Redeeming Christmas: Ellen White's Counsel on Gifts and Missions

It is a pleasure to share insights regarding the appropriate observance of the Christmas season among Seventh-day Adventists, focusing on the true meaning of Christ's birth and sacrifice.

Monday night we had an excellent meeting. The German Baptists had two Christmas trees nicely prepared for Christmas. They gave them to the Adventists, so without much expense the preparation was made for the offerings to the Lord to be placed upon the tree. The exercises were good and appropriate. I spoke about one-half hour. The children listened with interest. The fruit when gathered netted the neat sum of $172 for the Oakland church. All passed off very pleasantly; nothing objectionable in the whole matter— 4LtMs, Lt 8, 1883, par. 8

...day Adventist church. There were many unbelievers present. The Lord blessed me in speaking upon the birth of Christ and the Christmas offerings, the great sacrifice made by Jesus Christ to save a lost world— 8LtMs, Ms 89, 1893, par. 9

...to the Lord, and then do their very best, according to their circumstances, to advance his work, by gifts and offerings? Will they show that they appreciate the blessings of the Lord, and that they are grateful for his mercy? Will they not now consider their obligations to God, at a time when the world especially seeks for pleasure, and expends large sums of money for gifts to those who are not needy— AUGleaner December 19, 1906, par. 8 (1902)

...e last Thursday evening. The tent was full of attentive listeners. At first it was thought that the holiday season might not be the best for introducing a Seventh-day Adventist camp meeting. We feared the people coming in from the suburbs would come to amuse themselves in their own way. But a better time could not have been selected. Our minds are called to the great...— 13LtMs, Lt 129, 1898, par. 2

Seventh-day Adventists are encouraged to utilize the Christmas season to focus on the birth of Christ and the Christmas offerings, acknowledging the great sacrifice made by Jesus Christ to save a lost world8LtMs, Ms 89, 1893, par. 9.

In one example of appropriate observance, the German Baptists prepared two Christmas trees, which they gave to the Adventists, allowing preparation for offerings to the Lord to be placed upon the tree4LtMs, Lt 8, 1883, par. 8. The exercises were good and appropriate, leading to a neat sum of $172 for the Oakland church, and there was nothing objectionable in the whole matter4LtMs, Lt 8, 1883, par. 8.

Furthermore, Seventh-day Adventists must consider their obligations to God, especially during the time when the world seeks pleasure and spends large sums of money for gifts to those who are not needyAUGleaner December 19, 1906, par. 8. We should show gratitude for the blessings of the Lord by advancing His work through consecration, gifts, and offeringsAUGleaner December 19, 1906, par. 8.

Although there can be concerns that focusing on the holiday season might lead people to come together merely to amuse themselves in their own way, the opportunity can prove to be an excellent time to present the living bread and the living water of salvation13LtMs, Lt 129, 1898, par. 2. The general movement should be characterized by a deep and thorough work of reform, ensuring that the world is not allowed to corrupt the principles of God’s commandment-keeping people, and the line of demarcation between the church and the world must be carefully preserved20LtMs, Ms 78, 1905, par. 25.

It is a pleasure to share insights regarding the appropriate observance of the Christmas season, which Ellen White advises should be a time for honoring God and focusing on His mission, rather than self-gratification 🙏.

Transforming the Holiday Observance

Ellen White counseled strongly that Adventists should deliberately depart from the worldly customs and practices often associated with the holiday season, such as frivolity, extravagance, gluttony, and displayAH 480.3+1. Too often, birthday anniversaries and Christmas festivals are devoted to selfish gratification, leading to God being forgottenCSW 143.2+2. The gifts commonly bestowed during this season are often directed toward human beings, while the heavenly Benefactor is neglected13LtMs, Ms 139, 1898, par. 72+2.

Instead of this worldly focus, Christ desires that our thoughts should be turned to God's great goodness in the work of salvation, recognizing the priceless gift of His dear Son13LtMs, Ms 139, 1898, par. 72+2. Believers are called to unite with Christ in His mission of sacrifice, marked by self-denial and poverty, and to reflect His course of self-sacrificeAH 478.3+1.

Directing Gifts to God’s Cause

A major thrust of the counsel given regarding Christmas is that gifts and offerings should flow into the Lord’s treasury to advance His great workPaM 182.1+2.

