The Word became flesh

The birth of Jesus into the world, although it cannot be dated with precision either as to the year or the day, was already honored as a feast in both Eastern and Western Christian communities at the beginning of the fourth century. Gradually, under the influence of Roman tradition, the celebration of 25 December became established—a date chosen also to counter the ancient pagan festival dedicated to the rising sun, which fell precisely around the time of the winter solstice. Christians saw in that day the symbol of the appearance in the world of the true light, Christ, who breaks through the darkness produced by sin.