Over the past several years, there have been numerous individuals and articles exposing what some consider the pagan roots of Christmas. Most of these discussions are directed toward Christians, claiming that the observance of Christmas is displeasing to God and even idolatrous in nature. This is a serious claim and one worthy of a sound biblical response.

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The idea of Christmas having pagan origins has been circulating for years. No doubt there are pagan themes that date back to the Greek and Roman era, and some elements associated with Christmas can, in fact, be traced to pagan roots. However, let’s shed some light on this from a biblical perspective.

Are There Pagan Origins?

One argument rests largely on the dating of Christmas to December 25. Historically, December 25 has been associated with the winter solstice. This time of year became a favored season for various festivals, celebrations, and anniversaries throughout the Greek and Roman empires. One such celebration was a Roman festival called Saturnalia, which honored a pagan god. Over time, the religious aspect of Saturnalia faded, and it became more secular in nature. During the third century, another Roman festival was established to celebrate the birthday of the sun god, Sol Invictus. This celebration also took place on December 25 and eventually faded as well.

Sometime between the third and fourth centuries, the Church of Rome began observing a celebration to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. This celebration was completely distinct from the earlier pagan festivals and was pure in both motive and purpose. At its origin, there was no link between Christmas and the pagan celebrations that preceded it. As for why December 25 was chosen as the date to observe Christmas, there are several theories, but ultimately, we can only speculate. What we do know is that this time of year and date was chosen, and over time, a blending of certain customs from the surrounding culture occurred. Nonetheless, at its core, Christmas itself, as a distinct holiday, did not originate as a pagan celebration. Furthermore, the date alone is insufficient to conclude that Christmas began as a pagan holiday. Church history consistently tells us that Christmas began as a distinct holy day with a specific focus: the birth of Jesus Christ.

Another argument suggests that because some blending of cultural customs did take place, certain customs surrounding Christmas must therefore carry pagan themes, such as the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, gift-giving, and decorative lights. Some argue that these customs are directly tied to paganism and conclude that those who participate in them are committing spiritual idolatry. However, this conclusion is, at best, a gross exaggeration and is ultimately unscriptural. In contemporary culture, Christmas is very rarely observed as an outright pagan festival involving the worship of false gods (though such cases do exist). While we would never justify the worship of false gods, this is generally not the accusation being made against fellow believers in Christ. Even when Christians engage in contextualization, that is, expressing their celebration in the language or forms of society (such as having a Christmas tree, exchanging gifts, or observing December 25), this does not imply doctrinal compromise or idolatry.

Some may disagree from a historical, philosophical, or “letter-of-the-law” perspective, but consider what the Apostle Paul stated regarding whether Christians should engage with things associated with idols, that is, things with pagan undertones:

“Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know… Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse” (1 Corinthians 8:1-8).

This passage clearly teaches that some believers hold a personal conviction to avoid all things with pagan or secular associations, while others do not share that same conviction. In either case, we know there is only one true God. Whether one chooses to participate or abstain does not commend or condemn them before God. The passage is very clear.

At the same time, Paul explains that if a believer holds a personal conviction about the idolatrous or secular nature of something and participates despite that conviction, their conscience is defiled. This means that for some believers, convictions regarding the secular nature of Christmas are very real, strong, and deep. If they go against their conscience, their heart condemns them. 1 John 3:20–21 tells us that if our heart condemns us, we lack confidence before God. And because these convictions run deeply in the conscience of some believers, they may sincerely believe that all Christians should share their convictions.

So how should we respond to one another regarding these differing convictions?

1 Corinthians 10:23–31 says: “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” … but if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you [not your sake], and for conscience’ [conviction] sake; for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other.” Then Paul continues: “For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Notice the final line: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” In other words, Paul is clearly stating that whether we choose to participate or not, whatever we do should be done as unto the Lord. Moreover, the passage makes clear that if someone chooses to participate, their liberty should not be judged by another person’s conviction. In other words, we should not allow our personal convictions to be what judge another. This applies to both sides. Whether we choose to partake or abstain, we are to do all things to the glory of God.

Consider also what Scripture says about observing special days, even those regarded as secular: “Let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths” (Colossians 2:6). Paul acknowledges that some believers will judge others for observing festivals, new moons, or Sabbaths. Simply put, we are not to judge or condemn those who regard special days. This principle is further clarified in Romans 14:5–6, “One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 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.” Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. If someone observes Christmas as unto the Lord, God is glorified. If another does not observe Christmas as unto the Lord, God is also glorified. Neither position is wrong. The passage continues: “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore” (Romans 14:12–13).

Bottom line: whether Christians celebrate Christmas or not, we must not judge one another.

To Celebrate or Not to Celebrate Is a Personal Conviction

Before proceeding, it is important to note that most believers who hold convictions about the pagan nature of Christmas are sincere Christians who desire to base everything they believe and observe on truth. They are not fanatics. They affirm the incarnation and birth of Jesus Christ. Their conviction is simply that the annual celebration of Christmas, past and present, is pagan in nature and therefore should not be observed. Likewise, most believers who do not share this conviction are also sincere Christians who celebrate Christmas as unto the Lord. They are not heathens. They affirm the incarnation and birth of Jesus Christ as well. Their conviction is that they can celebrate Christmas without compromising their devotion to God.

Regardless of one’s view on holidays, Scripture teaches that both the one who observes a day unto the Lord and the one who does not observe a day unto the Lord are acceptable before God. The conclusion remains: “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore” (Romans 14:12–13). It is unscriptural to judge a fellow believer for celebrating Christmas as long as it is done unto the Lord. It is equally unscriptural to judge someone for choosing not to celebrate, provided they do so unto the Lord. Anything beyond this weakens the conscience of others and robs believers of their God-given freedom in Christ, turning nonessential matters into unnecessary dogma.

Some will go so far as to argue that churches should not leverage Christmas as a platform to preach the gospel because of its alleged pagan roots. While most who hold this view are sincere, this line of thinking can unknowingly serve as a tactic of the enemy to remove a powerful opportunity to proclaim the gospel. Consider the Apostle Paul in Acts 17:16–34. When he encountered those worshiping an “unknown god,” he did not ignore their cultural context. Instead, he leveraged it to preach Christ, and many responded. In the same way, many sincere, born-again churches today use both the religious and cultural context of Christmas as an opportunity to preach Christ, and many people respond to the gospel.

Celebrating the Birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ

Finally, let us separate pagan speculation from the Christian worldview. Here is what we know and what we should all affirm: Jesus Christ came into the world and was born of a virgin. His birth was celebrated. The Gospels tell us that shepherds rejoiced at His birth, and wise men honored Him with gifts. Consider also the Messianic prophecy, declaring, “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst” (Zechariah 2:10–11). The birth of Jesus Christ is a cause for great joy, and Scripture encourages us to sing and rejoice. Why? Because we have reason to celebrate: “For behold, I am coming,” and He did.

As Christians, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Some do so by observing a holy day, set apart, to remember this powerful event. Others choose not to observe this holiday. But this we should all agree on: He came! Let us proclaim that good news to the world.