The True Origins of Christmas: Decoding the December 25 Date and Debunking Pagan Myths

The True Origins of Christmas: Decoding the December 25 Date and Debunking Pagan Myths

 Introduction: Understanding the Graphic

The graphic you shared beautifully illustrates a longstanding Christian tradition for calculating the date of Jesus Christ's birth. It depicts a timeline connecting key scriptural events from the Gospel of Luke:

- The Annunciation to Zechariah (Elizabeth's conception of John the Baptist) on Tishri 15 (around September 25 in the modern calendar), linked to Luke 1:13.

- Six months later, the Annunciation to Mary (conception of Jesus) on March 25, per Luke 1:26.

- Nine months after that, the birth of Jesus on December 25, citing Luke 2:7.

This calculation rests on early Christian interpretations of Luke's Gospel, combined with theological ideas about symmetry in sacred history. The graphic emphasizes that John the Baptist was six months older than Jesus, as stated in Luke 1:36.

Far from being a modern invention or pagan borrowing, this timeline reflects reasoning found in early Church writings. December 25 emerged not from Roman festivals but from sincere efforts by second- and third-century Christians to align Jesus' life with biblical chronology and symbolic theology.

This blog post explores how early Christians arrived at December 25, what Church Fathers said about it, and why common claims of pagan origins—links to Sol Invictus, Mithras, Saturnalia, or borrowed myths—do not hold up to historical scrutiny.

 The Biblical and Theological Basis for December 25

The Bible does not specify Jesus' birth date. Luke mentions shepherds in fields (Luke 2:8), suggesting spring or fall rather than winter, but provides no exact day. Early Christians focused more on Easter than the Nativity.

By the third century, interest grew in calculating the date. Two main ideas drove this:

1. The "Integral Age" or "Perfect Life" Theory: Jewish tradition held that great prophets lived whole years and died on their conception or birth anniversary. Christians applied this to Jesus, making his conception and death coincide.

2. Linking Conception to Passion: Many believed Jesus was conceived on the same date as his crucifixion—often March 25 in the Western calendar (near Passover).

Adding nine months yielded December 25.

 Key Early Evidence

- Hippolytus of Rome (c. 170–235 AD): In his Commentary on Daniel (c. 204 AD), Hippolytus states Jesus was born on December 25. A statue base from his time also records this. His calculations tied creation, incarnation, and passion symbolically.

- Sextus Julius Africanus (c. 221 AD): Linked conception to the spring equinox (March 25), implying birth on December 25.

- Chronography of 354: This Roman calendar lists "Natus Christus in Betleem Judeae" on December 25, reflecting practice by 336 AD.

These predate Emperor Aurelian's 274 AD Sol Invictus festival.

 The Role of Luke's Timeline

Luke 1 ties events together:

- Zechariah serves in the temple (linked by some to Yom Kippur, Tishri 10).

- Elizabeth conceives soon after.

- Six months later, Mary is visited (Luke 1:26, 36).

Variations in Passover dates led to different birth dates: March 25 conception → December 25 birth (West); April 6 → January 6 (some East, still used by Armenians).

John Chrysostom (c. 386 AD) defended December 25 using census records and priestly courses.

Augustine of Hippo (early 5th century) accepted December 25, using it symbolically in On the Trinity.

The graphic's timeline aligns with this tradition: Elizabeth's annunciation in fall, Mary's in spring, Jesus' birth in winter.

 What the Church Fathers Said

Early Fathers show growing consensus:

- Clement of Alexandria (c. 200 AD): Discussed dates but not December 25 specifically.

- Hippolytus: Earliest explicit December 25 reference.

- Gregory of Nazianzus and John Chrysostom (late 4th century): Preached on December 25 as established.

- Augustine and Ambrose: Saw it as providential, with Christ as the "true sun" overcoming darkness.

No Father claims the date was chosen to replace pagan festivals. They present it as historical or theological truth.

 Refuting the Pagan Origins Myths

The "pagan Christmas" claim arose in the 17th–19th centuries but lacks ancient support. Here's a breakdown:

 1. Sol Invictus

Emperor Aurelian established this in 274 AD. Evidence for December 25 is late (post-336 AD calendar). Scholars like Steven Hijmans argue no major pre-Christian Sol festival existed on that date; Aurelian may have responded to growing Christian observance.

