Tag Archive for: history

The Calendar Revolution: How Time Changed the World

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Imagine a world where every day could potentially fall out of sync, leading to confusion in trade, agriculture, and daily life. This vivid scenario was the reality before institutionalization of a reliable calendar system. The story begins with Pope Gregory XIII’s grand vision to reform the calendar, a quest that would take years and involve a diverse group of contributors. This fascinating journey not only paved the way for an organized timekeeping system that remains effective today, but also highlights the strategic significance of time coordination, particularly in complex computerized systems that can shape global stability.

TL;DR: Pope Gregory XIII initiated the Gregorian calendar reform to rectify inaccuracies in the Julian calendar. This pivotal shift streamlined timekeeping worldwide, showcasing the importance of precise time coordination, especially in technology. Minor discrepancies in time can lead to significant consequences, even warfare, as seen in military systems.

The Backdrop of Calendar Confusion

The calendar we use today has a long and convoluted history. A significant player in this saga is the Julian calendar, which fell short in aligning with the solar year. Its reckoning of 365.25 days led to seasonal drift. This drift had major implications for agriculture and festivals. If farmers couldn’t plant at the right time, the harvest could fail. Isn’t that a worrying thought?

Inaccuracies and Effects

The Julian calendar’s inaccuracies caused a ripple effect across society. With each passing year, the timing of equinoxes and solstices shifted. For example, before the reform, the March equinox was off by 10 days. This misalignment disrupted seasonal activities, affecting both rural and urban life.

Attempts at Reform

Before Pope Gregory XIII introduced his new system, many cultures had already made attempts at calendar reform. Even the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians recognized the need for accurate timekeeping. Yet, these attempts often fell short. Why? Because regional complexities made it difficult to achieve a universal standard. Various systems coexisted, leading to confusion across borders.

Cultural and Religious Implications

Timekeeping carries cultural and religious significance. Different communities relied on their unique calendars to mark important events. The confusion that arose from varying systems meant that important religious observances could clash. This not only affected individual communities but also had global implications, especially in trade.

  • Trade Confusion: Different calendars led to miscommunications in trade agreements.
  • Quality control suffered when goods were not delivered on time.

“Timeline and calendars are the skeleton of society; without them, we are mere dust in the wind.” – Unknown

The Need for a Solution

The inaccuracies of the Julian calendar ultimately promoted the need for reform. As society evolved, so did their understanding of time. By the time the Gregorian calendar was introduced, it was clear that a more accurate system was essential for social cohesion.

Chart: March Equinox Alignment

Year March Equinox Off by
Before Reform 10 Days
After Reform Aligned with Seasons

In summary, the evolution from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar was driven by the need for accuracy. A reliable calendar is more than just numbers on paper; it is essential for coordinating activities across the globe.

 

Navigating the Calendar Change: The Role of Pope Gregory XIII

Pope Gregory XIII played a pivotal role in the reform of the calendar system, an initiative that transformed how time was measured in the Western world. But what drove him to this significant change? The motivations were multi-faceted. Primarily, the need for a more accurate calendar was pressing. The Julian calendar, utilized since Julius Caesar, was gradually falling out of sync with the seasons, leading to inconsistencies in scheduling important dates. Events such as Easter were particularly affected. Imagine the chaos if certain holidays didn’t occur in their expected seasons!

Key Advisors: The Power Behind the Papacy

Assisting Pope Gregory in this initiative were key advisors like Luigi Lilio, a scholar whose insights were crucial. Lilio designed the new calendar and calculated the length of a year with unprecedented precision. Nothing short of genius!

However, implementing the reform was fraught with difficulties. Resistance from Protestant regions was significant; they were hesitant to adopt a calendar instigated by the Catholic Church. The historical context of the Reformation played a major role here. How do you persuade a community that sees a reform as a symbol of papal power?

Widespread Acceptance: The Long Road Ahead

Eventually, the Gregorian calendar spread, but it took time. In fact, it wasn’t until over a century later that many Protestant regions embraced the new system. Various countries adopted the reform at different times, leading to a confusing patchwork of calendars across Europe.

Fact Description
Widespread Adoption Over a century for widespread adoption in Protestant regions
Country Adoption Different countries adopted the reform at different times

Despite these challenges, the Gregorian calendar eventually provided a structure for society. As certain scholars noted, “

The fabric of society is stitched by the threads of time; it’s imperative we keep it intact.

