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Biblical Context: The Bible provides details about the conditions surrounding Christ’s birth, but doesn't specify a particular date. Ok, so what's with it? Why December 25? In the New Testament, mostly in Matthew and Luke, provide just mostly direct narratives regarding the nativity of Christ (Luke 2:8-14) -
“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."
In these accounts show the humble and divine circumstances of the birth of Christ, but don't indicate a date.

And in regard to Proverbs 3:5, this has nothing to do with this; rather, he posted it thinking this might end the discussion by silencing me with some biblical lines. I don't find it helpful; rather, this simply defines your arrogance, Roy Dahil.
Historical Reasons for December 25th
Aligning with Roman Traditions: The early Christians thought of a date that might align with the existing Roman Winter Festivals, (yes, it was about traditions) such as Saturnalia (dedicated to the god Saturn) and the Sol Invictus (the Feast of the Unconquered Sun), which celebrates the winter solstice. They, of course, want to replace these pagan practices or traditions with a celebration that reflects on their faith.
Theological Symbolism: And some early Christian scholars, like Saint Augustine, are trying to articulate the symbolic nature of December 25th. They connected the date to the "new light" of Jesus Christ as he entered the world, metaphorically aligning it with the 'winter solstice' when days begin to lengthen and light increases. So, yes, I do agree, it was made up since it isn't inspired through revelation.
Early Christian Writings: The early Christian historian, Sextus Julius Africanus, made a suggestion about December 25th in his work "Chronographiai," a five-volume chronology detailing the history of the world from the creation until AD 221. His calculations on the said date influenced later Christian thoughts and practices. So again, it seems they're just making control of the history and how they made up dates just by linking other historians' ideas, no question about it.
So, the question:
Theological Symbolism: And some early Christian scholars, like Saint Augustine, are trying to articulate the symbolic nature of December 25th. They connected the date to the "new light" of Jesus Christ as he entered the world, metaphorically aligning it with the 'winter solstice' when days begin to lengthen and light increases. So, yes, I do agree, it was made up since it isn't inspired through revelation.
Early Christian Writings: The early Christian historian, Sextus Julius Africanus, made a suggestion about December 25th in his work "Chronographiai," a five-volume chronology detailing the history of the world from the creation until AD 221. His calculations on the said date influenced later Christian thoughts and practices. So again, it seems they're just making control of the history and how they made up dates just by linking other historians' ideas, no question about it.
So, the question:
- Why do you Latter-day Saints still adopt this kind of made-up history?
- What's the relevance of it in your doctrine?
- Why not adopt the revelation from your prophet?
About the Latter-day Saint Perspective
Significance in the Latter-day Saints' Belief: As in Latter-day Saints' teachings, the exact date of Christ's birth was not emphasized, unlike its spiritual significance of His life and the Atonement, which we always do every Sunday. But yes, of course, we do unite the world tradition about it for some good reasons. Somehow, 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.
As Latter-day Saints, December 25th for Christmas may be more on symbolism and tradition rather than historical accuracy. The date invites Christians, including Latter-day Saints, the opportunities to reflect on the Light of Christ (as the Yearly Slogan says about Light of the World) and His role in providing hope and salvation to humanity.
So, it's not about the accuracy or the actual birth, but as Latter-day Saints always show the importance of the value of Christ's Spirit of Love, Sharing, and Caring were even more valuable than debating the questionable date. The very reason 'why' we unified with other faiths on such a tradition is that it brings valuable lessons of Christlike Attributes, and as covenant keepers, we always 'Remember' Christ. Did you get it, Roy V. Dahil?
Focus on Christ: For Latter-day Saints, the precise day of Jesus's birth is not doctrinally complicated or critical. The celebration of Christmas as on December 25th is seen for Latter-day Saints as an opportunity to focus on Jesus Christ’s life and teachings, and to participate in a season of worldwide goodwill and giving. Check out most of the talk about this at the Christmas Devotional. (Click on the link)
Prophetic Statement: Modern Prophets, Apostles, or General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, always emphasized the importance of spiritual observance of Christ's birth as a time to boost our faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, and to serve others, aligning with the Teachings of Christ and the Church Mission which is to invite others to come unto Christ.
