I am a pastor and am wondering what is the best way to answer our church members when they ask, “Was Jesus really born on December 25th? What really happened at Christmas?”
Hi Pat,
God bless you. Thanks for participating.
It is clearly documentable that the Roman church adapted an already existing Roman pagan holiday (the birth of their version of the sun-god at about the time of the winter solstice). They continued with much of the form of the pagan celebration but substituted in Christian names and reasons. Much of the tradition we associate with Christmas (the decorated fir tree, exchanging gifts, mistletoe, holly, Yule log, etc.) is of pagan origin.
I infer from your question that you know this, but are seeking suggestions on the best way to respond to others. I recommend being perfectly honest with people, not trying to ascribe Christian reasons for our current Christmas customs.
We don't exchange gifts at Christmas time because the wise men did. The wise men didn't exchange gifts. They presented their gifts to Jesus, but this was not at the time of Jesus' birth. They were never at the stable. By the time the wise men arrived, they visited the family at the "house" where they were staying (Matthew 2:11).
Exchanging gifts was part of the "Saturnalia" celebration at the time of the winter solstice in ancient Rome. In my view, telling people, for example, that the "real reason" we exchange gifts at Christmas time is because of the wise men, is not honest and it is contrary to the Biblical record. We can be thankful for Jesus' birth without trying to claim that western culture's traditions associated with our Christmas holiday are something that they are not.
Telling people the truth will not ruin their holiday. I knew as a child that the so-called "Christmas tree" was a carry over from paganism (Jeremiah 10:1-5). I still loved the pretty lights, the smell of the tree, getting presents etc. as much as any other kid. We taught our son this at a very early age. He is now in the Air Force and is a dedicated believer. He is coming home for Christmas this year, and his only request of us regarding the holiday was that we have a huge tree like we always did when he was growing up.
It is better to enjoy traditions without ascribing any spiritual significance to them than it is to do so falsely. (See our posting, Truth Versus Tradition.)
Again, thanks for your participation. I hope this has been helpful.
Bless,
Ken Brown