Every December, a familiar accusation resurfaces: “Christmas is pagan.” From internet videos to skeptical friends and even well-meaning Christians, the charge is that the celebration of Jesus’ birth on December 25 is rooted in sun worship, Roman festivals, or ancient idolatry. The implication? That Christians who celebrate Christmas are participating in paganism.
But is that true?
This study seeks to answer that question with historical accuracy and theological clarity. The aim is not to defend every cultural expression of Christmas, but to distinguish what is true, what is myth, and how we can honor Christ without compromise.
The Word Itself: Christ + Mas
Let’s begin with the word “Christmas.” It is a compound of two words: “Christ” and “Mass.” The term originated in old English as “Cristes Maesse,” meaning “the Mass of Christ.” Though the Roman Catholic Mass is not our standard of theology, the term itself simply means a celebration or gathering centered on Christ.
To say “Christmas” is to speak His name. The name has never referred to a pagan god. It is not borrowed from false religion. It is, by construction and confession, Christ’s day.
“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given… And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
To celebrate His birth is to celebrate the incarnation of God in the flesh.
Holiday Means Holy Day
The English word “holiday” is a shortening of “holy day.” It implies a day set apart for sacred purposes. The Sabbath was a holy day (Exodus 20:8). The feasts of Israel were holy convocations (Leviticus 23). In that sense, the Church has long recognized certain days for reflection, remembrance, and worship.
If a Christian chooses to honor Christ on December 25, or any day, it can be done to the glory of God.
“One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.” (Romans 14:5)
Was Jesus Born on December 25?
Scripture does not specify the exact date of Jesus’ birth. Arguments against December 25 often claim that shepherds wouldn’t have been in the fields during winter (Luke 2:8), yet Bethlehem’s climate is mild, and winter grazing was not uncommon. The Bible simply does not say.
What we do know is that by the early fourth century, Christians were already celebrating Christ’s birth on December 25, not because of paganism, but because of theological symbolism and possible alignment with the date of Christ’s conception.
The Church Father Hippolytus (circa AD 200) suggested December 25 long before Emperor Constantine’s reign. By the time of the Council of Nicaea (AD 325), it was widely accepted in both East and West that the nativity was worth commemorating.
Did Christmas Replace Pagan Festivals?
Critics claim Christmas was invented to “Christianize” pagan celebrations like Saturnalia, Sol Invictus, or Mithraic feasts. But these theories fall apart under scrutiny.
- Saturnalia was celebrated December 17-23 in honor of the Roman god Saturn. It involved feasting and role reversal. But it ended before December 25.
- Sol Invictus (the “Unconquered Sun”) was a late Roman festival instituted in AD 274 by Emperor Aurelian. There is no evidence Christians borrowed from this feast, and if anything, it was likely introduced in reaction to the growing Christian observance. Furthermore, there is zero evidence to suggest it was on December 25.
- Mithras, a Persian god, was supposedly born from a rock on December 25. But the date of Mithraic worship is speculative and comes from much later sources.
No early Church father ever claimed they were adopting or redeeming pagan festivals. Instead, they focused on the theological significance of Christ’s birth, God becoming man.
The Date and the Doctrine
So how did we get the date December 25?
Some early Christians believed Jesus was conceived on March 25. Adding nine months lands you at December 25. Whether this is accurate or not doesn’t really matter. It shows the date was rooted in devotion, not compromise.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory…” (John 1:14)
The point is not the exact date, but the truth of the Incarnation. God took on flesh. And that is worth celebrating.
The Council’s Role and Early Christian Observance
By the time of the Council of Nicaea, the Church had established key doctrines about the deity of Christ. The nativity was not ignored; it was honored. By the late fourth century, sermons by John Chrysostom and others mention December 25 as the day set aside to worship the birth of Christ.
This was never about sun gods or Roman politics. It was about proclaiming that the Light of the World had come.
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness…” (John 1:4–5)
What About the Christmas Tree?
Another common accusation is that the Christmas tree comes from pagan tree worship. But the idea of decorating trees for Christmas didn’t emerge until much later in Germany, around the 16th century. Martin Luther is often credited with adding candles to a tree to represent Christ, the Light of the World.
