Every year on December 25, millions of people gather to celebrate Christmas—the birth of Jesus. But at some point, most of us find ourselves wondering: Was Jesus actually born on Christmas? Or did the holiday land on this date for another reason?
It’s a great question—and the answer might surprise you. As we look at the Bible, history, and the heart behind Christmas, we discover something meaningful: even if Jesus wasn’t born on December 25, his birth is no less significant.
The Bible Doesn’t Give a Date
When you read the Christmas story in the Bible, you’ll notice something interesting: the writers never mention a specific birth date. We simply see an account of what happened—not when:
“While they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child…” Luke 2:6-7
The earliest Christians weren’t focused on when Jesus was born. They were focused on who was born—and why that changed everything.
So, was Jesus born on Christmas? The Bible doesn’t say. And that’s actually okay! The significance of his birth has never depended on the date.
How Did December 25 Become Christmas?
If the Bible doesn’t give a date for Jesus’ birth how did December 25 become Christmas, the day we celebrate it?
Many historians point to Roman culture. In the early centuries after Jesus’ life, Rome held massive winter festivals—like Sol Invictus (the celebration of the “Unconquered Sun”) and Saturnalia, a week-long festival of feasting and gift-giving. Both centered around the winter solstice, when the days begin to grow longer.
Eventually, the early church set December 25 as a Christian alternative to these festivals that pointed people toward the Gospel. While Jesus wasn’t actually born on December 25, this date became Christmas because it provided a time to honor his arrival at a time of year when people were already used to celebrating.
Is There a Way to Know When Jesus Was Born?
While the Bible doesn’t give a date, it does give us a key detail to help us guess what season it may have been.
Luke 2:8 says, “that night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.”
In Judea, shepherds didn’t typically keep their sheep out in open fields during the cold winter months. They did that during warmer seasons—usually spring through early fall. That means Jesus was probably born around then as well!
🌟 Here are some other interesting facts about the story of Christmas that you might not have known!
What Scholars Say
Historians, theologians, and biblical scholars agree on this: there’s no historical evidence that Jesus was born on December 25.
But that doesn’t mean the whole holiday—and the reason we celebrate—is a lie. Pinpointing a specific date isn’t the goal anyway. You don’t need to know the exact day Jesus was born to celebrate his life, his teachings, or the hope he brings. The power of Christmas isn’t tied to the calendar—it’s tied to the impact Jesus has on our everyday lives!
Christmas Is More Than a Date
Once you set aside the question of the exact date, something even more meaningful comes into focus.
Christmas reminds us that God stepped into our world in the most unexpected way—through a baby born to bring hope, peace, and new life.
John 3:16 says, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
That’s the heart of Christmas. Not the decorations. Not the traditions. Not even December 25 itself. Christmas is the story of a God who loves you enough to come close. December 25 simply gives us a moment to pause, reflect, and remember the incredible gift God gave us through Jesus.
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Christmas is better when we celebrate it with others! We’d love to see you at LCBC this Christmas. Visit ChristmasAtLCBC.com to learn more and plan your visit.
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!