Five Myths About Christmas

December 10, 2014

• Topical

Regardless of your religion, most people are familiar with the story of Jesus’ birth. Schools across the country perform or revisit versions or parts of the Nativity story every year during the festive season. But what you might not know is that, according to the Bible and historical sources, a lot of the elements of the classic Nativity story are actually incorrect! Here are five myths about Christmas.

1. Mary and Joseph did not travel to Bethlehem on a Donkey

It isn’t clear when exactly Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem; it could be that they were already living there before Jesus’ birth. There’s also no evidence to suggest that Mary gave birth on the night of their arrival or just after they arrived.

2. Jesus wasn’t born in a stable

It doesn’t actually say where exactly Jesus was born in the Bible. A number of the gospels and other sources suggest that there was no room in the guesthouses around Bethlehem, but it isn’t clear whether Mary and Joseph had to go to a stable, temple or any where else they could find!

3. There weren’t Three Wise Men

The image of the Three Wise Men has arisen because there were three gifts given at the birth of Jesus, gold, frankincense and myrrh. However, the number of wise men who came to deliver the gifts is never stated. It’s unlikely that men of such high regard and standing would travel alone or in a small group. It’s more likely that there was a huge caravan of people journeying to Bethlehem so that they could make the long journey in comfort.

4. There were no animals present at the birth of Jesus

The story of the animals at the Nativity was actually elaborated by St Francis of Assisi, who was the patron saint of animals.

5. Jesus wasn’t born in December

The exact date of Jesus’ birth is unclear. Christians began celebrating the nativity around the 25^th of December in order to coincide, and integrate with, the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which celebrated the god Saturn and the Winter Solstice. Jesus also wasn’t born in the year 0 AD. According to Luke’s gospel, that describes the census leading to Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, this actually took place in 3 BC. When the Gregorian calendar was formed, they accidentally got the dates wrong, so we’re technically operating three years late!

Do you have any other Myths about Christmas that may not quite be true? Let us know at Kings Tutors.