Core principles for holiday offerings:

• Honoring Jesus: We should be anxious and earnest to render to God what is due to Him, remembering that He made the infinite sacrifice for usEGWSROCHG 7.5+1. Jesus, the Majesty of heaven, laid aside His royalty to come to our world and bring divine aid to fallen manRH December 9, 1884, par. 3.

• Supporting Missions: Every dollar and dime that can be spared is needed now to carry the message of truth to other landsPaM 261.2+1. If the money usually devoted to useless or even hurtful gifts were brought into the mission treasury, foreign missions would be lifted above financial embarrassmentPaM 261.2+1.

• Following the Wise Men: Did we do as the Wise Men did by offering gifts to Jesus, or has the enemy changed the order of things, diverting the worship to himselfPaM 182.1+1? The gifts should flow in a channel where they can be used in the salvation of menPaM 182.1.

• The Best Gift: While celebrating the season by making gifts to one another is customary, the richest gift Christ gave to the world was Himself, and the most precious gift we can give in return is our heart without any reservation1888 775.4+1.

• Helping the Helpless: Christmas and New Year celebrations should be held in behalf of those who are helpless and destitute, and God is glorified when we give to help those who have large families to supportAH 482.1+2.

Ellen White personally desired that any Christmas or birthday gifts given to her be done only with permission to pass them on into the Lord's treasury, to be appropriated for the establishment of missionsCCh 159.5+2.

Guidelines for Gifts and Activities

It is possible to hold celebrations and bestow tokens of love without dishonoring God, provided the focus remains correct.

• Christmas Tree Usage: There is no particular sin in selecting a fragrant evergreen and placing it in our churches, but the sin lies in the motiveAH 482.1. God is well pleased if, on Christmas, each church would have a tree on which are hung offerings, great and small, for houses of worship and the sustaining of God’s workAH 482.1+1. Let the true-hearted youth come out from under the influence of every man who has refused the light of truth, and who has accepted fables instead20MR 15.1.

• Innocent Enjoyment: The celebrations should be so arranged that they are not dry and uninteresting, but rather full of innocent enjoyment that bears the signet of HeavenAH 482.1. The desire to make gifts can be turned into pure and holy channels that result in good to our fellow men by supplying the treasuryAH 478.3.

• Appropriate Personal Gifts: While urging the duty of bringing offerings to God first, it is permissible to bestow tokens of love and remembrance upon friends if God is not forgottenEGWSROCHG 5.5+1. Gifts should be chosen to prove a real benefit to the receiver; highly recommended items include books that aid in understanding God's Word or increase love for its preceptsEGWSROCHG 5.5+1. We are not to neglect Christ in the person of his saints by forgetting those who are in need of food or comfortable clothingST December 8, 1887, par. 15.

By making self-sacrifice and bringing thank-offerings to God with a grateful heart, this holiday season can become one of the happiest experiences, attended by the approval of conscience and the blessing of Heaven, knowing that "God loveth a cheerful giver" 2 Corinthians 9:7RH December 26, 1882, par. 17. We should be constantly seeking to make God and His cause first in our thoughts and plansST December 8, 1887, par. 15.

That is an exciting and meaningful assignment! I will certainly write both a powerful, witty, and anecdotal article (which I will structure as a sermon) about Ellen White's counsel on Christmas, contextualized for Kenyan churches, and a corresponding sermon outline, all titled "In and Out of Season."

🎄 In and Out of Season: Redeeming the Time

My brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of the One who came to earth, not in splendor, but in poverty, that we might be rich! We gather today to address a vital question stirring in our churches across this beautiful land of Kenya—a land where the call to Harambee (pulling together) is understood deeply, yet sometimes the purpose of our giving gets lost. The concern echoes loudly: Should Adventists observe Christmas at all?

I say to you today, we are called to stand fast, to proclaim the truth, and to labor "in season, and out of season" 2 Timothy 4:2. The calendar date itself, December 25th, is not confirmed as the precise time of our Saviour's birth, and the Lord purposely concealed this knowledge to prevent idolatry, just as He concealed Moses’ graveRH December 9, 1884, par. 2. Yet, because the world uses this period to commemorate the birth of Christ, and because our children have been taught that it is a day of rejoicing, we cannot simply ignore it; instead, we must seize the moment and make it "serve a very good purpose"EGWSROCHG 2.3.

