Christmas is one of the most cherished celebrations in the Christian calendar, a time when the faithful gather to honor the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
But where did this beloved holiday come from? Why is December 25th the chosen date, and what makes this season so profoundly significant to Christians? To understand Christmas fully, Beatrice Nakibuuka brings you the history, theology, and tradition.
Origin, how Christmas evolved
December 25 has become widely accepted as the date of Jesus Christ’s birth, but the origins of this choice are complex and influenced by various historical and cultural factors. Here is a brief overview:
Considering early Christian traditions, the Bible does not mention Jesus’ exact birthdate. Instead, Christian traditions celebrated the Epiphany (January 6), which commemorated the visit of the Magi to Jesus, and was seen as more significant.
We should also note that the 4th century, Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire. The Roman festival of Saturnalia (December 17-23) and the festival of Sol Invictus (December 25) were popular. To co-opt these pagan celebrations and ease the transition to Christianity, the Roman Emperor Constantine declared December 25 as Jesus’ birthday in 336 AD.
Winter solstice: December 21/22 marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Many ancient cultures celebrated this time as a renewal of life and light. By placing Christmas near the solstice, Christians could tap into existing festivals and symbolism.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Orthodox Church still celebrates Christmas on January 7, following the Julian calendar.
The choice of December 25 was likely influenced by a combination of these factors, aiming to supplant existing pagan celebrations and unite the Christian community.
Birth of Christmas as a celebration
The New Testament does not explicitly record the date of Jesus’ birth. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide rich narratives about the event, emphasising its miraculous nature and theological importance. However, early Christians did not initially celebrate Christ’s birth. Their focus was primarily on His death and resurrection, which they commemorated during Easter.
By the fourth century, according to Rev Fr George Ssali, a priest at Blessed Sacrament Kimaanya, the Church began to place greater emphasis on celebrating the incarnation—the moment God became flesh.
“The feast of Christmas emerged as a way to affirm the divine nature of Jesus and to counter various heresies, such as Arianism, which questioned His divinity. Celebrating the Nativity highlighted the profound truth that God entered the world as a humble child to redeem humanity,” he says.
The choice of December 25th as the date of Christmas has long intrigued scholars. While the Bible does not specify a date, there are several theories about why this day was chosen:
During the Roman Empire, December 25th coincided with the winter solstice and the pagan festival of Sol Invictus (the Unconquered Sun). This festival celebrated the return of longer days and the “rebirth” of the sun. Early Christians may have selected this date to offer a powerful theological statement: Christ is the true “Light of the World” (John 8:12), whose coming dispels the darkness of sin and death.
December was also a practical time for celebration. The agricultural calendar slowed in winter, and the season lent itself to gathering and feasting. In the Roman world, the Saturnalia festival, a time of gift-giving and festivity, may have provided cultural scaffolding for the joyful Christian celebration of Christ’s birth.
Significance of Christmas for Christians
Christmas is not merely a historical or cultural tradition; it is deeply significant for Christians for several reasons, according to Fr Ssali.
At the heart of Christmas is the Incarnation: the astounding truth that God took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. As John 1:14 proclaims: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” This act of divine love underscores the closeness of God to humanity and His willingness to enter our brokenness to bring redemption.
Fulfillment of prophecy
The birth of Christ fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah. Isaiah foretold: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6). Celebrating Christmas reminds Christians that God is faithful to His promises.
Fr Ssali says: “Christmas brings hope and joy, rooted in the message proclaimed by the angels: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men as in Luke 2:14. Amid the darkness of the world, the birth of Christ offers the ultimate hope of salvation.”
The humility of Christ’s birth in a manger inspires Christians to reflect on their own lives. It calls believers to serve others, to embrace humility, and to prioritize love over material wealth. Expressions of faith
Christmas traditions vary widely across cultures and denominations, but many are rooted in Christian faith and carry deep spiritual meaning. Over the centuries, various traditions have emerged to enrich the celebration of Christmas, each infused with spiritual meaning.
Christmas Eve service: Many Christians attend midnight Mass or candlelight services on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of Jesus. These services often include Scripture readings, hymns, and a retelling of the Nativity story. According to Grace Kengozi, a devout Christian, worship on Christmas Day focuses on joy and thanksgiving for Christ’s birth.
Setting up nativity scenes
Nativity scenes are the scenes of the occasion of Jesus Christ’s birth. They were first popularised by St Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. These remind us of the humble setting of Christ’s birth.
Nativity displays, depicting the birth of Jesus in the stable, are a central tradition. They may include figures of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, angels, and the Magi. Some families and churches host “live Nativities,” with people and animals reenacting the biblical scene.
Decoration
In traditional Churches, the Christmas season, beginning four Sundays before Christmas, is marked by lighting a candle each week on an Advent wreath. The candles symbolise hope, peace, joy, and love.
“The Christmas tree, often adorned with lights, ornaments, and a star or angel on top, symbolises eternal life and the light of Christ. Many Christians view the evergreen tree as a reminder of God’s everlasting love,” Kengozi says.
Stockings hung by the fireplace or elsewhere in the home reflect a blend of Christian and cultural traditions. The custom may be linked to the story of St Nicholas, known for his generosity.
Angels, central to the Nativity story, are popular Christmas decorations. Bells symbolise joy and are often used in carols and Church services to announce the birth of Christ. Decorations like crosses, doves, or “Chrismons” (Christian monograms) remind believers of the spiritual significance of the season.
Lights, candles
Fr Ssali says: “Many churches hold special candlelight services on Christmas Eve. These represent Jesus as the “Light of the World,” illuminating the path of righteousness. In some homes, candles are often lit as part of devotions or displayed in windows.”
Lights on homes and trees symbolise the light of Christ overcoming darkness. The star, often placed atop the Christmas tree or displayed as a decoration, represents the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to Jesus.
Christmas carols
Carols such as Silent Night, O Holy Night, and Hark are in the air. Caroling, where groups sing from house to house, is a cherished tradition in many communities. Some families use calendars with daily reflections, Scripture, or small treats to countdown to Christmas.
Performances featuring themes of Christ’s birth bring communities together to celebrate through art and music.
Giving, receiving gifts
Inspired by the Magi’s gifts to Jesus, Christians exchange presents as a reminder of God’s greatest gift—His Son. Some families emphasise giving to the less fortunate during this season, embodying the spirit of generosity.
Many Christians use the Christmas season to give to the needy, volunteer at shelters, or participate in Church-organised outreach programs that allow them to share the love of Christ with others.
Sharing a festive meal
Families gather to share a meal, often including traditional dishes that vary by region. These meals are a time of fellowship, gratitude, and reflection on God’s blessings.
In some traditions, Christmas is preceded by fasting such as the Orthodox Christians. The fast ends with joyous feasting on Christmas Day. Amid the hustle of the season, many Christians set aside time for prayer, reflection, and gratitude for God’s gift of salvation through Jesus.
Sending Christmas cards
Many Christians send cards to family and friends, often with messages that include Scripture, blessings, or reflections on the birth of Christ.
Christmas today
In modern times, Christmas faces challenges from commercialism and secularism. Yet, for Christians, it remains a sacred time to reconnect with the profound truths of the Gospel. The season calls believers to worship, to give generously, and to live out the love of Christ in their families and communities.
Fr Ssali says: “As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember its true essence: the unfathomable love of God made manifest in a tiny baby in Bethlehem. This season invites us not only to commemorate a historical event but to welcome Christ anew into our hearts and lives. Just as the shepherds and Magi responded with wonder and worship, may we, too, embrace the Savior with faith, hope, and joy. Merry Christmas, and may the light of Christ shine brightly in your life this season!”
