Q: Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
A: Many people already know that December 25 is not Jesus’ birthday. So, what is the origin of Christmas? And why do Christians celebrate it today even though it’s not mentioned in the Bible?
Origins of Christmas
Christmas originated from sun god worshippers who practiced Mithraism, which was popular in Rome. In 274 AD Emperor Aurelian assigned December 25 as the birthday of the unconquered sun (natalis solis invicti) [1]. The Romans commemorated that day (the shortest day of the year) with a big festival because from that time the days get longer. They believed this was due to the rebirth of the sun god and increase in his strength.
December 25 was meaningless to Christians at that time. Later on their resolve to defend Jesus’ teachings diminished. After Christianity was secularized in 313 AD, they explored ways to merge the winter solstice festival. Christmas was first observed in Rome around the middle of the fourth century [1,2]. The practice of gift-giving comes from the Roman festival Sigillaria. During this time people gave children gifts like dolls. The practice of decorating trees originates from tree worship in Babylonia, Egypt, and Rome. At New Year’s time they would decorate trees and dance around them to drive out evil spirits. Red fruits on the trees symbolized the sun.
Christmas and Idolatry
Pagan customs entered the church before December 25 was set as the birthday of Jesus. The Bible already prophesied that pagan customs would enter Christianity.
“He said to me, ‘Do you see this, son of man? You will see things that are even more detestable than this.’ He then brought me into the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men. With their backs toward the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east, they were bowing down to the sun in the east.”
Pagan worship of the sun god appeared in the temple of God. What will happen to those who follow pagan customs?
“for you have not followed my decrees or kept my laws but have conformed to the standards of the nations around you.”
In God’s point of view, celebrating Christmas is idolatry. God’s people must clearly distinguish between God’s commandments and idolatry. Jesus sacrificed to give us the New Covenant. So, we should keep the New Covenant so that we can receive the gift of eternal life.
