Was Jesus born in December?

Question

Was Jesus Born in December?

THE Bible does not tell us when Jesus was born. However, it does give us sound reason to conclude that his birth did not take place in December.

Consider the weather conditions at that time of the year in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. The Jewish month of Chislev (corresponding to November/December) was a month with cold and rainy weather. The month after that was Tebeth (December/January). It saw the lowest temperatures of the year, with occasional snows in the highlands. Let us see what the Bible tells us about the climate of that region.

The Bible writer Ezra shows that Chislev was indeed a month known for cold and rainy weather. After stating that a crowd had gathered in Jerusalem “in the ninth month [Chislev] on the twentieth day of the month,” Ezra reports that people were “shivering . . . on account of the showers of rain.” Concerning weather conditions at that time of the year, the congregated people themselves said: “It is the season of showers of rain, and it is not possible to stand outside.” (Ezra 10:9, 13; Jeremiah 36:22) No wonder shepherds living in that part of the world made sure that they and their flocks were no longer out of doors at night when December came around!

The Bible reports, however, that shepherds were in the fields tending their flocks on the night of Jesus’ birth. In fact, the Bible writer Luke shows that at that time, shepherds were “living out of doors and keeping watches in the night over their flocks” near Bethlehem. (Luke 2:8-12) Notice that the shepherds were actually living out of doors, not just strolling outside during the day. They had their flocks in the fields at night. Does that description of outdoor living fit the chilly and rainy weather conditions of Bethlehem in December? No, it does not. So the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth indicate that he was not born in December.

God’s Word tells us precisely when Jesus died, but it gives little direct indication as to when he was born. This brings to mind King Solomon’s words: “A name is better than good oil, and the day of death than the day of one’s being born.” (Ecclesiastes 7:1) It is not surprising, then, that the Bible provides many details about Jesus’ ministry and death but few details about the time of his birth.

Answer 1

He was born on December 25th. Duh. (rolls eyes)...

Answer 2

September 29, 5 BC

August 22, 3 BC

September 11, 3 BC

September 15, 5 BC

These are the dates suggested. The differences in the dates and the years are because of different references about the year of birth, who was in power and what the different political situations are and also the adjustment of the calendars over the centuries too. The August 22 and Sept 11 dates are actually the same date with calendar adjustments added.

Jesus was supposedly Conceived on December 25...

He died in AD 33.

Answer 3

Hi, as a Muslim woman who respects the Christian religion--I can say that we may never know when Jesus was actually born. You give good facts to support that Jesus may not have been born in December.

I also remember reading in the Bible that Christians should not be like those who went in the forrests to cut down the tree, and decorate it.

Either way, I'm sure that many Christians, like my Christian grandmother, really do have good intentions in their celebration of Christmas. However, I dont think that Jesus would overall appreciate so much materialism surrounding the celebration of his birthday. Jesus seemed to love the poor, sick, and dying--raather than buying gifts for those who did not need it.

You sound as if you have some questions about your faith.
I can tell you that I'm 30, and I've been surrounded by Christians my whole life in school and in my family. I've gone to church and read the Bible---but nothing, I mean nothing has moved me or made more sense than the Koran and Islam. I've had Christians tell me that they truly believed in the Bible, but the Koran was the only thing that answered all their questions and made the most sense.

It wont hurt you learning a few things about how we view Jesus (yes we believe in him and love him)--and if nothing else, it may strengthen your faith.

Answer 4

December 25th is only the date that the Roman Catholic Church, and everyone who follows them their teachings, place Christmas in order to appease the Roman Christians who had trouble living by the strict standards of Christ. The Aposttle Paul had the same problems. Interesting, this is what caused the Greek Orthodox Church to split from them, as they wanted it on January 5th, which is when they celebrate. Of course they are forcing their children to be different from all other Christian children.

Christ was born some time after the fist full moon of the fall equinox. All major Bible events seem to fall either on this date or on the first full moon after the Spring equinox, which is when John the Baptist was born. He was six months older than Christ. The Bible says Christ was 33 1/2 when he died in the Spring.

None of this means much as Christendom does not care about learning or following accurate facts. They think that some and even most facts of the Bible are unimportant, because they will be saved despite whatever they do.

Answer 5

No, Jesus was born in the spring. Thus-the Spring Lamb. The 25th of December was chosen by the church because it was during the winter solstice, and the pagans were more receptive to being "reformed" to the christian religion during that time. Besides all that, there is no discussion in the Bible of celebration of birthdays, nobody gave Jesus a birthday gift while He was alive, he only discussed the celebration of passover and of weddings. Look it up on Google, along with the origins of the christmas tree, the candy cane and the ribbon on those presents you so happily rip open. Not a DAMN thing has ANYTHING to do with Jesus. Nothing. And any 6 month births usually ended in dead babies "back then".

Answer 6

He was not born in December,The 25 is a pagan rite of the celebration of the sun god, when Christan's mixed with the pagans they both accepted the day to celebrate as Jesus birthday, except the pagans worship the sun god on that day and not Jesus Christ. Ask a pagan and they will tell you the truth also about the day.

Answer 7

Actually, the facts I came up with while doing research on this was: The reason there was no room at the inn was because in October is when everyone went to Bethlehem to pay taxes.
There are several people whose birthdate is Dec.25th. Emrod (he built the tower of Bael)was one of them.....it is said that after he died, his wife(who was also his own mother) saw his spirit in a dead evergreen tree. She cut it down and brought it in the house and decorated it with ornaments with Emrod's face on them. In my Bible...my God says not to worship Him the way the pagans worship their gods. So I don't.

Answer 8

Ummmmm is this a question or a lesson? If it's a lesson, I've already heard it elsewhere. If it's a question, I'm not sure what you want answered as you already seem to have done so for the benefit of an elusive somebody.

My only comments would be that "God's word" is simply "man's word" with a leather binding.

Answer 9

You are right, Jesus was in fact born in January but when the romans came to Britian, they changed it to december so that they could celebrate it along with the annual winter feast festivities, which were an ancient Celtic tradition later to become christmas

Answer 10

December was chosen by the church as it was a pagan holiday that people were familiar with, and could relate to. It let the people continue with their old practices.

Answer 11

My pastor answered that question a couple of weeks ago. Jesus was not born in December. He said that Jesus was actually born in March.