Christmas is the time of year when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But what does the Bible actually say about the meaning and origins of this holiday? Here is an in-depth look at the biblical meaning of Christmas.
The Birth of Jesus
The core event behind Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide details about Jesus’ birth and early life. According to these accounts, Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the time when Herod was king (Matthew 2:1, Luke 1:5). His mother Mary was a virgin who was engaged to Joseph. Before Jesus’ birth, an angel appeared to both Mary and Joseph revealing that Mary would supernaturally conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38). Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem for a census when she was heavily pregnant. While there, she gave birth to Jesus in a stable because there was no guest room available for them (Luke 2:1-7). After Jesus was born, angels appeared to shepherds in nearby fields proclaiming the joyous news and instructing them to visit the newborn king (Luke 2:8-20). Some time later, wise men from the east also came to see Jesus after observing a special star and brought gifts to honor him (Matthew 2:1-12). So Jesus’ birth was marked by both humble circumstances and royal recognition.
The Bible teaches that the incarnation of Jesus – God becoming man – was a profoundly important event. By being born as a human, Jesus left the glory of heaven to dwell among us and become our Savior from sin (John 1:14, Philippians 2:5-8). His virgin birth allowed him to take on human flesh but avoid inheriting original sin from an earthly father (1 Corinthians 15:45-49, Hebrews 4:15). As the promised Messiah, Jesus’ arrival fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about a coming king from the line of David who would reign forever (Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 1:31-33). So Christmas marks the beginning of the human life of Jesus on earth, tying together his divinity and humanity in one person on a mission to redeem mankind.
When was Jesus Born?
The exact date of Jesus’ birth is not recorded in Scripture. In the early centuries A.D., Christmas was celebrated on different dates from December to April. The December 25 date was officially established by the church in Rome around 336 A.D. This may have been chosen to coincide with pagan festivals happening around that time, allowing the church to offer a spiritual alternative celebration. Other theories note that December 25 is nine months from the possible date of Jesus’ conception and may reflect beliefs about his death and conception occurring on the same day of the year.
Due to various calendar adjustments over the centuries, December 25 on our modern Gregorian calendar does not match the original December 25 on the ancient Roman Julian calendar. So the original date associated with Christmas may have been several days earlier than we now celebrate it. However, the Bible does not give an exact calendar date for Jesus’ birth. The shepherds’ presence in the fields near Bethlehem suggest a spring or fall birth, but winter is also a possibility. The true date has been lost to history, but December 25 has become the traditional date for Christmas celebrations.
Christmas Origins and Traditions
Many cherished Christmas traditions have origins in pagan winter festivals. In ancient Rome, the festival of Saturnalia involved feasting, parties, and exchanging gifts around the time of the winter solstice. Northern European pagans observed Yule at the same time with bonfires and evergreen decorations. When Christianity spread, the church incorporated similar festivities into Christmas celebrations to make it easier for new converts to adjust. So over time, redemptive Christian meanings were associated with existing customs.
For example, gifts and feasting took on new significance as ways to honor God’s gift of Jesus to the world. Candles and evergreens reflected Christ being the light of the world and eternal life he brings. Caroling expressed joy for the Messiah’s birth. Santa Claus originated with Saint Nicholas, a Christian bishop known for secret gift-giving and generosity. While certain modern Christmas customs have non-Christian roots, they can still be enjoyed in a spirit of celebrating the Incarnation.
Is Christmas Biblical?
There is no command in the Bible to celebrate Christmas as a holiday. It originated centuries after the close of Scripture as Christianity expanded into new cultural contexts. However, while the Bible does not mandate commemorating Jesus’ birth annually, doing so can be appropriate within appropriate biblical boundaries.
Some object to Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and other traditions as pagan corruptions or distractions from Christ. But the Bible nowhere prohibits cultural traditions that aid celebration. Paul affirmed eating meat sacrificed to idols was permissible if done with thankfulness to God, saying, “I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself” (Romans 14:14). Likewise, ancient traditions reshaped to honor Christ “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24) are not inherently wrong if used with discernment.
Others argue Christmas unwarrantedly adds requirements to Scripture. The New Testament nowhere insists God’s people celebrate feast days. But it also does not prohibit annual remembrances and allows freedom in holy days (Romans 14:5-6). As long as Christmas involvement is voluntary, it does not violate Christian liberty or sola Scriptura.
Ultimately Christmas is biblical in that it centers on an event highlighted in the Gospels – the nativity of Jesus. And the Bible nowhere prohibits yearly celebrations of Christ’s birth as long as their focus remains on honoring Christ and edifying believers without unbiblical elements.
Commercialism and Consumerism
A frequent criticism of Christmas is that the commercialism and consumerism surrounding it have obscured its true meaning. The heavy emphasis on buying gifts, decorations, food, and other seasonal items can distract from the glory of Christ. The Santa Claus myth often overshadows the biblical story, and the holiday fuels materialism in society.
This is a valid concern. As with anything, moderation and balance are key. Gift-giving can be a beautiful picture of God’s grace when done with a spirit of love and generosity. But becoming consumed by presents and purchases at the expense of pointing people to Jesus is wrong. Believers should be on guard against the consumerism of culture hijacking their celebrations.
Keeping Christmas focused on the incarnation and salvation of Christ mitigates these concerns. Community service activities directed to sharing God’s love with others are helpful. Spending more time in worship and biblical reflection and less on materialism keeps priorities straight. Christians have a duty to ensure the consumer side of Christmas does not eclipse Jesus as the reason for the season.
Jesus is the Reason for the Season
Christmas is an opportunity for joyful reflection on the greatest gift ever given – God sending his own Son in human flesh so that we might become children of God. This act of divine love and grace is the heart of Christmas and the entire Christian faith. Believers must actively keep this sacred meaning at the center of any Christmas observances.
The nativity scene of Jesus lying humbly in a manger shows God came down to us before we could ascend to him. This miracle is made possible only through Christ. The true meaning of Christmas is Emmanuel, God with us, in the person of Jesus. Through faith in him, we receive forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. That is the biblical message and reason for the season.