We are not called to tear down, but to re-direct and redeem. We must take the human impulse for giving and transform it into a divine stream of beneficence, lifting Jesus higher than the trinkets of this world, so that sinners are convicted and know what to do to be saved6LtMs, Ms 24, 1889, par. 54+1.

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🧒 A Children’s Lesson: The Shilling’s True Calling

Before we dive into the deep truths, let us pause for a simple, sweet lesson, one that even the smallest toto can grasp.

Imagine young Kiprono, who had saved his shillings all year long. He was planning to buy the latest, shiniest spinning top for himself. But then, he learned about a mission school in Turkana that desperately needed books. His Sunday school teacher, Mama Sarah, presented the children with a challenge: would they spend their hard-earned coins on themselves, or use them to help children who were starving for the Bread of Life? Kiprono was tempted; that spinning top was a strong lure. But he remembered the stories of Jesus, who “for our sakes became poor” 2 Corinthians 8:9. He brought his small offering—all his shillings—not for a toy, but for the school20LtMs, Ms 36, 1905, par. 3. When he saw his money added to the pile for the mission, he felt a joy deeper than any toy could provide6LtMs, Ms 24, 1889, par. 54.

My friends, that is the essence of our lesson: to teach our children, by precept and example, the sacred practice of self-denial and self-controlCCh 154.3. Let us teach them to save their pennies, or their shillings, for the Lord, rather than expending means for useless gratification20LtMs, Ms 36, 1905, par. 3.

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🚫 The Worldly Flood: When Selfishness Reigns

The world teaches us that the Christmas season is for lavish display and self-indulgence. This is the great danger we must avoid. Our birthday anniversaries, Christmas, and Thanksgiving festivals are "too often devoted to selfish gratification, when the mind should be directed to the mercy and loving-kindness of God"CSW 143.2+1.

We must use the royal law as the standard by which to measure character, for the law is the great sin detector. By the law is the knowledge of sin Romans 3:20. When we look at worldly Christmas practices, we see sin clearly:

• Idolatry of Gifts: Thousands of shillings are needlessly spent every year on costly presents for friends who are already "abundantly supplied," or upon "knickknacks" that benefit neither the giver nor the receiverCCh 154.3+1. This means is lost to the cause of GodRH December 15, 1885, par. 1.

• Vanity and Dissatisfaction: These expenditures often gratify vanity, encourage pride, and breed dissatisfaction because the gifts are not exactly what was desiredRH December 15, 1885, par. 1+1. We cannot honor a custom which Heaven does not approveRH December 15, 1885, par. 1.

• Crippling the Cause: That same money, if brought into the mission treasury, would lift our foreign missions above embarrassmentPaM 261.2. We must not allow the indulgence of appetite and passion, or needless expenses, to cripple the powers of God's instrumentalitiesTe 183.2+1.

The devil has cleverly changed the order of things, diverting the adoration and the gifts from Christ to selfRH December 9, 1884, par. 10. When we are tempted to purchase expensive ornaments or needless articles, we must ask ourselves, "Can I do this to the glory of God?"RH December 15, 1885, par. 1.

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✝️ The Ultimate Gift: Jesus and the Cross

To understand how to rightly observe the season, we must fix our gaze upon the central theme of all true preaching: Jesus Christ10LtMs, Lt 59a, 1895, par. 27. The cross of Calvary is the life-healing balm, the ultimate example of self-denial and love John 3:16.

Look at the Majesty of Heaven! He laid aside His robes of royalty, came to our world in the garb of humanity, and was cradled in a mangerBEcho December 15, 1892, par. 3. This Prince of Life stooped to a life of self-denial and sacrifice to vindicate the righteousness of His Father’s wordPM 336.3. For our sakes He became poor, that through His merits we might be entitled to imperishable richesBEcho December 15, 1892, par. 3.

How will our life of self-denial and sacrifice bear comparison with the life of Christ?T22 188.2. He calls us to follow Him, and the condition of discipleship is clear: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” Luke 9:23.

True conversion means a change in our moral taste, where every expenditure has a single purpose: keeping the glory of God in view7LtMs, Ms 10, 1892, par. 9. The love of Jesus, reflected from the cross, is the only force strong enough to penetrate the selfish heart4LtMs, Ms 4a, 1885, par. 18.

