Why Do We Celebrate Christmas in December? Responding Roy Dahil

Overview: Christmas, celebrated on December 25th, is recognized primarily as the commemorative birthday of Jesus Christ. While the Bible does not specify the exact date of Jesus's birth, the choice of December 25th has historical and theological significance that has evolved over centuries.

Biblical Context: The Bible gives us details about the conditions surrounding Christ’s birth but does not provide a specific date. In the New Testament, the Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide the most direct narratives regarding the nativity of Jesus: Luke 2:8-14 (KJV):

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."

These accounts highlight the humble and divine circumstances of the birth of Jesus but do not indicate a date.

Proverbs 3:5 has nothing to do about this, rather he posted it thinking this might ends up the discussion in silencing me with some biblical lines. I don't find it helpful rather this simple defines your arrogance Roy Dahil.

Historical Reasons for December 25th

Aligning with Roman Traditions: Early Christians sought a date that would align with existing Roman winter festivals, such as Saturnalia (dedicated to the god Saturn) and Sol Invictus (the Feast of the Unconquered Sun), which celebrated the winter solstice. They aimed to replace these pagan festivals with a celebration that reflected their faith.

Theological Symbolism: Some early Christian scholars, like Saint Augustine, articulated the symbolic nature of December 25th. They connected the date to the "new light" of Jesus Christ entering the world, metaphorically aligning it with the winter solstice when days begin to lengthen and light increases.

Early Christian Writings: An early Christian historian, Sextus Julius Africanus, suggested December 25th in his work "Chronographiai," a five-volume chronology detailing the history of the world from creation to AD 221. His calculations influenced later Christian thought and practice.

Significance in Latter-day Saint Beliefs: In Latter-day Saint teachings, the exact date of Christ's birth isn't emphasized as much as the spiritual significance of His life and the Atonement. However, Latter-day Saints join other Christians around the world in celebrating December 25th as a time to remember Jesus Christ's birth as part of God's plan for the salvation of His children.

The designation of December 25th for Christmas may be more about symbolism and tradition than historical accuracy. The date provides Christians, including Latter-day Saints, an opportunity to reflect on the light of Christ and His role in providing hope and salvation to humanity.

Was December 25 a pagan tradition? Why do we celebrate Christmas on it?
Here’s a brief exploration of why December 25th was chosen for Christmas and how it relates to earlier traditions.

Historical Roots and Pagan Traditions

Roman Festivals: December 25th coincides with Roman festivities like Saturnalia (a festival honoring the deity Saturn with gifts and feasting) and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (the birthday of the Unconquered Sun) which celebrated the winter solstice. Both of these festivities highlighted themes of light, rebirth, and renewal which are also central to the meaning of Christmas.

Christian Adoption: As Christianity began to spread within the Roman Empire, church leaders in the 4th century sought to establish a distinct Christian tradition but chose to maintain the familiar date of December 25th, repurposing it with Christian significance as the birthday of Jesus Christ. This strategic decision helped to ease the transition of Roman citizens from paganism to Christianity by blending Christian celebrations with traditional festivals.

Scriptural and Theological Justifications:
Symbolic Date: Early Christian theologians, such as Augustine, reinforced the choice of December 25th by linking the date to Jesus Christ being the spiritual "Sun of Righteousness" prophesied in Malachi 4:2. The choice of the solstice thus carries deep symbolic meaning, representing the arrival of the light of Christ in a spiritually darkened world.

Biblical Chronology: Though the Bible does not provide a specific date for the birth of Christ, some church fathers, including Hippolytus of Rome, speculated that Jesus's birth date could be December 25th based on calendrical calculations that start with the date of the conception of John the Baptist, presumed to coincide with the Jewish feast of Passover.

Modern Christian Perspective

Emphasis on Meaning, Not Date: Most modern scholars agree that December 25th is not the historical date of Jesus's birth. Early Christians recognized that the exact date was less important than the theological significance of Christ’s birth itself—the Incarnation of God as a human being for the redemption of humanity.

Ecumenical Celebrations: December 25th has been embraced universally across most Christian denominations as a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, regardless of its historical accuracy. This date has become a focal point for reflecting on the teachings of Christ and instilling hope and joy in the hearts of believers.

Latter-day Saint Perspective

Focus on Christ: For Latter-day Saints, the precise day of Jesus's birth is not doctrinally critical. The celebration of Christmas on December 25th is seen as an opportunity to focus on Jesus Christ’s life and teachings, and to participate in a season of worldwide goodwill and giving.

Prophetic Affirmation: Modern prophets and apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasize the spiritual observance of Jesus's birth as a time for increased faith in Christ and service to others, aligning with the broader Christian mission.

