In Luke 2: 1-11, we read the account of Jesus’ birth. It’s a popular verse; in fact Linus reads the scripture as the true meaning of Christmas in the television special “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” But, where do we read that Jesus was born on December 25? We know that his birthday was during the census, but we aren’t given a specific date for the census. We know that Mary and Joseph were pledged to be married, but we don’t actually know the date for their marriage to backtrack and know when Christ was born. We know that the shepherds were tending their sheep in a field, but we aren’t certain as to when they arrived in Bethlehem to praise their savior.
If no one knows the actual date that Jesus was born, why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25? There are two theories, both of which have faults, one of which is more popular among theologians.
The earliest record of Christ’s birth being observed on December 25 is from the middle of the fourth century (354) on a document that listed various martyr’s feasts for the year. For the church’s first three centuries, Christmas wasn’t even on the calendar. Some church leaders were opposed to the idea of celebrating Christ’s birthday because birthdays were for pagan gods and kings. They believed it would be wrong to honor the Messiah in the same way others were honored. Other church leaders started to speculate the date of his birth because they wanted to celebrate, but soon discovered that actual records of his birth were lost, so various dates on the calendar were mentioned as days of celebrating Christ’s birth.
Jesus Christ Birthday First Theory
In the second century, the Church of Rome chose December 25 as the date of Christ’s birth to deliberately turn people away from pagan feasts being observed at the same time. Natalis solis invicti, which means the “birth of the unconquered sun” and the birthday of Mithras, the Iranian “sun of righteousness,” were both pagan feasts celebrated on what was believed to be the winter solstice. Christ was the true son and should be worshiped over all other gods. The first direct suggestion that Jesus’ birth celebration was determined to outshine pagan traditions wasn’t made until the 12th century, however there were references mentioned in various sermon accounts in the fourth and fifth centuries.
Many question this theory because Christians during the first and second century were not borrowing heavily from pagan traditions like we do today because Christians believed in a strong calling as God’s holy people. After Constantine converted to Christianity in the mid-fourth century, Christians adapted pagan festivals according to his rule.
Jesus Christ Birthday Second Theory
It is believed that the dates of Jesus’ death and his conception are linked. The connection between death and conception is an ancient and medieval understanding that salvation is bound to not only death, but also conception. The conception of Jesus binds the promise of salvation through his birth. The idea that creation and redemption are tied together is also reflected in ancient Jewish tradition.
Though, much of the New Testament provides little detail on Christ’s birth, it does provide detailed information on Jesus’ ministry, miracles, death and resurrection. March 25 is the recognized date of Christ’s crucifixion. If the date of His crucifixion and the date of his conception are indeed linked, then according to the natural cycle of birth, nine months after March 25 would be when Mary would have given birth to our savior.
Are you more concerned with actual documentation tying Jesus’ birth to December 25, are you allowing today’s “pagan” traditions to pull you away from the miracle of Christ’s birth or do you connect his birth to his death and resurrection? Christmas, whenever celebrated, is a date that marks the foundation of Christianity and Jesus deserves your honor and praise.
We’re now counting down the days until Christmas! As you study, do homework, Christmas shop and hang with family and friends, enjoy some incredible worship songs all geared toward this time of year. Here’s our top 9 Christmas singles all released for this beautiful time of year:
DOE O Come, O Come Emmanuel (feat. IAMSON) (Provident)
Anne Wilson and Josh Turner The Manger (Capital CMG)
Hannah Kerr Joy To The World (It’s Christmas) (Curb/Word)
The Church Will Sing What a Glorious Night (Curb/Word)
Jordan St. Cyr The Wait is Over (BEC)
Love & The Outcome Christmas Lights (Curb/Word)
Thrive Worship Oh Come All Ye Faithful (Integrity)
Future of Forestry The Advent Song (Independent)
Phil Wickham (feat. Anne Wilson) Behold (Fair Trade Services)
Check out Ellie Holcomb‘s Christmas Album Sing: Christmas Songs.
This Christmas season don’t just give to your family and close friends, God has placed a myriad of people in your life who support you, so show them your gratitude with some of these great gift ideas ranging from the simple and cheap to the deserving splurge.
Gift for Mom:
Show your mom how much you love her and how grateful you are for all she does. Even though you may not always have the same perspective, she is still your greatest advocate. Pray that your mom finds peace and rest in the midst of a busy schedule, that God would reveal to you the things that bring your mom stress and unease.
You appreciate your dad for his hard work and dedication. Even though you can’t always relate, you recognize that everything you have comes from his willingness to follow God. Pray for protection this Christmas season, that God would rule over your dad’s life in remarkable ways.
Your little sister admires your every move, yes, she does get in your way a lot, but her admiration lifts up your spirit and encourages your soul. Pray for God to strengthen you so you can continue to be a positive role model and strong influence in your little sister’s life.
