Is it true that Christmas has nothing to do with Jesus?

TL;DR:

Christmas was created to celebrate Jesus’ birth, even though the Bible doesn’t command it. Christians have the freedom to observe the day—or not—as long as the heart of the celebration honors Christ.

The Bible does not prescribe an annual celebration for Jesus’ birth. But it was such a momentous occasion that it was prophesied in the Old Testament (Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2) and even angels celebrated its fulfillment (Luke 2:13–14). An ongoing celebration is a logical extension of that joy.

Christmas was intentionally created to establish a day to honor Jesus’ birth, so it has everything to do with Jesus. Some have argued that Christmas was a pagan holiday that was “Christianized.” But today, most historians hold that December 25 is a calculated day based on the early Christian belief that Jesus was conceived on March 25. December 25th is nine months after that. Other Christmas traditions, such as trees and gifts, were added over time as the celebration became commercialized.

Today, some Christians refuse to celebrate Christmas out of concern that it’s a dressed-up pagan holiday. Others have no problem going “all in” for Christmas. Paul encouraged Christians to be charitable toward one another when it comes to matters not proscribed in Scripture (Romans 14:5–6). To the one who celebrates and the one who doesn’t, both are to honor the Lord.

from the old testament

Isaiah 9:6 prophesies about the birth of Jesus, a prophecy used on many a Christmas card: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Micah 5:2 also brings attention to Jesus' birth by prophesying that He would be born in "Bethlehem Ephrathah."

from the new testament

When Jesus was born, even the angels celebrated (Luke 2:13–14) because God had extended “peace among those with whom he is pleased.” Regardless of one’s view of Christmas, celebrating Jesus’ birth is valid and good.
Jesus’ birth meant that the eternal Son of God (John 1:1) had taken on humanity (Philippians 2:6–7) so that He could be like us, except without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Being without sin meant that He could die for our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). As the only way to escape God’s wrath (John 14:6; Romans 5:9), Jesus’ birth was the introduction of a major change for humanity’s relationship with God.
Though His birth was important, salvation came through His death and resurrection. That is likely why we never learn about a birth celebration, only remembrances of His death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Acts 2:42). That doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate a holiday like Christmas, but it does mean that such a celebration is optional.
Guidance on this comes from Paul's letter to the Romans. He wrote, “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord” (Romans 14:5–6a). Honoring the Lord in all that we do is the priority, whether we celebrate Christmas or not.
Paul went on to say, “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10–12). Believers shouldn't look down on one another about the choice to celebrate Christmas. God knows their heart in the matter; we do not.

implications for today

Gossip is dangerous because even if it isn't true, it becomes "true" to the people hearing it if it's repeated enough times. This is the case with early views or legends, too; they're repeated so often that they are assumed to be true. An example is the idea that Christmas originated as a pagan winter solstice holiday. While some pagan customs may have influenced cultural practices, the day itself was intentionally established to honor Christ. Early scholars proposed the theory of it being a pagan winter solstice holiday, and it took root in popular culture, but most historians today reject it. In fact, secular and religious historians alike, agree that Christmas was intentionally created as a celebration of Jesus’ birth, so it is inherently about Christ.

But the original view is perpetuated—sometimes out of anti-Christians sentiment, some because they grew up hearing the older view. Others have mixed feelings about it, believing it to celebrate Jesus’ birth originally but as corrupted by a secular society. Christians must be understanding with one another about the choice to celebrate Christmas or not. What Scripture doesn't prescribe or condemn, we have the freedom to decide (Romans 14:5–6).

Whether we choose to celebrate Christmas or not, our focus should remain on honoring Jesus, not on proving a point or judging others. Our unity as believers and our witness to the world depend more on the condition of our hearts than on the day we observe.

understand

Christmas originated as a Christian effort after the first century to commemorate the birth of Jesus.
Celebrating Christmas or not is optional, but the focus must remain on Christ.
Myths of a pagan origin persist, but historians agree Christmas was established to celebrate Jesus.

reflect

How does remembering the incarnation help you better understand why Jesus came into the world and the significance of it?
How do you ensure that your approach to Christmas keeps the focus on Christ rather than on cultural traditions?
How can you guard your heart from judging other believers who may reach different conclusions about celebrating Christmas?

engage

What historical evidence helps explain why December 25 became associated with the celebration of Jesus’ birth in the early church?
How should Christians think about cultural traditions that surround Christmas while still keeping the incarnation central to their celebration?
What principles from passages like Romans 14 help guide the way believers navigate disagreements about holidays and other matters of Christian liberty?