{"id":23390,"date":"2026-03-11T14:37:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T14:37:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gpbookstore.org\/articles\/uncategorized\/what-is-christmas-a-brief-guide-to-its-history-and-meaning\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T06:16:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T06:16:13","slug":"what-is-christmas-a-brief-guide-to-its-history-and-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gpbookstore.org\/articles\/positive-living\/what-is-christmas-a-brief-guide-to-its-history-and-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Christmas? A Brief Guide to its History and Meaning"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Does \u201cChristmas\u201d Mean?<\/h3>\n

The word \u201cChristmas\u201d comes from the Old English phrase Cristes m\u00e6sse<\/em> which means \u201cChrist\u2019s Mass.\u201d It refers to the Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ<\/a>. Christmas is on December 25 every year, though some denominations celebrate it on January 7.<\/p>\n

The History of Christmas<\/h3>\n

The history of Christmas<\/a>\u2014a simple time of joy and celebration\u2014is actually very long and complicated.<\/p>\n

Though Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, which biblical scholars believe to be around 4 or 6 BC according to Britannica<\/em>, the first Christmas<\/a> was not celebrated until years later. Historians believe Christmas was originally celebrated in Rome around 336 BC. It did not even become a major Christian holiday until the 9th century<\/p>\n

However, just because Christmas was better known does not mean it was always popular. According to History<\/em>, Puritans viewed Christmas celebrations as anti-Christian and indulgent. Because Puritans were a major group in America, Christmas was not a popular holiday in early American history. The government of Massachusetts even banned Christmas celebrations in 1659. The Congressional Research Service states that it wasn\u2019t even recognized as a federal holiday until 1870, when the holiday was more widely celebrated.<\/p>\n

Christmas\u2019 popularity in America can be traced to writer Washington Irving, perhaps best known for writing the classic Halloween short story \u201cSleepy Hollow.\u201d Irving wrote extensively about Christmas and the character of Saint Nicholas<\/a> (the basis of Santa Claus). He helped reshape the holiday to be one of family time<\/a>, community, and giving. As he wrote in 1819 in The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon<\/em>, \u201cChristmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

READ MORE: 20 Inspiring Christmas Quotes<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

This sentiment inspired people throughout America and Europe to embrace the holiday. One of them was writer Charles Dickens, who wrote the classic novel, A Christmas Carol<\/em><\/a>. Another was poet Clement Clarke Moore, who wrote \u201cA Visit from St. Nicholas,\u201d also known by its opening line, \u201c\u2019Twas the night before Christmas…\u201d<\/p>\n

Whatever its history, Christmas is affixed in many people\u2019s minds and calendars as one of the happiest and holiest times of year.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Why is Christmas on December 25?<\/h3>\n

The reason Christmas is now traditionally celebrated on December 25th is just as complicated as its history. While this holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus, there are conflicting opinions on if this is truly Jesus\u2019 date of birth. The Bible<\/a> does not state a specific date. There were no, or very scant, birth records during that time. For centuries, no one was certain when Jesus\u2019 birthday fell.<\/p>\n

In 221 CE, Sextus Julius Africanus, a Christian historian, created the first known Christian calendar of major events. According to Britannica<\/em>, he used the Bible as his basis and placed Jesus\u2019 birth at the end of December. Christian Roman emperor Constantine decreed in 336 CE that Jesus\u2019 birth would be celebrated on December 25. And thus, Christmas\u2019 date was decided.<\/p>\n

Some historians also believe that Christians picked the date to coincide with Saturnalia, a Roman holiday, and by placing the festivities together, the celebration may have been used to convert many Romans to Christianity.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Why December Is the Perfect Time for Christmas<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

\"Bible<\/p>\n

Christmas in the Bible<\/h3>\n

While the word \u201cChristmas\u201d is not in the Bible<\/a>, we can find the story of Christmas, or the birth of Jesus, in various gospels within the New Testament<\/a>:<\/p>\n

Christmas in The Book of Luke<\/h4>\n

This gospel recounts the entirety of Jesus\u2019 life, from when an angel<\/a> told Mary she would conceive a child, to Jesus\u2019 ascension to heaven. Luke 2:1-21 tells the story of the birth of Jesus, including how the shepherds \u201cfound Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Christmas in The Book of John<\/h4>\n

This book is by the disciple John, beginning with those powerful words, \u201cIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…\u201d The gospel follows Jesus\u2019 life through John\u2019s perspective and John 1:1-14 explains the spiritual importance of Jesus\u2019 birth.<\/p>\n

Christmas in The Book of Matthew<\/h4>\n

The Book of Matthew traces Jesus\u2019 lineage to Abraham and tells more of the story of His life. Matthew 1:18-25 specifically recounts Jesus\u2019 birth, including how Joseph accepted Jesus as his son and giving Him the name Jesus<\/a>.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: A Christmas Story Told Through Bible Verses and Illustrations<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Christmas Bible Verses<\/h3>\n

The spirit of Christmas lives in many other parts of Scripture. We can turn to them for inspiration on how to celebrate and give thanks<\/a> during the holidays. Here are Bible verses that focus on Christmas themes, such as hope, peace, giving, community, and the glory of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n