What Is Christmas? When and Where Was Jesus Born?
Christmas is a festival in the Christian tradition commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. But how does the Bible recount his birth, and how does Christmas relate to that account? This page summarizes, neutrally, the nativity story, the place of Jesus' birth and the origin of Christmas; afterward you can read the chapters where this story appears here for free.
Where is Jesus' birth recounted in the Bible?
Jesus' birth is recounted in detail in two of the four Gospels: Luke and Matthew. Luke 2 tells of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and Jesus' birth there, along with the good news given to the shepherds. Matthew 1-2 recounts Jesus' genealogy, his birth and the visit of the wise men (the magi) from the east.
Where was Jesus born?
According to the biblical account, Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in the region of Judea. Mary and Joseph had traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem because of a census. The account relates that, with no room available at the inn, Jesus was born in humble circumstances — a detail that is among the best-known features of the nativity story.
When was Jesus born?
The Bible does not give a precise date (day and month) for Jesus' birth. December 25 became established in later centuries as the day Christmas is celebrated in church tradition; in different traditions (e.g. some Eastern churches) the celebration may fall on another day. The date of Christmas is thus a traditional convention rather than a date given by the text.
The link between Christmas and the nativity
The word Christmas comes from the tradition of commemorating Jesus' birth. Many customs associated with the festival (the tree, gifts, carols) were added later in various cultures and are not part of the biblical text. The text's focus is the birth event itself and its accompanying narrative elements, such as the good news, the shepherds and the visit of the wise men.
How can I read the nativity account?
If you want to read of Jesus' birth firsthand, Luke 2 and Matthew 1-2 are the best places to start. The words of the prophet Isaiah about a child to be born (Isaiah 9) are also often associated with this story. You can read these chapters here, free and ad-free.
Start here
Guides
- What Is the Gospel (İncil)?
- What Are the Torah, Psalms (Zebur) and Gospel?
- The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
- Who Wrote the Bible? When Was It Written?
- How Many Books Are There in the Bible?
- Chapters and Verses: How to Read a Reference Like "John 3:16"
- Who Is Jesus Christ?
- What Is the Zebur (Book of Psalms)?
- What Is Baptism?
- How Did the Bible Reach Us? (Manuscripts and Translation)
- What Is Prayer and How Do You Pray?
- What Are the Ten Commandments?
- What Are the Parables of Jesus?
- What Are the Old and New Testaments?
- What Is Christmas? When and Where Was Jesus Born?
- What Are Easter and the Resurrection?
- Who or What Is the Holy Spirit?
- What Is a Church (Kilise)?
- What Is Christianity?
- What Is Sin (Günah)?
- What Are Angels?
- What Are Heaven and Hell?
- What Is a Prophet?
- What Is the Trinity?
- Satan and Evil According to the Bible
- How Do You Memorize Bible Verses?
- Kadıköy Kilise Translation (KKR): Sources and Revision Notes
Where was Jesus born?
According to the biblical account, Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea (Luke 2; Matthew 2). His family was originally from Nazareth.
When was Jesus born?
The Bible gives no precise day. December 25 became established in later centuries as Christmas Day in church tradition; in some traditions the celebration falls on another day.
What is Christmas?
Christmas is the festival in the Christian tradition that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Many customs accompanying it are later cultural additions; the nativity story itself is told in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew.
Was Jesus born in a stable?
Luke 2 relates that there was no room at the inn and that Jesus was laid in a manger. The "stable" detail is a common inference from this account; the text emphasizes the humble circumstances.
Where can I read the nativity account?
The most detailed account is in Luke 2 and Matthew 1-2. You can read these chapters on this site, free and ad-free.