Zita Offor
There is no doubt that Christmas is a Christian celebration, a festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity, who took on human nature.
In Christianity, Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, while the Christmas season traditionally spans twelve days, from December 25 to January 5, ending on the eve of Epiphany. Epiphany, observed on January 6, marks the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles through the visit of the wise men.
Etymologically, the word Christmas originates from the Old English Cristes mæsse, meaning “Christ’s Mass.” And Mass refers to the celebration of the Eucharistic liturgy, which stands at the centre of some Christian worship.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHistorically, the choice of December 25 as the date to commemorate the birth of Jesus is not explicitly stated in Scripture. Rather, it developed through a combination of theological reflection, historical circumstances, and cultural adaptation.
Long before December 25 was adopted as Christmas Day, the Roman Empire celebrated a pagan festival known as Dies Solis Invicti Nati, the “birthday of the unconquered sun.” This festival is celebrated at the end of the winter solstice (the period marked by the shortest day and longest night of the year), and was observed with feasting and public holidays.
While early Christians rejected pagan worship, they existed within a society where such celebrations were deeply embedded.
Factors Influencing the Adoption of December 25
Several factors contributed to December 25 becoming the traditional date for celebrating Christ’s birth.
Theological Calculation
In the third century, early Christian theologians such as Sextus Julius Africanus proposed March 25 as the date of Jesus’ conception. The date is later associated with the Annunciation. Counting nine months from this date placed his birth on December 25. This theological framework reinforced the idea of a December 25 birth.
Imperial and Ecclesiastical Influence
In the early fourth century, Emperor Constantine legalised Christianity, allowing it to flourish openly within the Roman Empire. During this period, the Church in Rome, traditionally associated with Pope Julius I, formally recognised December 25 as the date for celebrating the Nativity, helping to standardise the observance across the Christian world.
Cultural Context
The overlap with existing Roman festivals also played a role. By celebrating the birth of Christ on a date previously associated with the “unconquered sun,” Christians redefined the symbolism of the season, presenting Christ as the true Light of the World. This alignment eased cultural transition for converts without endorsing pagan worship.
The celebration of Christmas on December 25 did not arise from a single biblical command or historical event. Instead, it emerged from a convergence of theology, history, and culture that shaped early Christian practice. Understanding this background deepens appreciation of Christmas not merely as a date on the calendar, but as a celebration rooted in faith, reflection, and historical continuity.
