Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on December 25th?

What a great question, I’m so glad you asked!  Well, it all comes back to the Biblical principle of “Remove & Replace”, or “Put-Off and Put-On”.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:22-24

The Pagan religion (Hedonism would be our closest modern day philosophy) had deep roots in the Roman Empire and culture.  As Christianity began to flourish many, many people were converting from Paganism to Christianity.  But, many of them found it difficult to break away from the rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations that were so ingrained in their mindset.  So, in 386 AD a bishop named John Chrysostom suggested and lobbied the Roman Empire to remove the celebration of Paganism centered around the Winter Solstice and replace it with a celebration of Jesus Christ, which he entitled “Christ Mass”.

It didn’t catch on immediately but over time the world adopted this “Holy Day” and it is now the official day that all of the world celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.