Chaplain’s Corner

Christmas. Of pagan origin?

Christmas! The most wonderful time of the year! Among the hustle and bustle, also comes times of refreshing, family, worship, and reflection. It is a most important time on the Christian calendar as we celebrate and recognise the birth of Christ! However, at this time of year, some seek to undermine these traditions and claim that Christmas is of pagan origin.

Some claim that 25 December was chosen because it falls exactly nine months after Mary was informed that she would be with child, which was believed by the early church to have occurred on 25 March. This is clearly an estimation, and they didn’t believe with absolute conviction that Christ was born on this day. It is, however, quite plausible and the strongest theory as to why we mark this particular date. 

The second theory is that 25 December was chosen because it was the day on which the sun god, Sol Invictus, was celebrated, due to the winter solstice. There is only one source (written by a Christian) for the idea that Sol Invictus was celebrated on 25 December. It also happens to be the earliest known source for 25 December as Christmas Day. Therefore, we have no way of knowing which came first – celebrating the cult of Sol Invictus, or celebrating Christ. 

The third theory is that it is all just coincidence, a pagan and Christian celebration on the same day. With many traditions, celebrations, and special days all around the world on any given day, it is highly likely that several celebratory dates fall on the same day. We do note, however, that 25 December has now overwhelmingly become a worldwide tradition of celebrating Christ!

As we take time to spend with family and exchange gifts, I encourage you to explain to your family the true reason for the season. That Christ was a gift, given to us by our ever loving, all knowing, agape loving, and heavenly Father. He came and provided the opportunity for salvation for all, as the answer to sin and the path to righteousness and everlasting life. Our singing of carols is an act of worship, our giving of gifts a yearly reminder, our food and festivities a celebration that reminds us that Jesus is LORD!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 

I wish you and your family a blessed Christmas and a wonderful new year!

God bless,

Pastor Matt Daly

Operation Christmas Child – Final shoebox tally

We are very pleased to be able to announce that we will be brightening the lives of 637 children in Cambodia with a shoebox of goodies! Thank you to everyone who contributed, for your generosity and kindness!