Because we have heard that every word in the Bible is true and needs to be stated only once, we need to have some “problems” cleared up before we can accept the Christmas story as being divinely inspired.

Problem Number One:

“Jesus of Nazarene was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king“, Matt 2:1
(Note: Herod died in 4 BC, thus Jesus was born prior to 4 BC)

But wait, what about this…

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed” Luke 2:1
(Note: Jesus was born after Cyrenius instituted the tax (6 AD) that Caesar Augustus decreed)

So… in what year was Jesus born? Prior to 4BC or 6 AD?

Problem Number Two

“...behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem Matt 2:1

But wait, what about this…

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.”  Luke 2:1

So, who came  to visit Jesus?  Shepherds or wise men?

Problem Number Three

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him” Matthew 2:11

But wait… what about this?

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

So,where was Jesus born?  A house or a manager?

Problem Number Four

and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

Problem Number Five

“.. .the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.” Matthew 2:2

But wait, what about this?

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord…, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem” Luke 2:15

So, how did Jesus’ visitors {wise men | shepherds} know where to find him? Directed by angels or followed a star? BTW, following a star is impossible.

Problem Number Six

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David: To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” Luke 2:4-5