Your Bible trivia questions answered by Phil Logos...

Was Jesus born on December 25?

Answer: Very unlikely.

Every year on December 25th, Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. However, the question arises: Was Jesus actually born on this date? To answer this question, we need to delve into biblical and historical evidence to determine when Jesus was most likely born. In this brief article, we will explore various clues found in the Bible and historical context to understand the origins of the December 25th celebration and whether it aligns with the actual birth of Jesus.

Biblical Evidence: Spring or Autumn Birth?

There is no direct mention of the exact date of Jesus’ birth in the Bible. However, scholars have examined various biblical passages to estimate when Jesus might have been born. Based on the evidence, it has been suggested that Jesus was likely born either in the spring or the autumn, around April or September.

One clue comes from the account of the shepherds in the fields at the time of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:8). Shepherds in ancient Israel typically kept their flocks in the fields during the warmer months, from spring to autumn, before bringing them into enclosures for the winter. This makes a December birth less likely, as shepherds would not have been in the fields during that time.

Another clue comes from the pregnancy of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. The Gospel of Luke tells us that Elizabeth was six months pregnant when the angel Gabriel announced Jesus’ conception to Mary (Luke 1:26-36). By tracing the timing of John the Baptist’s conception in relation to the priestly service of his father, Zechariah (Luke 1:5, 23-24), scholars have estimated that Jesus’ birth likely occurred around September.

The Roman Festival of the Sun God: A Possible Origin for December 25th

If Jesus was most likely not born in December, why do Christians celebrate his birth on December 25th? The origins of this date can be traced back to the Roman Empire, which celebrated the festival of the Sun god, known as Sol Invictus, around the time of the winter solstice. This festival marked the point when the days began to grow longer, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

Early Christians, who were seeking a way to integrate their faith with the surrounding culture, may have adopted this festival as a means of celebrating the birth of Jesus, the “Light of the World.” By doing so, they could both celebrate their Saviour and participate in the larger cultural celebrations occurring at that time. This adoption of the Roman festival could explain why the celebration of Jesus’ birth was fixed on December 25th, despite the lack of biblical evidence for this date.

The Importance of Jesus’ Birth, Regardless of the Date

Although we may never know the exact date of Jesus’ birth, the Bible makes it clear that the most important aspect of the Christmas story is not the specific date, but rather the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, who came to save the world. As John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Based on biblical and historical evidence, it is unlikely that Jesus was born on December 25th. Scholars have suggested that a more probable time for his birth is around September. However, the significance of the Christmas celebration lies not in the exact date but in the miraculous event of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.

By examining the origins of the December 25th celebration, we gain a deeper understanding of how early Christians adapted their faith to the surrounding culture. This knowledge can help us appreciate the historical context and traditions that have shaped our modern celebrations of Christmas. Ultimately, the focus of our Christmas celebrations should be on the profound gift of Jesus’ birth and the hope, love, and salvation that it represents for all of humanity.