the false meaning of christmas

The Bible doesn’t give Jesus’ birth date or tell Christians to celebrate it each year. McClintock and Strong’s Cyclopaedia states, “The observance of Christmas is not of divine appointment, nor is it of New Testament origin.”

Early Christians didn’t celebrate Jesus’ birth. They viewed birthday celebrations as pagan customs, and the 25 December date has no scriptural or contemporary historical basis. Church leaders later placed it near existing Roman midwinter festivals.

Where Did Christmas Customs Come From?

Many familiar traditions have pre-Christian roots. Saturnalia influenced feasting, gift-giving and candle lighting. Midwinter lights and evergreens featured in older European rituals, while mistletoe and holly carried religious meaning among Druids and other pagan groups.

The Christmas Tree

Tree worship was widespread in pre-Christian Europe. Some of its customs survived the spread of Christianity and later appeared in the use of decorated evergreen trees during winter.

Christmas may be enjoyable, but its date and customs don’t come from the Bible. Each person must decide whether the celebration honours Jesus in a way God approves.