While we cannot be certain, findings detailed by MailOnline indicate that Jesus’s birth may have occurred in the spring, challenging longstanding beliefs.

Furthermore, some researchers suggest that Jesus might be older than traditionally thought, with no compelling reason to believe he was born on Christmas Day.

Professor Lawrence Mykytiuk from Purdue University in Indiana discussed with MailOnline: “It remains a humbling fact that despite various claims, no one in modern times is really certain of the exact year of Jesus’ birth.”

Historian Flavius Josephus spoke to the outlet about a lunar eclipse occurring shortly before the death of King Herod the Great of Judea.

How does this information relate to Jesus?

The Bible recounts that Herod ordered the killing of all Jewish boys under two years old.

While not conclusive, this would imply that Jesus was born at least two years before Herod’s demise.

Regarding possible death dates for King Herod, experts suggest these: December 29, 1 BC, January 10, 1 BC, March 13, 4 BC, and September 15, 5 BC.

Professor Mykytiuk mentioned: “Josephus also tells us in two places that the Jewish Passover occurred soon after the death of Herod the Great. Because the Passover is observed in the spring; September, January, and December are ruled out.”

The professor added: “It is most unlikely that Jesus was born on any day in December, let alone on December 25th, because ‘there were shepherds living out in the field, keeping watch over their flocks at night’.

“During winter, shepherds kept sheep in the fold to protect themselves and their sheep from severe weather. This fact of plentiful grass in March fits with the lunar eclipse occurring shortly before the death of Herod the Great.

“The narrowest date one can confidently arrive at for Jesus’s birth seems to be the month of March, during the years 6, 5, or 4 BC.”