The theology of the Catholic liturgical calendar does not see December 25 merely through the lens of popular culture—twinkling lights, reindeer, the exchange of gifts, and bustling Christmas markets. Instead, it contemplates this sacred day within the profound reality of divine and cosmic time and space. Joseph Ratzinger, in his work ‘Spirit of the Liturgy,’ provides a compelling foundation for exploring the profound relationship between The Annunciation, Christmas, and their alignment with the Zodiac. He writes:
“In a work on the calculation of the date of easter, written in AD 243, and also emanating from Africa, we find March 25 interpreted as the day of the world’s creation, and in connection with that, we find a very peculiar dating for the birth of Christ. According to the account for creation in Genesis 1, the sun was created on the fourth day, that is, on March 28. This day should, therefore, be regarded as the day of Christ’s birth, as the rising of the true sun of history. This idea was altered during the third century so that the day of Christ’s passion and the day of His conception was regarded as identical.”
March 25 – Birth of the Aries Son and Sun
The Annunciation as the Day of Creation is an incredibly profound concept that makes our celebration of the Feast of the Annunciation even more theologically enriching. When the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to announce that she would conceive and bear a son, Jesus (Luke 1:26-38), this event signified the incarnation of God in human form, marking the rebirth of creation and the beginning of the fulfillment of divine prophecies to redeem humanity.
The De Pascha Computus, an ancient Christian treatise dated around AD 243, interprets March 25 as the day of the world’s creation. Early Catholic theologians sought to harmonize Biblical events with cosmic and natural cycles, viewing the creation of the world and the conception of Christ as parallel acts of divine initiation. By aligning the world’s creation with the Annunciation, they emphasized the theme of new beginnings and the cyclical nature of salvation history.
March 25 occurs within the astrological sign of Aries (March 21 to April 19), represented by the ram. In ancient times, celestial bodies and astrological signs were often imbued with divine symbolism.
In the Genesis 1 creation narrative, the fourth day is when God creates the sun, moon, and stars:
“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate day from night…’ And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.”
Genesis 1:14-19
If March 25 is considered the first day of creation, the fourth day would fall on March 28. This correlates with the creation of the sun, the primary source of light and life on Earth.
Early Christians drew profound parallels between the physical sun and Jesus Christ, often referred to as the “Sun of Righteousness” (Malachi 4:2). Just as the sun illuminates the world, Jesus is seen as the light of humanity, illuminating the path to salvation. Indeed, Jesus calls Himself, “The Light of the World” (John 8:12). The conception of Jesus aligns symbolically with the creation of the sun, heralding a new spiritual dawn for humankind.
In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac. As Abraham prepares to comply, an angel intervenes, and a ram caught in a thicket is provided as a substitute:
“But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’… Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son.”
Genesis 22:11-13
This event symbolizes God’s provision and foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of His own Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of humanity. The Aries ram, hence, becomes a potent symbol of substitutionary atonement, mirrored in Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, where He, like the ram caught in the thicket, was offered on the tree of crucifixion.
Following this divine intervention, God reiterates His promises to Abraham:
“I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky… and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
Genesis 22:17-18
This covenant implies that God would not withhold any blessing and ultimately offers His own Son to fulfill the promise of redemption.
December 25: The Nativity and the Capricorn Goat
On December 25, exactly nine months after the Annunciation, we celebrate the Nativity of Jesus (the Christ Mas/Sending). This period reflects the cycle of human gestation, signifying the fulfillment of the prophetic promise proclaimed at the Annunciation.
December 25 aligns with the zodiac (Gk. zōdiakos kyklos for “circle of little animals) sign of Capricorn, symbolized by the goat. In various ancient cultures, goats represented sacrifice and atonement. In Hebrew tradition, the “scapegoat” carried the sins of the people into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:10).
The symbolism of the goat beautifully coincides with Jesus’ role as the ultimate sacrificial offering for humanity’s sins. His birth under the sign of Capricorn emphasizes His divine mission—to reconcile humanity with God through His eventual sacrifice on the cross.
Interweaving Themes and Symbolism
The alignment of these dates and astrological symbols reflects a deep desire in early Christian thought to see God’s hand orchestrating both cosmic events and human history. By connecting the Annunciation and creation, believers saw a parallel between God’s creative power and His redemptive plan.
Fulfillment of Promises
The substitution of the ram for Isaac prefigures God’s provision of Jesus as a sacrifice for sin. God’s promise to Abraham—to bless all nations through his offspring—finds fulfillment in Jesus, a descendant of Abraham.
Light and Life
The creation of the sun and the conception of Jesus both represent the advent of light—physical and spiritual. They mark beginnings that have profound implications for life and existence.
Sacrifice and Redemption
The Capricorn goat symbolizes sacrifice and points to Jesus’ mission to atone for the sins of the world. The timing of His birth emphasizes the sacrificial aspect of His life from the very beginning.
Conclusion
The relationships between the Annunciation on March 25, the ancient interpretation of this date as the day of creation, the symbolism of the Aries ram and the sacrifice of Isaac, and the Nativity on December 25 interweave to form a rich symphony of cosmic and theological significance. These connections highlight the coherence of God’s divine plan, demonstrating how His actions in human history are reflected in the natural order and celestial signs. The use of astrological symbols like Aries and Capricorn serves not to endorse astrology but to illustrate how all aspects of creation point toward and are fulfilled through the central truths of the Catholic Christian faith—creation, promise, incarnation, sacrifice, and redemption. Through these intertwined narratives, we are called to be thankful for the abundant affirmations of God’s sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises in the person of Jesus Christ.
Also Read:
- The Liturgical Paradox of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
- How Christmas and Easter Celebrate the Incarnation and Resurrection of Christ: A Response to the Pagan Origin Claim
- The Advent Wreath: A Disruptive Protestant Liturgical Inculturation
