When was Jesus born?
Any day is a great day to celebrate Messiah’s birth. Christians do so most festively at Christmas, in the end of December. Nevertheless, it is difficult to determine the exact season, let alone a specific date based on biblical texts.
None of the Gospels mention a date, not even a month, of Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem. Jesus was born at night, and He was laid in a manger. That much we know. But what are some other clues we can pick up on?
First century Jews (and later, the same could be said of Christians) did not celebrate birthdays, as far as historical evidence shows. There was simply no tradition to keep commemorating a person’s birth.
In contrast, the Gospels are very specific when it comes to Yeshua’s death and resurrection. We know how old Jesus was, what city He was in, and – yes – we even know the exact date of when He was killed. The questions about His birth came much later.
Both scholars and everyday curious minds continue to try and find the answers. Meanwhile, many Messianic Jews believe Yeshua (Jesus) was born during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), the joyful feast in the fall. Why is that?
The Bible Perspective
The reference point for this interpretation starts with the conception of John. He was born to Mary’s cousin Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah. John was conceived after the angel Gabriel visited Zechariah during his priestly service in the Temple.
Zechariah would have been working according to the rotation of ministry. It is based on family lineage, set forth in 1 Chronicles 24-28. Because he was of the division of Abijah, he would have finished serving and gone home to Elizabeth in late June or early July. See Luke 1:5, 13-19, 23-26 for context.
Elizabeth was six months pregnant with John when Mary conceived Yeshua. This means Yeshua was likely conceived in the winter, perhaps even during Hanukkah. Nine months later would then take us to the time of Sukkot.
Interestingly, by this reckoning, John would have been born at the season of Passover. That is the season when Jews traditionally welcome the spirit of Elijah into their homes.
Determining the Season of Jesus’ Birth
Messiah’s birth during Sukkot would explain some hard questions associated with a winter nativity. Which would suggest that Jesus was not born in December, but rather late September or early October.
Sukkot is a pilgrimage feast. Which means, finding a place to stay in the Jerusalem area – including Bethlehem – would be very difficult at the last minute.
Another concern is about the weather. Would it still be warm enough for shepherds to sleep outdoors with their flocks? You may associate Israel with a hot climate. However, Jerusalem and Bethlehem are situated in the Judean mountains. They can even experience snow in winter!
Sukkot is the time of year when God told us to step aside to tabernacle with Him. Perhaps the apostle John had Messiah’s birth during this feast in mind when he wrote, “The Word became flesh and dwelled (tabernacled) among us” (John 1:14, YLT).
The Birth of Jesus and Sukkot
We believe that if God wanted us to know the exact date of Messiah’s birth, He would have made that plain in the Scriptures.
We do know from His Word that the Feast of Tabernacles is a special time, chock-full of messianic references. There is a Messianic significance to Sukkot. Thus, when Israel celebrates this feast, we pray for a revelation of the Messiah to His people.
The Messianic significance of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) in relation to Jesus’ birth reflects key themes of God dwelling among His people. While there is no definitive evidence that Jesus (Yeshua) was born during Sukkot, many theologians and scholars find symbolic and potential historical connections between the holiday and His nativity.
God Dwelling with His People:
Sukkot commemorates the Israelites dwelling in temporary shelters in the wilderness and celebrates God’s provision and presence. The birth of Jesus signifies God “tabernacling” among us, as seen in John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” The Greek word for “dwelling” (σκηνόω, skēnoō) directly connects to the idea of a sukkah or tabernacle.
The Light of the World:
During Sukkot, the Temple was illuminated by massive menorahs, symbolizing God’s light to the nations. Jesus’ declaration to be the “Light of the World” (John 8:12) aligns with this imagery, emphasizing His role as the ultimate light guiding all people.
Joy of the Nations:
Sukkot is a joyful festival that welcomes the nations to worship the God of Israel (Zechariah 14:16-19). The angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, proclaiming “good news of great joy for all people” (Luke 2:10), reflects the inclusive and Messianic joy associated with Sukkot.
Possible Historical Link:
Some propose that Jesus was born during Sukkot based on the timing of shepherds being in the fields and Zechariah’s priestly service (Luke 1). If true, His birth in a stable reinforces the theme of humility and God’s presence among ordinary people.
What about Christmas?
Those are some strong arguments for dating Jesus’ birth around the Feast of Tabernacles. It may make you wonder, how then did the world decide to celebrate the Messiah’s birth on December 25?
The answer to this question is also complex. A combination of historical, religious, and cultural factors contributed to choosing this date (which is not mentioned in the Bible).
December 25 coincided with several important pagan festivals in the Roman Empire, particularly those celebrating the winter solstice. There are both positive and negative theories about why Jesus’ birth was declared on this already “celebrated” day.
Many rightfully point out that there is nothing “holy” about December 25. And knowing about the pagan holidays on that day can leave a bitter taste in your mouth. But, some would argue, the whole point was to turn the people’s attention away from these holidays. That is because Jesus, the light of the world, outshines all the false gods.
In What Month was Jesus Born?
While we considered the dates of modern Christmas and the Feast of Sukkot in this article, throughout history other dates were suggested as well. For example, the Eastern Church, including the Armenian Church, celebrates Christmas on January 6.
Clement of Alexandria, a theologian and philosopher of the Hellenistic era, wrote that various Christian groups proposed many different dates for Jesus’ birth. Interestingly, at that point the December date was not even mentioned. Instead, it was suggested that the Messiah was born in May, in August, and even in April, around the time of Passover too.*
Do we have unbeaten proof for any proposed date? We do not, and since God did not detailed it in His Word, I don’t think He would like us to argue over it.
Ultimately, we want to celebrate the joy, provision, light, and divine presence of Emmanuel—“God with us.” And whether you do so during Sukkot or on December 25, we hope the entire time you keep your eyes on Jesus.
*Clement, Stromateis 1.21.145
The post When was Jesus born? Messiah’s Birth, Messianic Jews & Sukkot appeared first on FIRM Israel.
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"But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst..." John 4:13-14
