December 25th and Christmas

[Chief]

The Gospels provide no date for Jesus's birth - neither the day, month, nor season is specified. Luke and Matthew, the only Gospel writers who record the nativity narrative, focus on theological significance rather than calendrical precision. As noted by biblical scholars, "there is no mention of birth celebrations in the writings of early Christian writers such as Irenaeus (c. 130–200) or Tertullian (c. 160–225)". This silence is particularly significant given that all four Gospels provide detailed information about the time of Jesus's death, demonstrating that when the biblical writers deemed chronological precision important, they provided it.

Evidence Against a Winter Birth​

Multiple lines of evidence suggest Jesus was not born in December:

1. The Shepherds in the Fields​

Luke 2:8 states: "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night" (NIV). Winter is the rainy season in Israel, so people move their sheep into the sheep pen at least by October to go through winter there. Seasonal patterns imply the birth of Jesus was a summertime event, as nighttime temperatures in Bethlehem in winter can drop below freezing, a time when flocks would either be in the warmer wilderness or housed in stables.

2. Census Timing​

The Roman census mentioned in Luke 2:1-4 would have been logistically difficult to conduct during winter months when travel conditions were most treacherous, though some scholars note Roman officials were not necessarily concerned with citizen convenience.

3. Probable Birth Timeline​

Based on the chronology of Zechariah's priestly service (Luke 1:5-25) and the announcement to Mary six months into Elizabeth's pregnancy (Luke 1:26-38), many scholars calculate that if John the Baptist was conceived near Passover and born near November/December, Mary would have given birth to Jesus in the Jewish month of Sivan, corresponding to May/June. This places Jesus's birth during the spring lambing season, when shepherds would naturally be in fields at night.

The Origins of December 25th as Christmas​

A. Pagan Festivals and Winter Solstice​

The historical relationship between December 25th and pagan festivals is complex and debated among scholars.

1. Sol Invictus​

The emperor Aurelian established a feast of the Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (Birthday of the Unconquered Sun) in 274 CE on December 25. However, the Philocalian Calendar of 354 AD is the earliest reference to Sol Invictus being celebrated on December 25th, and before 354 AD, Sol Invictus was celebrated on other days including August 8, August 9, August 28, and December 11.

2. Saturnalia​

Saturnalia, the Roman winter festival honoring Saturn, did not fall on December 25; even in its longest form, it ended on December 23 (National Geographic).

3. The Chronological Question​

Scholars disagree on whether Christians adopted December 25th from pagans or vice versa. It's not until the 12th century that we find the first suggestion that Jesus's birth celebration was deliberately set at the time of pagan feasts, when Dionysius bar-Salibi stated that Christmas was moved from January 6 to December 25 to correspond with Sol Invictus.

B. The "Calculation Hypothesis"​

An alternative explanation proposes that December 25 was calculated as nine months after March 25, believed to be both the date of Jesus's crucifixion and conception. This "integral age tradition" held that prophets died on the same date they were conceived. Tertullian, writing in 200 CE, identified March 25 as the date of Jesus's crucifixion. Nine months later yields December 25.

C. Early Church Practice​

Origen of Alexandria (c. 165–264) goes so far as to mock Roman celebrations of birth anniversaries, dismissing them as "pagan" practices - a strong indication that Jesus's birth was not marked with similar festivities at that place and time. The earliest surviving reference to December 25 as Jesus's birthday appears in the Chronography of 354 (the Philocalian Calendar), nearly 300 years after Christ's birth.

Biblical Teachings on Traditions of Men​

A. Jesus's Warning Against Human Traditions​

Jesus explicitly addressed the danger of elevating human traditions above God's commandments:

"He answered and said to them, 'Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: "This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men... All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.'" (Mark 7:6-9, NKJV)

The parallel passage in Matthew 15:9 reinforces this: "And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."

B. Apostolic Warnings​

Paul echoed this concern in his epistles:

• Colossians 2:8 - "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."
• Colossians 2:20-22 - "Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations - 'Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,' which all concern things which perish with the using - according to the commandments and doctrines of men?"
• Galatians 1:14 - Paul himself testified how he had been "exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers," but found liberation in Christ from such human-imposed systems.

These passages establish a clear biblical principle: traditions that bind the consciences of God's people where God has left them free constitute a form of legalism that adds to the law of God commandments and prohibitions that God has not spoken.

The Significance of Death Over Birth in Scripture​

A. Detailed Recording of Jesus's Death​

Unlike His birth, Jesus's death date is recorded with remarkable precision. All four Gospels provide specific details:

• John's Account: In John's Gospel, it is stated that the day of Jesus's trial and execution was the day before Passover (John 18:28 and 19:14), placing the crucifixion on 14 Nisan
• Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke describe the crucifixion in relation to Passover and provide details about the "Day of Preparation" and the approaching Sabbath
• Historical Dating: Using astronomical calculations, scholars have determined that Jesus died on April 3, AD 33, which corresponds to Nisan 14 on the Jewish calendar

B. Theological Significance​

The biblical emphasis on Jesus's death over His birth reveals God's priorities:

1. Redemption Through Death: "For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7). Jesus's death as the Paschal Lamb is central to salvation theology.
2. Early Christian Focus: Each of the four Gospels provides detailed information about the timing of Jesus's death... This stands in stark contrast to the very ancient traditions surrounding the last days of Jesus
3. Celebration of Resurrection: The earliest Christians focused on Easter (celebrating Jesus's resurrection) rather than Christmas, recognizing that without the cross and empty tomb, the incarnation has no salvific efficacy.