” Indeed, accurate timekeeping is essential for coordinating everything from agriculture to international communications to trade.

With a more reliable calendar system in place, the world saw various positive impacts, enhancing synchronization globally. The importance of time coordination in today’s systems cannot be understated. Small discrepancies in timekeeping can lead to significant problems, particularly in computer and military systems. What if satellite navigation faltered due to erroneous time codes? It could trigger misunderstandings that lead to global conflicts. However, that is a story for another time.

 

The Global Impact of the Calendar Reform

The Gregorian calendar greatly transformed the way societies interact and coordinate. In daily life, synchronization became essential. How does a unified calendar enhance coordination? It allows everyone to agree on dates. This agreement improves communication and planning. Without it, chaos might ensue during holidays, trade, or agricultural activities.

Improved Coordination in Daily Life

  • Classes and activities are now organized based on a shared understanding of dates.
  • Businesses can plan meetings and events without confusion.
  • Travel becomes less complicated; people know when others celebrate significant events.

The Gregorian calendar was officially adopted in Great Britain in 1752. It reshaped how people scheduled their lives. This change affected more than just personal plans; it improved international relations and diplomacy.

Global Synchronization

With a standard calendar, countries can synchronize holidays, trade practices, and agricultural schedules. This synchronization is beneficial for trade agreements. Imagine a world where nations are trading goods, but they’re celebrating different New Year dates. It would be chaotic!

Political leaders benefit too. They can host meetings during times when everyone is available. Is it any wonder that treaties and agreements became easier to sign?

The Effects on Religious Observances

The calendar reform had a notable impact on religion. Many religious observances now align with the Gregorian calendar. For instance, Easter is celebrated on specific dates, agreed upon by various Christian denominations. This uniformity allows followers to celebrate together across the globe.

“A calendar isn’t just a tool for scheduling; it’s a unifier of civilizations and cultures.” – Unknown

Long-term Effects on International Relationships

Think about the significance of time coordination. It sets the backdrop for future relations. Meetings, conferences, and even treaties can only occur if parties agree on when to meet. This unifying factor of the calendar cannot be overstated.

Celebrations and Events Around a Common Frame

In today’s world, calendars guide celebrations and events. The Olympics, for example, occur every four years on specific dates. Can you imagine if every country used a different calendar? The chaos would be unimaginable. Events would overlap, or worse, be missed entirely.

Ultimately, the standardized approach to timekeeping through the Gregorian calendar lays a foundation for global understanding. It enables connections and fosters unity among different cultures and nations.

 

Time Coordination: A Modern Necessity

The Critical Role of Accurate Timekeeping in Technology

Time is often overlooked. Yet, in technology, accurate timekeeping is critical. Why? Because digital systems depend on precise timing. Imagine a world where schedules and operations run amok. Chaos would ensue.

This is especially true in sectors like finance, telecommunications, and transportation. For instance, seconds matter in financial trading. A delay could cost millions. According to experts, “In the world of technology, time is money, and accuracy equals survival.” This highlights the high stakes involved.

Impact of Discrepancies on Military and Satellite Systems

Time coordination holds immense importance, particularly in military and satellite systems. Even a slight time difference—measured in milliseconds—can yield catastrophic results. Consider military operations. Coordination is crucial to prevent friendly fire and ensure missions synchronize perfectly.

GPS and other navigational systems rely heavily on time synchronization. Each satellite maintains its position through precise timing. If satellites miscommunicate their time, the effects can ripple across the globe.

Case Study: The 1991 Gulf War and Implications of Time Errors

The 1991 Gulf War serves as a profound example of time errors leading to severe consequences. Mismatched information systems caused confusion during critical operations. Consequently, mistakes were made, impacting mission success.

These time-related miscalculations proved to be more than technical errors. They threatened lives and changed geopolitical landscapes. Such cases serve as reminders of the importance of proper coordination.

How Computers Synchronize and the Tech Behind It

Synchronization in computer systems might sound simple, yet it involves complex technology. Systems use protocols like Network Time Protocol (NTP) to ensure accuracy. NTP documents time discrepancies and adjusts clocks accordingly.

  • GPS satellites synchronize to nanosecond precision.
  • Errors in time can result in significant miscalculations.

For instance, if a server makes just a minor error in time stamps, it could disrupt data flow across networks. This might lead to significant data losses or even system failures.

 

Conclusion: The Intricate Dance of Time

The perception of time has evolved dramatically throughout history. Once, it was only measured by the sun’s position or seasons. Nowadays, it is a complex construct that manages our lives in astonishing ways. Yet, why is this evolution important? Could understanding our past help us navigate the future?