Christians predated it (Hippolytus, 204 AD). Fathers like Ambrose called Christ the "true sun"—reclaiming symbolism, not borrowing.

 2. Mithras

No ancient source says Mithras was born December 25. Mithras emerged from rock (not virgin birth), with no birthday festival recorded. Claims stem from 19th-century speculation, debunked by experts like Roger Beck.

 3. Saturnalia

This ran December 17–23, never December 25. Feasting and gifts occurred, but no direct link. Early Christians criticized pagan excess, not imitation.

 4. Dionysus/Bacchus or Other Gods

No evidence for December 25 births. Parallels (virgin birth, resurrection) are exaggerated or false.

 5. Borrowed Myth or Syncretism

Early Christians rejected paganism fiercely. Origen mocked birthday celebrations as pagan. The date arose from internal calculation, not accommodation.

The first pagan-link claim appears in a 12th-century marginal note—centuries after establishment.

 6. Dionysius Exiguus

This 6th-century monk created the AD system but assumed an existing December 25 date; he did not invent it.

Scholarly consensus (e.g., Thomas Talley, Andrew McGowan): December 25 originated from Christian theology, predating or influencing any pagan use.

 Why Does the Myth Persist?

Anti-Christian propaganda (e.g., Emperor Julian) and modern comparative religion overstated parallels. It fits narratives of Christianity as derivative, ignoring evidence.

Christmas celebrates the Incarnation—God becoming man (John 1:14). The date, though traditional, points to this truth.

 Conclusion: A Christian Feast Rooted in Scripture and Tradition

The graphic captures authentic early Christian reasoning: biblical timeline from Luke, theological symmetry, and belief in Jesus as light in darkness.

December 25 is not pagan; it reflects faithful attempts to honor Christ's birth. As we celebrate, focus on the miracle: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."

Merry Christmas!

 References and Sources

- Biblical Archaeology Society: "How December 25 Became Christmas" by Andrew McGowan.

- T.C. Schmidt, "Calculating December 25 as the Birth of Jesus in Hippolytus’ Canon and Chronicon," Vigiliae Christianae 69.5 (2015).

- Steven Hijmans, "Sol Invictus, the Winter Solstice, and the Origins of Christmas," Mouseion (2003).

- Thomas J. Talley, The Origins of the Liturgical Year (1986).

- William Tighe, "Calculating Christmas," Touchstone Magazine (2003).

- Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent): Entries on "Christmas" and "Chronology of Christ."

- Hippolytus of Rome, Commentary on Daniel (trans. T.C. Schmidt).

- Augustine, On the Trinity and sermons.

- John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Nativity.

For primary texts: Early Church Fathers collections (e.g., Ante-Nicene Fathers series).

A Reflection on Christmas: The Eternal Light Enters Time

A Reflection on Christmas: The Eternal Light Enters Time

On this Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, we celebrate the profound mystery at the heart of our faith: the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God made man. Christmas is not merely a cultural holiday or a season of lights, trees, and gifts; it is the commemoration of the Incarnation—the moment when the eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). At its core, Christmas is about Jesus, nothing else. Gifts, family gatherings, and festive meals are beautiful expressions of joy, but they must never eclipse the central truth: God has entered human history to redeem us. As we reflect on the Catholic liturgy for this solemnity, the scriptural and historical calculation of December 25, and the unique wonder of the Incarnation, may we allow Jesus to be born anew in our hearts.

The Catholic Church celebrates Christmas with four distinct Masses—Vigil, Midnight (Mass During the Night), Dawn, and Day—each unveiling a facet of the Nativity mystery. These readings, drawn from the Lectionary, emphasize God's saving action breaking into the world.

The Vigil Mass, often celebrated on Christmas Eve, sets an tone of joyful anticipation. The first reading from Isaiah 62:1-5 proclaims God's vindication shining like the dawn, with Jerusalem as a bride adorned for her husband. The Gospel from Matthew 1:1-25 traces Jesus' genealogy, affirming Him as the fulfillment of David's line and the promised Messiah born of Mary. This Mass reminds us that Christmas fulfills centuries of prophecy.

