The Real Story of Christmas: When Was Jesus Truly Born?

As Bible-believing Christians, we hold Scripture as our ultimate authority. We rejoice in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ—the Word made flesh—who came to save us from our sins. Every year, we gather on December 25 to celebrate His birth with carols, gifts, and family. But many of us have heard the question: *Was Jesus really born on December 25?* The honest, Scripture-based answer is **no**. The Bible never specifies the day—or even the month—of our Savior's birth. Yet God, in His sovereignty, has allowed this date to become a worldwide reminder of the greatest event in history.

Let's look carefully at what the Bible does (and doesn't) say, examine some biblical clues about the likely timing, and trace how December 25 became the day we celebrate today. My goal is simple: to honor the truth of God's Word while encouraging us to keep Christ at the center of our celebrations.

What the Bible Says—and Doesn't Say—About the Date

The Gospel accounts in Matthew and Luke give us beautiful details of Jesus' birth: the virgin Mary, the manger in Bethlehem, the angels announcing "good tidings of great joy" to the shepherds. But neither inspired writer gives a calendar date.

- Matthew focuses on the Magi, Herod, and the flight to Egypt.

- Luke mentions the census under Quirinius and the shepherds in the fields.

No mention of snow, winter, or December. Early Christians did not celebrate Jesus' birthday at all—their central feast was Easter, commemorating His death and resurrection. For the first few centuries, the church placed little emphasis on birth dates, even for believers (birthdays had pagan associations in some cultures).

So why December 25? The answer lies in church history, not direct biblical command.

How December 25 Became Christmas Day

The first recorded celebration of Christ's birth on December 25 appears in a Roman calendar from AD 336, during the time of Emperor Constantine. By then, the church in the West had settled on this date.

Scholars offer two main explanations (both with historical support):

1. The "Calculation Hypothesis" – Some early church fathers believed Jesus was conceived on the same day He later died (March 25 on the Roman calendar). Adding nine months brings us to December 25. This view appears as early as the 2nd–3rd centuries (e.g., Hippolytus of Rome).

2. Alignment with Existing Festivals – December 25 coincided with Roman midwinter celebrations, including the feast of Sol Invictus ("Unconquered Sun"). Some historians argue the church chose (or adapted) this date to redeem a popular holiday and point people to the true Light of the World.

The exact reason remains debated among scholars, but one thing is clear: December 25 was a church tradition established centuries after the apostles, not a date revealed in Scripture. It is not "pagan" in origin in a way that should cause us to reject the celebration—many redeemed customs point to Christ—but neither is it the historical birth date of Jesus.

Biblical Clues to the Actual Season of Jesus' Birth

While we cannot pinpoint the exact day, Scripture gives intriguing clues that point away from midwinter.

1. The Shepherds in the Fields (Luke 2:8)  

   "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."  

   In Judea, winter (December–February) is cold and rainy. Shepherds typically brought their flocks in from open fields at night during those months. They were more likely out in milder seasons—spring, summer, or especially fall.

2. The Timing of John the Baptist's Birth

   Luke 1 provides a careful timeline tied to Zechariah's priestly service. Zechariah belonged to the division of Abijah (1 Chronicles 24), the eighth of 24 priestly courses that served in the temple rotation.  

   Each course served one week, twice a year, plus during major festivals. Working through the calendar (starting after Passover), Abijah's turn likely fell in early summer.  

   The angel appeared to Zechariah while he served; Elizabeth conceived shortly after. John was born about nine months later (spring/early summer).  

   Mary visited Elizabeth "in haste" soon after the Annunciation, when Elizabeth was in her sixth month (Luke 1:36). Adding another three months places Jesus' birth in the **fall**—likely September or early October.

Many conservative Bible scholars (including those studying Jewish temple practices) conclude Jesus was most likely born in the autumn, possibly around the time of the Feast of Tabernacles—a beautiful picture of God "tabernacling" among us (John 1:14).

Let Us Adore Him Anew

Beloved, the exact date on our calendars fades into insignificance before the blazing glory of what God has done. The eternal Son stepped out of heaven's splendor and into a world of darkness—born as a helpless baby, laid in a feeding trough—so that He could bear our sins on the cross and rise triumphant over death.

That is the miracle we celebrate. Whether the angels sang over Bethlehem's fields in crisp autumn air or winter chill, their message still rings: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!" (Luke 2:14).

This Christmas, let the truth set your heart on fire. Let wonder overtake debate. Fall on your knees before the manger and rise to live boldly for the King who came, who conquered, and who is coming again. Tell the old, old story with fresh awe: unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given—and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Come, let us adore Him—Christ the Lord!

In breathless wonder at His grace,  

A Fellow Believer Seeking Truth in Scripture

DMMC 

12-19-25