The exact date
of Jesus’ birth has not been determined. There have been many attempts to
pinpoint His birth based on certain events in the Bible. Here is one example
using the birth of John the Baptizer, the cousin of Jesus:
John's father, Zacharias, was a priest serving in the Jerusalem temple during the course of Abijah (Luke 1:5). Historical calculations indicate this course of service corresponded to June 13-19 in that year (The Companion Bible, 1974, Appendix 179, p. 200). It was during his temple service that Zacharias learned that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a child (Luke 1:8-13).
John's father, Zacharias, was a priest serving in the Jerusalem temple during the course of Abijah (Luke 1:5). Historical calculations indicate this course of service corresponded to June 13-19 in that year (The Companion Bible, 1974, Appendix 179, p. 200). It was during his temple service that Zacharias learned that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a child (Luke 1:8-13).
After he completed his service and
traveled home, Elizabeth conceived (verses 23-24). Assuming John's conception
took place near the end of June, adding nine months brings us to the end of
March as a likely time for John's birth.
Elizabeth (John’s mother) was in her sixth month of pregnancy when Jesus was conceived (Luke 1:24-36). Adding another six months (the difference in ages between John and Jesus) brings us to the end of September as a likely time of Jesus' birth.
That being said, I’m not concerned about the date of Christ’s birth as much as the event itself. I celebrate the fact that He came – which I do on more occasions than December 25th. The prophet Zechariah encourages, “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD” (Zechariah 2:10 ESV).
Elizabeth (John’s mother) was in her sixth month of pregnancy when Jesus was conceived (Luke 1:24-36). Adding another six months (the difference in ages between John and Jesus) brings us to the end of September as a likely time of Jesus' birth.
That being said, I’m not concerned about the date of Christ’s birth as much as the event itself. I celebrate the fact that He came – which I do on more occasions than December 25th. The prophet Zechariah encourages, “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD” (Zechariah 2:10 ESV).
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