The Nativity by Toros Taronatsi, Gladzor monastery, 1318, ms206 Matenadaran collection

The current issue of Biblical Archaeology Review has an article titled “Calculating Christmas” that includes a discussion if Jesus was born on December 25th. The author focuses on a 3rd Century historian Hippolytus. A statue of him in the Vatican contains an inscription that notes that Jesus’ conception occurred on April 2 2 BC. Calculating the birth to be 9 months later leads to December 25th. He argues that the Romans didn’t celebrate the Winter Solstice until later so the historian was not influenced by a pagan celebration. Many historians declare that his birth occurred in 4 BC because of the Roman Census and the death of Herod.

Advent is the first season of the Christian Liturgical year. It begins four Sundays before Christmas; the actual date varies on when December 25th occurs in a calendar year. The liturgical calendar varies widely among the various branches of Christianity. Western branches celebrate the 25th. There has a centuries long debate as to whether the actual date was the 25th or whether Jesus was born in Bethlehem, according to the scriptures. In addition to the difference cycles of the Liturgical calendar, some denominations also have a Calendar of Saints, or in the Roman Catholic tradition, Feast Days.

What does all this debate about the Christmas calendar mean? It is all based on the traditions of the various branches of Christianity that have evolved over time. For those who celebrate tradition, we are in the season of Advent. Some churches place more emphasis on traditions than others. To phrase it more simply, it is a time of preparation and celebration for the coming of the Christ Child.

Unfortunately, the tradition of giving gifts has overcome the religious traditions so we are in a season of decorations, sale promotions, and commercial hoopla to sell stuff. The retail business survives based upon these few weeks to be able to turn a profit. Thanksgiving and Halloween (All Saints Day) have just become preludes to the real business of Christmas. It has taught children to be more interested in what they’re going to get rather than what they’re going to give.

Fortunately, many churches and non-profit use the spirit of generosity to encourage us to give to those who are in need. With the many inequities in our economic system, many fit that description year-round. I’ve always found it ironic that the most famous Christmas story of Dicken’s Christmas Carol was written in a period of the greatest poverty and destitution.

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