Why Do We Celebrate Christ’s Birth on December 25^th?

 

Galatians 4:4-5 teaches, “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”

When was Jesus born? The truth of the matter is that we have no idea what the exact date of Jesus’ birth was. No clue. Sure, there are hypotheses, conjecture, theories, but no actual hard cold facts based on actual evidence that shows when Jesus was born. 

Historically speaking December 25^th coincided with a pagan festival celebrating the Roman god Saturn and the winter solstice. The church at that time offered believers a Christian alternative to the pagan festivities; so although the date of Christ’s birth isn’t found in the Bible, it’s not wrong for us to remember Christ’s birth on December 25th. The fact that he was born is far more important than the exact day it took place.

December 25 has become more and more acceptable as the birth date of Jesus. However, some argue that the birth occurred in some other season, such as in the fall. Followers of this theory claim that the Judean winters were too cold for shepherds to be watching their flocks by night. In the end, the timing of any of this is pretty impossible to prove, yet ultimately, it doesn’t matter.

Theological scholars believe Christ’s birth could have been somewhere between 6 & 4 BC. One thing is clear: if God felt it was important for us to know the exact date of the Savior’s birth, He certainly would have told us in His Word. The Gospel of Luke gives very specific details about the event, even down to what the baby was wearing– “swaddling clothes”—and where He slept— “in a manger” (Luke 2:12). These details are important because they speak of His nature and character, meek and lowly. But the exact date of His birth has no significance whatsoever, which may be why God chose not to mention it.

The fact is that He was born, He came into the world to atone for our sins, He was resurrected to eternal life, and He’s alive today. This is what we should celebrate, as we are told in the Old Testament in such passages as Zechariah 2:10: “‘Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,’ declares the LORD.” Further, the angel that announced the birth to the shepherds brought “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Surely here is the cause for celebration every day, not just once a year.

Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: Billy Graham Ministries; www.gotquestions.org