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THE CHRISTMAS

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 6, 1879

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 53, No. 6.

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THE CHRISTMAS.

By E. Lanphear

EDITOR REVIEW AND HERALD: In your issue of Jan. 23 a correspondent asks, “Is there any undisputed history that the 25th of December is the birthday of Christ?” You answer, “No; there is probably no proof that Christ was born on the 25th of December, at least we know of none.”
In reference to the matter I would say that from the history and habits of the country in which Christ was born, it seems impossible that his birth should have occurred on the 25th of December. From studying the Bible and the history of the country, I am led to conclude that he was born between the month of March and late autumn, as it was when the shepherds watched their flocks by night. They had a different climate from ours, having but little or no snow, and but little cold or freezing weather; yet the year was divided into times and seasons. They had their rainy season and their dry season; and it seems that their rainy season occurred at the time of our autumn and winter months. It was their custom to herd their flocks under sheds at night in the rainy season; and in the dry season, allow them to remain unsheltered. The watching must have been for protection from wild animals. Thus it is evident that he was born in the dry season, as the flocks would need no watching while gathered in the fold. The evidence all seems against the idea that his birth occurred on the 25th of December.
I am aware that many have tried to arrive at the time of his birth by figures and dates; but they have not been able to agree upon any time. The people have generally adopted the 25th of December; some, doubtless, from respect for our Saviour, but many for the sake of a general festival-day. Anciently, the festival commenced on that day, and lasted twelve days. It is possible that the custom of observing Christmas may be more directly Roman Catholic in its origin than most Protestants are aware of.
The Christmas-tree seems to be of modern introduction, and to take the place of what was called the Christmas-box, the place where small presents were placed for small children. The custom of making presents had its origin long before the birth of Christ. It is a question whether Christ is honored by the practice of celebrating the day as people generally are accustomed to celebrate it. A little careful study on the subject will do no harm.                                                                                                                     E. LANPHEAR.