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Contents
By Revd James Ezema
Christmas is one of the most widely observed celebrations in the world, marked annually on December 25 by worship, reflection, fellowship, and goodwill. Beneath its familiar customs lies a profound historical and theological story rooted in Scripture, shaped by early Christian history, and centered on the person of Jesus the Christ. For believers, Christmas is not merely a cultural festival, but a declaration of faith in God’s redemptive work through Christ.
I. The Biblical Foundation: The Birth of Jesus the Christ
The celebration of Christmas is founded on the biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus Christ, recorded primarily in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Luke narrates that Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of Caesar Augustus and laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn (Luke 2:1–7). Shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night were visited by an angel who proclaimed, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). The shepherds then went to Bethlehem and found the child, glorifying God (Luke 2:15–20).
Matthew’s Gospel records the visit of wise men from the East who sought the newborn “King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:1–2). Their journey fulfilled prophetic Scripture, particularly “And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda… out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel” (Matthew 2:6; Micah 5:2).
Notably, Scripture does not state the exact date of Jesus’ birth. This omission explains why the earliest Christians focused more on Jesus’ death and resurrection than on celebrating his nativity.
II. Historical Questions About the Time of Jesus’ Birth
Although the Bible does not provide a birth date, it offers clues that help scholars draw reasonable conclusions.
(1) The Year of Birth
Jesus was born during the reign of King Herod the Great (Matthew 2:1). Since historical records indicate that Herod died around 4 BCE, most scholars place Jesus’ birth between 6 BCE and 4 BCE.
(2) The Season of Birth
Luke describes shepherds watching their flocks outdoors at night (Luke 2:8). This activity was more common during spring or early autumn, making a mid-winter birth less likely. This supports the conclusion that December 25 is not presented in Scripture as Jesus’ actual birthday.
III. The Emergence of December 25 as Christmas Day
The observance of Christmas on December 25 developed in the 4th century AD, long after the time of the apostles. As Christianity expanded within the Roman Empire, Church leaders sought to proclaim Christ within existing cultural contexts.
December 25 coincided with Roman celebrations honoring the sun. Early Christians reinterpreted this symbolism, presenting Jesus as the true light, in fulfillment of Scripture:
“The people which sat in darkness saw great light” (Matthew 4:16; Isaiah 9:2).
Jesus himself declared, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).
Thus, December 25 became a theological proclamation, emphasizing Christ’s victory over spiritual darkness rather than asserting historical certainty about the date of his birth.
IV. The Theological Meaning of Christmas for Believers
For Christians, the meaning of Christmas is deeply theological and firmly grounded in Scripture.
(1) The Incarnation
Christmas celebrates the Incarnation—God becoming human. John writes, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Paul affirms that Christ, though divine, “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:6–7).
(2) Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus’ birth fulfills God’s promises to Israel. Isaiah foretold, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son” (Isaiah 7:14), a prophecy Matthew explicitly applies to Jesus (Matthew 1:22–23).
(3) God’s Humility and Love
The humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth reveal God’s character. Paul explains that God chose what is lowly to reveal his power (1 Corinthians 1:27–29). The manger becomes a sign of divine love expressed through humility.
(4) Hope and Salvation
The angelic announcement in Luke proclaims “good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10). Christmas marks the beginning of God’s salvation plan, later fulfilled through the cross and resurrection (Matthew 20:28; Romans 5:8).
V. The Development of Christmas Traditions in Christian History
As Christianity spread across cultures, believers expressed the message of Christmas through symbols and practices consistent with biblical themes.
(1) Evergreen imagery reflected enduring life, echoing Jesus’ words, “I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25).
(2) Gift-giving symbolized God’s gift to humanity: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16).
(3) Carols and worship mirrored the heavenly praise at Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:13–14).
(4) Charity and generosity reflected Christ’s command to love one another (John 13:34–35).
Over time, these expressions reinforced Christmas as a season of worship, compassion, and communal joy.
VI. Christmas in the Contemporary World
Today, Christmas is celebrated globally as both a religious and cultural event. While commercial influences are widespread, believers continue to emphasize its spiritual meaning.
For Christians, Christmas affirms that God is with humanity, as foretold in the name Emmanuel—“God with us” (Matthew 1:23). It reminds believers that light triumphs over darkness (John 1:5) and that love remains at the center of the Christian faith.
VII. Conclusion
Historically, the precise date of Jesus Christ’s birth is unknown, and December 25 reflects early Christian tradition rather than explicit biblical record. Yet for believers in Jesus the Christ, the power of Christmas lies not in chronology, but in truth.
Christmas proclaims the mystery of the Incarnation, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the beginning of salvation. In celebrating Christmas, Christians affirm a timeless confession of faith:
“Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6),
and in that gift, the world receives hope, light, and redemption.
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