Was Jesus really born on December 25?

At Mass this morning, our Parish Priest said that while billions celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25, the truth is, historians and theologians have debated this for centuries and still do today. The division has been so intense that the true meaning of the day was often lost and forgotten.

Our Priest pointed out that most who question the date look at the Gospel of Luke, which mentions shepherds watching their flocks at night when Jesus was born. This scenario seems unlikely during the cold winter months in Judea. Some scholars use this detail to suggest that Christ may have been born during the spring or autumn, or during the lambing season when shepherds would typically be in the fields. 

The Roman census mentioned in the Gospel of Luke is believed to have been conducted during milder seasons, which lends support to this theory. However, various studies of historical records indicate that the census referred to in the Gospel did not occur until 6 BCE, two years after Herod died in 4 BCE. Some scholars suggest that there may have been another census at that time, as recorded by Luke, which has since been lost to history.

Some sectors contend that the choice of December 25 may have been influenced by cultural and religious factors rather than historical accuracy. The date coincided with the celebration of Roman pagan festivals such as Saturnalia and the winter solstice, honoring the "Unconquered Sun." Early Christians may have adopted this date to provide a Christian alternative to these popular festivities, symbolizing Jesus as the "Light of the World."

To further complicate matters, in the Eastern Christian traditions, many Orthodox communities following the Julian calendar celebrate Christmas on January 7 under the Gregorian calendar, while some select January 6 or the Epiphany as the feast of Christ’s birth. These differences reflect calendar reforms and liturgical emphases rather than certainty about a historical date, reinforcing that the early church did not think of a universally fixed birthday.

The reverend concluded that Christians should focus on the true meaning of Christ’s birth. The Nativity is about God with us, the Incarnation. It’s a story of humility: the eternal Word born in a manger, identifying with the poor and marginalized who are mostly unseen even during His time. It is about one word: love.

As for me, whether Jesus was born in December, spring, or autumn, the heart of Christmas is God with us. It’s about light overcoming darkness, hope breaking into a world of fear and inequality. The Nativity invites shepherds and scholars alike into a message of peace, love, and redemption.

Merry Christmas 2025

 

Happy Easter 2025

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Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas!

 

Resurrection Hand Balm from Aesop: Intense Hydration with a Soothing Smell

Moisturizing hands is an essential self-care practice that promotes healthy and well-nourished skin. Our hands are exposed to harsh environmental elements daily, frequent handwashing, and other activities that can lead to dryness, roughness, and even cracks. Moisturizing hands helps to replenish and lock in moisture, preventing dehydration and maintaining optimal skin hydration levels. Some moisturizer ingredients also attract water molecules from the air and bind them to the skin, improving its ability to retain moisture. That is why using hand moisturizers regularly can contribute to softer, smoother, and more elastic skin.

I am a big fan of hand moisturizers, which help alleviate skin irritations, redness, or inflammation, making them particularly beneficial for maintaining my sensitive skin health. I  also suffer from skin conditions like eczema once in a while. A friend recently told me to try the Resurrection Hand Balm from Aesop. She said it made wonders for her dry hands plus the balm really smells good.

from aesopskincare.ph

Aesop is a renowned Australian skincare brand that offers a range of high-quality beauty products. Known for its distinctive apothecary-style packaging and focus on botanical ingredients, Aesop has gained a reputation for producing effective and luxurious skincare, haircare, and body care products. It uses a combination of plant-based extracts, essential oils, antioxidants, and other natural ingredients in its formulations. 

Aesop Resurrection Hand Balm is one of Aesop's popular hand care products. It is a rich, non-greasy hand cream specifically formulated to moisturize and nourish the hands. The hand balm is enriched with a combination of nourishing ingredients, including mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, and cedar atlas, which lend the balm a refreshing scent.  Additionaly, it contains moisturizing agents like shea butter, cocoa seed butter, and sweet almond oil, known for their hydrating properties.

I've been using the product for almost one month now and I am quite satisfied with it.  The Resurrection Hand Balm is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving behind a non-greasy finish without any residue on the skin.   once used it while my hands were extremely dry and irritated, and it relieved the tightness that usually results from such conditions.   really love the citrusy scent that lasts a long time which is also soothing to the senses.  dditionally, while I am aware that it is primarily for the hands, I applied the product on other parts of my body, and it worked fine with my knees, heels, and elbows.

I recommend using the hand balm as needed throughout the day, especially after washing your hands or whenever your skin feels dry or in need of extra care.