The idea that Christmas has pagan origins is a claim often made by critics of Christianity. Proponents suggest that December 25th, Christmas traditions, and even the celebration of Christ’s birth are borrowed from pagan festivals like Saturnalia or Sol Invictus. However, as demonstrated by thorough historical and theological evidence, these claims lack credibility. This article addresses such misconceptions, using scholarly resources, early Christian writings, and biblical reasoning.

1. The Date of December 25th

A. Early Christian Origins

One of the most frequent claims is that December 25th was chosen to align with pagan celebrations. However, historical evidence shows that the date was established for theological, not syncretic, reasons.

Sextus Julius Africanus (c. AD 221)

• Africanus calculated Christ’s conception as March 25th, based on the belief that the world was created on that date. Adding nine months for a typical pregnancy places the birth of Christ on December 25th.
• “He [Christ] was conceived on the twenty-fifth of March, the day the world began, and was born after nine months on the twenty-fifth of December.”

This calculation predates the establishment of Sol Invictus as a festival, disproving the idea that Christmas was a reaction to paganism.

Hippolytus of Rome (c. AD 170–235)

• Hippolytus identified December 25th as the birth date of Christ in his Commentary on Daniel.
• “For the first advent of our Lord in the flesh, when He was born in Bethlehem, was December 25th, a Wednesday, while Augustus was in his forty-second year, and from Adam five thousand and five years.”

This shows early Christian recognition of the date long before pagan festivals were associated with it.

Biblical and Theological Symbolism

• Early Christians linked December 25th to the winter solstice, symbolizing the coming of Christ as the "Light of the World".

• “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

• Christ's birth on the solstice represents the theological theme of light overcoming darkness:

  “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” (Isaiah 9:2)