Historical and Modern Perceptions

In ancient societies, calendars were simple tools, guiding agricultural practices and seasonal festivities. For instance, the Julian calendar served a purpose, but it led to accumulating errors. This inconsistency pushed Pope Gregory XIII to reform it. Thus, in 1582, the Gregorian calendar was established. This marked a turning point in timekeeping, creating a system more adept at aligning with the solar year.

Modern society seeks harmony and synchronization globally. In our interconnected world, the need for precise time coordination has never been more critical. Imagine a world where different regions operated under different systems – chaos would ensue, right?

Global Synchronization

In a world increasingly driven by technology, the role of timekeeping has expanded. Think about computer systems. Even the smallest time discrepancies can have catastrophic results. Consider military operations or satellite systems where a mere second off can lead to miscommunication, potentially escalating into a conflict. Would they be prepared to handle such a situation efficiently? We must ensure systems are aligned, as delays can compromise safety and security.

Future of Timekeeping

As we explore potential future shifts in timekeeping practices, one might wonder what innovations await us. With advancements continuing in technology, could we see calendars developed that adapt in real-time? Smart systems may allow for collective global timekeeping, solving issues that traditional methods can’t. This thought is exciting, yet it reminds us of our ongoing responsibility to understand time and its implications.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the calendar is not just a tool; it is a vital part of human civilization. As stated,

“Time is what we make of it, but it is also the pulse of civilization.” – Unknown

Understanding its significance is crucial as we progress. A synchronized world benefits everyone, creating harmony in our daily lives. Thus, comprehending our calendar’s evolution remains more relevant today than ever before. How else can individuals and societies navigate the intricate dance of time? Reflecting on our journey and setting our sights on the future is the key.

The history of Ancient Israel and Judah in 6 minutes

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I offer the following brief history of ancient Israel and Judah as a way to help students of Biblical history, especially young people. It takes 6 minutes to read through the following 1,000 words covering Israel’s 4,000 year old history! In an age of short attention spans, it may be a helpful tool for anyone, but especially parents to both understand and explain to others the history of ancient Israel and Judah. I didn’t add timelines and verse references on purpose. My goal was to create a smooth flowing narrative rather than a sophisticated study tool, if which there are many. George

The descendants of Abraham, to whom the land of Israel was promised, were a federation of twelve tribes in the era starting with Abraham and all the way to the era of the judges.

The judge was not a king but the twelve tribes followed him in times of conflict and war, which was often.

According to the book of genesis the Hebrews had been enslaved in Egypt before they invaded the Lavant where they completely destroyed several Canaanite city-states and their populations.

Such conquest was the only time in Israel’s history where offensive warfare would be used to seize other lands. The Bible clearly teaches that God used the Israelites for the conquest of the Promised Land as a way of executing a judgment on the peoples living there at the time. After the initial conquest they moved further north along the coast.

The period of judges lasted roughly from the fourteenth through eleventh centuries BC.

During these centuries at one time or another the Hebrew tribes would be vassals or tributaries of the Edomites, Moabites, Canaanites, Medianites, Ammonites, or Philistines.

The Philistines held a long time technological advantage over Israel in that they had iron weaponry and chariots.

In the north the Aramean kings of Damascus will be a long time foes as well. Their spoken and written language Aramaic would fuse into Hebrew around the sixth century BC in the Levant and by the first century it was the dominant spoken language throughout the Near East.

The people tired of being led by judges and wanted a permanent king. The last judge, Samuel, anointed Saul as the first king of the united kingdom of Israel.

David, a young man who initially was favored by Saul, fled after his popularity among the people soared resulting from defeating the philistine Goliath in a duel.

Ironically, he fled and lived among the Philistines working as a mercenary for the king of Gath, the city that Goliath came from.

Tragically, Saul would be killed in a battle against the Philistines.

David then returned with a motley band of international warriors known as his ‘mighty men’ and would first conquer the south. Conquering the previously independent Jebusite city of Jerusalem, he made it his capital. He then moved north and defeated Saul’s son Ishbosheth, who had ruled Israel for 2 years.

David spent much of his 40-year long reign waging war on many of the Canaanite city-states within and surrounding Israel’s borders.

His son Solomon succeeded him and was renowned for his wealth and wisdom.

