The answer is: False

The idea of celebrating birthdays is a pagan one and neither the Jews, the apostles nor Jesus celebrated them.

It’s true; when it comes to birthday celebrations, Jesus didn’t throw him a birthday bash, nor did his contemporaries! Curious, right? Birthdays as we know them are rooted in ancient traditions, with Egyptians and Greeks being among the first to mark the years of power and life—as was customary in the worship of their deities. The early Jewish culture typically focused on ancient holy days and festivals rather than personal milestones.

Fast forward to Christmas—the birth of Jesus is traditionally celebrated on December 25th, though there’s actually no definitive evidence he was born on that day. Conversations around the time have evolved, blending various ancient celebrations, such as Saturnalia from at least a few centuries before Christ.

Interestingly, it’s also good to note that the Bible doesn’t provide precise dates for many key events, reflecting a style focused more on meaning and faith rather than chronology. Rather than counting the years, the emphasis tends to rest on the importance and influence of Jesus’ life on humanity.

Speaking of birthdays, while the early Christians didn’t celebrate Jesus' birth, they did celebrate significant events in his ministry like his baptism and resurrection. So, Christmas has grown into a joyful or reflective community event, focusing on values of compassion and togetherness that many embrace universally. Now that’s something to celebrate!