Last year in Prince Edward County, many Christmas celebrations had to be cancelled because of a historic storm. Roads were closed for days.

This year the town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, has cancelled Christmas because of the ongoing hostilities in Gaza.

In 1647, Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of England, cancelled Christmas.

Cromwell, along with other Puritans, was troubled by the boisterous revelry of the festivities which took place at Christmas. He thought them unbecoming of a Christian celebration. He was also in the middle of a civil war against King Charles I, a war with religious overtones. Cromwell was a Protestant and King Charles a devout Roman Catholic. Cromwell saw Christmas as a feast linked to the Catholic Church.

He sent town criers throughout the land forbidding the celebration of Christmas. Decorations were forbidden. Soldiers patrolled the streets in search of celebrants cooking meat.

The people were outraged. They held secret festivities, pro-Christmas riots broke out and dozens of  “Christmas martyrs” were jailed.

It wasn’t for another 13 years, when King Charles II was restored to the throne, that Christmas was once again celebrated in England.

But can you really cancel Christmas? Is Christmas really just a celebration, a date on the calendar? Can you cancel Christmas by stopping the celebrations?

If you have watched, A Charlie Brown Christmas, then you will remember how Lucy and all the others get upset with Charlie Brown because of the tree that he chose. They then talk about all the things they want for Christmas.

Charlie Brown throws up his hands in despair and says, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”

Then Linus says, “I can tell you what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.” And he quotes the Gospel of Luke:

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Linus concludes, “And that’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.”

When you know Jesus Christ as your Saviour, even if Oliver Cromwell comes along and tries to cancel Christmas, it doesn’t change what Christ has done in your life.

To know Jesus as Saviour is simply to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and put your trust in Him. He will forgive you of anything in your life, and give you His peace, hope, joy and love, as well as the promise of eternal life.

It is great to have all the celebrations, the family get togethers, the food and gifts, but what makes Christmas is Jesus.  When you have Jesus in your life, your life is the celebration.

Peter Spragg is the Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Bloomfield.  You can contact him through their website at: emmanuellife.com or 613-393-2234