Many people have asked me this same question over the years, often with a gentle curiosity rather than doubt. When we gather on December 25 to celebrate Christmas, we are not only marking a date on the calendar—we are stepping into a mystery where history, faith, and symbol come together. It is natural to wonder whether this day was chosen because it was truly the birthday of Jesus Christ, or for deeper spiritual reasons.
Historically speaking, the Bible does not tell us the exact date of Jesus’ birth. The early Christians, especially in the first centuries, were less concerned with celebrating birthdays and more focused on the Resurrection. Yet as the Church grew, believers felt a longing to honor the moment when God entered the world as a child. By the fourth century, December 25 had become widely accepted as the day to celebrate the Nativity. This was not about historical precision as much as it was about proclaiming a truth of faith: God truly became one of us.
There is also a beautiful symbolism woven into this date. In the ancient world, December 25 was closely associated with the winter solstice—the time when darkness is at its deepest, and the light begins to return. The Church saw something profoundly fitting here. As the days begin to grow longer, we proclaim that Christ is the Light who enters our darkest nights. As the Gospel of John tells us in simple but powerful words, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” What better moment to celebrate the birth of the Light of the world?
For us today, what matters most is not the exact calendar date, but the invitation December 25 gives us. Each year, Christmas asks us to welcome Christ anew—into our homes, our struggles, and our hopes. In the quiet of that holy night, we are reminded that God does not wait for perfect conditions. He comes gently, humbly, and faithfully, even when the world feels cold or uncertain. And so, we celebrate not just a birthday long ago, but a living presence among us now.
Reflection
As we celebrate Christmas on December 25, may we remember that Christ is born wherever hearts open to His light. In every season of darkness, His coming assures us that hope is never lost.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way.