To be clear, The Bible condemns idolatry, not trees.
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven… For the customs of the peoples are futile; for one cuts a tree from the forest… he fastens it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple.'” (Jeremiah 10:2–4)
This passage is not about Christmas trees. It is about carving idols from wood. A Christmas tree is not an idol unless it becomes one in the heart.
Celebrating the Incarnation
The incarnation of Jesus is the most staggering event in human history. God became a man. He was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life. And He came to die for sinners.
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.” (Galatians 4:4)
The Church has every right to celebrate that moment. Whether on December 25 or another day, what matters is the motive.
The Origins of Gift-Giving
Giving gifts at Christmas is often labeled as a materialistic tradition, but its roots are biblical and rich with meaning. The practice draws from the example of the Magi:
“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11)
These were not casual offerings… they were royal, priestly, and prophetic symbols of Christ’s identity. The giving of gifts is not inherently carnal. It becomes idolatrous only when it replaces the Person of Christ or when it promotes selfish indulgence.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
The Historical St. Nicholas and the Rise of Santa Claus
The name “Santa Claus” comes from the Dutch “Sinterklaas,” which itself comes from “Saint Nicholas,” a 4th-century bishop of Myra (in modern-day Turkey). Nicholas was known for secret acts of charity, defending orthodox doctrine at the Council of Nicaea, and caring for the poor.
He was a real man. He loved Jesus. And he gave generously in the name of Christ. Over centuries, legends grew around him, eventually merging with Norse, German, and Western traditions.
The modern American image of Santa, as a jolly man in red delivering toys via sleigh, is largely a 19th-century invention, popularized by:
- Clement Clarke Moore’s poem A Visit from St. Nicholas (1823)
- Coca-Cola advertisements in the 1930s
None of this has anything to do with the Bible. But that doesn’t mean every parent who hangs a stocking is worshipping a false god. Like all things, it depends on the heart.
Can a Christian Acknowledge Santa Without Lying?
Christian parents must lead with truth. While it’s not sinful to reference St. Nicholas historically, it is wrong to deceive children with a myth and then associate it with the Gospel.
“Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.” (Ephesians 4:25)
There’s nothing wrong with imagination, but the line must be drawn at deception. Let Christ be exalted, not Santa.
The Danger of Commercialism
The real danger of Christmas today is not paganism, it’s materialism. The culture has hijacked the celebration and replaced it with consumerism.
“You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)
Many households spend more time shopping than worshipping, more energy decorating than praying, and more money on entertainment than missions.
The call is not to abandon the holiday, but to redeem it, to bring it back to what it should be: a celebration of Christ’s first coming.
Christian Liberty and Idolatry
The Bible gives clear principles:
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
“Let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths…” (Colossians 2:16)
“He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.” (Romans 14:6)
It is possible to observe a day in honor of the Lord. It is also possible to observe it in vain. Each believer must examine his heart. There is no command to celebrate Christmas, but there is liberty to do so.
Keeping Christ Central
Christmas should be saturated with Scripture, worship, and Gospel truth.
- Read Luke 2 as a family
- Sing Christ-centered Christmas hymns
- Give generously to those in need
- Preach the Incarnation to your children
- Turn every tradition into a teaching moment
Let your home reflect the Light of the world, not the glitter of the culture.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
My Final Thoughts
The roots of Christmas are not pagan, they are Christian. The word itself proclaims “Christ” and celebrates His coming. Though traditions have shifted, and the world has commercialized what was sacred, the core remains… God became flesh and dwelt among us.
A Christian can celebrate Christmas without idolatry. But it requires intentionality. We must guard against deception, distraction, and dishonor. Whether you decorate a tree or not, whether you give gifts or not, let your heart be fixed on the glory of the Incarnate King.
“And the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'” (Luke 2:10–11)
Let us make much of Christ this Christmas. Let us teach our children why He came. Let us give with joy, worship with reverence, and live with purity.
The world may twist the season, but we are not of the world. Let Christmas be the holy day it was meant to be.
