Unraveling the Mystery: When Was Jesus Born?

The exact year and month of Jesus' birth are not definitively known from biblical or historical records, though chronologists have established a probable range for the year. The Bible does not provide the precise time, suggesting this knowledge was not deemed essential for salvationEGWSROCHG 1.2+1.

Probable Year of Birth

Chronologists generally agree that Jesus was born about four to five years before the common Christian era (B.C. 4 or B.C. 5)CRBJ 6.4+10.

This conclusion is supported by several factors:

• Herod's Death: Jesus was born before the death of King Herod, who sought to kill Him after His birth Matthew 2:1-16. Astronomical calculations place Herod's death shortly after a lunar eclipse on March 13, 750 A.U.C. (Julian Period 4710), which corresponds to 4 B.C.ASC 28.1+3. This means Jesus' birth would have been some months prior to March 4 B.C.TRMC August 22, 1844, page 2.3+2.

• Luke's Account: Luke states that Jesus was "about thirty years of age" at the time of His baptism Luke 3:23. If John the Baptist began his ministry in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar Luke 3:1 which was A.D. 26TRMC August 22, 1844, page 2.3+1 then Jesus, being a little over thirty at His baptism, would have been born around 4 B.C. or 5 B.C.ASC 32.1+4.

Month and Day of Birth

The Scriptures do not offer any hint regarding the specific month or day of Jesus' birthEGWSROCHG 1.2+3. This information is hidden from us for the wisest purposesEGWSROCHG 1.2 to prevent the celebration of a specific day from substituting for a real acceptance of Him Deuteronomy 4:15-19PTUK November 23, 1899, page 752.7.

It is generally understood that the 25th of December, commonly known as Christmas, is not the actual date of Jesus' birthEGWSROCHG 1.2+6.

• Biblical Clues Against December: The Gospel of Luke records shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night, when the angel announced the Saviour's birth Luke 2:8. December is the height of the rainy season in Judea, a time when flocks and shepherds would not typically be out in the fields at night due to cold winter rainsPTUK December 20, 1894, page 805.2.

• Pagan Origins of December 25th: The celebration of December 25th as Christ's birthday was not practiced in the Christian church until the third century, gaining widespread observance in the fourth centuryHBS 88.3+1. This date was chosen to coincide with existing pagan festivals, such as the winter solstice and the birth of the son of the Babylonian queen of heaven, allowing for the conciliation of heathens and an increase in nominal Christian adherentsHBS 88.3+5. Many customs associated with Christmas today are traceable to ancient pagan sun or fire worshipPTUK December 23, 1897, page 804.4.

While we do not know the exact day, it is important to honor the sacred event of Jesus' birth and focus on what He came to bring: hope, comfort, peace, and happiness to all Luke 2:14RH December 17, 1889, par. 5.