Prophetic Statement: Modern Prophets, Apostles, or General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, always emphasized the importance of spiritual observance of Christ's birth as a time to boost our faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, and to serve others, aligning with the Teachings of Christ and the Church Mission which is to invite others to come unto Christ.
Inevitably, the spirit of Christmas inspires kind deeds, touches human hearts, and prompts one’s mind to reach back to that humble stable in faraway Bethlehem, to a time when the prophecies of the prophets, both in that area and here on the American continent, became a living reality. Christ the Lord was born. - (Teach the Children by Thomas S. Monson)

Modern Christian Perspective
Here's additional insight for you to learn, Roy V. Dahil. Most of the modern scholars agree that December 25th is not the actual historical date of Christ's birth. The early Christians already 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, and we call it the atonement. So, it still leads and focuses on Christ's mission. The date December 25th has been accepted across of most Christian religions as the day to remember the birth of Christ, regardless of its historical facts and inaccuracy. This date (December 25) has become a 'focal point' for reflection on the teachings of Christ and instilling hope and joy in the hearts of believers, not a reference of his age. So, was it about the actual date? Nope, it isn't. Check out this quote from an Anglican scholar -“Take Christmas away, and in biblical terms you lose two chapters at the front of Matthew and Luke, nothing else. Take Easter away, and you don’t have a New Testament; you don’t have a Christianity; as Paul says, you are still in your sins.” ― N.T. Wright, Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church
What was actually the right prophesied date of Christ's Birth?
In Latter-day Saint as mostly thought, 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 source that we know and was commonly quoted, was the revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, about the rise of the church, which is recorded in "Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:1", thus indicating that April 6 is the day that the Church will be organize in their time "1830", and it is seen as significant or connected 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. - Doctrine and Covenants 20:1"
Because of those lines, it had lead 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 also important that this interpretation is not universally accepted as definitive even within the church there were just few members of General Authorities who made an attempt that this was all about Christ's Birth and of couse this is based on their own personal interpretations or opinions and there's nothing wrong about it, so the traditional celebration of Christ’s birth remains on December 25th as part of broader Christian cultural observance, which I already made it clear on this post.
Did Roy V. Dahil really understand why the LDS Celebrate Christmas on December 25?
- The exact date of Christmas is not important versus the unity and love it promotes.
- Celebrating birth and Christ's atonement and Heavenly Father's love is the true purpose.
- Focusing too much on details can only distract us from Christ's core message of his doctrine.
- Christmas allows a universal theme of love, charity, and goodwill.
- December 25th symbolizes a season of giving and love as taught by Christ, and should be the essence of that day.
- The holiday is a chance to deepen faith and share love through service.
So, you see Roy V. Dahil. It is not about the date and its pagan practices, rather the day were we could be united to celebrate Christ as his whole purpose to come to earth. 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 too lazy to read the whole article.
- Do you celebrate Christmas, commemorating Pagan worship?
- No, and it doesn't matter if this was the same date as the Pagan day of worship; we celebrate Christ and his works, atonement, and nothing else.
- So, do you LDS believe that Christ's birth is not on December 25?
- Yes, or as long as the current declaration or revelations say so.
- So why do you celebrate December 25 rather than the date your leaders would decide?
- The world celebrates the same date harmoniously, and they're doing it for the sake of Love, joy, happiness, service, giving, and many other attributes reflecting Christ, so there's nothing wrong in adapting the same tradition that invites us to come closer to Christ and build bridges of Love and Friendship? And as of this moment, no current declaration from the General Authorities as to when will we celebrate Christ's Birth.
- Are you aware that it is a pagan tradition?
- Yes, so as the others or the rest of the people who know history, and there's nothing wrong with replacing this Pagan tradition with a Christian Tradition. We don't worship or Honor Pagan gods on December 25.
- To some point, does celebrating Christmas on December 25 help your spiritual knowledge or understanding of Christ?
- I preferred to understand more about the Love of God for all of us in presenting his son as a Sacrifice for our shortcomings. Either it helps me with 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 the Weekly Sacrament meeting, remind us of those things.
Now, what about asking Roy Dahil on his side about this matter? Any response?
Thank you, and have a nice day.
- Jerry N. Bustillo