The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25th was in 336, during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine (he was the first Christian Roman Emperor). A few years later, Pope Julius I, officially declared that the birth of Jesus would be celebrated on the 25th December.
Although we do not read about any celebration of Jesus’s birth in the Bible, most Christians feel this is the right time to observe His birth. We love making this tradition a wonderful time to gather with family and friends. And what about the glorious trees and lights and gifts! We even throw in a few extras just for fun……..Rudolf, Santa and perhaps an angel or two.
Now don’t get me wrong……..I love Christmas. I am not against this wonderful tradition. The glorious sounds of music and watching the specials on TV give me a feeling of warmth and joy. All that being said perhaps old Constantine could have done a little research and found a clue date for the Messiah’s birth.
Some say it might have been in the spring of the year because the shepherds were in the fields watching their sheep….in the winter they would have put the herds in shelters. Others feel we can find the date from Roman archives. Luke wrote that Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem which was the place of their family origins. They were both descendants of King David and that was his hometown. Luke also tells us that Caesar Augustus was the Roman ruler and that he wanted a census taken of all the Roman occupied territories. (Luke 2:1)
However, there is really a simple and uncomplicated way to establish the possible months of Jesus birth…….and it’s all found in the Bible. However, you have to do a little research. Luke is known for his authentic and reliable telling of events concerning Jesus as well as the “Acts” which took place after the death and resurrection of the Lord. He will give us the best clue as to the month(s) of Jesus birth. (Read Luke 1: 5-24.) Here we can find out when Mary actually conceived and when the Messiah’s birth probably took place and it centers around the birth of John the Baptizer!!
Zacharias was ministering in the temple. He was a Levite of the priestly tribe and of Aaron. During the reign of David, he gave instructions as to when the different tribes were to serve in the temple. (1 Chron. 24:10) Luke tells us that Zacharias was of the tribe of Abijah. It was his turn to serve in the temple. When the angel announced that he would become a father in his old age, he couldn’t believe it! He was struck dumb and couldn’t speak but he could certainly go home and make love to his old wife Elizabeth……and guess what? Yes, she conceived and became the mother of John. Mary was a distant relative and went to see her. Luke tells us that Elizabeth was six months ahead of Mary. That gives us a date for the birth of Jesus!
You have to know your Hebrew calendar but I will make it simple for you. Elizabeth conceived during the month of Sivan (May-June) and John was born in the month of Nisan, nine months later. Mary conceived during the month of Kislev. (Nov-Dec). Nine months later would be the month of Tishri (Sept-Oct). . It was in the fall of the year. This is the probable birth time of the Lord.
But perhaps the date really isn’t important after all. What we celebrate are the same words that the Angel said to those shepherds in the field.
“Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the city of David a Savior, who is our Immanuel.”
AbideLines 