The Midnight Mass, traditionally at the hour of Christ's birth, bursts with angelic proclamation. Isaiah 9:1-6 declares, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light... For a child is born to us, a son is given to us." Titus 2:11-14 speaks of God's grace appearing for our salvation, and Luke 2:1-14 narrates the humble birth in Bethlehem, with angels singing "Glory to God in the highest" (Luke 2:14). Here, the mystery unfolds in silence and poverty, yet heralded by heavenly hosts.

The Mass at Dawn continues the shepherds' story (Luke 2:15-20), as they hasten to the manger and spread the good news. Isaiah 62:11-12 calls Zion's savior near, and Titus 3:4-7 highlights God's kindness manifested in Christ, washing us in rebirth through the Holy Spirit.

Finally, the Mass During the Day offers the profound Prologue of John's Gospel (John 1:1-18): "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Paired with Isaiah 52:7-10 and Hebrews 1:1-6, it reveals the eternal Son as the radiance of God's glory, superior to angels, who became man to make us heirs of salvation. These readings collectively proclaim that Christmas is the dawn of redemption, where God speaks definitively through His Son (Hebrews 1:2).

Why do we celebrate this on December 25? The date is not arbitrary but rooted in scriptural events and early Church calculations, as depicted in the referenced image. The image illustrates a timeline based on the Gospel of Luke, showing the Annunciation to Elizabeth (conception of John the Baptist) on Tishri 15 (around September 25), followed by six months to the Annunciation to Mary on March 25 (conception of Jesus), and then nine months of pregnancy leading to birth on December 25. It cites Luke 1:13 (angel to Zechariah about John), Luke 1:26 (Annunciation to Mary in the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy), and Luke 2:7 (birth of Jesus). At the bottom, it notes John the Baptist was six months older than Jesus.

This calculation draws from Luke's precise chronology. The angel Gabriel announces John's birth to Zechariah while he serves in the temple (Luke 1:5-25). Zechariah belongs to the priestly division of Abijah, which served around late September in the Jewish calendar. Elizabeth conceives shortly after, and in her sixth month (around March), Gabriel visits Mary: "Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son... And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her" (Luke 1:31, 36). Adding a standard nine-month human gestation places Jesus' birth in late December.

Early Church Fathers refined this. Hippolytus of Rome (c. 170-235 AD) in his Commentary on Daniel calculated Jesus' birth around December 25, linking it to the belief that great prophets die on the anniversary of their conception or birth—a Jewish tradition seen in texts like the Seder Olam Rabbah. Tertullian (c. 160-220 AD) noted Jesus' death on March 25 (Passover date in Roman reckoning), so conception on the same day, birth nine months later on December 25. Sextus Julius Africanus (c. 221 AD) tied it to the spring equinox (March 25) as creation's day, with Incarnation mirroring it. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) affirmed this in his writings on the Trinity, seeing perfect symmetry in Christ's life. John Chrysostom (c. 349-407 AD) defended December 25 against pagan associations, emphasizing its biblical roots.

By the fourth century, December 25 was widely celebrated in the West, spreading universally. Contrary to myths, it was not adopted from pagan solstice festivals (like Sol Invictus, formalized later); evidence shows Christians chose it independently based on these calculations. As the image poignantly illustrates, this date honors the scriptural timeline where John's precedence (Luke 1:41-44) points to Christ's supremacy.

At the heart of Christmas is the Incarnation: God became human in Jesus Christ. "The Word became flesh" (John 1:14) is the unique miracle of Christianity. No other faith claims that the one true God—the eternal, infinite Creator—personally entered creation as a vulnerable baby, fully divine yet fully human. In Hinduism, avatars like Krishna are manifestations, but the supreme Brahman remains transcendent, not truly uniting divinity with humanity in one person. In Greek mythology, gods like Zeus take human form temporarily for whims, not redemption. Islam explicitly rejects incarnation as shirk (associating partners with God). Buddhism has no personal God becoming man. Christianity alone proclaims that God, out of boundless love, bridged the infinite gap: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son" (John 3:16).

