We are given many clues as to the time of the birth of the Lord Jesus. It was a time when annual taxes were paid, which is the Fall in agrarian societies. Also, the fact that Jerusalem and nearby villages were so crowded that “there was no room at the inn,” was probably because all Jewish men were required to come to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, which is in the Fall.

The birth of Jesus is inextricably entwined with the birth of John the Baptist. John was a cousin of Jesus, and was born six months before Him. John’s father, Zacharias, and his mother, Elisabeth, were both descendants of Aaron. Therefore, John was of the priestly caste, and qualified to be a priest in the Temple.

Sacrifices given at the Temple had to be certified by a priest. When the Lord Jesus was declared to be the sacrifice for our sins, John the Baptist was the certifying priest that presented Jesus, the Lamb of God. He so stated in John 1:29.

Even though we can determine the time of the birth of Jesus, nowhere in the Bible are we instructed to remember the birth of Jesus. In fact, it is quite the opposite. We are told to remember His death.

“And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.” – First Corinthians 11:24-25

• The Apostle’s doctrine (preaching)
• Fellowship
• Breaking of Bread (the Lord’s Supper)
• Prayers

“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them …” – Acts 20:7