Day 5: Marcia Ellen's 12 Days of Christmas

The Change to Christianity - Rome - 322AD


The period around 280 years after the death of Christ was a very confusing one for both the new Christian populace and those who worshiped the old Roman gods. The Emperor Constantine had given up the worship of the Sun god, Mithra, and converted to worshiping the Son of God, Jesus. In the years before he officially proclaimed Christianity to be the state religion of Rome, there was instability and misunderstanding for pagans and Christians alike.

The great majority of people in the Roman Empire still celebrated the old pagan holidays and still worshiped the gods and goddesses they had grown up to know. The persecution of Christians was dwindling in the face of their Emperor’s conversion, and there were occurrences of that maltreatment back lashing and falling upon the pagans. Constantine put it upon the shoulders of the Church of Rome to ensure the conversion of the Empire to Christianity and quickly.

It would be another three years until Constantine called together the first council of Nicaea in an effort to solidify Christian beliefs throughout the Empire. He had just defeated Licinius and solidified his place as Emperor.

“Father Vincentius, it will be difficult to get the people to give up all this celebrating in exchange for the pure worship of the child of the Holy Virgin. Listen to them down there.”

In the streets below, celebrating Romans were shouting, “Io Saturnalia!” and taking part publicly in ever excess of vice known to man. On top of the release of moral restrictions, presents were passed around, small clay dolls and wax candles. Slaves were given temporary freedom and a mock king was chosen. The people celebrated as they do today at our modern Mardi Gras.

Vincentius looked out over the merriment. The longer he watched, the stronger an idea burned into his mind. “They celebrate the birth of the god Mithras, do they not?”

“Yes Father. Aurelian established the festival of Dies Invicti Solis – The Day of the Invincible Sun.”

“And wasn’t Constantine a worshiper of Mithras before converting to the true religion?”

“Again, that is true.”

“What we need to do, Vincentius, is to transfer these old pagan holidays to Christian holidays so the people won’t have to give up their old ways to become Christian.”

“Father Victor?”

“We have some time until next year. Dress our priests in the same sort of garb used by their pagan counterparts. Set up statues of the Apostles, Mary, the Saints in the churches so it appears we worship more than one God. But most importantly, turn this Dies Invicti Solis around and make it a holiday celebrating the birth of the Christ child. We have the stories in Matthew and Luke. It shouldn’t be that difficult. Allow them their revelry for the sake of the conversion of millions.”

“You know Victor, there are people that dislike the fact that the Emperor has converted to our ways. They are spreading vicious rumors. My own brother told me his daughter was accosted on the street and asked why her father worships the son of a woman raped by Panthera, a Roman legionary.”

“Yes, Vincentius, I’m aware of such things. This is why we must make changes – to appeal to the people. If my plans are carried out, few will make issue of lies like that. We must get Constantine to agree and make public declarations. By this time next year the Saturnalia will be a Christian holiday and after a few years, the people won’t think twice about it.”

“I think we must continue to get Constantine to promote a council to solidify our beliefs as well. We need to put one face on our beliefs for all time, Vincentius. Will you support me in this?”

“Of course Father Victor. I certainly will.”


It all came about as planned. The First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea was held in 325 AD and Victor and Vicentius were attendees. Twenty Church canons were agreed upon and those not agreeing to the formula were anathematized. The Christian religion, along with its celebration of Christmas was beginning to take shape.

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