Nobody really knows when Christ was born.
Most scholars think that December 25 was chosen when the Romans decided they needed a new state religion, to give a little extra umph to their collapsing empire— and this was just the most convenient time to celebrate.
From the Coliseums to Cathedrals
The Romans had noticed that Christians were pretty dedicated—going to their deaths in the Coliseum—not perhaps cheerfully—but strengthened by their beliefs. The Romans respected courage and loyalty.
Although Constantine is credited with legalizing Christianity—there had been a movement towards toleration, if not inclusion, well before him—with various generals issuing edicts of toleration to recruit Christians into the legions.
Early Christians were apparently not all pacifists.
These…umm ”Christians” were also not of one mind.
Christianity began as an offshoot of Judaism—one might say created by Paul, who was a Jew and therefore believed in only one God— and had never met Jesus while he was alive. In his writings, Paul does not specifically say that Jesus is God. In fact, many early Christians did not believe that Christ was divine.
“Son of God”?
The term “Son of God” was often used in Israel to designate virtuous and godly people —and cannot be taken literally. Paul and others tend to use expressions of this kind in this way.
In any event, Constantine could not have a state religion with so many different interpretations—hence the Council of Nicaea— which among other things dumped about 80 Gospels in favor of just four— and created a creed – “I believe in the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost”— a sort of compromise polytheism— which the Romans found easy to accept.
At this time, up to 50% of Christians, especially Ebonites and Arians, did not believe in the divinity of Christ.
In any case, the rulers of the empire got their new state religion— the question was how to sell it. How to convince people to accept the transition? The Trinity was helpful, but something more was needed.
Saturnalia
Since the festival of Saturnalia was held December 25—the birthday of Sol Invictus and Mithras – what better day to celebrate the birth of Christ! I'm not sure how the sex orgies, gluttony, and drunkenness fitted in. But….what's life without a little ambivalence?
