Bible Question: Hi jlhetrick, I love to, and would continue to celebrate The birth and even the death of our lord Jesus Christ. But my confusion is this, what led to this celebration being done on the 25th of every December. I mean, how did the date come about, why not any other date? Here in my area, because all wants to celebrate Xmas, they do all sorts of evil, just to meet up with the demands. Yes demands, expensive ones for that matter. On that day, there must be specail food (yes so many must go drunk), new dresses (clothings), those travelling long distances within the country MUST do that with their personal and new vehicle(s).Due to these demands, there usually be a rise in the level of robbery and theft. Come September/October, 2007, the nmber of young girls giving birth to babes out of wed lock must be on the increase. There are so many evil associated with NOT the birth of our Lord, but the date or period of this celebration, that I am compelled to agree that IT'S EITHER WE DON'T DO IT RIGHT OR THAT IT'S NOT RIGHT. |
Bible Answer: Hello UncleCnn, Anything I say about the specific date of December 25th would be either a guess or simply repeating what I have heard or read. The truth is, I don't know why that date. "No evidence remains about the exact date of the birth of Christ. The December 25 date was chosen as much for practical reasons as for theological ones. Throughout the Roman Empire, various festivals were held in conjunction with the winter solstice. In Rome, the Feast of the Unconquerable Sun celebrated the beginning of the return of the sun. When Christianity became the religion of the Empire, the church either had to suppress the festivals or transform them. The winter solstice seemed an appropriate time to celebrate Christ’s birth. Thus, the festival of the sun became a festival of the Son, the Light of the world."—Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary All that stuff you said about how the Christmas "holiday" is lived out in society today is true. You stated, "IT'S EITHER WE DON'T DO IT RIGHT OR THAT IT'S NOT RIGHT" My vote is that we are not doing it right. I don't believe I could agree with any argument that says it's wrong to celebrate the birth of our Lord. After all, the Scriptures celebrate it. What we can know for sure though, is that Satan and his minions work hard and constantly to destroy everything good and to pervert the things of God and His people. Look at what has become of the institution of marriage; but we wouldn't argue that marriage is wrong. Christmas is the day set aside to honor and rejoice in celebration of our Lord's birth. It is an offense to the world. The world will not cease in trying to destroy it. The date is not important. The meaning is what's important. Isaiah 53:4 (NASB95) 53:4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. Praise the Lord Christ. Jeff |