Quick Answer: Was Jesus Really Born in the Spring?

Christians, like everyone else, can be tempted to be the smarted person in the room.  Many times this involves knowing little quirks about the Bible which supposedly debunk commonly held perceptions.  

Sometimes these quirks can be helpful.  Such as knowing alternate translations of texts, or the proper ways to fit together timelines.  Other times... they broach into the territory of "too clever by half".  

Such is the case of people insisting Jesus couldn't have been born on Dec 25 - and HAD to be born in the spring.  The evidence typically used to support this claim is from Luke's infancy account:

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night." - Luke 2:8

Folks will latch onto the detail and say:

It couldn't have been winter because there are sheep present!

A Walk Through Advent - Part IV

Today we finish up with Luke's account of Jesus birth.  Merry Christmas!!

A Walk Through Advent - Part III

Previously we read through the annunciation of Jesus to Mary.  Today we pick up where we left off with the annunciation to Joseph:

A Walk Through Advent - Part II

Previously we read through the annunciation of John the Baptist to Zechariah.  Today we pick up where we left off with the annunciation of Jesus to Mary:

A Walk Through Advent - Part I

So I was wondering what I might do for Christmas this year.  Then I thought, "Hey, why not go through the Biblical accounts of the nativity doing commentary along the way?"

In this first part we'll be reading through the annunciation of John the Baptist to Zechariah.  I hope you enjoy it!

Reflection: My Three "Anchor" Experiences

Today I wanted to discuss something a bit more personal.  As frustrating as it can be sometimes, none of us consider life-changing choices in a purely logical laboratory environment.  The arguments for the Catholic faith are always situated within the contexts of individual lives.  Our experiences frame everything. 

When I reflect on my own life, I see three experiences where God set down anchors which would eventually keep me Catholic.  Today I wanted to share those.