part 7 of 8 by Glenn Littrell
When was Jesus born?
Astronomers, focusing on the explanation for the Star of Bethlehem, have concluded that there would have been no 'naturally' occurring explanation for the star outside of an unknown comet, but there is no historical record of such a comet in the years of Christ birth. Astronomy/astrology was a big part of the Roman, Jewish (Biblical), Arabic, and Greek cultures and Pagan, farmers, and nobility activities and superstitions during this time. The biblical account says nothing about the calendar date of the Nativity but does refer to historical personages and events, such as the reign of King Herod.
Using these references and known astrological histories, astronomers find different dates for the birth of Jesus:
Since 1939 the Hayden Planetarium has placed the date on Feb. 25 in the year 6 BC with the planets Jupiter, Saturn and Mars forming a triangle low in the western sky which formed the Star of Bethlehem.
This article also discusses other possible explanations for the Start of Bethlehem, but finds no basis for a December birth. (see following comment for link)
In 2008 Astronomers dated the birth of Jesus as being on June 17th, 2bc, using the St Matthew's Gospel as a reference point.
"...The researchers claim the 'Christmas star' was most likely a magnificent conjunction of the planets Venus and Jupiter, which were so close together they would have shone unusually brightly as a single "beacon of light" which appeared suddenly..." (see second following comment for link)
It should be noted that while the above used 'science' they also based that science on biblical references.
On the other hand, what was the Catholic church's basis for establishing the Dec. 25th date for Christmas?
The Catholic church (in 336 AD) declared December 25th (on the Julian calendar) to be the birthday of Jesus to replace a pagan Roman holiday, Saturnalia. Ironically, December 25th was a celebration of the birthday of the sun god. In an attempt to get rid of the pagan holiday, the early church declared December 25th to be the birthday of the Son of God.
...but what was this based on? I don't know, but if the above paragraph is accurate, their method seems inaccurate at the least.
Are there biblical references to pinpoint the date without using modern science? The Hebrew For Christians website puts forth Biblical (The Gospels and Torah) arguments for both a Fall and December dates for the birth of Christ. You should find them interesting: (see the third following comment for link)
Was the Star of Bethlehem a Star, Comet ... or Miracle?
'Jesus was born in June', astronomers claim – Telegraph
Christmas - Was Jesus born on December 25th?
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