What is the actual date of Christmas, some thoughts

[the reverend muddy grimes]

One of my favorite topic of discussion this time of year is the exact date of the birth of Christ. Here's the details to work with.
1) Herod the Great died in 4 BC. (Herod was quite sick before he died and must have had a nasty temper. )
2) There were 3 three empire-wide censuses under Caesar Augustus, in 28 B.C., 8 B.C., and 14 A.D. The 8 BC census seems to fit best.
3) Luke 2:2 mentions that "Quirinius was governing Syria" when the census was being taken. Quirinius is quite well documented in Roman histories. and that date would be 6-7 A.D. -- 11 years after the Caesar Augustus' 8 B.C. census. Turns out there's an alternate translation of the Luke 2:2. “this census took place before Quirinius was governor of Syria." The Greek work "proto" is sometimes translated as 'first' and sometimes as 'before.' Why mention Quirinius? Quirinius also took a census around 6 A.D. and it may be that Luke wanted to make it clear which census he was talking about.
4) There is a record of an lunar eclipse of the planet Jupiter on April 17th 6 BC in the constellation of Aries the Ram. Aries the Ram is associated with the House of David! Biblical tradition holds that Bethlehem is the birthplace of David, so it's the logical for 3 Astrologers to head to Bethlehem first after seeing a sign in the heavens that a new King was born in the House of David. Herod's palace overlooks the town of Bethlehem so it's logical for those same 3 Astrologers to stop there.

 

[dmw56]

He was also born in July.

 

[ratrodney]

I dont think the exact date will ever be known but the 25th was a day thats picked to celebrate it.
As long as everyone realizes that the whole "season" as its now worldly accepted to say, is only because of the celebration of CHRIST's Birthday It doesnt really matter. Its CHRISTmas....Not Xmas . RR

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

He was also born in July.

So was this guy...

 

[donsrods]

I dont think the exact date will ever be known but the 25th was a day thats picked to celebrate it.
As long as everyone realizes that the whole "season" as its now worldly accepted to say, is only because of the celebration of CHRIST's Birthday It doesnt really matter. Its CHRISTmas....Not Xmas . RR

Yeah, things and dates get distorted over the centuries, so who knows for sure. But for most of recorded history this is the date most people used and it is fine with me. Happy Birthday Jesus.

Don

Oh, and I noticed something very special this year. People are actually wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS instead of that Happy Holiday PC stuff. Thank you thank you thank you.[cl

Don

 

[hotrod preacher]

grimes, from what i have been taught you are on track with your info... my seminary professors have said 6-4 BC would be about the only "window" to be consistent with known facts...

just remember the "when" is not as important as the "why"

Matthew 1 the angel told Joseph "you shall call his name JESUS, for he shall save his people from their sins."


merry Christmas yall!

 

[ratrodney]

Amen! RR

 

[42chevy]

I have often wondered about this also. I am so very glad that He was born for the reason He was. Without Him I would be in prison or dead. I was a drug addict and tried almost all at one time or another. With Him and His grace I am married 15 years with a 14 year old daughter and buying a house and still have my '42 Chevy. God is great! Merry Christmas.

 

[Willowbilly3]

I think them most convincing evidence for me is April

 

[Sam_Fear]

Christmas day was chosen to overlay a pagan holiday just like a lot of Christian days. No big deal, like HRP said, it's not the when but the why. God bless.

 

[Willowbilly3]

I agree, you can celebrate Jesus anytime and anywhere you want. There is very little about the way Christmas is celebrated that has much to do with him anyway.

 

[the reverend muddy grimes]

Yes Christmas, like Easter, was adapted to cover the pagan holidays of Yule and fertility. The early Catholics, in an effort to convert the pagans (successfully by the way) took over those dates for their own reasons. Was remarkably clever. Much like St. Patrick nailing crosses to Oak trees. The Celts worshiped oak trees. So when their children saw them bowing before an oak, they saw them bowing before a cross. Historys first PR campaign.

 

[Sam_Fear]

That's interesting. Never heard of that about St. Patrick.

 

[moparcowboy]

I think it was in the spring but like some of you said if you remember the reason for the season (Jesus) the dates not important. also don't forget the wise men gave gifts to Jesus I don't read any were that they received any. How many of us gave to someone not expecting a gift in return. Jesus is the reason for the season![cl[cl