How long has it been since Jesus was born?
Ian
How long has it been since Jesus was born?
Clive
Well, our calendar was set up to start at Jesus’ birthday.
Ian
So Jesus was born in the year one?
Clive
That was the idea.
Ian
So what year it is today is how long ago Jesus was born?
Clive
That was the idea.
Ian
Why do you keep saying that?
Clive
Well, because the whole thing was set up in the year 525 by a guy named Dionysius who had to figure out all by himself when Jesus was born.
Ian
And?
Clive
He got it wrong.
Ian
He got it wrong??
Clive
He did his best! But the Bible tells us that King Herod was still alive when Jesus was born, and we know now that Herod died in 4 B.C. So Jesus was probably born in 4 or 5 B.C.
Ian
“B.C.?”
Clive
Yes – “Before Christ.”
Ian
So Christ was born four or five years “before Christ?”
Clive
Ironic, isn’t it?
Ian
I’ll say!
Clive
Dionysius says he’s very sorry and he’ll try to do it better next time.
Ian
That made me think of another question.
Clive
Save it for tomorrow.
