In this third installment of the Fresh Ground Theology Advent series, Nate and David welcome Wes Scott (soon to be a regular on the show) for a wide-ranging and surprisingly data-driven discussion: when was Jesus actually born in history—not just when Christians celebrate his birth liturgically.
While December 25 is the Church’s traditional celebration, Wes lays out a compelling historical reconstruction that points to September 11, 3 BC—aligned with Tishri 1 / Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets)—as a strong candidate for the birth date of Jesus. The conversation weaves together early Christian reasoning, Second Temple Jewish calendar context, astronomical events tied to Revelation 12 imagery, and chronological arguments related to Herod’s death.
Episode Highlights
Coffee Corner (and Tea, and Soda)
- David brings Earl Grey tea (“Earl Grey, hot”—with a Star Trek nod).
- Wes arrives with Dr Pepper Zero as his caffeine solution.
- Nate features a home-roasted coffee: Sweet Maria’s Espresso Monkey blend, plus an herbal tea made from fleabane.
Key Topic: Was Christmas “Stolen” From Pagan Holidays?
The crew addresses a common internet claim: that December 25 was chosen purely to replace pagan festivals (like Sol Invictus). Wes argues the story is more nuanced:
- Early Christian tradition often reasoned Jesus was conceived on March 25, the same date they associated with the crucifixion.
- Nine months later lands on December 25, making the date rooted in theological symbolism—not only cultural replacement.
The Core Claim: Jesus Was Born September 11, 3 BC
Wes presents a case (popularized notably by Ernest L. Martin and discussed appreciatively by Dr. Michael Heiser) that Jesus’ birth aligns with:
- Tishri 1 / Rosh Hashanah, associated with kingship, judgment themes, and “the head of the year.”
- A remarkably specific astronomical configuration said to match the imagery of Revelation 12:1–2.
Revelation 12 and a “Cosmic Nativity Sign”
The episode explores how apocalyptic literature can refer to real historical events using cosmic imagery:
- “Woman clothed with the sun” → Virgo constellation with the sun positioned within it
- “Moon under her feet” → moon positioned at Virgo’s feet
- Broader celestial “signs” interpreted as a birth announcement for a royal figure
The Star of Bethlehem and the Magi: A Separate Event?
A major point emphasized: the Nativity and the Magi’s arrival are not necessarily the same moment.
- Matthew describes Jesus as a child, not a newborn.
- The Magi visit a house, not a manger.
- The discussion suggests December 25, 2 BC could plausibly align with the Magi’s arrival—preserving December 25 as historically meaningful even if it isn’t the birth date.
Herod’s Death and the BC Dating Debate
Wes summarizes an argument that strengthens the 3 BC framework:
- Older scholarly consensus often placed Herod’s death at 4 BC
- But some modern arguments using Josephus, lunar eclipse timing, and numismatic (coin) evidence place Herod’s death closer to 1 BC
- This allows more chronological room for:
- Jesus’ birth in 3 BC
- Magi arrival in 2 BC
- Herod’s later actions in Matthew’s account
Luke 1–2 and the Priestly Course Timeline
The episode also touches on Luke’s chronology:
- Tracking Zechariah’s priestly service and conception timing for John the Baptist can plausibly place Jesus’ birth in late summer / early fall, rather than mid-winter.
- This also fits the “shepherds in the fields at night” detail as more plausible in early autumn.
A Note on September 11 and Spiritual Symbolism
The hosts briefly discuss (carefully, and not as dogma) the idea that dates can carry symbolic weight in spiritual warfare frameworks—particularly given September 11’s modern associations.
Why This Matters for Advent
Even if the exact date cannot be proven with absolute certainty, the conversation argues the value is in the coherence:
- Biblical text
- Jewish feast theology
- historical chronology
- and astronomical markers
All converge in a way that enriches Advent and challenges simplistic “Christmas is pagan” narratives.
Scripture and Sources Mentioned
Bible Passages
- Matthew 2
- Luke 1–2
- Revelation 12
- Genesis 1:14
- Genesis 49:9–10
- Psalm 19:1
Primary Historical Sources
- Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews
- Roman astronomical records (as referenced in discussion)
Modern Works Referenced
- Ernest L. Martin, The Star That Astonished the World
- Michael Heiser, nativity dating discussions (including The Naked Bible Podcast, episode referenced: #138)
- Bradley Schaefer, “The Star of Bethlehem: A New Look at the Evidence”
- Michael Molnar, The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi
- Augustine, sermons on the Nativity
- John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew
- Chronography of 354
What’s Next
Next week in the Advent series:
“The Advent of God Made Flesh: Beyond the Flannelgraph” — a look at the Incarnation with more depth than the Sunday school basics.
Support the Show
Visit FreshGroundTheology.com for articles, contact info, and merch. Featured item: “Punch Heresy in the Face” Saint Nicholas shirts and hoodies (metaphorically, as the hosts note).
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