It’s been a long debated topic, what are the true origins of the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ. With this year almost at its end, it is a topic worth revisiting.
Christmas is quite possibly the biggest global holiday, celebrated in most of the world. Even in many non Christian countries festivities are carried out just in accordance with the season, especially because The New Year is the New Year everywhere, and Christmas is just a week beforehand.
So should Christians be revelling in the festivities reserved for the 25th of December every year? What are the origins of the choice of date, and what are the meanings behind those.
To begin with, the bible makes no mention of the birth date of Jesus. It cannot be proven that Jesus was born anywhere near December; and whilst even a mention in the bible would not have been incontrovertible proof, at least it would have been something you could hang your hat on. As it stands even that does not exist.
As with most things surrounding organised religion, a group of people sat somewhere and made a decision for the rest of the populace. When it occurred that the birth of Jesus had to be celebrated, a convenient time was chosen, one that would help in converting heathens of the time as well as be the most attractive to followers of the faith.
As sources, I’m using two pieces I found in my research; one making the argument for Christmas and the other against Christmas. What both agree on though, is that 25th December has significance far predating the birth of Christ.