The Plain Truth About Christmas: What History and Scripture Really Reveal.
Christmas Ancient Origins & The Hidden Truth Behind December 25
Discover The Truth About Christmas and uncover the surprising ancient origins of December 25, how pagan traditions shaped today’s holiday, and why its meaning remains debated.
The Truth about Christmas is far more complex than most people realize. While billions observe December 25 as a joyful celebration of Christ’s birth, only a few ever stop to ask a simple question: Why this date?
Understanding the Truth About Christmas requires digging through ancient cultures, old religions, philosophical writings, and biblical principles. Surprisingly, Christmas as we know it today didn’t begin in the New Testament, nor did early Christians celebrate it. Instead, its roots stretch deep into pre-Christian religions, especially those tied to sun worship and the winter solstice.
This article uncovers the real origins of Christmas—its historical path, its pagan ties, and its spiritual implications—so readers can understand what December 25 represents and decide for themselves how to view it.
The Ancient Roots Behind December 25
How Pagan Traditions Influenced Early Cultures
Long before Christmas existed, ancient civilizations celebrated the winter solstice. This event marked the sun’s “rebirth” as daylight gradually increased again. The date was widely honored with festivals, feasts, sacrifices, and rituals.
From Babylon to Rome, cultures worshipped gods linked to the sun, agriculture, or rebirth. Over time, these practices blended into the religious and political systems of powerful empires.
Rome’s Adoption of Mithraism and Its Connection to Christmas
Plutarch’s Account of Mithra and Roman Soldiers
Plutarch, the well-known Greek historian, wrote that Roman soldiers adopted Mithraism from the pirates of Cilicia, a region in modern-day Turkey.
The god Mithra—often pictured slaying a sacred bull—symbolized strength, loyalty, and victory, qualities Roman soldiers admired.
Since Mithra’s birth was celebrated on December 25, the date gained religious prestige in the Roman Empire long before Christianity dominated the region.
Why December 25 Became a Sacred Date
December 25 was celebrated as natalis solis invicti, meaning the birthday of the unconquered sun. Romans believed this day marked the sun’s triumph over darkness after the solstice. Festivals included:
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feasting
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games
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honor to sun gods
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exchanging gifts
These traditions would later influence what became known as Christmas.
Zoroaster, Persia, and the Birth of Mithraic Customs
Zoroaster’s Influence on Greek and Roman Thought
Zoroaster, also called Zarathustra, was a key religious figure whose teachings shaped Persian beliefs. Greek philosophers—among the most influential in history—were deeply impacted by his ideas.
The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy even lists him as one of the earliest philosophers known.
Islamic References to Zoroaster and Early Magian Beliefs
The Sunni historian al-Tabari wrote that Zoroaster once lived in Israel and had connections to the prophet Jeremiah. According to this tradition, after breaking trust with his spiritual teacher, Zoroaster left Israel, traveled east, and introduced modified teachings to foreign kings.
These ideas laid the groundwork for the Magian priesthood mentioned in Matthew 2:1–12.
The Spread of Pagan Sun Worship Across Civilizations
Nimrod and the Babylonian Religious System
Historian Alexander Hislop traced many pagan religions back to Babylon and its legendary king, Nimrod. Hislop labeled Nimrod as the world’s first apostate, claiming his sun-based worship system influenced Egypt, Persia, Greece, Italy, India, China, and Japan.
Hislop’s “The Two Babylons” and Its Claims
Hislop’s well-known book proposes that many modern religious customs—including Christmas—evolved from ancient Babylonian practices. Anyone exploring the True History of Christmas will find this work essential for understanding religious syncretism.
How Mithraism Blended Into Early Christianity
The Role of The Roman Empire
When Christianity spread across the empire, Romans found it difficult to abandon their beloved festivals. Instead of eliminating ancient celebrations, some leaders merged older customs with Christian themes to make conversion easier.
The “Birthday of the Unconquered Sun” Festival
The celebration of December 25 as the sun’s rebirth smoothly transitioned into a Christian holiday. The pagan meaning was replaced with the birth of Christ, though the date itself stayed the same.
The Venerable Bede and the Institutionalization of December 25
How Christmas Entered the English Christian Tradition
When Rome conquered Britain, it carried its Mithraic traditions with it. Later, in 731 A.D., the English monk known as the Venerable Bede wrote Ecclesiastical History of the English People, documenting December 25 as Christ’s birthdate.
This helped cement the date within Western Christianity.
Scriptural Warnings Against Pagan Blending
Biblical Teachings on Idolatry
Many biblical passages warn against mixing true worship with pagan practices:
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1 Corinthians 10:14
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1 Samuel 15:23
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Exodus 32
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Numbers 25
- Revelation 18:4
The Bible consistently teaches that God’s people should avoid adopting customs rooted in idolatry.
The Contrast Between True Worship and Vain Worship
Christ warned in Matthew 15:8–9 that worship can become vain when it is based on human traditions instead of God’s truth. John 4:23–24 adds that true worship must be in “spirit and truth,” not in customs inherited from other religions.
Cultural, Social, and Emotional Reasons People Celebrate Christmas
Food, Festivity, and Social Pressure
People love seasons of joy—feasting, gift-giving, rest, and family time. Even if a date has questionable origins, social customs make it difficult to resist the celebrations.
The Psychology of Celebration Dates
Human beings enjoy structure and annual festivals. Dates help anchor traditions, so even if the historical meaning is lost, the celebration persists.
Modern Christian Practices and the Question of Truth
Are Celebrations Motivated by Faith or Convenience?
Many Christians celebrate December 25 with sincere hearts, but few examine whether their practices align with biblical instructions or historical facts.
The Wise Versus the Unwise: Daniel’s Prophecy
Daniel 12:10 states that “the wise shall understand.” Understanding The True History of Christmas requires thoughtful reflection, not blind tradition.
FAQs About The True History of Christmas
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Is December 25 mentioned in the Bible as Christ’s birthday?
No. Scripture never provides a date for Christ’s birth. -
Did early Christians celebrate Christmas?
No. The earliest Christians did not observe Christ’s birth, focusing instead on His death and resurrection. -
Why was December 25 chosen?
It matched the pagan festival celebrating the sun’s rebirth. -
Was Mithra born on December 25?
Yes, the Roman version of Mithra’s mythology included a December 25 birth. -
Did Christianity borrow rituals from pagan religions?
Historically, some customs were adapted to ease conversion. -
Is celebrating Christmas considered sinful?
Yes. Do not follow the ways of the heathen, Jer. 10:2
Understanding The Truth Behind December 25
The Truth About Christmas reveals that December 25 did not originate from Scripture but from ancient religious systems deeply tied to sun worship and pagan practices. While many celebrate the holiday with good intentions, understanding its roots helps believers make informed decisions about their faith and traditions.
Million of Christians celebrate Christmas and exchange gifts but do they honor God with it? They spend thousand of dollars but do not give offerings to Christ. What a vain celebration.
Matt. 15: 7 “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
For additional reading on ancient pagan religions, visit reputable historical sources such as the World History Encyclopedia.
Read also Christ Practicing Jew. Did He Adhere to Mosaic Law?