Growing up as a child, Christmas was a magical time filled with traditions like writing letters to Santa Claus, decorating the house, and preparing for a day of joy and togetherness. My parents worked hard to fulfill our gift lists, making Christmas Day a special occasion. I appreciate them deeply for their efforts—hands down, they are a true blessing. Yet, as I reflect on those memories, I realize there was something missing: the truth behind the holiday.
At church, we were taught about the miraculous birth of Jesus, how Mary and Joseph went to a stable where Jesus was born without a father’s conception. The story felt sacred and beautiful, but as I grew older, I began questioning how some of our Christmas traditions—like Santa Claus and the tree—connected to the biblical narrative of Jesus. By the time I was 17, I started to feel the disconnect between the holiday's message and its commercialized customs.
It wasn’t the church that explained this to me, but the Muslim brothers who taught me about the pagan origins of Christmas. They broke it down in a way that finally made sense. The more I learned, the more I realized how the holiday had been co-opted into a cycle of materialism. Gifts became a measure of love, and guilt became the driving force behind overspending. The joy of giving was overshadowed by the pressure to meet societal expectations.
This realization led me to question more than just the holiday itself—it made me reconsider the entire narrative we were taught about Jesus. If Jesus was born in Palestine and fled to Egypt for safety, why has history depicted him as a Caucasian man? If they lied about his appearance, what else have they distorted? It became clear that much of what we were taught was rooted in falsehoods designed to serve other purposes, including control and division.
Even today, many preachers perpetuate these myths without addressing their origins. Meanwhile, we continue to place our children on the laps of strangers dressed as Santa Claus, telling them tales of magical gift-giving. Why do we uphold these fictional characters while telling our children that lying is wrong? Why is the truth so inconvenient?
As a father, I decided to break this cycle with my children. From a young age, I taught them the truth. They know they are loved year-round, and the gifts they receive come from the heart, not out of obligation. They understand the value of earning what they have and that love and family are far more important than material things. For parents struggling financially during this season, I want to remind you: You are not missing out by stepping away from the commercialism of a holiday rooted in false pretexts.
The Honorable Elijah Muhammad, in the book Our Saviour Has Arrived, wrote:
“The deceitful theologians and writers of Christianity along with their chief, the Pope of Rome, know the truth; but yet have deceived the people as to the knowledge of the truth by deceiving them to worship an evil demon like Nimrod. They have the history of Nimrod with them and they use him under the name of Jesus to deceive the people to make them believe that the 25th of December was Jesus’ birthday. And, in this way, they would have the world worshipping this wicked evil demon, Nimrod, for the all but perfect prophet, Jesus.”
This deception runs deep, but we can choose to focus on what truly matters. Instead of falling into the trap of commercialism, we can direct our energy toward compassion and righteousness. Imagine if the millions spent on holiday shopping were used to support shelters, feed the hungry, or provide second chances for those in need. We have the resources to create real change if we shift our focus from consumerism to love and humanity.
Let’s also teach our children humility. Not every child will return to school with tales of extravagant gifts, and it’s important they understand that material wealth does not define a person’s worth. Humility and compassion can help bridge these divides and remind us of what it truly means to be Christ-like: to embody love, righteousness, and submission to God.
I pray that we move away from false traditions and embrace the truth of Jesus’ mission. Let’s focus on being sincere brothers and sisters who uplift humanity rather than perpetuating commercialism. Together, we can build a society rooted in compassion, love, and truth.
The Truth About Jesus’ Mission
Matthew 5:17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."This verse highlights Jesus' mission to fulfill God’s law, emphasizing obedience to God rather than human traditions.
John 14:6"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"Jesus emphasizes truth and submission to God as central to his mission.
Pagan Origins of Christmas and False Narratives
Jeremiah 10:2-4"This is what the Lord says: 'Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them. For the practices of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.'"This passage is often cited in discussions about the pagan origins of Christmas traditions like the decorated tree.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15"And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve."This warns of deceit and how falsehoods can appear righteous but lead people astray.
Challenging the Depiction of Jesus
Revelation 1:14-15"The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters."This description challenges the common portrayal of Jesus as a Caucasian man and aligns more closely with historical and geographical contexts.
Hosea 4:6"My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children."This verse speaks to the importance of seeking truth and rejecting falsehoods.
Materialism and the True Meaning of Giving
Matthew 6:19-21"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual values over material wealth.
Acts 20:35"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’"This aligns with your call to focus on compassion and helping others during the holiday season.
Teaching Humility and Compassion
Philippians 2:3-4"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."This verse encourages humility and compassion, values that should guide how we treat others.
Proverbs 22:6"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."This reinforces the importance of teaching children truth and humility from a young age.
Focus on Righteousness and Love
Matthew 22:37-39"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"This summarizes the essence of Jesus’ teachings and the importance of love and compassion.
Micah 6:8"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."This verse emphasizes living righteously and practicing justice and mercy
We share in the spirit of recognizing the value in these Bible references and their proper context. The Word of God serves as a timeless guide, leading us toward truth and away from falsehood. By grounding our understanding and practices in truth, we align ourselves with God’s purpose, fostering humility, compassion, and righteousness.
May this reflection inspire not only deeper personal understanding but also meaningful discussions within our families and communities. Together, let us strive to embrace truth, allowing it to shape our lives and guide future generations toward a life centered on God and His teachings
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