On December 25th, it was celebrated as the birthday of Jesus Christ, the central Christian tradition and festive joy around the world.
But what if everything we thought we knew about this date was bad? What if there has been a quiet historical mismatch for centuries?
Shoples and historians have long been discussing whether Jesus was really born in December, and modern research suggests that the real date of his birth can rest elsewhere, shrouded in mystery and incorrect calculation.
However, scholars and historians agree that the actual date of Jesus’ birth was probably not in December. Instead, modern studies suggest that he may have been born in the spring, with March or September being the most likely months.
Professor Lawrence Mysluk of Purdue University noted: “There remains a humiliating fact that, despite various claims, no one in modern times is a certain exact year of Jesus’ birth.” So why did this story persist so long?
Historic tracks
One of the strongest evidence of the determination of Jesus’ year of birth comes from historical records surrounding King Herod the Great. According to the Bible Herod, who feared the birth of the “King of the Jews”, he ordered the massacre of male infants under the age of two. This event suggests that Jesus was born at least two years before Herod’s death.
The Jewish historian Flavius ​​Josephus provides details about Herod’s death, which occurred shortly after the lunar eclipse. Based on astronomical data, scientists identify four possible data for the following eclipse: September 15, 5 BC; March 13, 4 BC; 10th January 1 Bc; or 29 December 1 BC. Shortly afterwards, the timing of the Jewish Passover excludes the last two dates, which makes 4-6 BC the probable range for Jesus’ year of birth.
The guides of the weather and shepherds
Another piece of puzzle comes from the biblical description of the shepherds who watch their flocks at night. Professor Mysluk remarked: “During the winter, the shepherds held sheep in the fold to protect themselves and their sheep from heavy weather.” This is in line with spring, at a time when the shepherds traditionally graze flocks outside.
Adding weight to this theory is the abundance of fresh grass in March, which supports the possibility that Jesus was born in the spring.
Bethlehem
The “star of Bethlehem”, which leads Magi, can also provide traces of Jesus’ birth. Some scientists believe that the star was a comet recorded by Chinese astronomers at 5 BC, which remained visible for 70 days. Others suggest that it was a rare triple connection of Jupiter and Saturn in 6 BC, symbolizing the royal rank and divinity to ancient astronomers.
Physicist Colin Humphreys suggests: “According to Chinese records, the star appeared in the spring 5 BC, in accordance with Luke’s Gospel, which says they were shepherds in the fields.”
Why December 25?
The Association of December 25 with Jesus’ birth probably stems from theological and cultural development. Soon Christians calculated the concept of Jesus to deal with Passover, believed that he was conceived and crucified on the same date – March 25. Adding nine months will bring his birth to December 25th.
Some historians speculated that Christmas was moved to match pagan sunlights such as Saturnalia or Sol Invictus to attract converters. Yale Scholar Andrew McGowan, however, refuses and said, “The first mention of Christmas date came when Christians did not borrow from pagan traditions.”
The role of Dionysius Exiguus
The calculation of “Anno Domini” (the year of our master) is another factor in the confusion around Jesus’ year of birth. Dionysius Exiguus, a monk from the sixth century, tried to create a calendar starting with Jesus’ birth, but incorrectly calculated the data of King Herod and other historical brands. His mistake is placed by Jesus’ birth several years earlier than 1 NL.
Spring or September?
While spring is a popular theory, some scholars argue about September birth based on the timing of the birth of John the Baptist. Luke’s Gospel suggests that John’s mother, Elizabeth, created six months before Mary. By watching the priestly rotation of Zacharias, John’s father, scholars estimate that Jesus was born in the autumn.
Ian Paul, theologian, said, “The date of falling on Christmas makes sense when you realize that the shepherds were in the fields and stopped the flocks, which is a sign of mild weather.”
Does it depend on the date?
Despite the historical intrigue, many theologians suggest that it is missing the exact date of Jesus’ birth lack the spiritual essence of Christmas. “We celebrate the event, no day,” said Professor Thomas Wayment of Brigham Young University.
Whether in December, March or September, the story of Jesus’ birth still inspires faith and reflection around the world.
