The Angels and Shepherds, the Star and Wisemen were the first to celebrate Christ’s birth when He was born. The Churches of the first and second centuries began to mark the conception and crucifixion of Christ at the same time around Passover time – Africans about 6th April and Westerners about 25th March.  Second century African Churches (190 AD) documented that they celebrated Christ’s Nativity on 6th January.  Saint Hippolytus of Rome (200 AD) recorded that Christ’s Nativity was celebrated on 25th December by Western Churches. The Romans had their Saturnalia on 17th December.  Emperor Aurelius (c. 271 AD) introduced Sun worship in Rome with Sol Invictus celebrated with games on 28th August (not 25th December).  Emperor Constantine the Great (d. 337 AD) converted from Sun worship to become a Christian.  Pope Julius 350 AD marked the Annunciation or conception of Christ on March 25th as the Church’s New Year.  Emperor Valentinian the Great 370 AD sh...