Following Solomon’s death the ten northern tribes rebelled, establishing the city of Samaria as their capital city while Judah in the south remained loyal to Solomon’s son Rehoboam.

Israel and Judah would have hostile relations with each other from the beginning.

Jeroboam, king of Israel, had fled to Egypt during the reign of Solomon, receiving protection of the pharaoh Shoshenq.

The 10 northern tribes had become discontent with Solomon’s extravagance and welcomed Jeroboam as a liberator. Shoshenq saw opportunity and invaded Judah in the fifth yeah of Rehoboam’s reign.

With more than 60,000 men he subdued Judah making it a vassal state.

Finally, Egyptian influence was ended over Judah when an Egyptian backed Ethiopian army was defeated by King Asa of Judah.

The tumultuous relationship between the divided kingdoms would continue to unfold in a chaotic and blood splattered tale until the Syrian conquest of Israel ended that kingdom.

Josiah, Israel’s last king, stopped paying tribute to the Assyrian empire when he mistakenly believed that Egypt would back him up in the conflict. However, this was not the case and after 3-year siege Assyria conquered Samaria. The kingless vassal rebelled again and the Assyrians brutally crushed it. The survivors of the ten tribes were deported to distant areas of the Assyrian empire.

Their fate became unknown, giving way to many “Lost Tribes” theories and speculations, even to this day.

The last king of Judah, Zedekiah, was installed by the Babylonians as a puppet-king.

However, he did not play along and rebelled against the Babylonians at which point Nebuchadnezzar II laid siege and conquered Jerusalem, taking many captives back to Babylon.

Under the Persian empire Babylonian captives were allowed to return and enjoyed some level of autonomy as a vassal.

But in the second century BC, a group of Jews known as the Maccabeans led a revolt against the Seleucid empire (one of the empires that came into existence after Alexander the Great) and succeeded. This gave rise to the Hasmonean dynasty which ruled over the new Jewish state in the Levant.

In 69 BC the Roman general Pompey Magnus sacked Jerusalem and installed a puppet ruler loyal to him.

In 37 BC Judea would become an official client state of the Roman Empire.

The Idumaenian, Herod the Great was appointed king of the Jews by the Roman Senate. He attempted to curry favor with his subjects by reconstructing the temple in Jerusalem on a grand scale. However, this was funded through heavy taxation and he was still viewed as an unpopular foreigner and acolyte of the Romans.

After his death the kingdom was partitioned between his three sons and sister.

Following the death of his grandson, Herod Agrippa, in 44 AD Rome absorbed Judea into the empire and after a short rule by Agrippa’s son (Agrippa II) made it a full province of the Roman Empire administered by a Roman governor.

The period between 66-70 AD is known as the Great Jewish Revolt, or The Jewish War, which was followed by two more rebellions.

In 70 AD Jerusalem was sacked. The Romans destroyed the temple and either killed, exiled or enslaved all of the Hebrew leaders, elites and nobles.

In 132 AD the remaining Jews, under the leadership of Bar Kokhba, rebelled against the Roman Emperors Adrian but were defeated.

As a punishment Adrian exiled even more Jews and forbade them from living in their capital.

This marked the beginning of many centuries of Jewish exile which era ended with the creation of the modern, democratic State of Israel in 1947.

New Testament manuscripts

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Repost from a blogger I just discovered. Some cool links and quick info on New Testament manuscripts people might find useful.

Papyrus 64, aka the Magdalen papyrus. Disclaimer: I am not a Bible scholar. I have not even been to Bible school. This post merely presents my …

New Testament manuscripts

Christmas For Beginners

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Let’s imagine you are a beginner in the faith. Up until few days ago you believed in reincarnation, elfs, Harry Potter and smoking pot. But something happened to you and here you are wanting to make things right with God, trying to figure out where to start. 

And it so happens that this very important cataclysmic event took place in your life only few days before Christmas. Yay! Right on time as if it were! Or maybe not?

Just how important is Christmas for someone who is seeking to know the Creator and wants to see a spiritual change in his or her life? Your entire being is telling you it’s time to turn away from the old ways and to choose a new way. You begin to read the Gospel of John and “accidentally” find out that Jesus spoke of Himself being the Way, the Truth and the Life. Not only that but thanks to your very knowledgeable friend who has been following threefold.life, you learn that in the beginning the followers of Rabbi Yeshua weren’t called “Christians” and the Jewish sect they belonged to was simply called “The Way”. 

You get confused. You want to do what’s right when it comes to Christmas now that you’ve decided to turn your life around by God’s grace. 

