We’ve all heard the debates: was Jesus really born on December 25, in spring, or another time entirely? Honestly, I’ve never been all that interested in sorting it out. Early Christians didn’t even celebrate His birth, so the exact date never seemed that important to me.

Then I came across something that made me pause. September 11—a date so often tied to loss—might actually hold profound hope. Some scholars suggest it could be the day Jesus was born. What struck me wasn’t just the claim, but how scripture, history, and astronomy all fit together to support it.

One passage that stood out was Revelation 12. It’s often associated with end times, but some scholars, including Dr. Michael Heiser, propose it paints a picture of Jesus’s birth[1], describing what was happening in the heavens at that moment.

“A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars.” – Revelation 12:1

What’s remarkable is how one moment in history—September 11, 3 BC—stands out as a match for the scene described in Revelation, aligning perfectly with the celestial event it refers to. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this date so significant.

What Revelation 12 Tells Us About Jesus’ Birth
Revelation 12 and the Astronomical Signs of Jesus’ Birth

E.L. Martin, in his book The Star That Astonished the World[2], was one of the first to connect John’s vision in Revelation to an actual astronomical alignment. He pointed to the rare event in the sky on September 11, 3 BC—and how it seemed to bring this scene to life:

• 🔸 Virgo, the “woman,” was “clothed with the sun.” For about 80 minutes, the sun moved across Virgo, lighting up the constellation in a way that mirrors the imagery in Revelation 12.
• The moon rested at Virgo’s feet. The positioning of the moon during this alignment matches John’s description exactly.
• Leo, the lion, formed a crown of twelve stars. Above Virgo, the constellation Leo, with its alignment of stars and planets, created the crown mentioned in the passage.

What makes this even more meaningful is Leo’s connection to the tribe of Judah. In Genesis 49:9-10, Judah is called a lion, symbolizing kingship and authority. To Jewish astronomers, this alignment wouldn’t have been random—they would have recognized it as a divine sign, reinforcing Jesus as the Messiah from the royal line of Judah.

How This Could Connect to the Star of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem and Revelation 12’s Connection to Jesus’ Birth

While Revelation 12 captures the announcement of Jesus’ birth, some scholars believe it also ties into the Star of Bethlehem mentioned in Matthew 2. The Magi weren’t just curious travelers—they were likely astronomers and scholars who studied the skies for signs of important events. This alignment may have been the first in a series of celestial events pointing them to Judea.

1. Revelation 12 as the First Sign
Astronomical Events in Revelation 12

The alignment in September 3 BC might have symbolized the birth of the Messiah. Virgo (the virgin) and Leo (the lion of Judah) would’ve stood out as significant, especially when combined with the crown of twelve stars.

2. Jupiter and Regulus: A Guiding Light
Jupiter, Regulus, and the Star of Bethlehem

After this, the Magi may have tracked Jupiter, the “king planet,” as it began a series of conjunctions with Regulus, the brightest star in Leo. These movements started in 3 BC and sent a clear message of royalty and kingship[3].

3. A Series of Celestial Events, Not Just One
Star of Bethlehem and Multiple Astronomical Events

The “Star of Bethlehem” may not have been a single event but a sequence of signs over time. Modern astronomy confirms:

• 🔸 Jupiter and Regulus had unique conjunctions in 3 BC.
• In 2 BC, Jupiter’s retrograde motion made it appear to “stop” over Bethlehem, matching Matthew 2:9.

The heavens seemed to declare His birth in layers: one sign for the world (Revelation 12) and another to guide the Wise Men on their journey.

What About Herod’s Death?
Herod’s Death and Its Timeline in Relation to Jesus’ Birth

Here’s where people push back. Matthew’s Gospel says Jesus was born shortly before Herod the Great’s death. Most historians place Herod’s death in 4 BC, which would make a 3 BC birth impossible.

But what if that timeline is wrong? Recent research suggests it might be. Scholars like Andrew Steinmann and Ormond Edwards found evidence pointing to a 1 BC death for Herod[4].

• Herodian Coins: Edwards showed that Josephus, a key historical source, may have used the wrong calendar. Coin evidence shifts Herod’s death closer to 1 BC.
• Chronological Fixes: Steinmann’s research aligns a 1 BC death with a 3 BC birthdate for Jesus, solving inconsistencies in the traditional timeline.

So Why Does This Matter?
Significance of Jesus’ Birth and Connection to Herod’s Death

Even if you’re not fully convinced Jesus was born in September 3 BC, this theory shows how Scripture, history, and creation are deeply connected. The idea that the stars themselves proclaimed the birth of Jesus is a beautiful reminder of how God weaves everything together with care and purpose.

It also challenges how we think about September 11. A day so often tied to loss could also remind us of something incredible: the arrival of Jesus, who came to bring light to a dark world, overcome the powers of evil, and restore what’s broken.

The exact date isn’t what matters most. What matters is the meaning of His birth: God sent His Son to offer hope and eternal life to anyone willing to seek Him. That’s a truth worth holding onto, no matter the date.