If you took the same history class as I did in college, then you know that the man known as Jesus was not actually born on December 25. He probably wasn’t even born during the winter months, as the shepherds were only out with their flocks in the months with milder temperatures.

The date December 25 was mostly likely picked to dissuade solstice rituals and give the masses something else to celebrate at this time. A little bait and switch, if you will. Think how closely “the rebirth of the sun” and “the birth of the Son” sound. Coincidence? I think not.

Now before you go believing I’m a total heathen here, let me say that I do, indeed, attend Christmas Eve church services every year. And I do decorate my house and give gifts and enjoy all the festivities this holiday presents us.

On December 25 Christians everywhere celebrate Christ’s mass. And it shouldn’t really matter to anyone just when He was born, only that He was born.

Jesus is the reason for the season.