Truth or Tradition

Christmas is a holiday celebrated by millions worldwide, not only by Christians but by people of various faiths and cultures. It’s a time filled with decorations, feasts, and gatherings—celebrations of love, family, and the spirit of giving. But amidst the joy, it’s worth asking: Where do these Christmas traditions come from? What is the real story behind Santa Claus, the reindeer, the Christmas tree, and other symbols? And perhaps most importantly, how do these customs align with the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ?

In this article, we will explore the origins of Christmas traditions, their pagan roots, and the question: Should Christians celebrate Christmas? Let’s unravel the truth behind this widely celebrated holiday, examining both its history and what God says about it.

Why Celebrate Christmas on December 25th?

The first question many ask is, Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25th? The answer may surprise you. Historically, the winter solstice—around December 21st or 22nd—was seen by ancient cultures as a time of the “rebirth” of the sun. From this period, the days would grow longer, signifying the sun’s return.

Several ancient sun gods, including Horus from Egypt and Mithras from Rome, were said to have been born on or around December 25. The Roman Emperor Aurelian even established December 25th as a festival to honor Mithras, the “Unconquered Sun.”

Why, then, did early Christians adopt this date? Historical records suggest that the Roman Catholic Church chose December 25th as the date to celebrate Christ’s birth in order to Christianize the popular pagan solstice festivals. The Church essentially repurposed an already significant day to focus on the birth of Jesus. Though some modern scholars argue that early Christians independently chose the date, historical evidence suggests the choice was made to replace pagan festivals with Christian observances.

The Christmas Tree, Yule Logs, and Other Pagan Symbols

Christmas traditions such as the Christmas tree, Yule logs, and mistletoe are also rooted in ancient pagan customs.

• The Yule log comes from Nordic traditions. The Norse believed that burning a massive tree during the winter solstice would help the sun return. They decorated evergreen trees with symbols of their gods, a practice that resembles today’s tradition of hanging ornaments on Christmas trees.
• Mistletoe was sacred to the Druids and the Norse, thought to have magical and fertility powers. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is rooted in these ancient beliefs.
• The Christmas tree itself has roots in pagan customs, especially from ancient Germany and Scandinavia. The evergreen tree, symbolizing eternal life, was used in winter solstice celebrations. By the 10th century, Christian missionaries in Northern Europe worked to replace the Yule tree with a Christian symbol, eventually leading to the modern Christmas tree.

Santa Claus: A Pagan God in Disguise?

Santa Claus is another figure whose origins are tied to both Christian and pagan stories. The modern-day Santa Claus is often associated with St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop known for his generosity. However, the legend of Santa also bears similarities to ancient Norse mythology.

In Norse legend, Odin, the god of wisdom and war, would fly through the night sky on his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, during the winter solstice. Odin rewarded the good and punished the bad, much like the modern Santa Claus. His companions, mischievous beings known as “Yule Lads,” resemble the elves of today’s Christmas lore.

Moreover, the tradition of Santa entering homes through chimneys is believed to be influenced by the Norse goddess Hertha, who would descend into the hearth to bring blessings.

When the Christian story of St. Nicholas merged with these Norse legends, the Santa Claus figure we know today was born. While this blending of Christian and pagan traditions might seem harmless, it raises important questions about the authenticity of modern Christmas customs.

What Does God Have to Say About Pagan Festivals?

Given the pagan origins of many Christmas traditions, it’s worth considering what God has to say about celebrating holidays rooted in paganism. The Bible offers guidance on this topic, particularly in Deuteronomy 12:30-32, where God warns His people against adopting pagan practices when worshiping Him. He forbids the Israelites from incorporating the rituals of surrounding nations and specifically cautions against repurposing practices that once honored false gods.

The Bible is clear that God does not desire us to blend pagan customs with worship of Him. This concern is echoed by early Christian leaders who saw such mixing as an “abomination.” For instance, Leviticus 18:30 says: “Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came, and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the Lord your God.”

Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?

This brings us to the central question: Should Christians celebrate Christmas? The answer is not simple and varies among different Christians. Some argue that Christmas can be a time to honor Christ’s birth, so long as the focus remains on Him rather than on pagan traditions. Others believe that adopting customs with pagan origins is problematic, especially when considering the biblical injunctions against blending worship with pagan rituals.

When we examine Christmas traditions through the lens of truth and tradition, we realize that many of the practices associated with the holiday—such as the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, and the Yule log—have little connection to the biblical story of Jesus’ birth. Instead, they are a mixture of ancient pagan customs, rebranded over the centuries to fit Christian celebrations.

Ultimately, whether or not a Christian should celebrate Christmas is a personal decision. However, it’s important to be aware of the history behind the holiday and ask whether participating in certain traditions aligns with God’s command to worship Him in spirit and truth.

The Christmas Controversy: Purity of Worship

The truth behind Christmas is a blend of both Christian and pagan elements. The central reason for the season—celebrating the birth of Jesus—remains sacred. Yet, as Christians, we must examine whether the customs surrounding Christmas truly honor Christ or whether they compromise our worship through the integration of non-Christian traditions.

In the 1600s, the Massachusetts Bay Colony even passed laws making it illegal to celebrate Christmas, viewing it as a pagan holiday. The government cited that mixing holy observances with pagan traditions was dishonoring to God. This perspective continued into the early 1800s, when Christmas wasn’t even recognized as a legal holiday in parts of the United States until 1836.

The deeper concern lies in our obedience to God’s commands. In Mark 7:7-8, Jesus criticizes religious leaders who prioritize man-made traditions over God’s commandments: “In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men… laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men.”

As we approach the end times, it is vital for Christians to evaluate the practices we engage in, including Christmas traditions. In the words of Charles Spurgeon: “We have no superstitious regard for times and seasons… we find no scriptural warrant whatsoever for observing any day as the birthday of the Savior.”

A Call for Authentic Christianity

The origins of Christmas show us a blend of Christian and pagan influences. While Christmas can be a time to honor Christ, many of the customs associated with the holiday may not be in line with biblical principles. Whether or not to celebrate Christmas is ultimately a personal choice, but it’s important to consider the implications of participating in practices that have roots in ancient paganism.

If we are to follow God’s commandments, we must be intentional in aligning our worship with His will, not based on tradition or emotion, but on obedience to His Word. As we approach the end times, the call is clear: Let’s return to God’s calendar and celebrate His feasts as He instructed us.

To learn more about God’s feast days and how they connect with the first and second comings of Jesus, check out our resources on the feast day calendar and how these celebrations reflect God’s redemptive plan for His people.

May God bless you with wisdom and discernment as you navigate the celebration of His Son’s birth, and may we all strive to worship Him in spirit and truth.

Jim Staley

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