Archive · 25 Dec 2025
Why Christmas is Celebrated on December 25
Christmas is celebrated on December 25, but Jesus was not actually born on that date.
The true meaning of Christmas is about God being with us, symbolized by the word Emmanuel.
Jesus was born in poverty in a manger, showing that God is with the poor and vulnerable.
The date December 25 was chosen to coincide with a pagan festival or to be nine months after Jesus' conception.
In India, the harmony among different religions is seen as a strength, and true spirituality does not fear diversity.
The conversation also touches on the commercialization of Christmas and the importance of remembering its spiritual significance.
Christmas is celebrated on December 25, but there is no historical evidence that Jesus was born on that date.
The true meaning of Christmas is about God being with us, symbolized by the word Emmanuel.
Jesus was born in poverty in a manger, showing that God is with the poor and vulnerable.
The date December 25 was chosen to coincide with the pagan festival Sol Invictus or to be nine months after Jesus' conception.
In India, the harmony among different religions is seen as a strength, and true spirituality does not fear diversity.
- Who
- Father Joshan Rodrigues, Chief Editor of The Examiner and serving at Saint Joseph's RC Church in Colaba
- What
- Discussion on the true meaning of Christmas and its celebration on December 25
- When
- Not specified, but likely around Christmas time
- Where
- India, specifically in the context of the Archdiocese of Bombay
- Why
- To explore the spiritual significance of Christmas and its date, and to discuss the harmony among different religions in India
- Date of Christmas
- December 25
- Symbol of Christmas
- Emmanuel (God is with us)
- Birth of Jesus
- Born in poverty in a manger
- John 3:16
- God loved the world and gave his only son for eternal life
- Myrrh
- A gift from the Magi used for embalming the dead
- Theories on December 25
- Coincides with pagan festival Sol Invictus or nine months after conception
- India's Diversity
- Strength in plurality and harmony among different religions