The Myth of Jesus' Birthday on April 17th
The idea that Jesus was born on April 17th is a misconception and has no basis in historical evidence or biblical scripture. While the exact date of Jesus' birth is unknown, the commonly accepted date is December 25th, a date celebrated by Christians worldwide as Christmas.
The Origins of December 25th:
- Early Church Tradition: The early church did not celebrate Christmas until the 4th century AD. While some accounts suggest early celebrations on January 6th (Epiphany), the establishment of December 25th as the official date is attributed to Pope Julius I in the year 336.
- Pagan Influence: It's believed that the church adopted the date of December 25th, which was already a day of celebration for the Roman god Mithras, whose birthday was also observed on this date. This strategic move likely helped to attract pagans to Christianity.
- The Bible Doesn't Specify: The Bible doesn't mention a specific date for Jesus' birth. It's important to remember that the Bible was written by different authors over a period of time, and its accounts of Jesus' life are not always chronologically accurate.
Why April 17th is Incorrect:
- No Historical Basis: There is absolutely no historical evidence to suggest that Jesus was born on April 17th. This date has no connection to any historical records or religious texts.
- The Significance of December 25th: The significance of December 25th as Jesus' birthday has been recognized and celebrated for centuries by Christians worldwide. This date has a strong theological and cultural foundation.
Conclusion:
The belief that Jesus was born on April 17th is a misconception that likely arose from a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of historical and biblical information. While the actual date of Jesus' birth remains unknown, December 25th stands as the most widely accepted and celebrated date. It's important to rely on accurate information and credible sources when understanding historical and religious events.
