Answers

By   •   June 1, 2004   •   Topics:

Nativity scene at The Cove

Q:

Why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25 when the Bible doesn’t mention the date of Christ’s birth?


A:

We understand your concern about our traditional celebration of Christmas. The exact date of Jesus’ birth is not recorded in the Scriptures.

“The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology” explains that the earliest Christians did not have a time when they regularly observed Christ’s birth. However, by the late fourth century it was generally celebrated in churches. December 25 became recognized as Christmas day because it provided a Christian alternative to pagan festivals related to the Roman god Saturn and the winter solstice.

Although the date of the Christmas celebration is not found in the Bible, it is not wrong for us to remember Christ’s birth during the Christmas season. It can be an opportunity for us to grow closer to Jesus and point others to faith in Him. 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.”

May God help each of us to prayerfully consider our relationship with Him during the Christmas season and throughout the year.