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The spring date is deduced from clues in the biblical texts. For example, shepherds in the fields are apparently more of a spring thing. The winter date is often argued working from Zechariah’s ministry being in the springtime from equally dubious clues. But there’s little doubt the official feast day was set in order to co-opt Yule celebrations.
@WearsHats @juliewebgirl To muddy the waters more, it’s highly unlikely he was actually born in Bethlehem - the Roman census story is doubted by some credible scholars. But it’s a necessary bit of retcon to satisfy the prophecy in Micah.
IMO, simply asserting the genealogy found in Matthew would have been sufficient. But the bishops of ancient Christianity were more literal minded.