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THE ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS

Victor M. Eskew

 

            To understand the origin of Christmas, one must first understand the winter solstice.  This is the day when one of the earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the sun.  In other words, this is the day of the year that has the least light and the longest period of darkness.  December 21st is that day on our calendars.  Some refer to this day as midwinter.

            This time of year has for thousands of years been a time of celebration for many.  It was a time looked upon as both the death and resurrection of the sun.  On this day, the sun would shine for the shortest amount of time of the year.  However, from this point onward, the days would continually get longer and longer.  In the time of the early Roman Empire, the Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a festival in honor of the god Saturn from December 17th until December 23rd.  “The holiday was celebrated with a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn, in the Roman Forum, and a public banquet, followed by private gift-giving, continual partying, and a carnival atmosphere that overturned Roman social norms: gambling was permitted, and masters provided table service for their slaves as it was seen as a time of liberty for both slaves and freedmen alike” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia).  In the later Roman Empire, the Romans celebrated this time of the year in honor of the god, Sol Invictus, or “Unconquered Sun.”  It was a time of feasting and revelry.  Individuals were not required to work.  The priests of the gods would offer sacrifices.  The people would eat, drink, and be merry.  It was a time of much sensual activity. 

            In the late 330s, Pope Julius I declared December 25th as the day of Jesus’ birth.  Some believe that this date was chosen because it was near winter solstice and the Jewish Hanukkah.  “The first recorded celebration of Christmas took place in 336 AD under the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine, who had slowly converted to Christianity, with Pope Julius making it official around 350” (https://thenewdaily.com.au/religion/2017/12/14/12-days-of-christmas-day-three/).  Some believe that Julius’ intent was to have a Christian celebration that would off-set the pagan celebration of Sol Invictus.  As Christianity grew and as paganism decreased, Christmas became a very important day of the year.  On this day, a Mass was conducted by the Catholic Church in honor of Christ’s birth.  The words “Christ’s Mass” gave way to our present word Christmas.

            It is interesting that when the first colonists came to America, they did not celebrate Christmas.  Even though, Christmas was designated as the day of Jesus’ birth, many times it was turned into a raucous celebration after the Mass.  The Puritans would have no part in such a festival.  “From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston.  Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings” (https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas).  There were some settlements, however, like Jamestown that continued the tradition.  After the American Revolution, Christmas was declared a national holiday on June 26, 1870.  Since that time, it has grown into one of the most important holidays on our calendars.  In many ways it has been secularized and materialized.  Many religious groups push hard trying to “keep the Christ in Christmas.”

            There are two important points about Christmas that people who love the Bible need to keep in mind.  First, we do not know when Jesus was born.  Almost every month of the calendar has been suggested.  Most believe that He was born sometime during the spring of the year.  However, any date is sheer conjecture. 

            Second, the Bible nowhere authorizes the celebration of Jesus’ birth.  It is a fabrication of man’s imagination.  For the church to celebrate it is to go beyond the teachings of God’s Word.  John teaches us that when we do this, we do not have God.  “Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God…” (II John 9, ASV).  Some will argue:  “What is wrong with it?  Jesus had to be born on some day.  December 25th is just as good as any other day.”  Dear reader, it has nothing whatever to do with the fact that Jesus was born.  It has to do with what is authorized in the Word of God (Col. 3:17).  To practice it as a religious holiday is to add something to God’s Word.  Adding to God’s Word is condemned in the Scriptures.  The wise man of old warned:  “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Prov. 30:6).  In the Revelation, John warned about adding to the Word of God, saying:  “For I testify unto every man that hearth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18).

            Can we celebrate Christmas as Christians?  Yes, if it is celebrated like any other secular holiday.  It can commemorate a day when families get together and celebrate their love for one another.  They eat together.  They give thanks to God for their family.  They show their love and appreciation through the giving of gifts.  If they want to decorate and bake and sing songs together, there are no sins being committed.  Some people, even some who profess to be Christians, do not agree with this sentiment.  They want Christ in Christmas.  They want to celebrate Christ’s birth.  What they fail to realized is that man put Christ in Christmas, not God.  Should we celebrate a day that has no divine authorization?  This is the question that all must answer.  We will have to give account of that answer to God in judgment (Rom. 14:12; Matt. 7:21-23).