By Evangelist Peter Gee
Editor-in-Chief, Christianity News Daily
12/29/2025
Why Christians Celebrate Christmas Despite Its Pagan History?
Christmas is one of the most widely observed holidays in the world, recognized across cultures, nations, and religious traditions. Streets are lit, families gather, songs are sung, and the name of Jesus Christ is proclaimed—often by people who rarely speak His name the rest of the year. Yet behind the beauty and celebration lies a longstanding debate: Is Christmas pagan in origin? And if so, should Christians celebrate it at all?
Christmas, Bethlehem, and the Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy
The answer requires careful biblical discernment, historical honesty, and spiritual clarity. While the modern celebration of Christmas contains elements shaped by pre-Christian customs and later church traditions, the incarnation of Jesus Christ itself is entirely biblical, prophesied, and central to the Gospel. Scripture makes clear that although Christ was not born on December 25, His coming into the world was ordained before time began—and His birth remains one of the most glorious events in human history.
This article examines the history of Christmas, the biblical prophecies of the Messiah, the circumstances of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, and the spiritual beauty of God becoming man for the salvation of humanity.
The Pagan History Behind the Date of Christmas
It is historically accurate that December 25 was not the date of Jesus Christ’s birth. The Bible gives no command to celebrate His birthday, nor does it provide a specific date. Early Christians focused primarily on the death and resurrection of Christ, which form the core of the Gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).
In the Roman world, several winter festivals existed long before Christianity became widespread. One of the most notable was Saturnalia, a Roman festival held in mid-December that involved feasting, gift-giving, and public celebrations. Another was Sol Invictus, the “Unconquered Sun,” observed near the winter solstice.
As Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, church leaders sought to redirect cultural attention from pagan worship to Christ. By the fourth century, December 25 was adopted by parts of the church as a commemorative date—not as a claim of historical accuracy, but as a symbolic proclamation that Christ is the true Light of the world (John 8:12).
This does not mean the church “Christianized paganism” in doctrine. Rather, it reflects a historical reality: cultures change slowly, and early Christians often repurposed dates while radically redefining their meaning.
What the Bible Actually Says About the Birth of Christ
The authority for understanding Christ’s birth is Scripture alone, not tradition.
The Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke provide the clearest details.
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 1:18 (NKJV)
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” — Luke 2:7 (NKJV)
The Bible never records angels announcing December 25. Instead, it emphasizes why Christ was born—not when.
Prophecies Foretelling the Coming of the Messiah
The birth of Jesus Christ did not occur in isolation. It was the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy.
The Promise of a Redeemer
The first Messianic promise appears immediately after the fall of man:
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” — Genesis 3:15
Born of a Virgin
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” — Isaiah 7:14
Matthew confirms this fulfillment:
“So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet.” — Matthew 1:22–23
A Son Given to the World
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.” — Isaiah 9:6
Bethlehem: The City of David and the Birthplace of the King
One of the most precise prophecies concerns the location of the Messiah’s birth.
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel.” — Micah 5:2
Bethlehem was also the birthplace of King David:
“So David went up from there to Bethlehem… to be registered with Mary.” — Luke 2:4–5
Joseph and Mary did not choose Bethlehem arbitrarily. A Roman census forced them to travel, fulfilling prophecy down to the smallest detail—demonstrating that God rules over empires to accomplish His Word.
The Humility of the Incarnation
The eternal Son of God entered the world not as a king in a palace, but as a child in a feeding trough.
“Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor.” — 2 Corinthians 8:9
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” — John 1:14
This moment is the heart of Christmas: God with us.
Christ as the Firstborn of All Creation
Scripture describes Jesus as:
“The firstborn over all creation.” — Colossians 1:15
This does not mean Christ was created. Rather, “firstborn” speaks of preeminence and authority. Christ has no beginning:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1
The writer of Hebrews adds:
“Without father, without mother, without genealogy.” — Hebrews 7:3
Jesus fulfills the priesthood in the order of Melchizedek, an eternal and divine order.
Why Christ Had to Be Born as a Man
The incarnation was necessary for redemption.
“Since the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same.” — Hebrews 2:14
Only a man could represent humanity. Only God could defeat sin. In Christ, both meet perfectly.
The Spiritual Benefit of Celebrating Christ’s Birth
While Christians are not commanded to celebrate Christmas, remembering the incarnation is biblically sound.
“Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh.” — 1 Timothy 3:16
Celebrating Christ’s birth provides an opportunity to teach the Gospel, reflect on humility, and proclaim salvation.
How the World Embraced Christmas
Over centuries, Christmas spread globally—not merely as a religious observance, but as a cultural moment. Though traditions vary, the name of Christ remains central.
Even in secular societies, Christmas stands as a yearly interruption—forcing the world to confront the question: Who is Jesus Christ?
A Balanced Christian Perspective
Christians must avoid both extremes:
- Legalism, which condemns any observance.
- Compromise, which empties Christmas of Christ.
Scripture provides liberty guided by truth:
“Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.” — Romans 14:5
The Greater Truth of Christmas
Christmas is not about trees, dates, or customs. It is about God keeping His promise.
“When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son.” — Galatians 4:4
Whether remembered on December 25 or another day, the incarnation remains the turning point of history.
Conclusion: Christ the Eternal Gift
Jesus Christ entered time to rescue humanity from sin and death. His birth in Bethlehem fulfilled prophecy, revealed God’s love, and opened the way to salvation.
Christmas, rightly understood, is not a pagan ritual redeemed—it is a testimony of divine grace.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” — John 3:16
The world may debate dates and traditions, but the truth stands unshaken:
The Savior has come.
