Warrior102
Gold Member
- May 22, 2011
- 16,554
- 4,125
- 183
Jesus' actual birthday was almost certainly not in December, at least if the Gospel account of the shepherds is true. Shepherds are out in the fields with their flocks, as opposed to bringing them in for the night, only in lambing season, which is in the spring.
The reason Christians celebrate Christmas in December is because there was a major pagan holiday, or several of them, at the same time in the Roman Empire: Mithra's birth, Yule among the Celts of Gaul and Britain, the Saturnalia in Rome, etc. It was our holiday before it was theirs.
I am Catholic - so not sure how the Heathen's celebrate, nor do I care. We're currently in Advent in our church calendar, preparing for the arrive of Christ this month. Immaculate Conception is celebrated today, and it's a holy day of obligation for us.