What if? It's the basis of many stories. We ask. We ponder. We wonder.
On Tuesdays I throw one out there. What if? It may be speculative. It may stem from something I see. It may be something I pull from the news.
Make of it what you will. If a for instance is not specified, interpret that instance as you wish. And if the idea turns into a story, I'd appreciate a thank you in the acknowledgements 😉
What if we found out when Jesus' birthday actually was? (Because it very likely wasn't December 25th.) What if that day was in April or June or September?
Various Orthodox communities celebrate Christmas on January 7, and that isn't the right birth date, either. I don't think it will matter if the actual date (translated into our current calendar system) is determined. Traditions are strong.
ReplyDeleteI've read it was probably in October, based on when his cousin John was born, since they know when John's father served at the temple, and John was six months older than Jesus... oh, a bunch of stuff I forget! At any rate, it wouldn't make any difference to me. Christmas is a traditional cultural event for my family, not religious.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I’ve read, it was probably in the spring and probably in the year 4 BCE. That’s based on descriptions in the Gospels and historical references, such as the years Herod reigned in Judea. I’ve also read that from a historical perspective Jesus didn’t actually exist, that he’s a composite of three itinerant preachers.
ReplyDeleteDecember 25 was chosen because many pagan societies had festivals related to the winter solstice.
Fact vs. theology/faith. If you are a Christian Jesus is real, and it doesn’t matter what happened or did not happen in the first century. History and archeology can strengthen your faith but not diminish it.
The details of when Jesus was born might not change things much for me. What matters most is that Jesus's existence and teachings hold real meaning in my life.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2024, Liz!