Why do we celebrate Jesus’ birth on December 25th?
Full Question
Someone told me Jesus was likely born in the summer. Why do Catholics celebrate him on December 25th?
Answer
No one knows exactly when Jesus was born. All the dates people give are mere guesses. The choice of December 25th could be random but there is another explanation for why it makes sense that the Church chose this time.
It is likely its proximity to the winter solstice. After that date, the days start becoming longer and is thus at the beginning of a season of light entering the world. (John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.). The summer solstice after which the days start getting shorter falls near June 24 on which the Church celebrates the birth of John the Baptist, who had said of Christ: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
