God’s Birthday Why Christ Was Born on December 25 and Why it Matters - Taylor RMarshall

God’s Birthday: 
Why Christ Was Born on December 25 and Why it Matters
Taylor R. Marshall
Saint John Press
ISBN 9780988442528


First this book is available for free via Dr. Taylor Marshall’s website. Second as it states in the conclusion it is taken mainly from the third volume of his Origins of Christianity series, The Eternal City: Rome & the Origins of Catholic Christianity. I have not read that volume yet but did some quick searching in it appears to come mostly from chapter three of that volume The Birth of Christ Under Caesar. A few things sparked my reading of this book. First it has been on my radar for a few years, and I kept forgetting to read it before Christmas. Second a friend, a Catholic Podcaster was asking for recommendations for a panel discussion on Christmas and if it was relevant. I suggested Dr. Marshall, and even provided the link to the free copy of this book. Both were quickly deleted and I was informed the person did not want Dr. Marshall representing Catholicism. 

Now I am not a Traddie in any sense, I have never been to a Latin mass, and have never felt the need to. But I love the Catholic church, I love mass, I love communion, and I desperately need sacramental confession frequently. My conclusion when I read Infiltration: The Plot to Destroy the Church from Within, was to pray even more. Recently Dr. Marshall’s Wikipedia Page was even attacked by a Vatican IP address. So I know that Marshall is considered a controversial figure. But he has written some excellent books, and this little free volume is among them. I have a Religious Studies degree with a specialization in Roman Catholic Thought. And like Marshall I had heard all the theories. Marshall states:

“I once believed all these arguments. I considered myself an enlightened man. I had heard these arguments in college, graduate courses, and even in seminary. I had heard it preached from pulpits. I assumed that everyone, everywhere knew that Christmas was not really the historical birthday of Christ our Lord.”

What this volume does is outline some pretty solid historical arguments to change that popular opinion. And as the subtitle of the book indicated, what it really matters. He also states:

“This book in your hand challenges the claim that Jesus was not born on December 25. Even more, I challenge the claim that we cannot know the year of Christ’s birth. As you will see, the expert arguments above are as anachronistic as claiming that Coca-cola invented Santa Clause in the 1930s in order to compete with Kwanza celebrations.”

At 57 pages it is a quick read. I truly believe it will challenge your thinking and open your eyes. It is a great read, and you cannot beat the price! And hopefully it will inspire you to go deeper with The Origins of Catholic Christianity Series by Dr. Marshall. If you are looking to add something different to your advent reading this year. Add this to the list of resources you are using I know you will not be disappointed. And you might just never experience Christmas ever or morning the same way ever again.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Taylor R. Marshall:
Thomas Aquinas in 50 Pages: The Layman's Quick Guide to Thomism
Saint Augustine in 50 Pages: The Layman's Quick Guide to Augustinianism
God's Birthday: Why Christ Was Born on December 25 and Why it Matters
Infiltration: The Plot to Destroy the Church from Within
The Rosary in 50 Pages: The Layman’s Quick Guide to Mary’s Psalter

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Sword and Serpent Series:

Nikolaos

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Sword and the Serpent
The Tenth Region of the Night
Storm of Fire and Blood

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The Origins of Catholic Christianity Series:
The Crucified Rabbi: Judaism and the Origins of Catholic Christianity
The Catholic Perspective on Paul: Paul and the Origins of Catholic Christianity
The Eternal City: Rome & the Origins of Catholic Christianity

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