Although it is a matter of some dispute why Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25, it surely has something to do with the pagan celebration of the Unconquerable Sun—a festival started by the emperor Aurelian in 274 to honor the Syrian sun god. We know that by the early fourth century there was in Rome a holy day to honor the True Sun of Justice. In the cultural backgr (...)
The Last Word
Let There Be Light
The remainder of this article is only available to paid subscribers. If you’re not currently a Commonweal subscriber in print or online, an online-only subscription costs just $34 a year. Click here for immediate access.
