In a time where the United States collectively pauses to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and the mantra of the season is to “put Christ back into Christmas,” the question is rarely asked, was Christ ever in Christmas to begin with? This question brings us back to Christmas’ roots, which reveals it to be a renamed pagan holiday in honor of the Roman god Saturn. A holiday made “Christian” by a 4th century Roman emperor. This understanding however, frees Christians to celebrate Christmas for what it really is, a wonderful time to appreciate, recognize and enjoy many of the incredible gifts God has given to us through various secular traditions. And furthermore, it allows us to not lose sight of what the Bible declares to be the most important events in Jesus’ life: His death and resurrection.
For more biblical reflections on Christmas, listen here: Reflections on Christmas 2.0.