with Christmas are viewed by some Brethren as contradictory to the values taught by Jesus. The focus on gift-giving, decorations, and feasting can seem worldly or excessive to those who value modesty and spiritual purity.

Desire to Avoid Worldly Influence

Another common belief among Brethren is the call to be ‘in the world, but not of the world.’ This often translates into a cautious approach to mainstream culture. Celebrating a holiday so widely embraced by secular society may be seen as compromising their faith. Some Brethren choose to separate themselves from anything they view as cultural conformity.

Do All Brethren Reject Christmas?

While some Brethren reject the celebration of Christmas altogether, this is not a universal stance across all Brethren groups. Practices vary based on denomination, local congregation, and even individual families.

Church of the Brethren

The Church of the Brethren, which is one of the more progressive branches, typically does recognize and celebrate Christmas. Congregations may hold Christmas services, sing carols, and reflect on the birth of Jesus. However, even within this tradition, the tone remains more reflective and modest than in some other churches.

Old Order and Conservative Brethren

More conservative branches, such as Old German Baptist Brethren or other Old Order groups, tend to avoid traditional Christmas celebrations. They might acknowledge the significance of Jesus’s birth through scripture readings or private family worship but refrain from participating in gift exchanges, decorating trees, or other customary activities.

Plymouth and Exclusive Brethren

The Plymouth Brethren and especially the Exclusive Brethren are known for their strict interpretations of scripture. Many in these groups do not celebrate Christmas. Instead, they focus on biblical teachings year-round without highlighting specific dates or holidays. Some even view the celebration of Christmas as an inappropriate innovation.

Common Practices Among Brethren Regarding Christmas

Even among those who do not celebrate Christmas in the conventional sense, some Brethren still recognize the day in ways that align with their values. These might include:

• Reading the nativity story from the Bible at home
• Engaging in quiet prayer and reflection
• Helping others through acts of service or charitable giving
• Focusing on family time without the commercial trappings of the holiday

These approaches maintain a spiritual focus while avoiding what many Brethren see as distractions from the true message of Jesus’s life and teachings.

How Brethren Teach Children About Christmas

In Brethren families that do not observe Christmas, children are often taught from a young age why the holiday is not celebrated. Rather than simply forbidding participation, parents explain their theological and historical reasons, often pointing to scripture and emphasizing spiritual values over worldly customs.

This approach fosters an understanding of religious conviction and helps children develop a personal connection to their faith traditions. In more lenient Brethren homes, children may still participate in school holiday activities or receive simple gifts, but with a clear understanding of the family’s religious viewpoint.

The Broader Conversation: Faith, Culture, and Celebration

The question of whether Brethren celebrate Christmas opens a broader dialogue about how religious groups engage with culture. While many Christians embrace Christmas as a central spiritual and social event, groups like the Brethren remind us that not all believers interpret such practices the same way.

For the Brethren who avoid celebrating Christmas, the decision is not about rejecting Christ but rather about remaining faithful to their understanding of scripture and living in a way that aligns with their spiritual convictions. In their view, the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus should be honored every day through holy living, not confined to seasonal observances.

So, do Brethren celebrate Christmas? The answer is both yes and no. Some Brethren congregations embrace the holiday with spiritual reverence, while others reject it in favor of year-round devotion. Ultimately, their views are shaped by a desire to remain true to scripture, avoid worldly influences, and live out their faith in simplicity and sincerity.

Understanding how different communities like the Brethren view Christmas adds depth to our appreciation of religious diversity. It highlights the variety of ways faith can be practiced and the thoughtful choices individuals and groups make in pursuit of spiritual integrity.