As Christmas approaches, millions around the world prepare to celebrate Jesus Christ's birth on December 25 — but experts now argue that this widely accepted date may not be accurate.

While December 25 is traditionally seen as Jesus' 2,023rd birthday, historical and scientific evidence paints a different picture. Researchers have suggested that Jesus may have been born during the spring rather than in winter, challenging centuries of belief surrounding the origins of Christmas.

So, When Was Jesus Really Born?

Professor Lawrence Mykytiuk of Purdue University, speaking to MailOnline, explained the uncertainty:

"It remains a humbling fact that despite various claims, no one in modern times is really certain of the exact year of Jesus’ birth."

Evidence for this ambiguity stems, in part, from historical accounts by Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. He recorded a lunar eclipse that occurred shortly before the death of King Herod the Great of Judea. According to the Bible, Herod ordered the massacre of Jewish boys under the age of two — an event believed to have taken place just before Herod’s death.

Pinpointing the Timeframe

Experts propose potential death dates for Herod:

December 29, 1 BC

January 10, 1 BC

March 13, 4 BC

September 15, 5 BC

If Herod died around Passover — traditionally observed in the spring — the earlier dates in December or January can likely be ruled out.

Professor Mykytiuk elaborates:

"Josephus tells us that the Jewish Passover occurred soon after Herod’s death. Because Passover is in the spring, this makes Jesus' birth in December highly improbable."

The Shepherds’ Role

Another clue comes from the Gospel of Luke, which describes shepherds watching their flocks in the fields at night when Jesus was born. Mykytiuk notes:

"During winter, shepherds would keep their sheep in folds to shield them from harsh weather. However, spring provides ample grass, which aligns with the description of the shepherds and coincides with the lunar eclipse before Herod’s death."

The Most Likely Birth Date

Based on these findings, researchers narrow Jesus' likely birthdate to March in the years 6, 5, or 4 BC. While the exact date remains elusive, the evidence challenges the long-standing tradition of December 25.

As scientists continue to piece together history, one thing is clear: the story of Jesus’ birth is far more complex — and intriguing — than we once thought.