The Universality of Christmas
26 November 2023
Christmas today is widely regarded as a universal festival. It is celebrated across cultures, nations, and even by many who do not identify as Christian. Because of this universality, questions are often raised about its origins. Some argue against the celebration of Christmas, claiming that it is largely based on pagan festivals and rituals. Others point out that the Bible does not record the exact date of Jesus’ birth and therefore question the legitimacy of celebrating it on 25 December.
So what, then, is the truth?
Why 25 December?
The celebration of Christ’s birth on 25 December dates back to the fourth century, during the reign of Emperor Constantine. This was a pivotal time in Christian history, as Christianity was no longer persecuted and believers could openly express their faith.
Traditionally, the Church celebrates saints on the date of their death rather than their birth. This is because, at birth, humanity enters a world marked by sin, whereas at death, the faithful are born into eternal life. There are only three exceptions to this practice: Jesus, Mary, and John the Baptist. Each was uniquely sanctified by the Holy Spirit—Mary was conceived immaculate, and John the Baptist received the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:41).
Since the observance of 25 December began centuries after Jesus’ birth, it is difficult to confirm its historical accuracy. At the time, the date was already significant in Roman culture as the festival celebrating the “Birth of the Sun God,” coinciding with the winter solstice. When Christianity became the state religion, it is possible that the meaning of the day was transformed— from celebrating the birth of the sun to celebrating the birth of the Son of God.
Regardless of its origins, Christians do not celebrate Christmas as a historical birthday party for Jesus. Rather, it is a sacred remembrance of His birth into the world—God entering human history for the salvation of all.
The Meaning Behind Christmas Symbols
Even if the date of Christmas may have roots in earlier cultural practices, the symbols associated with Christmas also come from a variety of traditions. Yet these symbols have been infused with rich Christian meaning over time.
The Star
The Christmas star represents the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the wise men from the East to the newborn King. It reminds us that Christ is the light that leads all nations to God.
The Christmas Tree
In many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, evergreen trees were symbols of hope during winter. Ancient cultures believed winter marked the weakening of the sun, and evergreen branches—remaining green despite the cold—symbolized victory of life over death.
As these cultures embraced Christianity, the evergreen tree took on new meaning. It came to represent Christ, the Savior of the world—the One who conquered sin and death and remains eternally alive.
“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
(1 Corinthians 15:54–55)
“We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.”
(Romans 6:9)
“He will swallow up death forever.”
(Isaiah 25:8)
Lights on the Tree
Long before electric lights, candles were used to illuminate Christmas trees. Light is one of the most powerful symbols of Christ, who declared:
“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)
The lighting of candles also echoes the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which occurs around the same time of year. Early Jewish Christians retained this tradition, extending the symbolism of light to proclaim Jesus as the true Light of the world.
Christmas Gifts
The tradition of exchanging gifts recalls the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh brought by the wise men. Notably, these wise men were not Jewish—they were Gentiles from the East. In continuing this practice, we remember that Christ came not only for one people, but for all nations.
Bells
Bells have carried many meanings across cultures: warding off evil, calling the divine, cleansing the soul, and awakening the mind. All these meanings converge in Christmas. In Christ’s birth, God Himself enters the world to defeat evil, cleanse us from sin, and draw humanity back to Himself.
Candy Canes
The candy cane resembles a shepherd’s staff, reminding us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Its white color symbolizes His purity, while the red stripes recall the blood He shed for the forgiveness of sins.
The Holly Wreath
Holly, an evergreen plant, represents eternal life. Shaped as a wreath, it also points to the crown of thorns Jesus wore during His Passion. The red berries symbolize His blood, shed for our salvation. Together, the holly wreath reminds us that the Child born at Christmas would one day die for our sins and give us everlasting life.
The Mistletoe
Mistletoe, an evergreen parasitic plant, has long been associated with love and healing in ancient European cultures. Its paired leaves and even-numbered berries were seen as symbols of harmony and balance. Though mildly toxic, it also has medicinal uses, reinforcing the idea of healing through sacrifice. In Christian symbolism, mistletoe represents Christ’s everlasting love for humanity.
Conclusion
Jesus did not come to establish a new religion in the conventional sense. He taught a way of life—a way rooted in love, humility, and communion with all people. Christianity is not meant to isolate us into a community of like-minded individuals, but to bind us to all of humanity.
It is deeply significant that the first visitors to the Christ Child were both the poor (the shepherds) and the pagans (the wise men). From the very beginning, Christ revealed that His mission was universal.
Though many Christmas symbols originate from diverse cultures and traditions, their Christian meanings are sincere and profound. By embracing these symbols and infusing them with faith, we have not paganized Christmas—we have personalized it. In celebrating Christmas this way, we proclaim that Christ redeems not only individuals, but cultures themselves.
References & Credits
- Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. © 1989 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
- Wikipedia - Constantine the Great
- Britannica – Christmas
- Archdiocese of New Orleans - Christian Meaning of Christmas Decorations
- History.com - History of Christmas Trees
- Wikipedia - Hanukkah
- Wikipedia - Mistletoe
- Image generated using ChatGPT
