The debate over Christmas has raged for centuries. Was Jesus really born on December 25th? Is celebrating this date participating in paganism? Should believers avoid thth December
Let’s be honest: the Bible gives us compelling reasons to doubt a December nativity. Three scriptural arguments stand out clearly.
First, consider Mary’s condition. Would Godnising the extreme hardship such travel would cause.
Second, examine the shepherds. Luke 2:8 places them “abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Historical evidence shows that first-century Jewish shepherds withdrew their flocks from open fields during the winter months. There simply wouldn’t be adequate pasture in December. The shepherds’ presence outdoors points to a different season entirely.
Third, think about Roman efficiency. Caesar Augustus ordered a census for taaph –>
These arguments make a strong case: Jesus probably wasn’t born in December.
The Course of Abijah
But here’s where it gets interesting. The Bible doesn’t leave us completely in the dark about timing.
Luke 1:5 introduces us to Zacharias, “a certain priest…of the course of Abijah.” This seemingly minor detail unlocks a remarkable chronology.
In 1 Chronicles 24, we discover that King David organized the priesthood into 24 courses or divisions. Each course served at specific times throughout the year. Abijah was the eighth course. Historical records and biblical cross-references in Nehemiah 12 confirm this structuharias was struck mute until the prophecy’s fulfillment.
Luke 1:23 tells us explicitly: “As soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.” He went home immediately after his service ended.
The text continues: “And after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived” (Luke 1:24).
If Zacharias served during the June course of Abijah (June 13-19), traveled home over the next few days, and Elizabeth conceived shortly thereafter, we’re looking at a conception date around June 23-24.
Six Months Later
Fast forward to one of Scripture’s most magnificent moments.
The angel Gabriel appears to Mary with an announcement that would change human history: “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35).
But Gabriel doesn’t stop there. He provides Mary with a confirming sign: “And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren” (Luke 1:36).
Six months.
Elizabeth was six months pregnant when Mary received this announcement. If Elizabeth conceived around June 23-24, six months later places us at approximately Decen stone of Christian faith, the moment deity took on humanity.
Consider the timeline: If Mary conceived around December 25 and carried a normal nine-month pregnancy, when would Jesus be born?
lock-heading”>Tabernacles: God With UsThe Feast of Tabernacles was the seventh feast, celebrated in the seventh month, lasting seven days (plus an eighth day of solemn assembly). The number seven represents perfection and completion throughout Scriptu fully tabernacle with His people.
Remarkably, from the days of Joshua until Nehemiah’s time, Israel had never properly kept this feast (Nehemiah 8:17). The typology awaited its fulfilment.
manity, when the eternal Word took on flesh in the womb of a virgin through the power of the Holy Spirit.Satan, the master counterfeiter, established pagan winter festivals to corrupt this truth. The Roman Saturnalia and other celebrations weren’t th on the central miracle of the Nativity narrative, the Incarnation, where God becomes flesh and dwells among us.
Freedom in Grace
Does this mean you must celebrate December 25? Absolutely not. Romans 14:5 reminds us: “One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”
Liberty works both ways. If your conscience leads you not to observe’ve abandoned grace. When believers refuse to attend family gatherings or share the gospel with lost relatives because it happens on December 25, something has gone terribly wrong.
The Real Miracle
At the end of the day, here’s what matters: Without the incarnation, there is no cross. Without the cross, there is no resurrection. Without the resurrection, there is no redemption.
The miracle we celebrate isn’lose sight of this truth: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. And because He did, we who believe in His death, burial, and resurrection have eternal life.
That’s worth celebrating every single day of the year.
*Note: works by E.W. Bullinger and Richard Jordan were used to write this short article. To access the research and citations used to produce it, click here to check out the PDF notes.
Pastor Bryan Ross
Grace Life Bible Church
Grand Rapids, MI
Friday, December 19, 2025
Resources For Further Study
Redeeming December 25 (YouTube Video)
Was Christmas Illegal In the U.S. Until 1836?: Responding To A Popular Social Media Meme