The claims that many gods were born on dec. 25th is sometimes speculation. Including Jesus, because nowhere we read this. It was the Church who defined a date for the. celebration. Now, it is true it is a very ancient tradition.
Not because it is late in the year, or winter, makes it impossible for a baby to be born in these conditions. Nor it confirms that the date was with no doubt borrowed from paganism.
In fact, the actual date matters for history only. It is true that as a symbol of the coming of light, it is very powerful. But if we take the example of Sol invictus, about the time of winter solstice, there is little evidence that the celebration predates christianity. the same for Mithra’s festivities.
But if we were able to show that Christmas was intended to replace these old feasts, it would perfectly make sense, too. The real Sun, the real Light, the one true Lord and God is Jesus Christ.
Therefore, in the way Peter in Acts gives some instructions to pagans converts without taking away all their traditions, we can see it as a way of celebrating truth without hurting feelings. We replace the meaning of the feast, not the time of the year, so that the habits remain the same.
