THE YOUNG JESUS
by Charlene & Friedhelm Dohmann

Date of Birth

The early Christians had fewer thoughts about the exact birth date of Jesus than the time of his expected return. Origen (also Origenes, circa 185 - c.254 AD, born in Alexandria, Egypt) one of the most accomplished biblical scholars of the early church wrote 245 AD it would be sinful to celebrate the birthday of Jesus as if he would be "King Pharao". Nevertheless Christians honored his birthday since the 4th Century but on different dates. A church calendar of 336 AD first refers to the 25th of December.

Some scholars point to the 17th day of December. The Romans celebrated this day in honor of their God Saturn. Those celebrations lasted for several days. But the days around the 25th of December have also astronomical significance, the days become longer. Many believe it replaces the gentile feasts of the " dies natalis solis invicti " (Birth of the invincible sun, the sun god) which were observed to greet the longer days after the winter solstice. The cycle of the seasons continues, and life begins new. The birth of Jesus reveals, that spiritual life can be renewed and that anybody is able to participate in spiritual rebirth. There are varying reference points for the year of his birth. Matthew writes: Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem in Juda, during the reign of King Herod in Jerusalem. Herod the Great died however four years earlier than the year in which Jesus was allegedly born. The year of his birth would have to be back dated. Luke reports, that he was born when Quirinius was Governor of Syria.

Mary and Josef returned to Bethlehem because of a census ordered by Augustus and carried out by Quirinius. We know with certainty that Quirinius was "Legat" of Syria in 6 AD. Some bible historians hold the opinion he was in office 13 years earlier and their research found there was a census ordered by Rome in 12 BC, which was concluded after 8 or 7 BC. Orders took time, Syria was at the edge of the Roman Empire.

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