The history of the church is complex and spans over two millennia. It began with the formation of early Christian communities after the death of Jesus Christ. The first centuries saw persecution and growth of these communities. In 313 AD, the Edict of Milan legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire.

The Great Schism in 1054 led to the split between the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East. The Reformation in the 16th century brought about various Protestant movements, challenging the authority of the Roman Catholic Church.

Colonization and missionary efforts spread Christianity around the world during the Age of Exploration. The 20th century saw significant changes, including the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, which modernized aspects of the Catholic Church.

Throughout its history, the church has played a role in shaping culture, politics, and society, often with both positive and negative impacts. It continues to be a central institution for many people around the world.

While December 25th is widely celebrated as Christmas, historians and scholars believe that Jesus was likely born sometime between 4 and 6 BC. The dating of his birth is based on historical records and calculations related to events mentioned in the Bible. However, the specific date remains a matter of debate and uncertainty.