Is Christmas Really Christian? The Shocking Pagan Origins and What the Bible Says
Introduction
Every December, people around the world exchange gifts, decorate trees, and celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ. But have you ever asked: Does the Bible command Christians to celebrate Christmas?
The surprising answer is no. While the Bible clearly records the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1–2; Luke 1–2), it never commands an annual festival to remember it. Instead, the focus of Scripture is on Christ’s death and resurrection. Even more troubling, many Christmas customs—trees, gift-giving, December 25—trace back to pagan festivals that were later rebranded as “Christian.”
Let’s explore the biblical record, historical background, and how Christians should view Christmas today.
The Birth of Jesus in the Bible
- The Gospels record the virgin birth, angelic announcement, shepherds, and Magi.
- But no command is given to make His birth an annual observance.
- Jesus Himself commanded His disciples to remember His death, not His birth (Luke 22:19).
- The early church emphasized His resurrection (Acts 20:7).
“Do this in remembrance of me.” – Luke 22:19
Birthdays in the Bible
- Pharaoh’s birthday – Genesis 40:20–22 → celebration ended in an execution.
- Herod’s birthday – Matthew 14:6–10 → resulted in the beheading of John the Baptist.
- No record of godly men (Abraham, David, Paul, or Jesus) celebrating birthdays.
Birthdays were pagan royal customs, not practices of God’s people.
Historical Roots of Christmas
- The first Christians did not celebrate Christ’s birth.
- December 25 was officially adopted in the 4th century under Emperor Constantine.
- The date was chosen because of pagan festivals:
- Saturnalia (Dec. 17–24): feasting, gift-giving, and revelry.
- Sol Invictus (Dec. 25): honoring the “Unconquered Sun.”
- Church leaders rebranded these as Christ’s “birthday” to win pagans to the faith.
“You observe days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.” – Galatians 4:10–11
Historical Sources:
- The Golden Bough by James Frazer – describes Saturnalia and Sol Invictus.
- The Two Babylons by Alexander Hislop – traces pagan customs adopted by the church.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica (entry: “Christmas”) – affirms pagan origins of Christmas customs.
Pagan Parallels in Christmas Traditions
| Custom | Pagan Origin | Biblical Contrast |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas tree | Druidic and Roman evergreen worship. | Jer. 10:2–4 – condemns decorated trees as idols. |
| Yule log | Norse solstice ritual to Thor. | 1 Pet. 4:3–4 – warns against pagan revelries. |
| Mistletoe | Druidic fertility charm. | Eph. 5:11 – reject works of darkness. |
| Santa Claus | Blend of St. Nicholas and Norse god Odin. | Col. 2:8 – avoid traditions of men. |
| Gift-giving | Saturnalia custom of idol gifts. | Acts 20:35 – giving should be Christ-centered. |
| Dec. 25 | Sol Invictus feast, not biblical. | Gal. 4:10–11 – warns against observing pagan days. |
Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
The Bible gives Christians freedom under grace (Romans 14:5–6), but warns against mixing paganism with worship (Deuteronomy 12:29–31; 2 Corinthians 6:14–18).
Biblical wisdom suggests:
- Reject pagan-rooted practices.
- Focus daily on Christ, not just during a season.
- Remember His death and resurrection, as commanded.
- Live out the incarnation by walking in holiness and proclaiming the Gospel.
Practical Lessons for the Church
- Discern tradition from truth. Not all “Christian” practices are biblical.
- Use Christmas as a witnessing opportunity, not as an excuse for compromise.
- Worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24), not through man-made rituals.
- Celebrate Christ daily by obeying His Word, not once a year with worldly customs.
FAQs on Christmas
Q1: Was Jesus born on December 25?
No. The Bible does not give a date. Clues (Luke 2:8 – shepherds in fields) suggest a warmer season, likely spring or fall. December 25 was chosen because it matched pagan festivals.
Q2: Is it sinful to celebrate Christmas?
The Bible does not explicitly forbid remembering Christ’s birth. But Christians must avoid pagan practices and idolatrous customs. Romans 14:5–6 gives liberty, but Colossians 2:8 warns against human traditions.
Q3: Why doesn’t the Bible mention birthday celebrations for God’s people?
Because birthdays were linked with pagan kings and idolatry (Pharaoh, Herod). God’s people celebrated His works, not their personal birthdays.
Q4: What should Christians do instead of Christmas traditions?
- Remember Christ’s coming through prayer, Scripture, and thanksgiving.
- Proclaim the Gospel and use the season for evangelism.
- Focus on what Jesus commanded—His death and resurrection.
Q5: Where can I study more about the pagan origins of Christmas?
- The Golden Bough – James Frazer.
- The Two Babylons – Alexander Hislop.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica (entry: “Christmas”).
- Jeremiah 10:2–4; Galatians 4:10–11; Colossians 2:8 for biblical warnings.
Conclusion
Christmas may feel “Christian,” but its roots are in pagan festivals that were rebranded by the church. The Bible never commands us to celebrate Christ’s birthday. Instead, it calls us to remember His death, rejoice in His resurrection, and live out His life daily.
“Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.” – 1 Corinthians 10:14