You’re frantically looking for the “Christmas For Beginners” manual that doesn’t exist. 


Relax. You don’t need to do anything special when it comes to Christmas. It’s not a holiday prescribed in Scripture. It’s something people do as a way to keep our traditions and some maybe in an attempt to be spiritual. Our spiritual leaders, pastors and theologians alike, have been going with the flow for far too long and no one dares to ask the inconvenient question about Christmas. 

[From a cultural standpoint I’m a huge supporter of Christmas. Militant atheists and Muslims would abolish Christmas in a heartbeat if they had the political power to do so. Thankfully they don’t. In a free society of we need something to change about what Christmas means or doesn’t mean to us, this is entirely up to individuals and church bodies to discuss, not some crazed militants telling us what to do with a gun pointed to our heads.]

Back to our story.

First of all, dear beginner, the most important thing that could happen between you and God has already happened. You responded to the prompting of the Spirit in your heart, you drew the line and you chose a new path. You desire to know Him, to follow Him and to grow in Him. This is what counts the most. This is what it’s all about when it comes to making the Lord smile as he sees at yet anther soul given to seek Him and to serve Him. 

You responded to the Spirit’s work in your heart and mind and you shifted lanes. You once were lost but now you’re found. No, not perfect. Just found. And placed onto some very different, new tracks, moving in a new direction. You are now a new creation in Jesus (Yeshua). 

But what is a beginner to do with Christmas? 

Here are some ideas however you need to determine what you need to do depending on your circumstances. 

Family first 

The first thing you will need to keep in mind is that Christmas is supposed to be a very family oriented celebration. In God’s economy family comes first. So in light of this, what is it that your family does for Christmas? If it isn’t anything outrageously wrong and against God’s Truth as revealed in Scripture, go ahead and be with your family and enjoy your time with them. Distancing yourself from them in the name of becoming more righteous probably won’t go over very well. The greatest manifestation of God in our lives is the love, grace, patience and joy in our lives. Go ahead and be loving, graceful, patient and joyful with your family. They will probably notice the change and will want to know what’s going on with you. You can then tell them and they will probably listen. No need to blast Christmas as being ungodly. They won’t hear that. But they will listen to you about the new love and peace that you sense now in your entire being. There, you heard the most important part of the Manual. 

Shepherds in the winter? I don’t think so. 

Jesus (Yeshua) was probably not born in December. How do we know that? Because the Gospel writers tell us there were shepherds who witnessed some amazing things. 

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields,” wrote one Gospel writer, “keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:8).

The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible says that, “broadly speaking, weather phenomena and climatic conditions as pictured in the Bible correspond with conditions as observed today” (R.B.Y. Scott, Vol. 3, Abingdon Press, Nashville, 1962, p. 625). There are no shepherds in Israel in December, not today – not ever. That’s one argument against a possible December date for the birth of Jesus (Yeshua).   

One commentary admits that, “as these shepherds had not yet brought home their flocks, it is a presumptive argument that October had not yet commenced, and that, consequently, our Lord was not born on the 25th of December, when no flocks were out in the fields; nor could He have been born later than September, as the flocks were still in the fields by night. On this very ground the nativity in December should be given up. The feeding of the flocks by night in the fields is a chronological fact, which casts considerable light upon this disputed point” (Adam Clarke’s Commentary, Abingdon Press, Nashville, note on Luke 2:8). 

 Censuses don’t take place in December  

I doubt censuses take place in December even in our days. But they certainly wouldn’t have taken place in the winter at the time Jesus was born.   “And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered… So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem…, to be registered with Miriam, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son…” (Luke 2:1-7).

Generally a census would take place after the harvest season, around September or October, when it would not seriously affect the economy, the weather was good and the roads were still dry enough to allow easy travel. That’s yet one more strike against a possible December date. 

No early Christianity witness 

In the first 200 years of Christian history, no mention is made of the calendar date of Yeshua’s birth. Not until the year 336 do we find the first mention of a celebration of His birth.
Why this omission? In the case of the Church fathers, the reason is that, during the three centuries after Messiah’s life on earth, the event considered most worthy of commemoration was the date of His death. In comparison, the date of His birth was considered insignificant. As the Encyclopedia Americana explains,
“Christmas… was, according to many authorities, not celebrated in the first centuries of the Christian church, as the Christian usage in general was to celebrate the death of remarkable persons rather than their birth…” (1944 edition, “Christmas”).

