Do Mormons celebrate Christmas? Yes or no? This might sound like a very simple one, but it’s not that simple, so let’s talk about it.
I once mentioned to a Christian friend the idea that Mormons are Christians, and he did not hesitate to reject the notion immediately. I asked why not, but as far as I can remember, he gave no specific answer to that effect.
I understand that Christianity is a very broad system with probably more religious ideas and beliefs than we can discuss exhaustively. However, there are certain groups that are rejected from the system by other members of it for reasons such as differing truth claims and the rejection of traditional orthodox beliefs and teachings like the Trinity.
As it appears, Mormons are viewed as non-Christian by other Christians for such reasons, regardless of the fact that they claim to be Christians and believers in Christ Jesus.
While this conversation is not about whether or not Mormons are Christians, the idea begs the question, Do Mormons celebrate Christmas? So, let’s backtrack a little and look at who Mormons are, what they think of other Christians, and whether or not Mormons celebrate Christmas.
Who are Mormons?
Mormons are a unique group of people identified with a latter-day movement that was propagated by Joseph Smith in the 19th century, called Mormonism. The movement is otherwise called The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints.
Mormons are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints and believers in the book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price. However, to better understand them, it is important that you know what Mormons believe. So, exactly what do Mormons believe in? They believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
While they believe in the three listed above, I should note that Mormons reject the doctrine of the Trinity, which is the idea of three persons in one God. You can guess that’s a good place for the divide, but there are other things that add to it.
However, we may have to look at the group in a separate article to discuss more about them. But let me note that they accept the Bible (as far as it is correctly translated) and believe in the redemption work of Jesus Christ, the son of God, for the salvation of mankind.
Also, Mormons believe that the only way to find lasting happiness is by having faith in Jesus Christ and following his teachings. That sounds to me like a good reason to identify them as Christians.
Otherwise, the discovery and publication of their separate holy books in addition to the Bible and restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ on Earth by Joseph Smith around April 6, 1830, seems to be what sets the movement apart, both in their teachings and practices.
While you must have heard so many detestable things about Mormons and how false they are by those who disagree with them, how about we look at what Mormons think of other Christians?
What Mormons Think of Other Christians
When you consider how Christians speak of Mormons as non-Christian, you could end up thinking that Mormons are trying to claim a spot where they are not welcomed. But I don’t see it that way.
As it appears, Mormons like the Muslims see themselves as the ones with the true scriptures and practitioners of the truth. What does that mean for other Christians? It means that for the Mormons, other Christians are in the Great Apostasy, especially those in the mainstream.
Mormons generally think those who believe in doctrines like the Trinity are in deceit and have gone astray, though they try to do good to the best of their abilities. Interesting how that works? I mean, Mormons and other Christians think of themselves as in the truth and against each other as in falsehood.
Perhaps their differences will never be settled in this life, as those are what set them about. The good thing is that what they have in common can bring them together, at least to continue arguing over their differences, I guess.
Do Mormons celebrate Christmas?
That brings us to the question, Do Mormons celebrate Christmas? Yes, they do. But hear me out first.
The traditional date for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is December 25 of every year, but that date is not so important for Mormons as they already have a date for the birth of Jesus Christ. It is April 6, 1B.C.E.
When you read Doctrine and Covenants 28, you will realize how important the date April 6 is to the Mormons. In fact, there are series of significant events said to have commenced or been completed on that date. For example, the birth of Jesus, the establishment of the Church of Christ, particularly on April 6, 1830, as was revealed to Joseph Smith, and others.
So, for Mormons, the birth of Jesus Christ was on April 6, but they seem to find the mainstream view and acceptance of December 25 for the celebration of Jesus’ birth to be less of a problem as they know Jesus wasn’t born on that day. And regardless of that, they believe the savior of the world should be celebrated!
Moreover, isn’t Christmas about celebrating a child that was born and a son that was given? A man who brought salvation for all mankind is a hero worth celebrating, or isn’t he? If you think otherwise, feel free to share your thoughts.
