The History of Christmas

The Authorized King James Bible, published in 1611 under the commission of King James I of England, is a foundational English translation of the Bible, renowned for its literary style and influence on Christian theology and culture. When addressing the history and scriptures related to Christmas in the context of the King James Bible, it is important to clarify that the Bible does not explicitly mention or establish the celebration of Christmas as a holiday. However, the nativity accounts in the Gospels provide the scriptural basis for the Christian observance of Jesus Christ's birth, which became associated with Christmas. Below, I will provide a historical overview of Christmas in relation to the King James Bible and relevant scriptures from the Authorized Version, maintaining a formal tone and thorough explanation.

Historical Context of Christmas

Origins of Christmas

Christmas, celebrated on December 25 by many Christian denominations, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. The King James Bible, as a translation of the Hebrew and Greek scriptures, contains the primary accounts of Christ's birth in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. However, the Bible does not specify a date for Jesus' birth, and the establishment of December 25 as Christmas occurred centuries after the New Testament was written.

The choice of December 25 likely stems from early Christian efforts to Christianize existing pagan festivals, such as the Roman Saturnalia or the winter solstice celebrations, which occurred around the same time. By the 4th century, under the influence of Emperor Constantine and the early Church, December 25 became widely accepted as the date to celebrate Christ's nativity in the Western Church. The Eastern Church, by contrast, often observed January 6 as the date for commemorating both Christ's birth and baptism.

The King James Bible, produced in the early 17th century, was translated during a period when Christmas was an established but sometimes controversial holiday in England. During the Protestant Reformation, some Puritan groups, who heavily relied on the Bible as their sole authority, questioned the celebration of Christmas because it lacked explicit scriptural mandate and was associated with Catholic traditions and perceived excesses. In the 1640s, during the English Civil War, Puritans briefly banned Christmas celebrations in England, viewing them as unbiblical and frivolous. The King James Bible, as the standard English Bible of the time, was central to these debates, as both supporters and opponents of Christmas drew upon its texts to argue their positions.

Role of the King James Bible

The King James Bible's translation of the nativity accounts in Matthew and Luke provided the authoritative scriptural foundation for Christmas sermons, liturgies, and carols in English-speaking Protestant churches. Its majestic prose, such as the passages describing the angels' announcement to the shepherds, shaped the way Christmas was understood and celebrated in Anglican and other Protestant traditions. The translation's accessibility and widespread use ensured that these passages became deeply ingrained in Christian culture, influencing hymns like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and Christmas narratives in literature and art.

Relevant Scriptures in the Authorized King James Bible

The primary scriptures associated with Christmas in the King James Bible are found in the Gospels of Matthew (chapters 1–2) and Luke (chapter 2). These passages describe the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ, including the annunciation, the virgin birth, the visit of the shepherds. Below are key excerpts from the Authorized Version, along with brief explanations of their significance to the Christmas narrative.

Matthew 1:18–25 (The Annunciation to Joseph and the Virgin Birth)

Matthew 1:18–23 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

This passage establishes the divine announcement of Jesus' birth to Joseph, emphasizing the virgin birth and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 7:14). The name "Jesus" (meaning "salvation") and "Emmanuel" ("God with us") underscore the theological significance of Christ's incarnation, central to Christmas celebrations.

Matthew 2:1–12 (The Visit of the three wise men)

Matthew 2:1–2, 11 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. … And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

The account of the three wise men from the East who paid respect to the infant Jesus, highlights the recognition of Jesus as a king by Gentiles, symbolized by their gifts. The traditions link to Christmas underscores the universal significance of Christ's birth.

Luke 2:1–20 (The Birth of Jesus and the Shepherds' Visit)

Luke 2:1, 4–7 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. … And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:8–14 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke's account provides the most detailed narrative of Jesus' birth, emphasizing its humility (born in a manger) and the angelic proclamation to the shepherds. The phrase "Glory to God in the highest" has become a cornerstone of Christmas liturgy and hymnody, encapsulating the joy and peace associated with the holiday.

Additional Notes on Christmas and the King James Bible

Old Testament Prophecies: The King James Bible also includes Old Testament passages often linked to Christmas, such as Isaiah 7:14 ("Behold, a virgin shall conceive…") and Isaiah 9:6–7 ("For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…"), which early Christians interpreted as messianic prophecies fulfilled in Jesus' birth.
Cultural Impact: The poetic language of the King James Bible shaped English Christmas traditions, including carols, sermons, and public readings. Its influence persists in modern Christmas celebrations, even among those who use other Bible translations.
Controversies: As noted, some Protestant groups in the 17th century, including certain readers of the King James Bible, opposed Christmas due to its lack of direct biblical authorization. However, the vivid nativity accounts in Matthew and Luke ensured its enduring place in Christian worship.

Conclusion

The Authorized King James Bible does not explicitly prescribe the celebration of Christmas, but its accounts of Jesus' birth in Matthew 1–2 and Luke 2 provide the theological and narrative foundation for the holiday. These passages, rendered in the eloquent prose of the 1611 translation, emphasize the incarnation, divine announcement, and universal significance of Christ's birth, which are central to Christmas theology. Historically, the King James Bible played a pivotal role in shaping English-speaking Christian culture, including the celebration of Christmas, despite debates over its observance during the Reformation era. The scriptures cited above remain the primary texts for Christmas sermons and liturgies in traditions that use the King James Bible.