Jesus of nazareth born

So why do biblical scholars like Ian Paul believe that the actual traditional date for Christmas ought to be in September? This theory comes from a close reading of the clues left behind in Luke, particularly what the gospel's authors had to say about the timing of the birth of John the Baptist in relation to Jesus.

Luke's version of the Christmas story doesn't begin with Mary and Joseph.

Instead, it starts with another couple, Elizabeth and Zechariah, who were older and childless.

Zechariah, a priest, was visited by the angel Gabriel in the temple. Gabriel told him that his wife would have a son named John, who would prepare the world for the coming of the Lord.

Zechariah doubted Gabriel's message and was struck dumb. But when his service in the temple was over, the priest went home, and Elizabeth soon became pregnant.

As it turns out, the angel Gabriel also visited Mary to tell her she was going to conceive and give birth to bab