Wait, what? It’s not Christmas yet. Why are we talking about the birth of Christ in September?
Well, let me explain. I know we’re all used to celebrating Jesus’ birth in December, but have you ever stopped to ask: Is that when He was actually born? It might surprise you that the Holy Bible gives us some compelling clues pointing to a very different time of year—clues we overlook when we don’t go beyond just reading the Scriptures. A careful study brings so much more clarity.
Let’s take a closer look.
We know that Jesus was crucified for our sins during Passover, which, according to Leviticus 23:5, happens on the 14th day of Nisan. On our modern calendar, that lines up with April 14th. It is commonly known that Jesus was about 33 1/2 years old when He died on the cross. If you count back six months from April, you land at…yes, late September or early October!
Still with me? Great—let’s go a little deeper.
In the Gospel of Luke, we read about John the Baptist’s father, Zechariah, who was a priest serving in the temple (Luke 1:5). Zechariah’s division, known as the course of Abia, had a specific time to serve each year, which scholars have pinpointed to around late May to early June. During this time, Zechariah received the message that his wife, Elizabeth, would soon be pregnant. And not long after his temple duties, Elizabeth, indeed, became pregnant with John.
Here’s where things get interesting: the Bible tells us that six months later, after Elizabeth conceived, the Holy Ghost came upon Mary, and she conceived Jesus (Luke 1:26, 36). So, if John the Baptist was born in March, that means Jesus was born about six months later—placing His birth in late September or early October!
Isn’t that incredible? When we take the time to study God’s Word, we discover rich details that often get overlooked in our rush through familiar stories.
But wait, there’s more! If you’re eager for even more evidence pointing to Jesus being born in the autumn, there’s plenty more in the Scriptures for those willing to explore and uncover the mysteries of God. One glorious mystery is the “wheres” of God’s greatest miracles. The Bible shows that God has worked His greatest wonders in the midst of darkness. Intriguingly, the Bible demonstrates that Mary may have conceived around the end of December. Could it be that the Light of the world (Jesus) entered space/time during the darkest season/day of the year, December 21? It’s a fascinating thought, one that invites further reflection and study.
Now, don’t worry—before you start canceling your December plans, let me say this: I’m not here to stir up controversy or argue about tradition. My hope is to encourage you to search the Scriptures for yourself. There’s a joy and richness in digging deeper and discovering things you have missed. This is just one example of how studying God’s Word can reveal incredible truths that get lost in the busyness of religious culture.
It’s easy to go with the flow of what’s popular in Christian culture—things like holiday traditions—but being a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ is more than just going through the motions. It’s about diving into the Word, seeking truth, and letting that truth transform us.
I hope this little exploration sparks something in you to dig deeper into the Holy Bible, specifically the Authorized King James Version. There’s so much more to discover, and I promise that the more you study, the nearer you'll choose to walk with God.
So, next time you hear “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Birthday Jesus” in December, just smile and remember the richness of God’s Word. And who knows, maybe this will lead to some interesting conversations with your friends and family!
God bless, and happy studying!
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