When Was Jesus Born?

[458 words] There’s always a great debate about when Jesus was born, specifically what time of the year (although there is also debate about the year itself). It is at this time of the year that many celebrate His birth, but it is unlikely that He was born during the winter months. Our first clue concerning this is that when Jesus was born, Luke’s account tells us that an angel delivered this message to shepherds who were out in the field watching their flocks (Luke 2:8-11). Bible scholars and historians tell us that in the Palestinian area sheep are not kept out in the fields from November through February. Also, it is unlikely that Caesar would have authorized a census where each person had to travel during the winter months when it was so very difficult. History reveals that these were usually done in the spring before planting or in…