The Christmas Question: Its Origin and whether you should Celebrate.

Every year, when calendar strikes December 1st, it is always a reminder to everyone that it is Christmas season. The preparations start, being evidenced by Christmas trees, Santa Claus’ symbols all over. Etc.

But there is always a question that arises from it, “From whence did Christians get the idea that Christ was born on 25th December and that we should Celebrate it?” The question I will answer them in this article.

One, Christians have always maintained that there is no biblical evidence that Christ was born in Dec 25th. In fact, it is most probable that Jesus was born in in spring, not winter time. December 25 comes at a time when it is winter in Israel. The biblical account of shepherd’s in the wilderness suggests that it was probably summer, not winter at the time. But all this is speculation.

Another thing is that it is very true that Christmas is closely linked with Saturnalia, a pagan Roman festival which used to start on December 17 and would continue for one week ending on what would be eve of Christmas day. This pagan festival, history.com says,

Romans spent Saturnalia gambling, singing, playing music, feasting, socializing and giving each other gifts. Wax taper candles called cerei were common gifts during Saturnalia, to signify light returning after the solstice.

On the last day of Saturnalia celebrations, known as the Sigillaria, many Romans gave their friends and loved ones small terracotta figurines known as signillaria, which may have referred back to older celebrations involving human sacrifice.

History.com

The first century Christians never celebrated Christmas but when Constantine became emperor, he tried to do away with Saturnalia by bringing in Christmas holiday. In fact, it was to counter the effect of Saturnalia. Onwards Christians adopted this day to celebrate Christmas.

Now the question, do Christians celebrate Saturnalia when they have feasts on Christmas. This is definitely no. It is the motive and not the thing itself which determines the answer. Christians do not celebrate the old pagan festival on Christmas nor do they celebrate the Roman Catholic, ‘Mass of Christ’. They celebrate the great news of incarnation.

Though some Christians may claim that Christians celebrating Christmas partake in worship of Saturnalia, a pagan festival, they need to be reminded that Satan owns no day in Calendar. It is also as senseless as to say because Christians worship on Sunday, they worship pagan sun god. All days should be spent for the glory of God.

There is no Bible verse saying Christians should celebrate birth of Christ. Also, there is no verse denying the celebrations. As long the celebration is not sinful and brings glory to God, it is a good thing. Merry Christmas ?‍??✝️