Christmas will be here soon. Around the world, we all commemorate this anniversary. We celebrate for a very unique reason and in a very particular way.
Christmas and Christ’s Birth
Except for the Orthodox Churches, we all celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December every year. We do it to commemorate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because He came to earth to save people like you and me who are sinners!
Many people think that December 25 is Jesus’ birthday. However, this is not the case. Yes, it is related to Jesus’ birth but not His birth date. No one knows Jesus’ exact birthday. He was born between 6-4 B.C. We only celebrate it on the 25th of December for historical reasons.
Christmas’s historical context
The first Christmas was celebrated in AD 336, after the end of the Roman persecution of Christianity. In Greco-Roman culture, December is the month of many festivals. The month of December also consists of the longest night. After that, the days gradually lengthen and the nights gradually shorten. In the Greco-Roman view, the sun begins to dominate the Earth after December. Therefore, they celebrated December 25th as the birthday of the sun god.
Emperor Constantine turned this “sun day” into “Son day” after the Roman Empire recognized Christianity as a legal religion.
Scripture and Application of Christmas
Jesus Christ broke through the darkness and brought light into the world. Anyone who believes in him will never be in the dark again but will have found the light of life (John 8:12).
Galatians 4:4 says that God sent Jesus into the world at the perfect time. The books of the Gospel record the narrative of His miraculous birth. It also includes good news for the poor, marginalized, and outcast. All who were in darkness in their lives have seen great light (Matthew 4:16).
Therefore, we also celebrate Christmas on December 25. Rather than His birthday, we commemorate His victorious birth as a human on Earth. It is a celebration of triumph over darkness, triumph over the gates of hell. This is the celebration of great light and eternal life.
We have to celebrate Jesus’ birth throughout the year. We should spread this good news to everyone we meet for the entire year. Because the great light has come! Now, no one should live in darkness anymore! Come and believe in Jesus.
