The Why of Christ's Birth

​The "when" of Christ's birth is certainly not as important as the "why," but it is interesting to investigate. Most scholars agree that Christ would not have been born during December. The Bible gives us hints as to the season when His birth took place. Luke 2, verse 8, tells us "there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night." This suggests that Jesus may have been born when the weather was warm and conducive to having flocks of sheep out at night. Shepherds kept their flocks in a shelter at night during Israel's cold, rainy Decembers. Next, we read that Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem for a census. It is likely that the Romans would not have taken a census in the winter when traveling conditions were difficult. Those who traveled in December dealt with cold temperatures and roads that are in poor condition.



We know from Luke 1:24-36 that Jesus was conceived while Elizabeth, John the Baptist's mother, was in her sixth month of pregnancy. Zechariah, John's father, served in the Jerusalem temple with the priestly division of Abijah. While he was on duty, burning incense, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, telling him that he would have a son. Historical calculations indicate that Zechariah's service took place in mid-June. He would have returned home immediately after his service. If we assume that John's conception took place at the end of June, he would have been born at the end of March.



Luke 1:35 and 36 tells us that Elizabeth was six months pregnant when Mary conceived. This being the case, it is likely that Jesus was born at the end of September. Perhaps he was born during the Feast of Tabernacles when it is said that Messiah tabernacles with us. However, December 25 was selected as the date for celebrating Christ's birth by the Church in Rome during Constantine's reign. December 25 was the date that the pagans celebrated the birth of the sun, so the Church decided to celebrate the birth of The Son, Jesus, at the same time.



Now let’s look at the “why” of Christ’s coming. The prophet Isaiah makes this clear in Chapter 53, verses 5 and 6. "He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Verse 10 of Isaiah's discourse on why Jesus came to earth goes into more detail. "Yet it was the Lord's will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer, and though the Lord makes His life a guilt offering; He will see His offspring and prolong His days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in His hands." 



Our Messiah came to earth fully human and yet fully God. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulder. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever…” (Isaiah 9:6, 7) This Christmas let us ponder what Christ did for us when He gave up the majestic splendor of heaven to come to earth. He came to give us salvation and reconcile us to God. He came so that we might "participate in the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:4) He came to demonstrate the love of God that is beyond comprehension. He came as the Prince of Peace and Immanuel, God with us. He is worthy of our praise and worship. Have a blessed Christmas.