While the choice of December 25th may originally have been influenced by Roman pagan festivals, the day has been profoundly transformed by its association with the birth of Jesus Christ. This demonstrates the Christian principle of redemption and renewal – turning a time of pagan celebration into a season that focuses on the life and sacrifices of Christ, promoting peace, joy, and charity. The universal acceptance of this date enhances Christian unity and allows believers worldwide to share in a common tradition of celebrating the ultimate gift of God to humankind—Jesus Christ.

What's the actual prophesied date about Christ Birth?

In Latter-day Saint teachings, based on revelations and scriptural interpretations, some details suggest a different time of year for the birth of Jesus Christ than the traditional December 25th. One important source often cited is the revelation received by the Prophet Joseph Smith, which is recorded in Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:1, indicating that April 6 is the day the Church was organized in 1830 and is seen as significant in relation to the birth of Christ:

"The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April."

This has led some members and leaders within the Church to conclude that April 6 might also be the actual date of Christ's birth. However, it's important that this interpretation is not universally accepted as definitive even within the church, and the traditional celebration of Christ’s birth remains on December 25th as part of broader Christian cultural observance.

Did Roy V. Dahil really understood why LDS Celebrate Christmas on December 25?

It's worth pondering whether Roy V. Dahil fully grasped the nuances of LDS teachings and doctrine concerning the celebration of Christmas on December 25th. It's a common query that might arise in the minds of many when reflecting on the traditions and teachings of the Church. However, questioning the precise details, such as the accurate date of Christ’s birth, often doesn’t alter the essence of what we celebrate.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, our primary focus isn’t necessarily on the date itself but on the unity and love that the holiday fosters among people worldwide. From a broader perspective, whether the world celebrates Christmas in December or any other time doesn't fundamentally change the nature of what's being celebrated. What truly matters is the purpose behind the celebration—the commemoration of Jesus Christ’s birth and the profound love of Heavenly Father in sending His Son to atone for our sins.

In our discussions about Christmas, especially when debating the specifics like the date, it’s helpful to remember that excessive scrutiny into these details can sometimes lead us away from the core message of Christ's love and redemptive power. Rather than getting caught up in debates about the correct timing, we as Latter-day Saints might focus more meaningfully on the teachings of Christ and how we can emulate His love and kindness during the holiday season and beyond.

For us, the beauty of Christmas lies not in the preciseness of its historical date but in the universal themes of love, charity, and goodwill it promotes. Celebrating Christmas in December, as is traditionally done worldwide, conveys a message of unity and common purpose. It’s an occasion that transcends the individual and brings communities together to reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, enhancing peace and joy among all.

In this light, whether Roy Dahil or anyone else fully comprehends this aspect of LDS teaching may not hold significant weight. The emphasis should perhaps be on the broader spiritual implications of Christmas—how it serves as a reminder of the Savior’s atonement and an opportunity to share His love with others. This perspective aligns well with the teachings of the Church, which consistently encourage love, service, and kindness.

Ultimately, the date of December 25th has come to represent a season of giving and loving as taught by Christ. By focusing on these foundational principles of our faith during Christmas, regardless of the date on which we celebrate, we honor the divine gift of the Savior’s birth and His eternal message of love and redemption. This approach allows us to use the holiday season as a powerful opportunity to deepen our faith in Jesus Christ and share that faith through acts of love and service.

And here's a short Question and Answer portion to help you understand what has been said. This might help you understand my statement if you're to lazy to read the whole article.

1. Do you celebrate Christmas commemorating Pagan worship?
• No and it doesn't matter if this was the same date of Pagan day of worship, we celebrate Christ and his works, atonement and nothing else.
2. So do you LDS believe that Christ birth is not on December 25?
• Yes according to current declaration.
3. So why do you celebrate December 25 rather on different date?
• The world celebrates the same date harmoniously and they're doing it for the sake of Love, joy, happiness, service, giving and many other reflecting Christ attributes, so there's nothing wrong in adapting the same tradition that invites us to come closer to Christ?
4. Are you aware that it is a pagan tradition?
• Yes, so as the others or the rest of the people who knows history and there's nothing wrong replacing this Pagan tradition to a Christian Tradition. We don't Worship or Honor Pagan gods on December 25.
5. To some point, does Celebrating Christmas on December 25 helps your spiritual knowledge or understanding about Christ?
• I preferred to understand more about the Love of God to all of us in presenting his son as a Sacrifice for our shortcomings. Either it helps me about doctrine and Theology or Christology, it doesn't matter. The Only thing that matters is I know that God loves us and they are doing Their very best to help us understand their nature and our full potential. Christmas and other celebrations and even Weekly Sacrament meeting reminds us of those things.

Now, what about let's ask Roy Dahil on his side about this matter.

Thank you and have a nice day.

- Jerry N. Bustillo