The origins of Christmas have long been debated by scholars, historians, and theologians alike. On one side of the argument, some claim that Christmas originated as a pagan winter solstice festival that was later co-opted by Christians. On the other side, advocates argue that Christmas has always been a Christian celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. So what does the Bible have to say about this debate? Let’s take a deep dive into the scriptural evidence.
First, it is important to note that the Bible does not provide an explicit commandment to celebrate Christ’s birth. Unlike Easter and Passover, which are clearly instituted in scripture, the date of Jesus’ birth is not specified anywhere in the Bible. The gospel accounts provide details surrounding Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, but do not mandate an annual celebration of it. However, there are some key biblical principles that can inform our perspective:
Old Testament Prophecies Point to the Significance of Christ’s Birth
While the Old Testament does not establish a formal commemoration of Christ’s birth, it contains prophecies that highlight the monumental significance of the event. Isaiah 9:6 declares, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This messianic prophecy points to the incarnation of Jesus as a pivotal moment in salvation history. Micah 5:2 also prophesies that the messiah will be born in Bethlehem: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” Though not commanding a feast, these prophecies establish Christmas as a celebration of the fulfillment of God’s promises to send a savior.
The Gospels Affirm the Virgin Birth of Christ
The gospels explicitly affirm that Jesus was supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25). This virgin birth marks Jesus as the promised messiah and the son of God. The Christmas narrative also declares that this holy child will be named Jesus “for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). His birth is the incarnation of God for the purpose of atonement. Christmas thus commemorates the humble beginnings of the savior who was born to die for our sins.
The Incarnation is Central to Christian Theology
The New Testament epistles indicate that the incarnation – God becoming flesh – is a central tenet of Christianity. John 1:14 declares, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” 1 Timothy 3:16 affirms, “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh.” The birth of Christ is the physical manifestation of God on earth. Christmas celebrates this crowning moment when deity took on humanity to redeem us.
Early Christians Celebrated and Defended Christ’s Nativity
Though the Bible does not explicitly mention commemorating Christ’s birth, evidence shows that early Christians did celebrate it as far back as the 2nd century AD. Theophilus of Antioch references December 25th as the day of Christ’s birth in AD 195. Other early church fathers such as Hippolytus and John Chrysostom also mention commemorating Jesus’ nativity. Additionally, the earliest Christians were vocal critics of pagan festivals and symbols. They made efforts to distance themselves from anything remotely pagan. The fact that they celebrated Christmas suggests they believed it originated with them rather than any pagan tradition.
December 25th Was Chosen for Symbolic Significance, Not Pagan Association
While some claim the date of Christmas was chosen to correspond with pagan winter solstice festivals, historians have debunked this theory. The December 25th date was selected based on the Jewish notion that great prophets died on the same date as their conception. Based on scriptural clues, the early church believed March 25th was the date of the annunciation when Jesus was conceived. Add nine months to March 25th and you arrive at December 25th as the likely date of Christ’s birth. While the pagan festival of Sol Invictus also fell on December 25th, evidence shows this is just a remarkable coincidence rather than causal.
The Christmas Story Fulfills Messianic Prophecies and God’s Redemptive Plan
When exploring the biblical evidence, Christmas emerges as much more than just a re-purposed pagan holiday. The gospel accounts of Christ’s virgin birth clearly fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the coming messiah. The incarnation is affirmed throughout the New Testament as the pivotal moment when God took on human form to save us from our sins. Though not explicitly commanded as a feast day, Christmas celebrates the fulfillment of God’s promises and the initiation of Christ’s redemptive mission. Therefore, Christmas can be viewed as a profoundly Christian holiday with biblical roots.
Early Christian Opposition to Pagan Influence Sets Christmas Apart
Unlike other pagan traditions that were Christianized, such as using evergreen trees and wreaths, the early church strongly resisted associating Christmas with anything even remotely pagan. The fact that Christians were willing to celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25th, despite Sol Invictus associations, shows they believed the date was safe from pagan infiltration. Additionally, the earliest Christmas festivities were distinctly Christian, involving Scripture readings, communion, baptisms, and fasting rather than any rowdy secular celebrations.
Scripture Neither Condemns nor Condones Christmas
When assessing what the Bible says about Christmas, it is also important to recognize what it does not say. There are no verses that explicitly prohibit commemorating the nativity. The Bible leaves it as a matter of Christian freedom. At the same time, the Bible does not require celebrating Christmas or assign it theological importance. Christians are given liberty to observe the holiday in good conscience if desired. Since the Bible is silent on mandatory observance, Christmas should not be a source of contention or division among believers.
