Though Christmas, as celebrated today, is not rooted in biblical instruction, the season still presents an important opportunity for reflection. At its core, the Christian message is not about dates, trees, or festivities—it is about the love of God for a fallen world. As Scripture plainly declares:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
This truth stands unshaken, regardless of the calendar.
The Pagan Roots of Christmas
Historically, December 25 did not originate from the Bible. Long before Christianity spread across the Roman Empire, this date was associated with pagan festivals such as Saturnalia and Sol Invictus, celebrations tied to the winter solstice and sun worship. When Christianity later became widespread, these festivals were gradually repurposed and rebranded with Christian language to ease conversion.
Notably, Scripture gives no command, instruction, or example of Christ’s birth being celebrated annually. The Bible is silent on both the date and the observance.
What Jesus Actually Asked Us to Remember
Interestingly, Christ Himself left only one specific memorial for His followers—not His birth, but His death.
“Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).
This instruction refers to Communion, a sacred ordinance pointing to Christ’s sacrifice, His broken body, His shed blood, and the salvation secured at Calvary. The emphasis of biblical remembrance is the cross, not the cradle.
Creeping Compromise and Forgotten Commandments
While many Christians sincerely desire to honor Christ, history warns us of how easily compromise can creep into worship when tradition replaces truth. Over time, practices once foreign to Scripture can become normalized—even defended.
One striking example is the widespread disregard for God’s Fourth Commandment, which uniquely begins with a call to memory:
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8).
Unlike Christmas, the Sabbath is explicitly commanded, rooted in Creation, affirmed in the Ten Commandments, honored by Christ, and practiced by the apostles. Yet, while human traditions are celebrated with enthusiasm, the day God Himself sanctified is often neglected.
This contrast should prompt sober reflection.
When Was Jesus Really Born?
The Bible does not give an exact date for Christ’s birth, but biblical and historical clues strongly suggest it was not in December. Details such as shepherds watching their flocks by night (Luke 2:8), and the timing of temple priestly courses, point more convincingly to an autumn season, likely around September or early October.
This does not diminish the miracle of the incarnation—but it does remind us that truth matters, even when it challenges popular tradition.
Redeeming the Season
Despite these realities, the season commonly called “Christmas” can still be redeemed for a higher purpose. In a time when hearts are more open, conversations more frequent, and generosity more visible, Christians can intentionally:
- Share the true love of Christ, not commercialized sentiment
- Point others to salvation through the cross
- Remind the world of Christ’s soon return, not just His first coming
- Live out faith with integrity, obedience, and discernment
The goal is not condemnation, but clarity. Not rejection, but reformation. Not tradition for tradition’s sake, but worship rooted in truth.
In the End, Remember This
Jesus is not honored by borrowed traditions, but by loving obedience.
He is not glorified by seasons alone, but by faithful lives.
And He is not remembered best through dates, but through daily surrender.
As the world celebrates, may believers pause to remember—not what culture has taught us to cherish, but what Christ Himself has asked us to remember.
And may we use every season, festive or ordinary, to proclaim:
Christ has come. Christ has died. Christ is risen. And Christ is coming again.
