Scientists reveal when Jesus was really born and say it's not what people think
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Scientists have revealed when Jesus was really born, and it's certainly not the date you'd expect.
With Christmas fast approaching and millions getting into the festive spirit with parties, presents and turkey, the big day represents a deeper meaning for many.
For many, December 25 marks the 2,023rd birthday of Jesus Christ - but the reality, according to some experts, is that Jesus wasn't born on that certain day in December.
While we don't know for sure, researched detailed in the MailOnline suggest that Jesus may have been born during the spring, throwing curveballs into everything many have believed for so many years.
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On top of that, experts are suggesting Jesus may be a lot older than we all think, and the fact there's no reason to believe Jesus Christ was born on Christmas Day.
Speaking to the MailOnline, Professor Lawrence Mykytiuk of Purdue University in Indiana said: "It remains a humbling fact that despite various claims, no one in modern times is really certain of the exact year of Jesus’ birth."
Historian Flavius Josephus told the outlet that there was a lunar eclipse shortly before King Herod the Great of Judea died.
How does this look into Jesus?
Well, according to the bible, Herod said that all Jewish boys under the age of two must be killed.
While we can still not confirm this as a definite, it would suggest Jesus was born at least 24 months before King Herod's death.
As for potential death dates of the king, according to experts these are: December 29, 1 BC, January 10, 1 BC, March 13, 4 BC and September 15, 5 BC.
Professor Mykytiuk added: "Josephus also tells us in two places that the Jewish Passover occurred soon after the death of Herod the Great. Because the Passover is observed in the spring; September, January, and December are ruled out."
The professor continued: "It is most unlikely that Jesus was born on any day in December, let alone on December 25th, because 'there were shepherds living out in the field, keeping watch over their flocks at night'.
"During winter, shepherds kept sheep in the fold to protect themselves and their sheep from severe weather. This fact of plentiful grass in March fits with the lunar eclipse occurring shortly before the death of Herod the Great.
"The narrowest date one can confidently arrive at for Jesus’s birth seems to be the month of March, during the years 6, 5, or 4 BC."