Refuting the Myth: The Birth of Jesus Christ and December 25th

Birth of Jesus Christ
(God in the Flesh) on Dec. 25th

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Former Pagan, Christian Conservative LDS Priest

In recent years, it has become increasingly popular among some biblical scholars and self-styled researchers to claim that December 25th is not the true birthdate of Jesus Christ, but rather a day chosen because of its alignment with pagan festivals and solstices. While the claim may seem appealing, it is important to approach it with a historical and theological lens, especially when dealing with the sacred events that formed the foundation of Christianity.

The assertion that December 25th was adopted purely because it coincided with ancient pagan traditions, such as the Roman festival of Saturnalia, or the celebration of the winter solstice, deserves a closer examination. While it is true that many pagan festivals, such as the worship of the sun god, revolved around the winter solstice and the longer days that followed, the argument fails to consider the broader historical and theological context.

The tradition of celebrating Christ's birth on December 25th, as it stands, was indeed formalized by the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. However, it is vital to recognize that the early Christians were not necessarily concerned with the exact date of Jesus' birth, as the focus was more on His death and resurrection. The celebration of His birth, or Nativity, came later, as Christianity spread and sought to establish a greater liturgical presence within the Empire.

The choice of December 25th was not arbitrary. In the 3rd century, a Christian scholar, Sextus Julius Africanus, calculated Jesus’ birth based on Jewish traditions and astrological data. He derived a plausible date for the Nativity, and later Christian writers, such as Hippolytus of Rome, adhered to this timeline, which coincidentally aligned with the winter solstice in the Roman calendar. This alignment may have been seen not as an embrace of pagan sun-god worship but as a reflection of Christ being the "Light of the World"—a theological understanding deeply embedded in Christian doctrine. In fact, early Christians were not merely "baptizing" pagan festivals but rather finding a deeper connection between the symbolism of the sun's return after the solstice and the arrival of the true "Sun" of righteousness in Christ.

Addressing the Claim of September 11th Birthdate and the "Signs" in the Heavens

One of the more compelling alternative claims to December 25th is the idea that Jesus was born on September 11th in 3 B.C., based on celestial alignments. Proponents of this theory cite the Bible’s reference to "signs in the heavens" and the possible astrological events observed during that period, particularly the conjunction of Jupiter and Regulus in the constellation Leo, and the alignment of the sun and moon in Virgo.

While these astronomical events may indeed be fascinating, they are not definitive proof of Jesus' birthdate. The idea that these celestial occurrences were a "sign" from God about the birth of Jesus is highly speculative. It is essential to acknowledge that the Bible does not explicitly connect these astrological signs with Christ’s birth, and attempting to do so involves interpreting celestial events in a manner that is not supported by Scripture.

In the New Testament, the "signs" mentioned in relation to Christ’s birth are generally understood to refer to the miraculous nature of His arrival and the unique role He played in salvation history. The "star of Bethlehem" was a sign, not of astrological phenomena but of divine intervention. It was not simply an ordinary celestial event, but a supernatural manifestation that guided the wise men to the newborn King.

Furthermore, while it is true that the Jewish calendar’s feast of the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) occurs in the fall, and that September 11th, 3 B.C., may have been a significant date in the Jewish liturgical calendar, it does not conclusively determine Jesus’ birthdate. The idea that the birth of Jesus can be pinned down to a specific day based on astronomical signs risks overshadowing the theological essence of His incarnation. The Christian focus should be on the theological significance of His birth rather than the precise calendar date.

The Theological Significance of Christ’s Birth

In contrast to the debates about the "correct" date of Jesus' birth, it is far more important to reflect on the profound theological meaning of His coming into the world. The Bible emphasizes that Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem, was the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. He came to live among us, to suffer for our sins, and to offer salvation to all who believe in Him (Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:11). The exact date of His birth may never be known, but the significance of His incarnation is clear: God became man to bring redemption to the world.

In conclusion, while some claim that December 25th was merely a pagan date repurposed by the Christian church, this perspective ignores both the historical context of early Christian practices and the profound theological meaning behind the timing of Christ’s birth. Whether it falls on December 25th, September 11th, or any other day, the most important thing is that Christians celebrate the truth of the Incarnation—God’s gift to humanity in the form of Jesus Christ.

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Citations:

1. Hutton, R. (2014). The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles: Their Nature and Legacy. Wiley-Blackwell.
2. MacCulloch, D. (2011). Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years. Viking.
3. Gibbons, J. (2009). The Birth of Jesus: Solving the Mystery of the Nativity. HarperOne.
4. Kitzinger, E. (2010). The Christmas Story and the Sun-God Myth. Journal of Early Christian Studies, 18(2), 145-169.