For decades a few church groups, such as the Worldwide Church of God and the Seventh-day Adventists, tell us that Christmas celebration on December 25 has its roots in paganism and ought not to be carried on, especially by Christians. Many of us (Christians and non-Christians) struggle with the thought of Christmas having its roots in paganism, despite the fact that we continue the practice annually.

It became imperative recently to seriously research the origin of Christmas celebration on December 25. Amazingly, we have found out that Christmas celebration on December 25 has nothing to do with paganism.

Hanukkah

In Old Testament times, right up to the birth of Christ and to the present, December 25 (i.e. 25th of Kislev) is the start of the celebration of Hanukkah within the Jewish community, which lasts for eight days. Hanukkah consists of the Feast of Lights (hence, the practice of Christmas lights, etc., during Christmas), and the Feast of Dedication. Also, Hanukkah is the time of giving of gifts. This is where, we believe, Christmas celebration has its roots and not in paganism.

deeper roots

Richard Bauckham tells us "the desire for differentiation from paganism had deeper Christian roots than the second century desire for differentiation from Judaism (From Sabbath to Lord's Day, Zondervan Publishing House, 1982, p. 237). And Tertullian in the second century remarks, "How wicked to celebrate them [i.e. pagan feasts] among brethren (On Idolatry, 14, ANF, III, p. 70).

So, in no way would the Christian community choose a pagan day to celebrate the birth of Christ. In fact, Christians were willing to give up life than to be involved in known pagan practices. Justin Martyr suffered such a fate.

I am, etc.,

C. ALOYSIUS JOHNSON

caj_hellshire@yahoo.com

Hellshire, St Catherine