Posted in Tracts for Jehovah's Witnesses

Christmas: Pagan Myth or Christian Truth?

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As the Christmas season approaches, many people hear different opinions about the holiday’s origins. Is Christmas really just a pagan celebration, or does it have deeply rooted Christian meaning? Our tract, “Christmas: Pagan Myth or Christian Truth?,” explores this question with historical and biblical insight, showing that celebrating Christ’s birth can be both reasonable and meaningful for believers. We invite you to read the tract below and discover the truth behind the traditions and the heart of Christmas: honoring the Savior who came into the world.

Question 1: Is there any historical basis for December 25 as Jesus’ birth date?

Answer:
Yes. Early Christian writers consistently pointed to Roman census records confirming Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and supporting a December 25 date.

  • Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 A.D.) stated that Jesus’ birth could be verified through Roman census records (First Apology, ch. 34).

  • Tertullian (c. 160–250 A.D.) referred to the census of Augustus as a reliable witness to Christ’s birth (Against Marcion, Book 4, ch. 7).

  • Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 348–386 A.D.) requested census documents brought to Rome and concluded Jesus was born on December 25.

  • John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 A.D.) confirmed that these census records were still available in his day and supported December 25.

Sources:

Question 2: Was Christmas borrowed from the pagan Saturnalia festival?

Answer:
There is no proof that Christmas originated from Saturnalia. Some historians point instead to Hanukkah, the Jewish Feast of Dedication, which occurs in winter and celebrates light, dedication, and God’s faithfulness.

John 10:22 records that Jesus Himself attended the Feast of Dedication in winter. Hanukkah includes lights, special foods, and gift-giving—elements later associated with Christmas.

Sources:

Question 3: Doesn’t Luke 2:8 prove Jesus couldn’t have been born in winter?

Answer:
No. Luke 2:8 says shepherds were in the fields, but this does not rule out winter.

The Jewish Mishnah confirms that flocks were kept near Bethlehem even during winter months. Israel’s climate is mild, sheep are naturally insulated, and barns with stored hay were uncommon.

Additionally, Genesis 31:40 shows shepherds enduring cold and frost at night.

Sources:

Question 4: Would a Roman census really take place in winter?

Answer:
Yes. Winter was actually a practical time for travel in an agrarian society, since farming work slowed down.

Joseph and Mary likely traveled through the Jordan Valley, a lower-elevation route that avoided harsh weather and made winter travel feasible.

Sources:

Question 5: Is Christmas truly Christian—or pagan?

Answer:
From the beginning, Jesus’ birth was celebrated by angels and shepherds (Luke 2). Christmas has historically been used by Christians to honor Christ—not a sun god.

Ironically, Jehovah’s Witnesses reject Christmas for alleged pagan origins while using many things with pagan roots, including:

  • Days of the week (e.g., Thursday = Thor’s Day)

  • Months (e.g., June = Juno)

  • Wedding rings and money

Clearly, origin alone has never been the biblical standard.

Sources:

Question 6: Did Christmas trees come from pagan tree worship?

Answer:
No. The Christmas tree originated from early Christian medieval plays about the Garden of Eden, where the tree symbolized the Tree of Life.

There is no historical evidence connecting the Christmas tree to pagan worship.

Sources:

Question 7: Is Santa Claus based on a pagan god?

Answer:
No. Santa Claus is based on a real Christian bishop—Saint Nicholas of Smyrna (modern-day Turkey).

He was known for secretly giving money to the poor, especially young women who needed dowries. Over time, his name became Sinterklaas, then Santa Claus.

Sources:

Question 8: Does the Bible allow Christians to celebrate holidays?

Answer:
Yes. Colossians 2:16 clearly teaches that Christians are not to be judged regarding festivals or special days.

Christmas celebrates Christ, promotes joy, strengthens families, and aligns with the fruit of the Spirit—love and joy (Galatians 5:22).

Sources:

  • Colossians 2:16

  • Romans 14:5-6

Why Jesus Came

Jesus did not come simply to give us an example or moral teachings—He came to save sinners. The Bible teaches that all of us have sinned and fall short of God’s holiness (Romans 3:23), and that the penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). Out of love, God sent His Son to take our place. Jesus lived a sinless life, then willingly died in a brutal way, bearing the full punishment our sins deserve. He rose again, proving that His sacrifice was accepted and that eternal life is now offered as a free gift.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, ESV)

Salvation is not earned through works, religious devotion, or loyalty to an organization, but through faith alone—by trusting in Jesus Christ and His finished work (Ephesians 2:8–9). Anyone who turns to Christ, places their faith in Him alone, and calls upon His name will be forgiven, reconciled to God, and given eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 10:9–13). This is the good news—Jesus came so that you may be saved.

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, ESV)

Final Thought

If you are a Jehovah’s Witness or a former Jehovah’s Witness, you can be scripturally and morally free to celebrate Christmas.

Christmas is not pagan.
Christmas honors Christ.
Christmas celebrates the Light who came into the world.

So let’s celebrate Christ this Christmas, just as the shepherds did at the first Christmas.

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