Christmas Provides an Opportunity to Preach the Gospel
Even if Christmas has some non-Christian associations, the season offers a unique opportunity to spread the gospel message. The birth narratives of Jesus provide an easy entry point to introduce unbelievers to the redemptive story of the messiah. Christmas concerts and performances also attract non-Christians who may hear the gospel. Decorations featuring nativity scenes spark curiosity and discussion. Overall, Christmas remains a profoundly missional opportunity despite any debate about origins.
Focus Should be on Christ More Than Controversy
The New Testament writers, especially Paul, continually direct believers to set aside divisive debates and focus on Christ (Titus 3:9; 2 Timothy 2:23). Around Christmas, energies tend to shift toward analyzing the holiday’s origins. However, scripture reminds us the chief purpose of any Christian observance should be magnifying Christ – not stirring up arguments. As long as celebrating Christmas points people to Jesus, its merits outweigh any concerns about non-Christian associations.
Pagan Parallels Do Not Negate the Divine Truth of Scripture
Some argue that because there are ancient pagan myths that have similarities to the story of Jesus, that somehow undermines or parallels the gospel accounts. However, just because pagan myths contain imaginative stories about their gods does not negate the historical truth of Scripture. The veracity and divine inspiration of God’s Word is not diminished just because man’s mythology contains counterfeit permutations of the truth. The Bible maintains supremacy as God’s revelation while myths remain the imaginings of man.
Redeeming Culture is a Biblical Model
Attempting to redeem cultural practices for God’s glory has biblical precedent. For example, Psalm 24 claims the earth as belonging to the Lord even though it is presently under the curse of sin. 1 Timothy 4:4-5 declares all things created by God are good and nothing is to be rejected if received with thanksgiving. Exodus 35 even records how materials plundered from Egypt were redeemed for constructing the tabernacle. God can use redeemed cultural elements for His purposes.
Common Grace Means God’s Truth Is Woven into Culture
As Christmas traditions became culturally embedded over centuries, common grace ensured that redeeming themes of joy, giving, family, wonder, and hope became woven in. Though imperfect, these values reflect gods of God’s truth and beauty. Since all truth originates in God, He can use partial truth buried in imperfect traditions to draw people to Christ. Christians can celebrate the common grace echoes of transcendent truths that soften even pagan practices.
Christian Liberty Allows for a Diversity of Perspectives
Since Scripture neither overtly condones nor condemns Christmas, the New Testament doctrine of Christian liberty gives believers freedom to hold diverse perspectives. Romans 14 instructs that disputable matters are to be worked out according to one’s personal convictions. Some may view Christmas as a pagan tradition to avoid, while others see it as an opportunity to glorify Christ and spread gospel joy. Both views can be maintained in good conscience before God.
Christmas is Not a Matter of Salvation
The Bible is clear about the matter of ultimate importance – salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). One’s perspective on Christmas has no bearing on this essential gospel truth. Believers are granted latitude on whether or not to commemorate Christ’s birth. What matters most is that we put our faith in the incarnate Christ (John 3:16), not the date or details of His nativity.
Focus on Christ More Than Personal Preferences
In assessing Christmas, believers must be careful not to impose personal preferences and convictions on others’ freedoms (Romans 14:3). Some may not in good conscience celebrate Christmas based on concerns about pagan links. But insisting others follow suit is overreaching. Unity in Christ depends on allowing diversity in disputable matters. Focusing on the gospel rather than mandating uniformity of practice is paramount.
The Heart Behind Christmas Observance Matters Most
Scripture consistently affirms that God examines people’s hearts more than outward acts (1 Samuel 16:7; Hebrews 4:12). Christians seeking to honor Christ at Christmas should hold fast to this principle. Our motivations matter more than the particulars of observance. Is our heart inclined toward worshiping Christ or indulging in selfish excess? Christmas provides believers opportunities to self-reflect and realign priorities to God’s will.
Christmas is An Opportunity to Love Others
The New Testament contains directives that love should be a driving motivation in all matters of personal conduct (1 Corinthians 13). Therefore, when assessing Christmas, believers should ask how practicing or refraining from it can most lovingly serve others. Can participating without compromising conscience draw loved ones to Christ? Does abstaining demonstrate love by avoiding even a hint of paganism? Christmas should prompt each believer to search for opportunities to show Christlike care.
Conclusion
In examining the question “Is Christmas a pagan holiday,” Scripture does not definitively settle the origin debate. But God’s Word does provide principles that allow believers to navigate this issue with wisdom, humility, and grace. The Bible neither overtly prohibits nor endorses Christmas. It underscores the surpassing importance of Christ and the gospel message. Biblically speaking, whether or not Christians commemorate the nativity is a matter of conscience and Christian freedom. The Bible pushes us to focus on glorifying God, spreading the gospel, and loving one another more than mandating a particular stance on celebrating Christmas.