Biblical Answer

The question of when Jesus was born is a complex one, as the Bible does not provide a specific date. However, based on the information provided in the Gospels, we can make some educated guesses. According to Matthew, Jesus was born during the reign of Herod the Great, who ruled from 37 to 4 B.C. (Matt. 2:1, 3, 7, 12-22). This means that Jesus' birth could have occurred anywhere from 37 to 4 B.C. However, since Herod the Great died in 4 B.C., it is more likely that Jesus was born before 4 B.C.

Another important clue is the reference to the census ordered by Caesar Augustus, which is mentioned in Luke 2:1-4. This census is believed to have taken place in 6 B.C., which means that Jesus' birth could have occurred around that time. However, it is worth noting that the Roman historian Josephus mentions a census that took place in 6 B.C., but he also mentions another census that took place in 9 B.C. (Antiquities of the Jews 16.6.2). This means that the exact date of the census is not certain, and therefore the exact date of Jesus' birth is also not certain.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the exact date of Jesus' birth, many Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25. This date was chosen because it coincides with the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, which took place from December 17 to 23. Early Christians chose this date as a way of honoring Jesus and incorporating the existing festival into their own celebrations. Today, December 25 is widely recognized as the day of Jesus' birth, although the exact date is not known with certainty. In fact, the Bible itself does not provide a specific date for Jesus' birth, and it is not necessary to know the exact date in order to understand the significance of his life and teachings. What is important is the fact that Jesus was born into the world, and that he came to save humanity from sin and death.