During the Christmas season, many people (who normally would not worship God) celebrate the birth of Jesus. This leads many members of the church (often spear-headed by preachers) to spend an enormous amount of time making qualifying statements such as, “Even though Jesus wasn’t born on December 25…” While this fact is true, I have rarely heard anyone give an actual answer to why the 3rd century church began celebrating the birth of Jesus on this date. Here is some historical background written by Helene Henderson from the book Holiday Symbols and Customs that will help us understand the Christmas holiday better.

The ancient Roman WINTER SOLSTICE festival known as Saturnalia was held in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture...In the early days of Saturnalia, a mock king was chosen by drawing lots.  His role was to preside over the revels, which often included making ridiculous demands of his subjects-such as asking them to dance naked.  It is possible that his behavior represented the last relic of a very ancient custom, which was to have a young man take on the role of Saturn for the duration of the festival and then when his brief reign ended, be killed or sacrifice himself on the altar by cutting his own throat.

[The early Christians] deliberately set [the date of Jesus’ birth] to coincide with this pagan festival, which had degenerated over the centuries into a week-long spree of debauchery and crime.

The Christians also took many of the symbols used in the Roman festival and gave them new meanings.

Mistletoe and Holly: In Saturnalia, these were used to ensure return of vegetation at winter’s end. However, the sharply pointed holly leaves became symbols of the crown of thorns to Christians. The mistletoe became symbol of hope and peace.

Lit and Decorated Tree: Originally Rome borrowed this symbol from the Egyptians. It was a symbol of the death and reincarnation of Osiris in his son Horus. However when Christians redefined the festival, the tree became a symbol of eternal life due to the type of tree chosen. The use of evergreen trees was rumored to begin in the 16th century.

Wreaths: During Saturnalia, these were used as a symbol of the unending cycle of life. They were also symbolic of victory and honor. In 16th century Germany though, Christians used them as symbols of God’s love which has no beginning or end.

Should Christians celebrate this festival surrounding Jesus’ birth today given it’s pagan history?

Consider what is recorded in Luke 2. Jesus’ birth was celebrated by many when it happened. Angels praised God. Shepherds came from the fields when they heard the announcement. Wise men came from the East when they saw the star. Simeon and Anna both worshipped God at the sight of the baby Jesus.

Despite the lack of a commandment to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Christians took one of the hedonistic and sinful holidays celebrated by the Romans and redefined not only the events and symbols but also the meaning and purpose behind it. The Christmas season serves as a brief glimmer each year pointing people, uninterested in God, back to their Creator. It gives Christians another reason to celebrate the Savior. Let’s use this holiday as a beacon to point people to Christ instead of a soapbox to discuss discrepancies.