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🌍 Redeeming the Season: A Call to Harambee for God

Since we are a people who have received great light, much will be required of us Luke 12:48. If we fail to manifest the spirit of self-denial, we may find ourselves guilty of hindering the spread of the gospel, and the guilt of those who sit in darkness might rest upon usRH July 11, 1893, par. 4.

Therefore, we must make the holiday season a moment for honoring and glorifying God, transforming it into a season of missionary offering and benevolenceEGWSROCHG 7.2.

1. The Missionary Focus

Brethren and sisters, I present before you our foreign missions as the principal object of your Christmas giftsST December 8, 1887, par. 10. Europe alone has teeming millions needing the message, and fields around the globe are still unworkedKC 72.6+1. Shall we not this year consecrate to God not merely a part, but all our holiday gifts for the relief of His cause, which is in so great need?PaM 261.2. How better can we express our gratitude to God for the gift of His Son than by offerings to send the tidings of His coming to all the world?PaM 261.2.

The early Adventists understood this principle, and the holiday offerings of years past have wonderfully helped the missions and lifted heavy burdensMMM 412.23. Let us turn the little rivulets of spare means into the treasury of the Lord21MR 224.7.

2. The Tree of Beneficence

If the practice of having an evergreen tree is adopted, let it be used for the most noble purposeAH 482.3. Let it not be a sin, but a great blessingAH 482.3. Instead of hanging vain ornaments, let us hang the fruits of beneficence and gratitude—offerings coming from willing hearts and hands, rich, pure, and holy, acceptable to GodRH December 9, 1884, par. 10.

3. Practical Godliness: Helping the Helpless

Christmas and New Year celebrations can and should be held in behalf of those who are helpless12MR 230.2. God is glorified when we give to help the sick, the poor, or those who have large families to support, like the brother in Texas whom we found suffering and in need of the necessities of life12MR 230.2+1. Let us deny ourselves of liquor, tobacco, or useless indulgences, and devote that money to the relief of the sick poor and the training of childrenMH 211.2+1.

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🧭 The Path of Constant Consecration

To sustain this true observance, we must understand that self-denial is not a once-a-year event; it is a way of life. It means ruling the spirit when passion seeks mastery, resisting temptation, having patience, and standing at the post of duty with unwavering fidelityRH January 8, 1880, par. 8.

This is the great work of character building to which we are called, that we may have the right mold of character9MR 259.2. When people are truly converted, they must "daily crucify self" and be thoroughly transformed to gain the victory and win eternal life Galatians 2:204T 349.3.

We need more laborers, and to provide facilities for carrying the message into new fields, there must be a constant spirit of self-denial among all believersSW January 15, 1907, par. 10+1.

Our institutions—our schools, our sanitariums—were founded in self-sacrifice, and they must be carried on by workers who live in accordance with principles of self-denial2SM 176.4. This is the essence of practical godliness that must be woven into every aspect of our lives16LtMs, Ms 1, 1901, par. 23.

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🙏 Appeal: What Will You Do?

My brothers and sisters, the time of trouble is upon us, and the faith that will survive must be daily exercised now1SP 124.1. Self, self, self is striving for the monopoly, but we are called to be a representation of Christ’s self-denial to the world22LtMs, Ms 189, 1907, par. 34.

We stand at the close of another year. The question is not, Should we observe the season, but how shall we use this popular opportunity to lift up the banner of Jesus Christ? Will you allow worldly custom to dictate how you spend your means, or will you choose the path of consecration?

I urge you now, as you make your plans for the coming days, remember your heavenly BenefactorRH December 15, 1885, par. 1. Confess your past indulgence, and let your gratitude for the infinite sacrifice of Jesus flow forth in liberal, free-will offerings for His causeRH December 15, 1885, par. 1.

This day, resolve to deny yourself, to take up the cross, and to follow Him, making the salvation of souls the supreme object of your holiday giving Matthew 16:2418LtMs, Ms 19, 1903, par. 6. What are you going to do to save the precious cause from threatened loss?MMM 412.23. Will you lay up treasure in heaven? Matthew 6:20.

