Birth of Jesus

Ordering the events surrounding His birth

5 Common Misconceptions About the Birth of Jesus

The birth of Jesus is one of the most revered stories in the Bible, yet it’s easy to get some details wrong. Here are five common misconceptions about the events surrounding Jesus’ birth:

1. There were three wise men who visited Jesus

The Bible doesn’t specify the number of wise men who visited Jesus. We only know that three gifts were given: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

2. The wise men arrived right after Jesus’ birth

Matthew 2 suggests that the wise men visited Jesus in a “house,” and King Herod’s order to kill children under two years old implies that Jesus might have been older than an infant when they arrived.

3. Jesus was definitely born on December 25

No, Jesus was likely not born on December 25. Christmas was chosen as a convenient celebratory day to coincide with the pagan holiday of the winter solstice.

4. Jesus’ manger was surrounded by farm animals

The Bible doesn’t mention animals being present, nor does it mention a stable. The shepherds who visited Jesus were likely watching over sacrificial lambs in the Shepherd’s Field, not ordinary farm animals.

5. Mary and Joseph stayed in an inn in Bethlehem

Actually, the Bible suggests that Jesus was born in Migdal Eder, a watchtower of the flock just outside Bethlehem, in the Shepherd’s Field. This was a designated place for the birth of sacrificial lambs, and Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, was born there. The “katalyma” (Greek for “guest room” or “lodging place”) mentioned in Luke 2:7 was likely a room in the watchtower, not an inn in Bethlehem. This understanding adds a deeper layer of meaning to the birth of Jesus, connecting it to the sacrificial system and His role as the Lamb of God.  (see article: Jesus, TRUE Passover Lamb).

The following diagram presents a revised timeline of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, offering a more precise and nuanced understanding of the biblical narrative.