The exact date and location of Jesus’ birth has been a topic of debate among scholars and Christians for centuries. The gospels of Matthew and Luke, which provide most of the biographical information about Jesus’ early years, offer few details that can pinpoint when and where he was born. However, by examining historical records and biblical accounts, we can make some educated guesses as to the approximate date and locations in which the nativity story may have taken place.
When was Jesus born?
The New Testament gospels do not specify a date for Jesus’ birth. However, based on details provided in the Gospel of Luke, it is likely he was born between 6 and 4 BCE.
Luke indicates that John the Baptist was born about 6 months before Jesus, during the reign of King Herod the Great. Herod died in 4 BCE, so working backwards, this would place Jesus’ birth around 5-6 BCE. The Gospel of Matthew also indicates that Jesus was born during the reign of Herod.
Further evidence comes from Luke’s account of the census that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem prior to Jesus’ birth. This is likely a reference to a large census taken around 8 BCE. Given the estimated 9 month gestation period, Jesus may have been born within the subsequent year, around 7-6 BCE.
Scholars generally agree Jesus’ birth took place between 6 and 4 BCE based on these historical facts. The exact day and month are unknown, though some speculate it was in the Spring based on biblical accounts that shepherds were tending their flocks in the fields at night.
Dionysius Exiguus and AD/BC dates
The AD/BC way of numbering years was created in the 6th century by Dionysius Exiguus. He calculated Jesus’ birth as Year 1 in the AD calendar, but appears to have miscalculated by a few years. Most scholars now agree Jesus was born between 6 and 4 BCE, a few years before Year 1 on the Gregorian calendar.
Where was Jesus born?
The Gospels of Luke and Matthew indicate that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. However, there are some differences in the two accounts that have raised questions over whether he was actually born there or simply viewed Bethlehem as his hometown.
Bethlehem, Judea
Both Luke and Matthew associate Jesus’ birth with Bethlehem, a village about 6 miles from Jerusalem. However, they differ on the circumstances:
- Luke indicates Joseph and Mary were from Nazareth, but traveled to Bethlehem to register for a Roman census. Jesus was born in Bethlehem during their travels.
- Matthew’s account does not mention a census. He claims Joseph and Mary were from Bethlehem, and Jesus was born at their home in Bethlehem.
Most scholars believe Luke’s account is more historically accurate based on evidence of Roman censuses during that era. Thus, it is more likely Jesus was born while his parents were traveling to Bethlehem, possibly due to ancestry or family ties there.
Nazareth, Galilee
While Luke specifies Bethlehem as Jesus’ birthplace, other parts of the New Testament associate Jesus more closely with Nazareth:
- Matthew indicates Joseph and Mary settled in Nazareth after returning from Egypt.
- The Gospel of John states “Jesus of Nazareth” rather than “Jesus of Bethlehem.”
- Archeologists have uncovered 1st century dwellings in Nazareth, but not Bethlehem.
Skeptics have argued that Nazareth, not Bethlehem, was Jesus’ actual birthplace and the Bethlehem tradition arose later. Supporters counter that Bethlehem was indeed his birthplace, but Nazareth became his childhood home.
Conclusion
Most evidence indicates Jesus was born in Bethlehem, though Nazareth also played a key role in his early years. The traditional Christmas story with Bethlehem as his birth site stems from Luke’s gospel, while Matthew focused more on Nazareth as his family home.
When was the date of Christmas established?
The exact date of December 25 as Christmas did not arise until the 4th century AD. In the early centuries of Christianity, the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. The religious observance centered around Epiphany, which commemorated his baptism. By the fourth century, Church leaders decided to also create a celebration for his birth as a separate feast day.
December 25 was chosen as the date for this feast of the Nativity for several reasons:
- It aligned with the winter solstice calendar popular in Rome at the time, which placed the solstice on December 25.
- It coincided with pagan festivals like Dies Natalis Solis Invicti and Saturnalia, so it allowed early Christians to hold their own celebration at the same time.
- It fell exactly 9 months after the Feast of Annunciation, commemorating Jesus’ conception. March 25 was tied to the vernal equinox and start of spring.
By aligning the Nativity with the Roman winter solstice and setting it 9 months after Annunciation, the December 25 date held both cultural and religious significance. The tradition spread throughout Christianity within a century.
Early observance
The earliest record of Jesus’ birth being celebrated on December 25 dates back to AD 354. A calendar from that year references December 25 as Natus Christus in Betleem, or “Birth of Christ in Bethlehem.” Additional documents from the early 4th century also make December 25 references.
In 386 AD, John Chrysostom delivered a sermon encouraging Christians to honor the birth of Jesus on December 25 because the Roman festivals of Dies Natalis Solis Invicti and Saturnalia occurred on that date.
By the end of the 4th century, the December 25 Nativity feast was officially established on church calendars and widely celebrated across Christian congregations.
What does the Bible say about when Jesus was born?
The Bible does not explicitly identify the date of Jesus’ birth. However, various passages provide clues that allow us to estimate the general timeframe:
Luke 2:1-7 – Jesus born during time of census
Luke states Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem during the time of a Roman census. Historical records show Quirinius conducted a census in 6-7 AD. Working back from this date, Jesus was likely born between 6-4 BCE.
Luke 1:5-25 – John the Baptist’s birth
Luke ties John’s birth to the time of Herod the Great and the Temple priesthood of Zechariah. John was born about 6 months before Jesus. With Herod dying in 4 BC, this again points to a 5-6 BC birthdate for Jesus.
Matthew 2:1 – Jesus born during reign of Herod the Great
Matthew reports Jesus’ birth occurring during the reign of Herod. With Herod dying in 4 BCE, this places Jesus’ birth sometime prior to that date, lending further support to the 6-4 BCE timeframe.
No exact date specified
The gospels do not specify an exact date or month for Jesus’ birth. The general time period of 6 to 4 BCE is the best estimate based on biblical details and historical records.
Does it matter when Jesus was actually born?
For most Christians, the exact date of Jesus’ birth is not theologically important. However, some still find significance in identifying the actual historical date:
Historical interest
As with any historical figure, pinpointing Jesus’ actual birthdate satisfying intellectual curiosity. The same impetus to identify birthdays of figures like Alexander the Great or Augustus Caesar applies to dating Jesus’ birth.
Understanding the gospels
Dating Jesus’ birth grants insight into the context in which the gospels were written. Knowing the approximate timeline helps scholars and theologians analyze gospel accounts and the history of the New Testament era.
Celebrating traditions
While not his exact birthday, December 25 has great meaning for Christmas celebrations. Knowing origins of this tradition grants insight into development of Christmas spirituality and ritual.
Not essential to faith
At the same time, the exact date does not affect core tenets of Christian faith regarding Jesus as Son of God and Savior. Most Christians focus on spiritual significance of Christmas rather than historical accuracy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus was likely born between 6 and 4 BCE based on biblical clues and historical data. While the gospels do not specify the actual date, details of his birth suggest it was in the Spring around 5 BCE. The December 25 Christmas celebration arose later, chosen for both cultural and religious significance in the 4th century. While fascinating from historical and cultural standpoints, the exact date does not define Christian faith in Jesus Christ.