Topic: When was Jesus born?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: December 12, 2002

Moderator who originally posted this source: Fr. Robert

Question:   Recently I was discussing the Christmas season with someone and during the conversation the topic of when the actual birth of Christ was. This person said that she was taught that Christ was actually born in April or there abouts. I have not really had the opportunity to research this area, so I was hoping you could give me some insight. If it true that He was born in the spring, how did we come up with December 25 to celebrate his birth? Thanks so much!!

Answer: 

Robyn,

No one knows what month Jesus was born. Some have speculated around April because that would have been a likely time when the shepherds were out in the fields with their sheep.
On December 25, the Roman Empire celebrated the day of the invincible sun. They believed it was the day the Earth and the Sun started getting closer together again. (Their astronomy may have been slightly off.) Christians believe that Christ is the light of the World, so we chose this day to celebrate his birth.

Have a merry celebration of Jesus' birth,
Father Robert