Where Was Jesus Born: The Controversies and Evidence

The exact time and place of Jesus Christ's birth have been subjects of much debate and speculation. While the Bible does not specify a date, there is a wealth of evidence to support the idea that Jesus was not born on December 25, as this traditional date has long been celebrated as Christmas. This article delves into the?historical and biblical evidence?to help you understand where Jesus was likely born and why the December 25 celebration is not directly rooted in any biblical testimony.

The Bible's Answer: When Was Jesus Born?

While the Bible does not provide a specific date for the birth of Jesus, it offers several clues that shed light on the timing and circumstances of his birth. The New Catholic Encyclopedia states that 'the true birth date of Christ is unknown,' and the Encyclopedia of Early Christianity agrees that 'the exact date of Christ’s birth is not known.' These scholarly works highlight the uncertainty surrounding the exact date of Jesus' birth.

Why Not December 25?

The traditional date of December 25 for Christmas has been subject to scrutiny due to a lack of historical evidence confirming it as the actual birthdate. Several pieces of evidence point to a different time of year for Jesus' birth.

1. Winter Registrations and Discomfort

The Bible describes the census conducted during Jesus' birth under the decree of Caesar Augustus: 'all the inhabited earth to be registered.' This required individuals to travel to their ancestral cities, a difficult task especially in winter. Genesis 22:2 notes, 'three days' journey,' which might have referred to the winter season's harsh conditions. The New Testament itself provides context: Luke 2:1-3 mentions the order being issued before the winter is most likely. Forced travel during winter would have been highly inconvenient and difficult, indicating that Jesus was not born in the cold month of December.

2. The Presence of Sheep and Shepherds

The Bible records that shepherds were tending their flocks in fields when angels announced Jesus' birth to them: 'a great company of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”' Luke 2:8-14. The book 'Daily Life in the Time of Jesus' explains that shepherds typically kept their flocks outside from about mid-December until mid-April. During the winter months, especially the early fall, shepherds moved their sheep into barns to keep them warm and protected.

3. Historical Context and Calculation

By considering historical and biblical references to the time of Jesus' death, we can estimate the time of his birth. John 19:14-16 states that the crucifixion occurred on Passover (Nisan 14) in the spring of 33 C.E. Since Jesus was about 30 years old when he began his ministry (as Luke 3:23 records), we can estimate that he was born around the early fall of 2 B.C.E.

Why Is Christmas Celebrated on December 25?

Despite the lack of evidence for December 25 being the actual birthdate of Jesus, the traditional date has persisted. The Encyclopaedia Britannica suggests that church leaders chose this date to align with the Roman festival of the 'birth of the unconquered sun' on the winter solstice. Encyclopedia Americana adds that this date was chosen to make Christianity more appealing to pagan converts, possibly as a means to incorporate pre-existing festivals and rituals into the Christian celebration.

In conclusion, while the exact date of Jesus' birth remains a mystery, the biblical and historical evidence strongly suggests that he was not born in December. The traditional celebration of Christmas on December 25 is rooted more in cultural and religious traditions than in direct biblical accounts.