The Origins of December 25: A Christian Tradition, Not a Pagan Appropriation

 

🎄 The Origins of December 25: A Christian Tradition, Not a Pagan Appropriation

Every year, debates pop up about whether Christmas on December 25 was “borrowed” from pagan festivals. You’ve probably heard claims that Christians simply took over Saturnalia or Sol Invictus. But when we dig into the writings of early Christian thinkers, a different picture emerges. The evidence suggests that believers genuinely thought Jesus was born on December 25—and they had theological reasons for it.

✝️ Tertullian and the Death/Birth Connection (AD 160–240)

Tertullian introduced a fascinating idea: holy people often died on the same day they were conceived or born. He argued that Jesus suffered on March 25, the date of Passover that year. If that was also the day of His conception, then nine months later would naturally place His birth on December 25. For early Christians, this wasn’t about pagan festivals—it was about theological symmetry.

📖 Sextus Julius Africanus: Calculating the Timeline (c. AD 160–240)

Around the same time, historian Sextus Julius Africanus wrote Chronographiai, a sweeping history of the world. Using Gospel accounts, he concluded that Jesus was conceived on March 25. Counting forward nine months, he landed on December 25 as the birthdate. His calculations reinforced the growing tradition.

📜 Hippolytus of Rome: An Early Witness (AD 170–235)

In the early third century, Hippolytus of Rome wrote a commentary on the Book of Daniel. He stated that Jesus was born “eight days before the Calends of January,” which translates to December 24 or 25. That’s one of the earliest direct references to the date.

🕊 Augustine of Hippo: Tradition Confirmed (AD 354–430)

By the fourth century, Augustine affirmed the December 25 tradition. He noted that Jesus was believed to have been conceived on March 25—the same day He later suffered. Augustine drew a symbolic parallel: the Virgin’s womb, untouched by man, mirrored the tomb where Jesus was laid, also untouched before or after Him.

🌟 So, Was It Pagan?

The writings of Hippolytus, Tertullian, Africanus, and Augustine show that December 25 wasn’t chosen to replace pagan holidays. Instead, it came from theological reflection and historical calculation. For early Christians, the date carried deep meaning long before it became a global celebration.

✨ Takeaway: December 25 as Christmas wasn’t about borrowing—it was about belief. Early Christians saw profound connections between Jesus’ conception, death, and birth, and December 25 fit perfectly into that sacred timeline.

 Endnotes:

For a detailed presentation, visit: Wesley Huff  https://t.co/dkroIyq6H9

Hippolytus of Rome, Commentary on Daniel 4.23.1

Tertullian, Adversus Judaeos, Ch. VIII

Sextus Julius Africanus, Chronographiai Volume 1

Augustine of Hippo, On the Trinity, cited in McGowen, “December 25th”