Christmas is a joyous season; the thrill of sparkling lights illuminating our neighborhoods, the festive scents of our favorite vegan holiday treats filling the kitchen, and the blessing of gifts from those close to us make Christmas one of the most popular holidays of the year.
The festivities remind us of the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ, sent by God the Father to redeem and restore us. The prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Jesus as an event of great joy and renewal for creation: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Isaiah also foretold in his well-known verse 11:6 that animals will one day enjoy eternal peace along with us when God redeems the world—”The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together”. But in modern times, this festive season can be a frightening and even deadly holiday for animals. The same animals who were created by this kind, loving Savior and are included in God’s covenant to redeem the world (Hosea 2:18) endure seasonal suffering for yuletide celebrations.
While the traditional manger scenes under Christmas trees may depict feeling, intelligent animals laying peacefully next to the baby Jesus, the flesh of many of these same animals will be turned into holiday roasts, lamb chops, and other gruesome centerpieces of Christmas meals this season.
Our Heavenly Father sent His Son to redeem the world through His selfless death (John 3:16), and every Christmas, exchanging presents is a reminder of our Father’s gift of Jesus. But every animal sold as a present by a pet store denies one of the millions of animals confined to shelters a chance at a safe and loving home.
Every year, reindeer are forced into displays at loud events surrounded by intrusive humans who touch and even harass these gentle animals. Live nativities likewise subject animals to abuse from the public and handlers. While the nativity scene under our trees may be a beautiful display of God’s love for all of His creation, animals forced into live nativity events are typically rented out by cruel exhibitors. When the season ends, reindeer and animals used in live nativities are often imprisoned in seedy roadside zoos where PETA investigators have frequently found they’re denied adequate care and are confined to cramped and filthy enclosures.
The birth of Christ was intended to bring peace to all created individuals on the earth, yet cruel humans have made it a holiday of horror for many intelligent, feeling animals. As people of faith, we are called to stand up for the defenseless (Psalm 82:3). Here are some easy ways you can celebrate a compassionate Christmas this year:
- Speak up for Reindeer! Sign our action alert to politely tell event organizers to reconsider hiring reindeer exhibitors.
- Share our free Creation Care Toolkit with your church staff for fun ways to help animals in your faith community.
- Download a free Vegan Starter Kit to learn why all compassionate people of faith should choose a vegan Christmas dinner every holiday season.
- Choose animal-free Christmas gifts in the PETA Shopping Guide.
- Bring some scrumptious vegan Christmas cookies to the office and church gatherings.
- Host a screening of the powerful documentary Christspiracy to teach your friends about the Biblical evidence of Jesus’ care for animals.
- Join the PETA Action Team to be alerted of demonstrations happening in your area.
- Donate to PETA’s important work, and consider becoming a monthly donor to help animals throughout the year.
- If you see an animal in danger, report cruelty to animals here.
Let’s celebrate the season by extending God’s love to all His beloved individuals. We at PETA LAMBS wish you a very merry and compassionate Christmas season!
