The early Christian community hasn’t accepted December 25as the date of Jesus’ birth and the liturgical celebration of that event. The observance of that day for Jesus’s birth took long to be accepted. In particular, during the first two centuries of Christianity, there was strong opposition to recognizing it as the birth of Jesus.

In Rome, between the years 325 and 354, Sextus Julius Africanus has decided on December 25 for Jesus’ birth, and later it became the universally accepted date. December 25 is a Christian version of dies solis invicti nati , a popular holiday in the Roman Empire. People celebrated on that day the winter solstice, which symbolizes the resurgence of the sun, the casting away of winter, and the heralding of the rebirth of spring and summer. Indeed, after December 25 had become widely accepted as the date of Jesus’ birth, Christian writers frequently connected the regeneration of the sun and the birth of the Son.

December 25 has always been a pagan festivity. That is why the early church was intent on distinguishing itself categorically from pagan beliefs and practices. Today, this pagan practice has become a religious celebration.

Dr. Serge Valcourt

Spiritual Conscience Awakeness