Christmas In The Spring?

Yes, it is true, Jesus was most likely born in the spring, not winter. Here are some reasons: 

1. It would have been difficult for Joseph and Mary to travel during the winter for the census; 

2. Shepard's were tending to their flock the night Jesus was born, which occurs in the spring, not winter. Therefore, while celebrating Christmas in December is historically inaccurate and anachronistic, it is not spiritually sinful or wrong. 

History is a vast reality. It is often difficult to know the exact date and time of even the most historic events in times past. So, it is perfectly fine when people choose to celebrate historic events on days that do not match the exact date and time of the event. There is no hurt or harm in that. This principle also applies to Christians who choose to celebrate the birth of Jesus (i.e., Christ) on December 25th.  Not knowing the date of Jesus’ birth they chose to counter the pagan celebration of Winter Solstice by celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25th. No hurt or harm, no sin or wrong. 

This does not mean Christianity is false. 

This does not mean Christians are pagan worshippers.

This does not mean God doesn’t exist. 

This does not mean Christmas should be ignored or attacked.

Scripture gives Christians freedom to celebrate what they choose and when they choose to celebrate it, as long as it is honoring and glorifying to God (“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” Colossians 3:17; “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” 1 Corinthians 10:31). Scripture helps us see what's most important. It's not the dates or times we celebrate someone or something that's important. What's important is WHO are you celebrating and why. The question to ask yourself is, "does this celebration glorify God?"

Here are two more scriptures to consider:

Colossians 2:16-17 “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. (Read the entire chapter for context). You see, celebrations are only a shadow or sign pointing to a deeper value or truth you hold. They only display  your love for something or someone or something you believe. 

Romans 14:5-12 “5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” 12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. (Read the entire chapter for context).

Can you feel the freedom God gives us. You don't have to waste your time in or listening to foolish debates over dates and celebrations and traditions. You don't have to separate yourself from other Christians simply because they choose or choose not to participate in certain celebrations. 

Why do many Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus (Christmas) on December 25th? I will not attempt to answer for every Christian, but from what I’ve gathered via research and conversations a few reasons emerged. 

1. Uninformed: Some Christians are simply uninformed about the historical facts that point to Jesus, more than likely, being born in the spring, not winter. 

2. Ignor-ant: Some Christians blatantly ignore the historical facts that point to Jesus, more than likely, being born in the spring, not winter. 

3. Indifferent: Some Christians simply don’t care about the historical facts that point to Jesus, more than likely, being born in the spring, not winter. 

4. FREEDOM: Some Christians simply love the freedom Jesus gives to honor, exalt, and celebrate His birth, Immanuel, GOD with us ANY DAY AND TIME, including on December 25th, Christmas!  

Yes, it is true, Jesus was, more than likely, born in the spring, not winter. Yes, it is also true that Christians who celebrate Jesus’ birth in the winter, spring, summer, or fall, or every day of the week are celebrating the ONE who deserves to be honored and exalted and praised everyday of our lives! “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen!” (Romans 11:36).

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