Yes, it is common knowledge that Jesus was most likely NOT born on December 25. For a fantastic detailed analysis, here is an outside link that delves deep into it.

Christmas is also not a holiday observance outlined in scripture in any way, shape or form.

However, why not celebrate Jesus’ birthday on the day that is commonly utilized? We have Presidents’ Day on the third Monday in February to commemorate President Washington’s and President Lincoln’s birthdays. That assigned day is not their actual birthdays. We celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November yet the event that we commonly call the “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in October 1621.

That being said, as a Jewish follower of Jesus, one who based on the evidence knows that Jesus is the promised Messiah of the Hebrew scriptures, I celebrate Jesus every day. We light the menorah for Hanukkah. I do display the nativity scene as that speaks the message of the first Christmas, the birth of Jesus. However we do not desire nor put up Christmas trees, Christmas lights, etc. And that is totally okay!

BUT, if you do desire to put up a Christmas tree, there is absolutely no reason for you not to! You are not renouncing your Jewish identity, or any other identity. It is simply a tree, something beautiful and seasonal. I do feel that we as Jewish followers of Jesus are in an interesting position, people being more cognizant of the traditions we follow, are we Jewish enough, Christian enough, have we forsaken our roots, changed religions, the analysis goes on and on. It is ridiculous. And sad! And yet, a privilege! Because when leveraged healthfully, it can open the door to some awesome conversations!

So do I ignore Christmas? No!

Whether attending a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service, or looking at beautiful Christmas displays, or having the privilege of an invitation to someone’s Christmas gathering, or hiking on a gorgeous mountain trail, or whatever else we may find to do, we glorify God and recognize Jesus in all we do. Christmas is a special, set apart day, and we embrace that, in our private and personal ways.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

With love,
Diane