Your brother lightens your day and always knows how to make you laugh. Despite the occasional annoyance, his presence more often than not is a pleasure. Ask God to fill you and your brother with joy this season so you can both be a positive influence to others.
Your big sister always makes herself available to listen to your struggles and problems. Sometimes it seams like she doesn’t have the time or patience for you, but she is still your closest friend and confidant. Ask God to extend your trust in one another and to speak wisdom into your life through your sister’s actions and words.
Your brother is strong and mighty, even though he does find you childish at times, he will always protect and guard you. Ask God to give him strength and courage when he is faced with hard times and difficult situations.
Your best friend walks you through every problem, big or small, and always brings you back to reality. Although she challenges you when you sometimes just want to be let off the hook, she’s the one person that knows you through and through. Pray that God will strengthen your relationship and use it to glorify His kingdom.
You have a special connection with your boyfriend. Although you have hopes and dreams of forever, you refuse to overlook the romantically beautiful times right now. Ask for God to keep you pure as He grows your bond stronger and more focused on His glory.
You’re good friend’s mom, or your boyfriend’s mom, maybe your aunt, a counselor, mentor or youth director has encouraged you and helped you see God’s goodness this year. Sure, they have other responsibilities that don’t always make themselves readily available when you need them the most, but they have a desire to walk with you through life. Pray that God strengthens them in the same way that they strengthen you.
1. Barefoot Dreams Assorted 2-Pack CozyChic Crew Socks, $30.00, available at Nordstrom; 2. Bliss Plush Throw in Olive Bronze, $24.97, available at Nordstrom Rack; 3. Lex Pott Candy Cane Twist Candle, $40.00, available at Nordstrom; 4. Silent Night Eco Tote Bag, $21.99, available at niNe. magazine; 5. Z By Zella Aura Cozy Zip Up in Green Moss, $24.99, available at Nordstrom Rack; 6. Neuhaus Holiday Assorted 27-Piece Chocolates Tree Box, $64.90, available at Nordstrom; 7. Dash Snowflake Mini Waffle Maker, $12.99, available at Nordstrom; 8. Ettika Set of 3 Chain Link Bracelets, $50.00, available at Nordstrom; 9. Wrap Ruled Notebook, $20.00, available at Nordstrom.
Gift for Male Adult:
Your Uncle, best friend or boyfriend’s dad, cousins or that guy friend who just gets you better than some of your girlfriends are all people who have influenced your life in amazing ways. There are certainly some things in life that these guys just aren’t going to be able to support you in, but they will all go out of their way to offer you a helping hand. Pray that God will continue to open their hearts and yours to tremendous opportunities to serve and give to others.
1. Ooni Cooking With Fire, $25.00, available at Nordstrom; 2. Butterfly T-shirt in Black, $21.99, available at ninemagazine.org; 3. Buxton 8-Piece Manicure Set in Black, $24.97, available at Nordstrom Rack; 4. Brooklyn Bros Apple Cider Doughnut Making Kit Canvas, $25.00, available at Nordstrom; 5. Sugarfina Holiday Santa’s Cookie Dough Canister, $22.00, available at Nordstrom; 6. Nike Elemental Backpack in Dark Driftwood Venice, $29.97, available at Nordstrom Rack; 7. MOMA Design Store Multi-ccino Mug, $18.00, available at Nordstrom; 8. MoMA Design Store Color Play Backgammon in Multi, $115.00, available at Nordstrom; 9. MoMA Kit-Cat Clock in Black, $50.00, availeble at Nordstrom.
Gift for Grandma:
Grandma is the most diligent woman you know, she prays for you ceaselessly and firmly believes that God has tremendous things in store for your life. She may not understand why you paint your nails black or take pictures with your phone, but she confirms your hope for a significant future. Pray that God gives you the hope and joy for your future that your grandma carries so deeply.
Grandpa is the greatest storyteller of all time, he’s his own history textbook. Even though he’s forgotten that he told you the same story yesterday, he always has a lesson for you to learn. Ask God to open your heart and mind so you can learn those lessons and that your grandpa will continue to speak wisdom into your life.
A girl’s best friend too, your pets listen to you and don’t talk back. Even though they can’t always understand your pain, they are always there to console you. Pray that God gives you carefree moments to just rest in His presence free of anxiety and stress.
Don’t forget to shop via Goodshop (or Amazon Smile) this Christmas to give back a portion of your online purchase to your favorite non-profit organization, including us! Once registered with Goodshop, type in the organization you want to support, such as “niNe. magazine,” and select that organization. Once you’ve designated the non-profit organization you want to support, you’ll click on the store in which you want to make your purchase, then start checking off that Christmas list!