Speculation on the proper date began in the 3rd and 4th centuries, when the idea of fixing Messiah’s birthday started. Quite a controversy arose among Church leaders. Some were opposed to such a celebration. Origen (185-254) strongly recommended against such an innovation. “In the Scriptures, no one is recorded to have kept a feast or held a great banquet on his birthday. It is only sinners who make great rejoicings over the day in which they were born into this world” (Catholic Encyclopedia, 1908 edition, Vol. 3, p. 724, “Natal Day”).

During this time eight specific dates during six different months were proposed by various groups. December 25, although one of the last dates to be proposed, was the one finally accepted by the leadership of the Western church.

A summary of the debate on the dates of Messiah’s birth appears in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church: “Though speculation as to the time of year of Messiah’s birth dates from the early 3rd century, Clement of Alexandria suggesting the 20th of May, the celebration of the anniversary does not appear to have been general till the later 4th century. The earliest mention of the observance on Dec. 25th is in the Philocalian Calendar, representing Roman practice of the year 336. This date was probably chosen to oppose the feast of the Natalis Solis Invicti [nativity of the unconquerable sun] by the celebration of the birth of the ‘Sun of Righteousness’ and its observance in the West, seems to have spread from Rome” (1983 edition, Oxford University Press, New York, 1983, p. 280, “Christmas”).

Around 200, when Clement of Alexandria mentioned the speculations about Messiah’s birthday, he said nothing about a celebration on that day. He casually reported the various ideas extant at that time: “And there are those who have determined not only the year of our Lord’s birth, but also the day…, the 25th day of Pachon… Furthermore, others say that He was born on the 24th or 25th of Pharmuthi” (“The Stromata, or Miscellanies,” The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 2, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 1986, p. 333).

In Rome December 25 was made popular by Pope Liberius in 354 and became the rule in the West in 435 when the first “Christ mass” was officiated by Pope Sixtus III. This coincided with the date of a celebration by the Romans to their primary god, the Sun, and to Mithras, a popular Persian sun god supposedly born on the same day. The Roman Catholic writer Mario Righetti candidly admits that, “to facilitate the acceptance of the faith by the pagan masses, the Church of Rome found it convenient to institute the 25th of December as the feast of the birth of Messiah to divert them from the pagan feast, celebrated on the same day in honor of the ‘Invincible Sun’ Mithras, the conqueror of darkness” (Manual of Liturgical History, 1955, Vol. 2, p. 67).Protestant historian Henry Chadwick sums up the controversy: “Moreover, early in the fourth century there begins in the West (where first and by whom is not known) the celebration of December 25th, the birthday of the Sun-god at the winter solstice, as the date for the nativity of Messiah. How easy it was for Christianity and solar religion to become entangled at the popular level is strikingly illustrated by a mid-fifth century sermon of Pope Leo the Great, rebuking his over-cautious flock for paying reverence to the Sun on the steps of St. Peter’s before turning their back on it to worship inside the westward-facing basilica” (The Early Church, Penguin Books, London, 1967, p. 126).

The Encyclopedia Americana makes this clear: “In the fifth century, the Western Church ordered it [Messiah’s birth] to be observed forever on the day of the old Roman feast of the birth of Sol [the sun god], as no certain knowledge of the day of Messiah’s birth existed” (1944 edition, “Christmas”).

The year of Yeshua’s birth

Yeshua was born while Herod the Great was still living (Matthew 2:1). Wise men appeared in Jerusalem asking about “one who has been born king of the Jews?” Of course, this upset Herod, who had been given the title “King of the Jews” by the Roman Senate. Herod talked to the wise men secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared (Matthew 2:7). The wise men then journeyed to Bethlehem and found Yeshua, Miriam, and Joseph in a house (Matthew 2:11) and they bowed down and worshiped Yeshua.

When the wise men did not return to give Herod a report, “Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the wise men.  He was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the wise men” (Matthew 2:16).
This tells us that Yeshua may have been born two years before the appearance of the wise men and the death of Herod. Herod died the spring of 4 B.C.E. (according to the Jewish historian, Josephus).

So when was Yeshua born after all? Nothing is absolutely certain, because we are dealing with implications and assumptions, but a good guess from the Scriptures and history leans towards the end of September. 
So, there young beginner of the life-long journey with the Messiah! What matters is not so much on what date do we celebrate the birth of Jesus (Yeshua). What counts the most is the birth of the new creation in our hearts, souls and minds.