MY POINT OF VIEW: How did they come about the date for Christmas?

by Gary Kennedy

Here it is December again, already, and 2023 is rapidly coming to an end. This is the month that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. The date of birth of Jesus is not actually stated in the gospel nor in any historical record. Biblical scholars believe his date of birth to be between 4 BC (the year King Herod died) and 6 AD (the year of the census of Quirinius).

The rationale behind the date December 25th was due to the date of Jesus crucifixion. Christians developed the idea that Jesus’ was born exactly nine months after March 25th, the traditional date of Jesus’ crucifixion. It was believed that Jesus was conceived and crucified on the same date; the date of his birth was nine months later. For me this isn’t a logical explanation for this event but no one seemed to make a case against it.

The historical records state that Pope Julius in 350 AD asserted December 25th to be Christ’s birth date. This also is a dubious unfounded claim. There are other possibilities that I find more scientific. Going by the New Testament, Mathew 2:1 states that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Judea in the time of Herod the King. Herod’s death would have been around 4 BC. A good guess here for Jesus’ birth could be around just before 4 BC. If you read John 2:20 you will find agreement between Luke and John. However, if you are truly looking for the year of Jesus’ birth, you’re in for a long haul as some arguments are centuries apart.

When I started this research, for pleasure only, I was looking only for a seasonal date. Nothing I had read in the past spoke of winter as such. Considering the geographical location of the birth of Christ you don’t have snow or rain as a marker so you need other things. I believe by now the actual month of Christ birth can be more or less figured out. The year of Christ’s birth is around 4 BC.

The historical record is too incomplete for any sort of accuracy regarding the year of his birth. December 25th is accepted as his month and day. It’s highly unlikely that is true but considering the lack of information and our need to celebrate his birth I suppose December 25th will have to do.

We do know and it should be acknowledged that it is more than likely Jesus was born closer to harvest time and not winter. There is mention of the shepherds watching over their sheep. When winter was about to appear the shepherds would go into the mountains and drive their flocks down to the low lands where it was warmer with more favorable foraging and shelter. Also, there was astronomical mention of the placement of stars. Some scientists have pinpointed September as a likely time for this event.

However, I believe we stopped looking for that particular answer a long time ago and decided if the good Lord felt it was of great importance he would have had it laid out more clearly. Perhaps he disliked birthdays as I do. For whatever reason we have accepted December 25th as the birthday of our lord, Jesus Christ. It is a time when we rejoice and are thankful that he was born, thus giving us the opportunity for everlasting life in paradise.

This year I hope all of you will spend time praying for our brothers and sisters in the world. Many are suffering and dying in a world of unrest. This is a world of plenty, without unity. Many have lost their way and need to find the path to righteousness. If you are a Christian then you believe in Christ. Christ is the righteousness from God. (1st Cor. 1:30) God paid the price for all of us (Rom 3:21-26). Being righteous literally means to be right. It’s a moral path with the Bible as a guide. I have always loved seeing that special glow on a Christians face. You can tell at a glance the person has a beautiful heart. I personally strive to join them in the place they exist. My prayer for everyone this Christmas season is to see that beautiful glow on more faces. It is a search that one must make in order to embrace the beauty of righteousness.

This year I for one ask all my fellow Christians to include the true beauty of Christmas with all the other gifts that are placed under the Christmas tree. It’s the one gift you don’t and can’t purchase. (Brotherly love) The poorest of us has this gift available for giving. Set the arrogant pride aside and develop and give the one thing that was given to and for you, LOVE. I am sure you will radiate with that glow I previously mentioned.

From my family to yours and I am sure all here at The Town Line newspaper’s staff and board of directors, wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas. May each and every one of you receive that wonderful and precious gift that I have spoken of and carry it into the New Year. Never forget those less fortunate then you.

Last but not least, remember our elderly and our veterans. Many of them are needy during these holiday times. They are all part of love and respect. God bless and keep you and yours safe. Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

The views of the author of this column are not necessarily those of The Town Line newspaper, its staff and board of directors.