For centuries it has been recognized as the date of the birth of Jesus Christ, serving as a foundation stone of Christian tradition and global festivities. However, historians and scientists agreed to a large extent that Jesus was probably not born in December. Instead, modern research suggests that its birth could have occurred in the spring, with March or September being the most likely months.
Professor Lawrence Mychek from Purdue University said, “Despite numerous claims, no one can say with certainty today that the exact year was born Jesus.” This raises the question: Why did the December 25 narration lasted so long?
Evidence
One of the key tracks for the determination of the year of Jesus’ birth comes from the historical descriptions of King Herod the Great. According to the Bible, Herod ordered a massacre of male infants under the age of two in an effort to remove the newborn “King of the Jews”. This suggests that Jesus had to be born at least two years before Herod’s death.
Jewish historian Flavius ​​Josephus recorded details about Herod’s death, which took place soon after the lunar eclipse. Astronomical records identify four possible data for this event: September 15, 5 BC; March 13, 4 BC; 10th January 1 Bc; or 29 December 1 BC. Given that the Jewish Passover followed shortly thereafter, scientists largely refused the last two data, which is 4-6 BC the most likely time frame for Jesus’ birth.
Traces of weather and shepherds
The Bible describes the shepherds who tend to be flocks at the night of Jesus’ birth. Professor Mychekuk explained: “During the winter shepherds usually kept their sheep in attachments to protect them from hard weather.” This indicates the birth of spring when the flocks were traditionally grazed outside.
In addition, the presence of fresh grass in March supports the idea that Jesus could have been born in the spring.
Bethlehem
The “Bethlehem star”, which led Magi, also provides insight into Jesus’ date of birth. Some scientists suggest that this heavenly phenomenon was a comet recorded by Chinese astronomers at 5 BC, which was visible for 70 days. Others believe it was a rare triple connection of Jupiter and Saturn in 6 BC, a combination that ancient astronomers saw as a sign of royal rank and divinity.
Physicist Colin Humphreys noted: “According to Chinese records, the star appeared in the spring of 5 BC and coped with the Gospel of Luke’s references that they were pastors in the fields.”
Why December 25?
The election of December 25, as Jesus’ date of birth probably stems from religious and cultural traditions. Soon Christians calculated the concept of Jesus to match Passover, believed that he was conceived and crucified at the same date – March 25.
Some historians speculate that Christmas has been set up to coincide with the celebrations of the pagan solstice, such as Saturnalia or Sol Invictus to support conversions. Yale Scholar Andrew McGowan, however, refuses and said, “The oldest references to Christmas appeared at a time when Christians were not strongly influenced by pagan traditions.”
The role of Dionysius Exiguus
The establishment of the “Anno Domini” system (the year of our master) also contributed to the confusion of Jesus’ year of birth. In the 6th century, Monk Dionysius Exiguus tried to create a calendar based on Jesus’ birth, but incorrectly calculated the data of King Herod and other historical events. This error placed Jesus’ birth several years earlier than 1 NL.
Spring or September?
While spring is a widely supported theory, some scholars argue in September birth based on the timing of the birth of John the Baptist. According to Luke’s Gospel, John’s mother Elizabeth, she created six months before Mary. By exploring the priestly schedule of Zacharias, John’s father, scholars estimate that Jesus could be born in the fall.
Theologian Ian Paul said: “The birth of autumn makes sense because the shepherds were still out in the fields and had flocks, suggesting slight weather.”
Does it depend on the date?
Despite the ongoing debate, many theologians emphasize that the determination of the exact date of Jesus’ birth is less important than its spiritual meaning. “Christmas is about the event celebration, not a specific day,” said Professor Thomas Wayment of Brigham Young University.
Regardless of whether Jesus was born in December, March or September, his birth continues to inspire faith and reflection around the world.
Conclusion
The search for the real date of birth of Jesus combines elements of history, astronomy and theology. While the evidence suggests that he was probably born in spring or autumn 4-6 BC, the exact date remains uncertain. However, as scientists emphasize Wayment, the importance of Christmas exceeds the date of the calendar and serves as a reminder of hope and redemption for believers around the world.
Finally, the meaning of Jesus’ birth is not tied to a specific day, but with the deep impact of his life and learning. Whether celebrated in December or discussed AMO