This is no mere appearance; Jesus is truly God and truly man, two natures in one divine person (Council of Chalcedon, 451 AD). As Athanasius of Alexandria wrote in On the Incarnation (c. 318 AD): "He became what we are that He might make us what He is." God treats His human creatures as if they were God—elevating our nature through union with His. In the Incarnation, divinity stoops to humanity so humanity might rise to divinity (theosis). This is love unimaginable: the Immortal takes on mortality, the All-Powerful becomes weak, to redeem us from sin and death. "Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Christmas traditions around the world reflect this joy in diverse cultural expressions, always pointing back to Christ. In Italy, many families observe the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve—a meatless meal of seafood dishes (like baccalà, calamari, and shrimp), rooted in ancient fasting traditions before the feast day. The "seven" may symbolize the sacraments, days of creation, or hills of Rome, but it celebrates abundance from the sea while awaiting the Bread of Life.

In Puerto Rico, Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) features pernil—a slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in garlic, oregano, and adobo—served with arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and pasteles (plantain tamales). Families sing aguinaldos (carols) in parranda processions, visiting homes with music and food, culminating in Midnight Mass. In Mexico, posadas reenact Mary and Joseph's search for lodging, ending in piñatas and ponche. Poland shares oplatek wafers with prayers; the Philippines holds Simbang Gabi novena Masses; Germany enjoys Christkindl markets and Stollen cake. These customs—feasts, lights, songs—express gratitude for the Light of the World, but they are secondary. Christmas is about Jesus: His birth demands our adoration, not distraction.

As we exchange gifts, let us remember the greatest Gift: God Himself, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Family gatherings are precious, but the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—models perfect union with God. Even the commercial trappings can remind us of generosity, but only if centered on Christ. In a world that often reduces Christmas to sentimentality, let us reclaim its truth: it is the feast of God's self-emptying love.

May Jesus, the Word made flesh, continue to be born in our hearts—not just today, but every day. As we gaze upon the manger, may we echo Mary's fiat: "Be it done unto me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). In Him, we are made new. Merry Christmas—may the peace of the Christ Child dwell in us always.

Christmas: The Word of God and Righteous Sun Becomes One of Us to Save Us

 MASS AT DAWN

Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122517-dawn.cfm

We rejoice! Christ is born!  The first reading reminds us that the savior has come. He has come to redeem His people and open the doors of heaven to them through His person. Christ was promised to mankind. He came as a baby boy today and continues to come to us in the Holy Eucharist. We respond to this reading with the words: A light will shine on us this day: the lord is born for us.  How true are these words!  Christ is the light that shines for us. It is He who is born unto us today on Christmas day. Christmas is an ongoing celebration that does not end after the 25th of December. We continue to rejoice as the Psalm says we should do. The earth rejoices! The savior has come. God, the savior has appeared as the second reading tells us. Christ is God in the flesh. He is the Son of God and the second person of the Blessed Trinity. He is our door to eternal life. We must continue to allow Christ to be born in our hearts each day. In the Gospel, we read about the shepherds going to Bethlehem to see the Christ infant lying in the manger with Mary and Joseph present. We are also told that Mary kept all of these events in her heart. These words give us a clue as to where Luke got his information from to write this Gospel. 

It was Mary herself who gave the details. Only Mary would have known what happened during the birth of Christ. By this time, we believe Joseph may have passed away. Mary would have been the only one available to Luke to supply the information necessary for the nativity narrative. This is why Luke wrote that Mary kept this all in her heart. It is clear that Mary herself was his source. This is awesome just thinking about it.  Another awesome thing is that Bethlehem means "House of Bread" in Hebrew. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Bethlehem in Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke, means "House of Flesh." Jesus is the Bread From Heaven whose flesh is bread.  See the link to the Eucharist?  We see how God has planned everything since the beginning. Every detail of even the geography of the nativity points to Christ. Bethlehem is the House of Bread. Jesus was born there who is the Bread of Life.  Mary was the tabernacle God chose. Everything is all connected.  God had a detailed plan. The Eucharist is like Christmas every day when we receive the Lord. We need the Eucharist today more than ever during these trying times with Covid-19 Coronavirus. Satan has managed to target the Eucharist in a unique way using a global alleged pandemic to force governments to target Churches.  We were forced to closed even against our own Constitution and human rights.  We know why.  Those who are wise know what battle is really going on. Major chain stores, liquor stores, and even protests and riots were allowed to take hold while religious services were deemed "non-essential" and a haven for the spread of viruses.  This is the spirit of the antichrist already in the world working.  Do not be deceived!  Fight for the Eucharist.  He is with us always. 

