Jesus Probably Wasn't Born on December 25th

If you've ever wondered why we celebrate Christmas on December 25th when the Bible doesn't actually specify Jesus's birth date, you're asking the right question. Most biblical scholars and historians agree that Jesus was almost certainly not born on December 25th—and many point to September as a far more likely candidate.

The evidence against a winter birth is compelling. Luke's Gospel mentions shepherds tending their flocks in the fields at night when Jesus was born. In Judea, shepherds would have brought their flocks in from the fields by December due to cold and rain. This detail suggests a warmer season, likely late summer or early fall.

The September Theory

So why September specifically? Biblical scholars have reconstructed a timeline based on the priestly divisions mentioned in Luke's Gospel. By calculating when Zechariah (John the Baptist's father) would have served in the temple, then adding Elizabeth's pregnancy, then Mary's visit and her own pregnancy, the math points to late September—possibly around September 11, 3 BC. Some scholars even connect this to the Jewish Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), which would carry significant theological symbolism.

The scholarly consensus on the year is surprisingly narrow: between 6 BC and 4 BC. This range is anchored by the death of King Herod the Great, who died in 4 BC according to historical records. Since the Gospel of Matthew describes Herod as alive during Jesus's infancy, Jesus must have been born before Herod's death.

So Why December 25th?

The December 25 date has its own fascinating history. One of the earliest references comes from Hippolytus of Rome around AD 202. But the date was likely chosen for symbolic rather than historical reasons:

• Theological calculation: Early Christian tradition held that Jesus was crucified on March 25, and some believed conception and death occurred on the same date. Nine months after March 25? December 25.
• Cultural context: December 25 was the winter solstice in the Roman calendar, already celebrated as the birthday of Sol Invictus (the Unconquered Sun) from AD 274 onward.
• Symbolism over history: Early Christians seemed more interested in the theological meaning of the date than pinpointing the historical moment.

The Gospels themselves provide no specific date, and the historical evidence is too incomplete for certainty. But the preponderance of biblical and astronomical calculations, combined with the agricultural details in Luke's account, make September a far stronger candidate than late December.

Does this mean Christmas is based on a mistake? Not exactly. December 25 was never meant to be a historical claim—it's a traditional celebration date chosen for its symbolic resonance. Whether Jesus was born in September or another month, the date we celebrate matters less than what we're celebrating. Still, it's a reminder that some of our most cherished traditions have surprisingly complex origins.