Article

Celebrating Jesus Birthday on December 25?

December 26, 2024

Was the December 25th Date Pagan or Christian in origin?
Is there more to the date we Celebrate Christmas than meets the eye?

Who knew?

History shows evidence of the Christian Church Celebrating Jesus Birthday on December 25th since at least the Second Century!

Since 1582, Christians mostly across the world have been consistent when celebrating the birth of Jesus to do it on and around December 25th. What about the years before 1582?
-----------

Here are some ancient accountsstarting in the second centurythat recorded Jesuss birthday on December 25th. The early church father Irenaeus , who lived from 130 to 202 AD, wrote in the second century that Jesus was born on December 25.4 Irenaeus was a student of Polycarp , who was a disciple of the apostle John , who was closely affiliated with Jesuss mother ( John 19:26 27).

To me, this seems to be the most reliable source. The historian Sextus Julius Africanus (160 to 240 AD) recorded in the year 221 AD that Jesus was conceived on March 25, extrapolating forward nine months that Jesus was born on December 25.5 The early church father Hippolytus (170 to 236 AD) wrote that Jesus was born on December 25.6 These ancient accounts demonstrate that December 25 was recorded as Jesuss birthday as early as the second century.

"God has never designed church for a preacher to get rich of it."

As it relates to becoming rich and wealthy, this is a good and true word. Amen. I would add and caution though that ideally the church should want their spiritual leaders to be full time dedicated to the most direct spiritual work of ministry whenever possible.

The spiritual work of seeking God's word revelation and spiritual guidance is what I am referencing.

Acts 6 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.

3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word .

Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content :

Proverbs 30:8
Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches Feed me with the food allotted to me;

Luke 12:15
And He said to them, Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for ones life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

Matthew 23:11

3 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.