Mark Baker, focusing upon Luke 2:1-8, offers internal evidence that Christ was not born even close to December 25. The Romans took census for tax purposes from August through October. Because of inclement weather, the shepherds brought the flocks in from pasture in September. Calculating the probable birth of John the Baptist, and extrapolating Jesus Christ's birth six months later, we have a probable date around September. The December 25 date derives from the pagan celebration of Saturnalia, observed in the Roman Empire from December 11-24, honoring the god Saturn, bringer of fire. Justinian later enforced the "Christian" observation supposedly transforming the day of the sun to the day of the Son. Saturn also goes under alternate names of Tammuz, Vulcan, Kronos, and Nimrod. The origins surrounding the paraphernalia of "Christmas"—the Yule log, holly wreath, Santa Claus, mistletoe, and other customs—are also explained.

Babylon Child sacrifice Christ's birth Hyslop, Alexander Holly wreath Justinian Kronos Mistletoe Nimrod Roman census Santa Claus Saturnalia Tammuz Vulcan Yule log