When we read the Bible, we do not find any command instructing us to celebrate the birthday or death of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no religious obligation for all believers to observe such a day. This raises a question: if Scripture does not command it, why should we designate a specific day to celebrate the birth or death of our Savior?<\/p>\n
The answer is simple. Consider our everyday life: how often do you attend birthday parties? How often have you celebrated your own birthday, or that of others? Clearly, whether you celebrate your birthday or not, it does not prevent someone from expressing gratitude to God or enjoying life with family and friends.<\/p>\n
Similarly, Christianity does not command the celebration of any festival\u2014neither Easter, Pentecost, Jesus\u2019 birthday, baptism, nor any other event. Yet, many people observe certain days as meaningful. Some wish to honor the birth of the King of the world 2,000 years ago; others celebrate the death of Jesus on the cross, who brought them salvation, or their baptism\u2014their \u201csecond birth.\u201d Some celebrate days when God answered their prayers.<\/p>\n
The problem arises when people assume December 25 as Jesus\u2019 birthday, though the Bible gives no indication of this, and historically, the date was linked to Roman pagan festivals. However, biblical clues suggest Jesus was not born on December 25.<\/p>\n
If we look at the Gospel of Luke, we read that the angel Gabriel appeared to the priest Zechariah while he was serving in the priestly division of Abijah (Luke 1:5\u20139):<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. His wife, Elizabeth, was also a descendant of Aaron. Both were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord\u2019s commandments blamelessly. But they were childless, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were well along in years. While Zechariah was serving as priest before God, his division\u2019s turn came to burn incense.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The division of Abijah was the eighth out of twenty-four. Priestly service rotated weekly, and the Jewish year began in April. This suggests Zechariah\u2019s temple service and Elizabeth\u2019s conception likely occurred around the sixth or seventh month of the Jewish calendar. Six months later, Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26). This calculation implies Jesus\u2019 conception possibly occurred in December or January, pointing to a September or October birth.<\/p>\n
While other indicators exist, these calculations suggest December 25 was not the historical date. Does this mean celebrating it is sinful? Not at all. The Bible does not mandate a particular date. Therefore, those who celebrate the day out of love for Jesus and to glorify God commit no sin, whether in April, August, September, October, or December. The key is that the day is observed with devotion and holiness.<\/p>\n
Sin occurs when a day intended for honoring God is misused for drunkenness, idolatry, or other immoral activities (1 Corinthians 10:31). That would be a direct offense against God and more serious than other transgressions.<\/p>\n
Dear brothers and sisters, during this season: if you choose to celebrate these days for Jesus, do so in holiness. Keep it sacred, reflecting on the past year with gratitude, and begin the new year with wisdom and devotion (Psalm 90:12; Colossians 3:17).<\/p>\n
May God bless you!<\/p>\n