MASS DURING THE DAY
Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122517-day.cfm

The first reading shows the joy we have upon the birth of Christ.  How beautiful are the feet upon the mountains of Him who brings glad tidings and bears good news!  This is, of course, referring to Christ. All the ends of the earth will see God's salvation because the savior is born. We respond in the responsorial Psalm that All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. God has made known His salvation in Christ Jesus born of Mary. We rejoice and sing praises. The day of salvation has come. Christmas is not just a birthday. It is a way of life, a new beginning. God has prepared all things for His Son Jesus Christ. We read in the second reading how God spoke to us via the ancestors and prophets.  They prepared the way of the Lord. All was created for Christ and through Christ. Christ is the savior who sits at the right hand of the Father.  He is the Majesty on high.  He is the one we waited for 2,000 years ago and awaits Him again in the second coming. The Gospel puts this all well using Greek philosophical axioms such as the Logos. In the beginning, was the Word, the Word was with God and was God. This Word is Jesus Christ, the Logos. 

Jehovah's Witnesses alter this verse by saying that the Word was "a god." This is wrong and blasphemous. They are altering God's word to fit their heresy. The Word is Christ. Christ is God, not a god. Christ is part of the Holy Trinity. Christ the Word came to us via the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He came to bring us the light and open the doors of salvation to us all. We make the choice as to whether we want to be saved or not by following His teachings in the Catholic Church. Jesus the Word became flesh. He was one of us in all things except sin. John the Baptist was sent before Him to prepare His way. Jesus is the true light and the way. There is no other person who can save us. Saints do not save, not even Mary saves. Buddha does not save. Mohammad does not save. Moses and the prophets of Israel do not save. Only Jesus Christ the Lord saves. He is the Word made flesh. We receive Him in the Holy Eucharist at every Mass. He is truly present there. Every time we receive, it is like Christmas replaying in our souls. Christ is born in our hearts via the consecrated bread and wine. Remember, Jesus was born in Bethlehem which means House of Bread in Hebrew, and House of Flesh in Aramaic the language Jesus spoke. The Eucharist is key. Christ is truly present. 

The Word is made flesh and truly dwells among us even today in 2020 in the Holy Eucharist. This is why the spirit of the antichrist in the world today has targeted our Churches during this alleged Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic. Our Masses were suspended, our Sacraments and Churches deemed "non-essential" by governments while Target, liquor stores, and even protests and riots were allowed to run as usual.  We see the clear target: The Eucharist.  Like in the time of Christmas, the Holy Innocents were collateral damage due to a plot to rid the world of the King of Kings, the presence of Jesus, Son of God.  Today, Christ was targeted again.  We must not let this happen ever again and fight on.  

On this Christmas day, let us thank God for coming to us. Let us thank Our Lady and St. Joseph for opening their hearts and lives to Christ. Let us spread the joy and love of Christ to one another. Christmas is not just on December 25th. Its message must live in us each day. Some atheists love to claim that we celebrate a Pagan holiday. While the Romans did celebrate the day of Sol Invictus on the 25th of December, this came way after Christians associated the 25th with Christ's birth. Moreover, Christ is the Sun of righteousness as we read in Malachi 4:2. Christ is not an amalgamation of Pagan gods. Christ is God. This is why the memory of Christ lives on while that of Pagan Roman gods lives only in history books. Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh is the one true God. May He be praised.

I want to wish you all a very blessed and Merry Christmas!  This is Christ's birthday. Let us celebrate with love and holiness. 


