Pastor Abel Damina Questions December 25 as Jesus’ Birthdate
Dr. Abel Damina of Abel Damina Ministries and Power City International has once again stirred up controversy on the traditional Christmas celebration on December 25.
In an interview on the Mic On podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, Dr Damina said he doesn’t believe in Christmas. He said “I don’t believe in Christmas” meaning while he agrees that Christmas promotes goodwill and unity among Christians, he doesn’t believe Jesus was born on December 25.
Dr Damina explained that December 25 has no biblical or historical backing. He said over the centuries calendar has been tampered with and the actual birth date of Jesus has been lost. He said the December 25 tradition is more from cultural and historical practices than scriptural evidence.
December 25 is a topic of historical debate. Some scholars say early Christians chose this date to coincide with existing pagan festivals celebrating the winter solstice like the Roman festival of Sol Invictus to provide a Christian alternative and to spread Christianity.
Also the earliest recorded reference to December 25 as Jesus birthdate is in a mid 4th century Roman almanac which means this tradition was established several centuries after Christ’s death.
Dr Damina’s statement has got Christians and theologians thinking again about the origins of Christmas. While some see it as a call to re-examine historical and biblical records, others see it as an opportunity to focus on the bigger picture of the season, love, unity and goodwill.
Watch the podcast below:
