The tradition of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th has a fascinating history, and while it’s become the universally recognized date for Christmas, the journey to this specific day was anything but straightforward. Early Christians didn’t place much emphasis on birthdays, including Jesus’, as their primary focus was on His death and resurrection. This might seem strange to us today, but it explains why the Gospels of Matthew and Luke give detailed accounts of Jesus’ birth without ever mentioning a date.
When Was Jesus Born?
The tradition for December 25th is actually quite ancient. Hippolytus, a second-century theologian, argued that this was Christ’s birthday. At the same time, the Eastern Church followed January 6th as the date to celebrate His birth, a day still recognized in some traditions as Epiphany. It wasn’t until the fourth century that John Chrysostom made a compelling case for December 25th, which eventually led to its widespread adoption. From that time on, both the Eastern and Western Churches have observed December 25th as the official date of Christ’s birth.
However, other theories suggest that Jesus might not have been born in December at all. Some scholars propose a March 25th conception date, based on theological symbolism, which would place His birth nine months later, on December 25th. Others believe September is more likely, aligning with details in Luke’s Gospel, such as shepherds tending their flocks—something more typical during lambing season in spring or early autumn. There’s even speculation that Jesus’ birth may have coincided with the Feast of Tabernacles, a Jewish celebration in late September or early October, highlighting the theme of God dwelling with His people.
So why did the Church settle on December 25th? It’s likely a combination of theology and practicality. The date aligned with Roman pagan festivals like Saturnalia and the Dies Natalis Solis Invicti ("Birthday of the Unconquered Sun"). These celebrations marked the winter solstice and the return of longer days, symbolizing light triumphing over darkness—a perfect metaphor for Christ, the Light of the World (John 8:12). By choosing this date, early Christians redefined its significance, turning it into a celebration of Jesus’ birth and the hope He brings to humanity.
Though we may never know the exact day Jesus was born, December 25th is a powerful choice for reflecting on His arrival. It reminds us that Jesus entered history as the fulfillment of God’s promise, bringing light and life to a dark world. Whether He was born in December, March, or September, what truly matters is the joy of celebrating the Savior who came to dwell among us and change the course of history forever.
To learn more read this excerpt from "When Was Jesus Born and Why Do We Use December 25th?"
Why is It Important to Celebrate Jesus' Birthday on Christmas?
What is it that birthdays celebrate? I think there is a simple answer to that…
Birthdays celebrate beginnings, and the celebration of Christmas is both a birthday and a beginning in more ways than one.
Christmas marks a first breath, in the way that every one of our birthdays mark the first day that a member of our family lived outside the womb. But Christmas also marks the beginning of a story … the earthly story of heavenly redemption.
Christmas is the day that the Christian church has chosen to mark or celebrate the birth of Christ, the incarnate beginning of the Son of God. He is God eternal, so we need to note that he had no beginning and will have no end. It’s clearly not something we can understand fully, but it is something that God’s Word states, so we must believe it and trust in it along with the rest of the mystery of creation, salvation and eternity.
There was a day when Christ was born, sometime over 2000 years ago. It is unlikely to have been the 25th of December, but it is as good a day as any. But why celebrate? That’s still the question isn’t it?
How you think about dates and birthdays depends on where you are in the world and when you existed in history. We don’t see dates like June 5th or October 11th written in the Bible. But there are intricate family trees and clear references to actual points in history, such as the reigns of kings and emperors. So, we do know that the account of the nativity is factual because it directly refers to the rule of Caesar Augustus and Quirinius the Governor of Syria. Just because there isn’t an actual date printed in the pages of your Bible doesn’t mean that the story of Jesus’ birth didn’t happen.
Different cultures, tribes, and even families look at birthdays in different ways. If you live in Holland, for example, your birthday is one of the most important dates of the year. It takes precedence over any other celebration. However, if you live in the country of Cambodia you probably don’t really celebrate birthdays until you are past fifty. Although children there do celebrate being one year older, they all celebrate it at the same time at Cambodia's New Year, which falls in April.
In Bible times it was possibly similar. You may not have celebrated your birthday until there was something very definite to celebrate. When a child’s life was not so secure due to sickness and disease, it is likely that a family did not want to mark the passing of the years until the child was older.
Birthdays, as we understand them, were not something a poor Nazareth family would have been able to afford. With four brothers, at least three sisters, and the likely early death of their father, Joseph, we are looking at a family who had other priorities. Jesus' actual birth date is not as important as the fact that he was born into this world as our incarnate Savior.
Back to the Heart of the Celebration
For Christians, the celebration of Christmas on December 25th is about much more than pinpointing a historical date—it’s about celebrating the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ and the profound hope He brings to the world. While we may not know the exact day Jesus was born, the beauty of this season is in its meaning. December 25th gives us a shared moment to pause, reflect, and rejoice in the gift of Emmanuel—“God with us.”
Think about it this way: Christmas is a season of reminders. It’s a time when we come together to focus on the miracle of the incarnation, the moment when God stepped into our world in the form of a tiny baby to bring light, life, and salvation. The exact day doesn’t change the truth of what happened—it’s the “why” that matters. December 25th is simply the day we’ve chosen to celebrate this incredible story, just as the early Church did. It’s a date set aside to honor the love of a God who was willing to come near to us in the most humble of ways.
Some might feel uneasy about celebrating Christmas on December 25th, especially when we know the date wasn’t necessarily chosen because it was Jesus’ actual birthday. But consider this: the Church selected this date with purpose. It’s a time when the days begin to grow longer after the winter solstice, symbolizing light overcoming darkness—an intentional reflection of Jesus as the Light of the World. By celebrating Christ’s birth at this time of year, we proclaim His light in the midst of the season’s literal and spiritual darkness.
So, don’t get caught up in debates about dates. Instead, lean into the heart of the season. Celebrate the gift of Jesus’ birth with joy and gratitude. Use this time to gather with family and friends, to reflect on God’s love, and to share His light with the world. What matters most is not the “when” but the “why”—and the “why” of Christmas is the greatest news the world has ever known.
We need to get back to realizing why we celebrate birthdays— and in particular HIS!
- A birthday is a beginning...
- His birthday is the beginning, the beginning of the Good News of salvation.
- It’s the start of something real, the salvation of sinners.
- We celebrate the birth, because it foreshadows a death, and then reveals a resurrection.
When Christmas comes, it is good to mark not the date, but the event. Do it on the 25th of December — everyone else is doing it then. But remember this day is about a birth and a death and eternal life.
Christmas is the only birthday celebration I know of where we don’t ceremonially blow out candles — I think that’s because the Light of the World has come and it won't be put out.
This article is part of our larger Christmas and Advent resource library centered around the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ!
What is Christmas? Understanding History, Origin and Traditions
When Was Jesus Born? History of December 25th
The Birth of Jesus: Bible Story and Scripture Verses
Christmas Bible Verses & Scripture Story
Christmas Prayers
Advent Prayers
Image credit: Crosscards.com