December 25 - Was Jesus Really Born on Christmas?

[Steve Myers] A question came in from one of our viewers and they asked, "I've been wondering  when was Jesus Christ born? Was He really born on December 25th, Christmas Day?" Well, that's a great question. You probably may not have realized that Christmas wasn't even celebrated until the fourth century, so the early church had nothing to do with the Christmas holiday. And so that starts us on an interesting journey to find, is Christmas really the day to be celebrating?

[Darris McNeely] Everyone always asks that question every year and most people really know the answer and that is December 25th was not the day on which Jesus Christ was born but, as we've said before, people really don't care.

[Steve Myers] The Bible does give us indications though about that birth.

[Darris McNeely] When you look at some of the indications that are there in the story, the shepherds being in the field for one, it would be illogical that they would be there in the dead of winter, in the coldest part of the year, out in the field, shepherds tending their flocks. That very scene that Luke paints in the second chapter of Luke about the birth of Christ is not something that you would find in that part of the world in the middle of December (Luke 2:7-8).

[Steve Myers] Yeah, in fact, in Luke chapter 2 as well it talks about the Roman census where the families had to travel back to their home towns in order to be counted for taxation (Luke 2:1-4). Now, that wouldn't happen in the winter either. That would've been the most difficult time to travel. And so that's a pretty clear indication, the shepherds at night, the census, that that would not have happened in the winter time. So December 25th would've been out of the question for that time.

[Darris McNeely] All of these facts that are easily understood from the scriptural account really should begin to point us all to the real meaning of Jesus Christ's birth. And that meaning far transcends a human celebration, such as Christmas, or any other efforts that humans would make, to celebrate the Son of God, His whole life. All of these factors really should point you toward a deeper study of the true meaning and purpose of Jesus Christ's life. And it's not found in the traditions that have been surrounding His life in modern times. 

[Steve Myers] Yeah, we're to worship in spirit and truth. And so, does it really matter? I think that's the big question, does it matter and the answer is absolutely. It matters to God and that's what's most important. We want to please Him on the days that He wants to be worshipped.

[Darris McNeely] And when our ways do please Him, then we're going to find the deepest answers to the needs of our lives that we really do seek when we want a relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

[Steve Myers] So dig deeper. You'll find there are some amazing facts in your Bible.

[Darris McNeely] That's BT Daily. Join us next time.