The fact that Jesus’ birthday is unknown and even the Bible doesn’t reveal the month, day, or year isn’t a hindrance to celebrating his birth. We celebrate Christmas, Jesus’ official unofficial birthdate on December 25. There is no verse or biblical passage that cites, proclaims, or commands a celebration to honor his birth. And there are more than a few stories about why and how December 25 became the reserved and revered date.
Is Jesus’ actual birthdate critical to celebrating Christmas?
Let’s not forget Jesus was with God in the beginning, eons (even preceding time) before he was begotten, with Mary and Joseph as his earthly parents. Hebrews 7:3 (KJV) describes Jesus in the following manner: “Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God.”
Biblical accounts of events and happenings surrounding Jesus’ birth shed little light on the time of Jesus’ birth.
A few biblical references that are a part of the Christmas story include:
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Luke: 2:8 (KJV)
His star was seen in the east. Matthew 2:2 (KJV)
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.” Luke 2:7 (KJV)
“They brought him (Jesus) to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” Luke 2:22 (KJV)
On this official unofficial birthday, December 25, Christians and other religious and nonreligious groups honor and celebrate Jesus!
There is no denying that December 25, Christmas Day, the day we celebrate Jesus’ birth isn’t in the Bible. Not knowing the actual date doesn’t make December 25 any less love-filled, joyful, or gift-giving any less symbolic. And the tinsel doesn’t dazzle or dance any less on decorated Christmas trees with presents splayed about.
What is the meaning of Christmas?
Christmas means Christ’s Mass. Christ is Jesus’ name and title, which means Messiah in Hebrew and the Anointed One in Greek. X represents the first letter of the Greek word for Christ, hence Xmas.
Knowing this fact, does Xmas really take the Christ out of Christmas?
The true meaning of Christmas is about the love of Christ, God’s only begotten Son, the savior of the world.
There is no Christmas without Christ! But Christ was before everything. Christ was before Christmas!
Why and when was December 25 chosen for Jesus’ birthday?
Many historians say December 25 was a good option because it coincided or even competed with common pagan festivals and holidays that celebrated idols like Saturn, Mithra, and others.
The Church designated December 25 as Christmas in the fourth century.
We may have the wrong date, but we know the reason and purpose of Jesus’ birth.
The story of Jesus’ life is the ultimate love story. Jesus came into the world not to be served or make a reputation for himself but to save sinners.
God gave his Son, and now we can share the gift of Jesus on Christmas and every day.
Colossians 3:12 (NIV) says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Be well.
I wish you and yours a blessed and Merry Christmas!