When Was Jesus Born? Fact vs. Tradition

The precise day and month of Jesus' birth cannot be determined with certainty, as the Holy Scriptures do not provide the exact timeEGWSROCHG 1.2.

However, the event itself—the advent of Christ—is understood as the greatest event that occurred since the creation of the world2SP 22.3.

The Timing of the Nativity

While many observe December 25 to commemorate the birth of Christ, the observance is customary, but there is no certainty that this is the actual day of our Saviour's birthEGWSROCHG 1.2. The silence of the Scriptures on this point evidences that this knowledge is hidden for the wisest purposesEGWSROCHG 1.2.

We can conclude that the birth certainly did not take place in December, which is the height of the rainy season in JudeaPTUK December 20, 1894, page 805.3. This is affirmed by the fact that the Scriptures record shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night Luke 2:8PrT June 15, 1899, par. 3+1. No one familiar with sheep husbandry would leave flocks in a cold winter rain at nightPTUK December 20, 1894, page 805.3.

Historically, the Christian era, established later by Dionysius Exiguus (U.C. 753), started approximately three to four years after Christ’s actual birthDAR1909 226.1.

• It is known that Jesus was born before the death of Herod the GreatLTJMBA 76.2+1.

• Herod's death occurred in 4 B.C., shortly after a lunar eclipse on March 13, 4 B.C.LTJMBA 76.2+1.

• Accounting for the purification of the Virgin and the events involving the Magi Matthew 2:13, the birth must have occurred at least seven or eight weeks prior to Herod’s death, placing it no later than early February 4 B.C.LTJMBA 76.2.

• The most probable timing places the birth in the latter part of U.C. 749, approximately four years before the beginning of the common Christian eraDAR1909 226.1+1.

The Circumstances of the Birth

Jesus' birth was without worldly grandeur, taking place in Bethlehem, the city of David Luke 2:11SR 196.2+1. He was born in a stable and cradled in a manger because there was no room for the family in the inn Luke 2:7SR 196.2+1.

God chose to announce this momentous event not to the kingly powers, but to humble shepherds who were watching their flocks in the field by night Luke 2:8PrT June 15, 1899, par. 3+1.

• An angel of the Lord appeared, announcing good tidings of great joy, saying, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" Luke 2:10-11PrT June 15, 1899, par. 3+1.

• The angel was suddenly joined by a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" Luke 2:14PrT June 15, 1899, par. 3+1.

• The heavenly host rejoiced because salvation was presented as a free gift to fallen humanityRH December 17, 1889, par. 5.

• Upon hearing the news, the shepherds sought the Babe and shared what had been told them, thereby preparing many for the presentation of Jesus in the TempleLTJMB2 100.2.

News of the birth, however, aroused the intense jealousy and suspicion of King Herod, who feared a rival2SP 22.3+1. Herod made dark plans and sent soldiers to Bethlehem with orders to kill all the children two years old and underDA 65.4. Joseph was divinely warned in a dream and took the young child and His mother to flee into Egypt Matthew 2:13-15HST October 2, 1844, page 70.9.

The Mystery of the Incarnation

The birth of Christ introduced the profound and great mystery of godliness—the incarnation of Christ in human flesh 1 Timothy 3:165BC 1130.6.

• The Word was made flesh, dwelling among us John 1:145BC 1130.6+1.

• In this mystery, the eternal Son of God humbled Himself by taking human nature, a nature inferior to His heavenly nature, yet He did not take the taint of sin17MR 24.2+1.

• This act demonstrated the wonderful condescension of God5BC 1130.6+1. He exchanged the honor and glory of Heaven for the poverty of humanity and the subsequent anguish and humiliation of CalvaryST December 8, 1887, par. 2+1.

• Christ took on the likeness of sinful flesh so that sin might be condemned in the flesh Romans 8:3, enabling the righteousness of the law to be fulfilled in believersSITI October 21, 1889, page 472.62.

The Lord Jesus became man's Advocate and Redeemer17MR 24.2. He came to take little steps beside us, enabling humanity to come into personal touch with God and know Him as a loving brother and faithful friendGCDB February 18, 1897, page 77.4. The whole force of the power of the incarnation was a tremendous achievement, meant to bring about glorious results John 3:1622LtMs, Ms 165, 1907, par. 2.