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Therefore, I have decided to talk about Christmas. One of those discussions I often have once I tell people I am a born-again Christian is about the actual date of Christ’s birth. Many wish to use the fact that Jesus was not born on December 25th as a means to disparage or distract from the meaning of Christmas. 

So, when was Christ born? According to the Bible, Jesus was born six months after John the Baptist. John the Baptist was born in March and Jesus followed suit six months later. In September. The information is easy to find as well as the exact dates and Bible passages telling of this fact. It has never been hotly contested.

What happened then? Well, those early church pilgrims sent out to convert the pagans Winter Solstice celebration and turned it into Christ’s official birthday celebration. Used the celebration to promote the messages of love and peace and forgiveness to all. Not a bad message, eh?

This converted pagan ritual has turned into one of the most highly celebrated holidays of all times. People who don’t believe in Christ celebrate Christmas. It is a time of giving. A time to set aside differences and remember we are all humans.

I remember a story I once heard about a battle being stopped during World War One because someone on the front lines realized it was Christmas day. A time where both sides set down their weapons and joined together for dinner to celebrate the birth of Christ and the peace, he offered to all. The next day they went at it again.

I don’t know if the story is true, but I like it. I like to believe it too. Like to believe someone had enough guts to say stop, it’s Christmas.

Christmas is a hard time for some. One of the hardest times in their lives. A time when they suffer loneliness, isolation, anger, fear, and hopelessness. I have felt all of these at one time or another on Christmas. We all have I assume. We all have also experienced the joy when someone opens a present, we got for them. 

Does it matter if Christ was born in December or September? Not to me. I can argue with the best of them. Beat people down with the smallest of details. Harass and harangue and bully, if necessary, to win an argument. 

Yet, for me, this is not an argument. The Catholic Church absconded with the Winter Solstice celebration for their own purposes. So what? Does this mean you don’t want your stocking filled? Does this mean you aren’t looking forward to seeing your kids face when they open their presents? Does this mean you aren’t looking forward to Christmas dinner? Or that the message is any different?

Anyone who has missed a Christmas knows the answer to these questions. Every service member who has had to leave their family behind on Christmas knows the answer as well. Their families know it even better.

Christmas is about celebrating life. Celebrating the gift God gave us when he let his Son become mortal. Celebrating the moments where we can for one day put down our weapons like the soldiers of WW1. 

Don’t let Christmas become a battlefield over a silly question about dates. Let Christmas be what it is supposed to be. A time of charity, love, and togetherness. Reach out this year to someone who doesn’t see Christmas as a celebration. As a time for caring and sharing. Share your good fortune with others so they too can have a Very Merry Christmas.

And for God’s sake, leave some of the pie for me.

I’m Ross, The Editor-in-Chief at The Pyrateheart Press and I’m out.