Christmas is one of the most popular Christian holidays in the world. Yet, a lot of Christians today don’t know its obscure and questionable origin. In this post, let us discover the truth whether Christmas is truly pagan or not!
For many decades, it has been a well-established fact that Christmas is rooted in paganism.
But lately, I’ve noticed a growing trend of teachers, preachers, and even social media influencers claiming that Christmas doesn’t have pagan origins.
What’s surprising is how convincing they sound. When you listen to them, read what they write, or watch their polished presentations, it’s easy to think they’re telling the truth.
But are they?
This article is here to set the record straight.
Together, we’ll explore the true origins of Christmas, uncover how deeply it’s tied to pagan traditions, and tackle the question many believers are asking:
Should Christians celebrate Christmas?
How Did Christmas Start?
Christmas as we know it today didn’t begin as a Christian celebration.
Its origins are deeply tied to ancient winter solstice festivals that predate Jesus Christ.
1. Pagan Winter Celebrations
Long before Christ’s birth, early Europeans celebrated midwinter with festivals that honored the changing seasons and the return of longer days. Here’s a snapshot of some of the most influential:
2. Symbols That Survived the Ages
Many customs from these pagan festivals were carried over into what we now call Christmas:
- The evergreen tree, a symbol of life amid winter’s death, was used to decorate homes during pagan solstice celebrations.
- The Yule log and mistletoe were symbols of fertility and protection.
- Gift-giving and feasting were central practices of Saturnalia.
3. How Christianity Adopted These Traditions
When Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, the church faced a dilemma: how to convert pagans without alienating them from their beloved festivals.
Their solution?
Blend Christian themes with popular pagan customs.
This is how December 25, originally celebrated as the birthday of pagan gods, became associated with Jesus’ birth.
Yet the Bible never instructs us to celebrate Christ’s birth—let alone on this date. Instead, this compromise with paganism was a man-made tradition, not a divine command.
The Trend to Deny Christmas’ Pagan Roots
In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift.
More and more influencers and even some preachers are denying that Christmas has pagan origins.
They argue that it’s purely a Christian celebration.
Their presentations are persuasive.
They may use clever rhetoric, selective history, or even emotional appeals to convince their audiences.
But their claims don’t hold up under scrutiny. History is clear: Christmas evolved from pagan festivals.
This is why it’s so important to question what you see, hear, and read.
Many of these influencers are unwittingly leading believers away from the truth.
If It’s Pagan, Why Do Christians Still Celebrate It?
Let’s be honest.
Even among Christians who know Christmas’ origins, many still celebrate it. The most common argument?
“We don’t celebrate it for its pagan meaning. We celebrate it for Jesus.”
It’s a sentiment that feels well-intentioned, but it misses the mark biblically.
God Rejects Recycled Paganism
The Bible is clear: God does not accept worship borrowed from pagan traditions.In Deuteronomy 12:30-31, He warns:
“…do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way…”
God makes it plain.
Taking pagan practices, slapping a “Christian” label on them, and calling it worship does not honor Him.
Modern Meaning Doesn’t Erase Pagan Roots
Some argue that Christmas has taken on a modern, Christ-focused meaning.
But does that make it right?
God has already given us a list of holy festivals in Leviticus 23.
These festivals are rich with spiritual significance and directly point to Jesus Christ.
Why would we need to adopt a man-made, pagan-rooted holiday when God has already outlined how He wants us to worship Him?
Biblical Reasons to Avoid Christmas
Even if you’re not convinced by its pagan origins, there are still biblical reasons to reconsider celebrating Christmas:
- It’s Not in Scripture
Nowhere in the Bible are we commanded to celebrate Christ’s birth, let alone on December 25. If it were important to God, wouldn’t He have told us? - It Distracts from True Worship
Christmas often becomes more about consumerism, decorations, and traditions than about Christ. It’s a distraction that can pull us away from genuine worship. - It Compromises Our Witness
By celebrating a holiday rooted in paganism, we risk sending a confusing message to non-believers. How can we stand for God’s truth if we compromise with the world’s traditions? - It’s a Teaching Opportunity
By choosing not to celebrate Christmas, you have the chance to explain your faith and point others to God’s truth. It’s a powerful way to stand apart and share the gospel.
A Better Alternative: God’s Holy Days
Instead of Christmas, why not embrace the festivals God Himself ordained?
- Passover reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice.
- The Feast of Trumpets points to His return.
- The Feast of Tabernacles celebrates God dwelling with His people.
These holy days, outlined in Leviticus 23, are filled with meaning and draw us closer to God’s plan of salvation.
They are His appointed times—designed to bless us and bring us into deeper relationship with Him.
Final Thoughts
So, is Christmas pagan?
The answer is clear—it is. Its roots in pagan festivals are undeniable, no matter how much some try to argue otherwise.
But the bigger question is this:
Will you choose to honor God’s ways over man-made traditions?
The Bible calls us to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
That means setting aside cultural norms and choosing God’s commands, even when it’s uncomfortable.
As Joshua declared:
“…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
It’s not easy to go against the grain, but God rewards those who seek to honor Him. Let’s trade compromise for conviction and embrace the pure worship He desires.
Free Booklet
Learn the truth about Christmas. Grab your FREE copy of “The Great Christmas Hoax” now!