When was Jesus Born?

As Christmas lights illuminate streets and hymns fill the air, an inevitable question often surfaces: "When exactly was Jesus born?" 

While popular culture and tradition might steer us towards December 25, the Bible remains conspicuously silent on the specific date. Yet, should this be a cause for skepticism or doubt? 

In this blog post, I will delve into why the absence of a specific birth date for Jesus in the Bible should not only be accepted but also appreciated within the larger framework of Christian apologetics.

Why The Bible Does Not Specify Jesus' Birthdate

The Bible provides an astonishingly detailed account of the life of Jesus, His teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. 

However, it remains silent on His precise date of birth. The Gospel writers focused on the aspects of Jesus’ life that were most crucial to our understanding of salvation and God's kingdom. As John 21:25 aptly states, 

"If everything about Jesus were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." 

This statement hints at the enormity of Christ's deeds and teachings, and perhaps it offers a subtle explanation as to why minor details like His birth date might have been omitted.

Cultural Context: The Absence of Birth Records

Before jumping to conclusions, let us remember that even today many people in various parts of Asia and Africa do not know their exact birth dates, mainly because they were never officially recorded. 

Now, wind back the clock two millennia. Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph, humble individuals with no social prominence, in the unassuming village of Bethlehem. In such a milieu, the birth of a poor child in a stable hardly seemed worth recording for posterity. 

Thus, it is crucial to understand that the absence of this detail is not a theological omission, but rather a cultural reality.

Joseph and Mary: Parents, not Biographers

Joseph, Jesus' earthly father, had more immediate concerns than recording a birth date: primarily, keeping his son alive. 

With a king seeking to murder newborns, Joseph had to act swiftly to protect his family. His life was one of displacement, anonymity, and constant vigilance against a king's army. 

As for Mary, she treasured all things concerning her son in her heart (Luke 2:19), perhaps choosing to etch the memory of Jesus’ birth internally rather than inscribing it on paper.

Does The Exact Date Really Matter?

So when was Jesus born? Current scholarly estimates suggest around 4 BC. While many celebrate Christmas on December 25, others opt for January 6, and still others argue for a September birthday. 

But does the exact date really matter? 

To put things into perspective, the precise birth date of Aristotle, one of history’s most influential philosophers, is not known either, yet this has done little to diminish his impact.

Conclusion: Embrace the Essence, Not Just the Date

What truly matters is not when Jesus was born, but that He was born. Just like we accept Aristotle's substantial contributions to philosophy without knowing his exact birth date, so too should we accept the incredible impact of Jesus' life, teachings, and resurrection. 

The absence of a specific birth date for Jesus does not diminish the profound reality of God becoming a man to dwell among us. Therefore, let us celebrate this transcendent truth every day of the year. 

After all, it is not the date of Christ's birth but the fact of His birth that has changed history and can change lives.