In a very important sense, the answer to this question is an easy “Nope!” The date Christ was born, in and of itself, has no power, no meaning, and no eternal significance. The date doesn’t save us; Christ does. It matters that he came. It matters that he was born of a virgin. It matters that he was born in Bethlehem and is from the line of David. But does the actual date matter? It seems to most of us that celebrating on Dec. 25th is as good as any other time of year, even if it isn’t the right date. Like when you celebrate your birthday on the weekend instead of the middle of the week. Does it really matter?

In another important sense, though, the answer is an unequivocal “Yep!” The date Christ was born, in and of itself, is powerful, meaningful, and undergirds everything Christ stands for. “How” you ask? That is the question I seek to answer in my book 500 Year Journey (available September 2023).

Like most people, I used to think the date wasn’t all that important. I first pursued the answer as a hobby and I always felt like it was possible to find an answer, but not necessary. However, as I dug more deeply into the issue year after year, the answer turned out to be more elusive than I ever imagined. Frustrated–and yet extraordinarily stubborn–I now had to find the answer. I was no longer content with the mystery; I wanted certainty. My quest changed from being a diversion to becoming an obsession. There had to be an answer!

But it is surprising how many possible answers are out there. December 25, 1 AD is the traditional date, obviously, but some people suggested that he was born in the summer, some in the spring, some in the fall, and others maintained the traditional date in the winter. And even the year he was born was up for debate. Ugh.

And then I discovered the combination that would unlock the mystery box: history and prophecy. As the old saying goes, “All roads lead to Rome,” but in this case, “All clues lead to the Messiah.”

• Daniel’s prophetic seventy weeks;
• Who the magi were;
• Leviticus 23;
• The organizational skills of Caesar Augustus;
• The life and death of king Herod.

I deal with all of these topics, and more, in 500 Year Journey, but the bottom line is that it matters when Christ was born because God told us exactly when he would be born. He revealed the answer in his Word, the history of the world, and the heavenly realm. God sent his Son exactly when he said he would, and therefore it matters because it mattered to God.