Why are we celebrating?
Why December 25 Cannot Be Jesus Christ’s Birthday
How far have we been steered off course by external influences? Some may be offended by this statement, but then I ask you: what is the true meaning of Christmas biblically? We do not want to add dogmatic rules and legislation, yet we have allowed ourselves to be misled.
How can we idolize a fictional character called Santa, mislead our children with lies, and then years later reveal the truth that Santa does not exist? “Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old self with its evil practices.” (Colossians 3:9 AMP)
Christ’s birth is not about saints, Santa, Christmas trees, or gifts. It is all about Christ our Messiah!
Yes, we should consecrate ourselves and spend time with family and friends. We should reflect on the true meaning of this day. But we are no longer of this world and should not add pagan traditions to our Christian faith. Instead of blindly following church leaders, perhaps we should tap into our true source and connection with God—the Holy Spirit—and dive deeper into searching for the real truths of our faith throughout history.
History shows how human intervention has swayed and altered the course of when and how we serve God. Yet it is our generation that can return to the old ways—the right ways. We have strayed and fallen short of the true meaning of Christmas and God’s Kingdom.
Other religions do not permit changes imposed by external sources, but we do. How can this be right or even allowed? We mix our beliefs with the gospel and subtly amend the Word of God to accommodate our sinful nature. Now I understand Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.”
I pray this sinks deeply into our hearts. If it strikes the core, may we as children of God repent of our ways and follow Christ the King—His loving Father and His gentle Helper—with all our hearts and lives. Not partly, but wholly, with all that we are.
🌌 Historical Evidence Against December 25
- Shepherds in the Fields: The Gospel of Luke describes shepherds watching their flocks at night when Jesus was born. In Judea, shepherds would not be outdoors in late December due to cold weather, suggesting a warmer season like spring or autumn.
- Roman Census Timing: Luke also records that Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem for a census. Roman authorities typically scheduled censuses during milder months, not in the harsh winter.
- Astronomical Clues: Some scholars point to astronomical events, such as the appearance of the “star” guiding the Magi, aligning with spring or autumn dates rather than December.
📜 How December 25 Was Chosen
- Pagan Influence: December 25 coincided with Roman festivals like Sol Invictus (the “Unconquered Sun”) and Saturnalia. Early church leaders adopted this date to provide Christians with an alternative celebration, blending faith with existing cultural practices.
- Symbolism of Light: The winter solstice marked the “rebirth of the sun.” The Church reframed this symbolism to represent the birth of Christ, the “Light of the World”.
| Possible Date | Supporting Evidence | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March–April) | Shepherds in fields, census timing | Aligns with Passover season, rich in biblical symbolism |
| Autumn (September) | Agricultural cycles, Jewish festivals | Coincides with Feast of Tabernacles, a time of dwelling with God |
| December 25 | Adopted from Roman pagan festivals | More symbolic than historical |
✝️ Why We Must Keep It Sacred
- Hijacked Meaning: What began as a sacred remembrance of Christ’s incarnation has been commercialized and diluted by secular traditions—Santa Claus, gifts, parties—often overshadowing the true message of salvation.
- Sanctification Over Celebration: Christians are called to be “set apart” (Romans 12:2). This means resisting worldly customs that distort holy remembrance.
- Reconnecting to God: Instead of focusing on the date, we should focus on the miracle: God became flesh to redeem humanity. This truth must be honored in prayer, worship, and holy living.
🚫 Why Non-Christians Should Not Celebrate Christmas
Christmas is not a cultural holiday—it is a sacred commemoration of Christ’s birth. When celebrated without faith, its meaning is emptied and replaced with consumerism. For believers, this is a call to reclaim the day and stop conforming to the world’s version of Christmas.
🌟 A Call to Hope Again
The true birth of Christ may not be December 25, but the sacred truth remains: God entered history to save us. Let us sanctify our beliefs, resist worldly distortions, and reconnect with Him in spirit and truth.
Faith is not about the calendar—it is about consecration.