Christ at the Center

[phkrause]

Ellen White’s views on Christmas

In the culture I grew up in, Christmas was not observed, partly because of atheistic propaganda against religion, and partly for the Adventists’ belief linking December 25 with the pagan winter solstice. Years later, after moving to the United States, I encountered a very different picture. Christmas is widely celebrated, commercialized, and often emptied of its religious meaning. People exchange gifts and enjoy festivities, yet Christ is seldom at the center. These opposite experiences led me to wonder how Ellen White viewed Christmas, and what counsel she may offer to the church.

https://adventistreview.org/experiences/heritage/christ-at-the-center/

[Gustave]

Russia?

[phkrause]

On 12/29/2025 at 8:17 PM, Gustave said:

Russia?

?

[Gustave]

2 hours ago, phkrause said:

?

I thought you referenced the culture you were brought up in whereas the "atheistic propaganda against religion" combined with "Adventist belief" caused Christmas not to be observed. I assumed you may have been from Russia at a time when religion in general was frowned upon. 

[phkrause]

On 1/1/2026 at 10:37 PM, Gustave said:

I thought you referenced the culture you were brought up in whereas the "atheistic propaganda against religion" combined with "Adventist belief" caused Christmas not to be observed. I assumed you may have been from Russia at a time when religion in general was frowned upon. 

I was born in Germany, my father was a Holocaust survivor! The culture of the person who wrote the article is what is being referenced.

[Gustave]

2 hours ago, phkrause said:

I was born in Germany, my father was a Holocaust survivor! The culture of the person who wrote the article is what is being referenced.

Ok, that makes sense.