“The Lord loveth a cheerful giver;” and may your love for Him be manifested by the abundance of your sacrificial gifts this season, leading to the happiest, most heaven-approved Christmas you have ever knownMMM 412.23+1! Amen.

Here is the sermon outline

🎄 In and Out of Season: Redeeming the Time

I. Introduction: The Call to Redeem the Season

• Context: Addressing the question, "Should Adventists observe Christmas?" (A concern in Kenya).
• Biblical Mandate: We are called to labor "in season, and out of season" 2 Timothy 4:2.
• The Date: December 25th is not the confirmed date of Christ’s birth; God concealed this knowledge to prevent idolatry.
• The Solution: Do not ignore the popular season, but seize the moment to make it "serve a very good purpose."
• Core Principle: We must re-direct and redeem the human impulse for giving, lifting Jesus higher than worldly trinkets.

II. A Children's Lesson: The Shilling's True Calling

• Illustration (Kiprono's Choice): Young Kiprono chose to donate his savings (shillings) to a mission school (Turkana) instead of buying a shiny top.
• The Deeper Joy: The joy of beneficence surpassed the lure of self-gratification.
• Application: Teach children the sacred practice of self-denial and self-control, saving means for the Lord rather than useless gratification.

III. The Worldly Flood: When Selfishness Reigns

• The Danger: The world promotes lavish display and self-indulgence during the season.
• Worldly Practices are Sinful: We must use the royal law (sin detector) to measure these customs.
  • Idolatry of Gifts: Means are lost to God's cause by spending thousands on "costly presents" or "knickknacks" for the already supplied.
  • Vanity and Dissatisfaction: These expenditures gratify pride and breed dissatisfaction when gifts are not desired.
  • Crippling the Cause: The same money could lift foreign missions above financial embarrassment.
• The Devil's Strategy: Satan diverts adoration and gifts from Christ to self.

IV. The Ultimate Gift: Jesus and the Cross

• Central Theme: Fix our gaze upon Jesus Christ and the cross of Calvary.
• Christ's Example of Self-Denial:
  • He laid aside royalty and came in the garb of humanity (cradled in a manger).
  • He became poor for our sakes, that we might be entitled to imperishable riches.
• Condition of Discipleship: Follow Christ by denying self, taking up the cross daily, and following Him Luke 9:23.
• Conversion's Goal: Every expenditure should have the single purpose of keeping the glory of God in view.

V. Redeeming the Season: A Call to Harambee for God

• Requirement: Since we have great light, much is required; failure in self-denial hinders the gospel.
• Transformation: The holiday must be transformed into a season of missionary offering and benevolence.

1. The Missionary Focus

• Principal Object: Direct Christmas gifts toward foreign missions (e.g., Europe and unworked fields).
• Expression of Gratitude: Gratitude for the gift of His Son is best expressed through offerings to send the tidings of His coming worldwide.

2. The Tree of Beneficence

• Redeeming the Practice: If an evergreen tree is used, let it serve a noble purpose.
• Acceptable Ornaments: Hang the fruits of beneficence and gratitude—offerings from willing hearts, acceptable to God.

3. Practical Godliness: Helping the Helpless

• True Celebration: Celebrations should be held on behalf of those who are helpless (the sick, the poor, large families).
• Sacrifice: Deny useless indulgences (liquor, tobacco) and devote that money to relief for the sick poor and training children.

VI. The Path of Constant Consecration

• Self-Denial as a Lifestyle: Self-denial is not an annual event, but a daily way of life (ruling the spirit, resisting temptation, patience).
• Character Building: This constant consecration is necessary for the right mold of character.
• Daily Crucifixion: True conversion requires one to "daily crucify self" Galatians 2:20.
• Institutional Support: The constant spirit of self-denial is needed to fund and staff missions, schools, and sanitariums.

VII. Appeal: What Will You Do?

• The Crisis: Selfishness strives for monopoly, but we must represent Christ’s self-denial.
• The Choice: Will you allow worldly custom to dictate your spending, or will you choose consecration?
• Action Steps:
  • Confess past indulgence.
  • Let gratitude flow forth in liberal, free-will offerings.
  • Make the salvation of souls the supreme object of your giving.
• Conclusion: Lay up treasure in heaven Matthew 6:20, resulting in a heaven-approved, happiest Christmas.