Even though Christmas is now known for its shopping frenzy, its original purpose is to commemorate the birth of Jesus, considered by Christians as the son of God. However, historical evidence doesn't support the idea that Jesus was actually born on December 25th, the widely celebrated date of Christmas.
December: Not the month birth month of Jesus Christ
The
birth of Jesus Christ
remains a topic of intrigue and debate, especially concerning the actual month in which it occurred.
Various theories emerge when exploring this historical event. One key element in the story revolves around shepherds tending to their flocks, as described in Luke 2:7-8 of the Bible. This detail, so central to the narrative, has been immortalized in Christmas songs. However, sources such as Celebrations: The Complete Book of American Holidays and The Interpreter's One-Volume Commentary point out that the weather conditions in late December would not have allowed for shepherds to be actively caring for their flocks. This indicates that Jesus might not have been born during the cold days of December but rather during a warmer season.
Furthermore, the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, prompted by the Roman census, adds another layer to the discussion. Historical analysis suggests that such a census would have more likely occurred during a time when travel was easier and more feasible, indicating that a low turnout, as expected in winter, would have been inconvenient. This aligns with the idea that Jesus was not born in December, as it would have been an improbable time for a mandatory census that required extensive travel. These details challenge the traditional notion that December is the birth month of Jesus Christ, inviting a reconsideration of the timeline surrounding this significant event in history.
When was Christ born?
Determining the birth of Jesus involves tracing John the Baptist's timeline, with his conception believed to be six months before Jesus'. By this calculation, Jesus might have been born in June, as suggested by the United Church of God, pinpointing June 13 to 17 as a possible timeframe for his birth.
Why was December chosen for Christmas celebration?
December became the chosen time for Christmas due to its alignment with existing pagan festivities. Romans celebrated the winter solstice and the pagan festival known as Saturnalia from December 17 to 25. Saturnalia honored Saturn, the god of agriculture, and marked the beginning of a new solar cycle. Alongside this, Mithraism, a worship practice of the Persian god of light, also held significant rituals during this period. When Emperor Constantine I embraced Christianity in 312, church leaders aimed to merge pagan celebrations with Christian beliefs. They linked Jesus' birth to the winter solstice, citing a symbolic connection between the creation of the world and Jesus' conception. This strategic move sought to ease the transition to Christianity for the Roman population. The decision to celebrate Jesus' birth on
December 25
was, in part, an attempt to bridge the gap between differing beliefs, hoping to encourage the conversion of pagans to Christianity.