The Commercialization of Christmas​

A. Economic Impact​

Christmas has become an enormous commercial enterprise:

• Retail sales during the 2023 winter holiday shopping season totaled $955.6 billion, with online sales accounting for $273.3 billion, representing 28.6% of all winter holiday retail sales
• Average Christmas spending per consumer is expected to be $1,638
• In 2024, total holiday retail sales were projected to reach 973 billion U.S. dollars

B. Historical Development of Commercialization​

The seeds of change were sown in the 19th century with the rise of industrialization. As factories churned out goods at unprecedented rates, department stores emerged as the new cathedrals of commerce. The emergence of holiday advertising in the 1820s further fueled this transformation, with retailers strategically promoting Christmas as a prime opportunity to sell goods.

C. Critique of Commercial Christianity​

The transformation of Christmas into a consumer spectacle raises serious questions:

1. Distorted Priorities: Experts suggest that retailers have skillfully reframed Christmas as a season of giving through material goods, successfully linking the act of gift-giving with expressions of love and affection through carefully crafted advertising campaigns
2. Environmental and Social Costs: The holiday season produces 1 million additional tons of waste per week, and workers face immense pressure and long hours to meet consumer demand
3. Spiritual Dilution: The focus on shopping, decorating, and material acquisition can overshadow any genuine spiritual reflection on Christ's incarnation

How Should Christians Balance Liberty and Conscience?​

A. Romans 14 and Christian Freedom​

Paul's teaching in Romans 14 provides crucial guidance for Christians navigating traditions not explicitly commanded in Scripture.

• Romans 14:5-6 - "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it."

This passage establishes several principles:

1. Individual Conviction: There's no New Testament verse (at least not in my research - you can let me know if you have any) where God commands Christians to celebrate any particular day of the year. Celebrating Christmas is not a moral issue but comes under preferences
2. Conscience Before God: Each believer must answer to God, not to other believers, for their convictions regarding non-essential matters
3. Love Over Liberty: While Christians have freedom, a stronger brother must accommodate weaker brothers, because a stronger brother can sacrifice his Christian liberty without sinning, whereas a weaker brother cannot adapt without transgressing his own conscience

B. Practical Applications for Informed Christians​

For the Christian who knows that December 25th is not the actual birth date of Christ and that Christmas is a tradition of human origin, several biblical responses are appropriate:

1. Refuse to Judge Others​

Do not condemn fellow believers who celebrate Christmas in good conscience. Romans 14:4 asks, "Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls."

2. Educate Graciously​

Share historical and biblical truth when appropriate, but do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Avoid self-righteousness or spiritual pride in possessing knowledge.

3. Exercise Freedom Responsibly​

If you choose not to celebrate Christmas:

• Don't make it a point of divisiveness in the church
• Respect those who do celebrate, recognizing their motives may honor God
• Use the season as an opportunity to share the true Gospel

If you choose to celebrate Christmas:

• Focus on the incarnation and its theological significance
• Resist consumerism, materialism and debauchery
• Make Christ central, not Santa Claus, gifts, or decorations
• Use the cultural moment to proclaim the Gospel message

4. Prioritize Gospel Proclamation​

Christians should share the Gospel as on all other days. December 25th presents a unique opportunity when people's minds are already turned toward religious themes - use it strategically for evangelism while being honest about the historical realities.

5. Reject Commercialism​

Regardless of whether one celebrates, all Christians should resist the consumer frenzy that characterizes the modern Christmas season. This may mean:

• Limiting gift-giving to meaningful, modest gestures
• Focusing on service and charity rather than material consumption
• Teaching children that December 25th is not about receiving gifts

6. Maintain Doctrinal Clarity​

Never allow the celebration of Christmas to:

• Replace or diminish the centrality of Christ's death and resurrection
• Become a test of fellowship or orthodoxy
• Be taught as a biblical command
• Obscure the gospel with religious tradition

Final Appeal​

The evidence compellingly demonstrates that December 25th is not the actual date of Christ's birth, with many suggesting a spring or summer occurrence instead. This date was established for Christmas centuries later, influenced by theological and cultural factors, and possibly appropriation of existing winter celebrations.

Importantly, the Bible does not mandate celebrating Christ's birth; early church leaders even viewed such celebrations as pagan. The focus of the early church was on Christ's death and resurrection, not His birth. Christmas is thus a human tradition rather than a divine command. Jesus cautioned against following human doctrines, indicating a need for discernment in religious practices.

The commercialization of Christmas, turning it into a nearly $1 trillion consumer event, raises ethical concerns for Christians regarding materialism. For those who celebrate, Romans 14 highlights that event such as Christmas should be a matter of personal freedom, not obligation. Regardless of observance, the focus should remain on honoring Christ.

Ultimately, Christians should not view Christmas as a biblical mandate, resist consumer culture, and remember that salvation comes through Christ's death and resurrection. Every day should be lived to honor the Lord and proclaim the Gospel. "I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2).