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Christmas: The Word and Righteous Sun Becomes One of Us

MASS AT DAWN
Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122517-dawn.cfm

We rejoice! Christ is born!  The first reading reminds us that the savior has come. He has come to redeem His people and open the doors of heaven to them through His person. Christ was promised to mankind. He came as a baby boy today and continues to come to us in the Holy Eucharist. We respond to this reading with the words: A light will shine on us this day: the lord is born for us.  How true are these words!  Christ is the light that shines for us. It is He who is born unto us today on Christmas day. Christmas is an ongoing celebration that does not end after the 25th of December. We continue to rejoice as the Psalm says we should do. The earth rejoices! The savior has come. God, the savior has appeared as the second reading tells us. Christ is God in the flesh. He is the Son of God and second person of the Blessed Trinity. He is our door to eternal life. We must continue to allow Christ to be born in our hearts each day. In the Gospel, we read about the shepherds going to Bethlehem to see the Christ infant lying in the manger with Mary and Joseph present. We are also told that Mary kept all of these events in her heart. These words give us a clue as to where Luke got his information from to write this Gospel. It was Mary herself who gave the details. Only Mary would have known what happened during the birth of Christ. By this time, we believe Joseph may have passed away. Mary would have been the only one available to the Luke to supply the information necessary for the nativity narrative. This is why Luke wrote that Mary kept this all in her heart. It is clear that Mary herself was his source. This is awesome just thinking about it.  Another awesome thing is that Bethlehem means "House of Bread" in Hebrew. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Bethlehem in Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke, means "House of Flesh." Jesus is the Bread From Heaven whose flesh is bread.  See the link to the Eucharist?  We see how God has planned everything since the beginning. Every detail of even the geography of the nativity points to Christ. Bethlehem is the House of Bread. Jesus was born there who is the Bread of Life.  Mary was the tabernacle God chose. Everything is all connected.  God had a detailed plan. The Eucharist is like Christmas every day when we receive the Lord.

MASS DURING THE DAY
Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122517-day.cfm

The first reading shows the joy we have upon the birth of Christ.  How beautiful are the feet upon the mountains of Him who brings glad tidings and bears good news!  This is, of course, referring to Christ. All the ends of the earth will see God's salvation because the savior is born. We respond in the responsorial Psalm that All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. God has made known His salvation in Christ Jesus born of Mary. We rejoice and sing praises. The day of salvation has come. Christmas is not just a birthday. It is a way of life, a new beginning. God has prepared all things for His Son Jesus Christ. We read in the second reading how God spoke to us via the ancestors and prophets.  They prepared the way of the Lord. All was created for Christ and through Christ. Christ is the savior who sits at the right hand of the Father.  He is the Majesty on high.  He is the one we waited 2,000 years ago and await Him again in the second coming. The Gospel puts this all well using Greek philosophical axioms such as the Logos. In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and was God. This Word is Jesus Christ, the Logos. Jehovah Witnesses alter this verse by saying that the Word was "a god." This is wrong and blasphemous. They are altering God's word to fit their heresy. The Word is Christ. Christ is God, not a god. Christ is part of the Holy Trinity. Christ the Word came to us via the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He came to bring us light and open the doors of salvation to us all. We make the choice as to whether we want to be saved or not by following His teachings in the Catholic Church. Jesus the Word became flesh. He was one of us in all things except sin. John the Baptist was sent before Him to prepare His way. Jesus is the true light and the way. There is no other person who can save us. Saints do not save, not even Mary saves. Buddha does not save. Mohammad does not save. Moses and the prophets of Israel do not save. Only Jesus Christ the Lord saves. He is the Word made flesh. We receive Him in the Holy Eucharist at every Mass. He is truly present there. Every time we receive, it is like Christmas replaying in our souls. Christ is born in our hearts via the consecrated bread and wine. Remember, Jesus was born in Bethlehem which means House of Bread in Hebrew and House of Flesh in Aramaic the language Jesus spoke. The Eucharist is key. Christ is truly present. The Word is made flesh and truly dwells among us even today in 2017 in the Holy Eucharist. On this Christmas day, let us thank God for coming to us. Let us thank Our Lady and St. Joseph for opening their hearts and lives to Christ. Let us spread the joy and love of Christ to one another. Christmas is not just on December 25th. Its message must live in us each day. Some atheists love to claim that we celebrate a Pagan holiday. While the Romans did celebrate the day of Sol Invictus on the 25th of December, this came way after Christians associated the 25th as Christ's birth. Moreover, Christ is the Sun of righteousness as we read in Malachi 4:2. Christ is not an amalgamation of Pagan gods. Christ is God. This is why the memory of Christ lives on while that of Pagan Roman gods lives only in history books. Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh is the one true God. May He be praised.

I want to wish you all a very blessed and Merry Christmas!  This is Christ's birthday. Let us celebrate with love and holiness.