David john thomas birthplace of jesus

With Christmas just around the corner, carol concerts and nativity plays will be reminding Christians everywhere about the story of Jesus' birth.

However, whether you're singing 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' or dressing your child up as Sheep Number Three, experts say you might be getting the story wrong.

While it is taken as given that Jesus was born on Christmas Day in the town of Bethlehem, this account likely doesn't match the historical reality.

In fact, many historians and archaeologists don't believe that Jesus was born at Bethlehem at all.

While there is almost no denying that Jesus was a real historical figure, the story laid out in the gospel contains historical details and contradictions which don't quite fit.

The story of Bethlehem, shepherds, wise men, and a manger may have only emerged later as Christians tried to tie Jesus' story into an ancient Jewish prophecy.

Instead, som