In the run up to Christmas, carols fill the air. Many have an astronomical twist, singing of the “Christmas Star” from the story of the nativity. Described in the Gospel of Matthew, the star guided the three wise men to the cradle of the young baby Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem.
Most Biblical scholars agree Jesus was born between 6 and 4 BCE. It’s not known what time of year he was born, but those scholars suggest it was most likely in April or May.
The choice of December 25 to celebrate Jesus’ birth came centuries later, and is tied to the date of the winter solstice in the Roman calendar, when the northern hemisphere experiences its shortest day.
