In our culture there is this profound "fact" that December 25th is strictly a pagan holiday adopted by Christians. Granted, as the article points out, many pagan practices do come over to the more modern (and postmodern) sector but the actual origins of celebrating Christmas on December 25th come from this idea of tying creation/redemption together. The author posits, with evidence provided, that early Christians tied Jesus' conception (March 25th) to his passion (on or around March 25th). And exactly nine months following March 25th is, you guessed it, December 25th. He cites St. Augustine among others for this.
Have at it yourself and weigh it against the abundance of other noise in our culture. I found it to be a nice read which gives Christians of all stripes a reason to celebrate Christmas on December 25th even if in the past they were afraid of celebrating it because it is "pagan." And most importantly this idea that Christmas also points to the cross. That's really what the origins of celebrating Christmas on December 25th seem to be about. Enjoy!
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