Most serious Bible students realize that Jesus was probably not born on December 25th. One of the clues is found in the Bible where we read that the shepherds had their flocks in open fields, which implies a date prior to December. Travel 2,000 years ago was a little more difficult than it is today and most likely a competent Roman administrator would have chosen another date, most likely closer to the beginning of the Jewish New Year which is in September in most years.

I have just returned from Israel and this is the rainy season and cold with possible snow in the hills of Judea. This would not have been a good time to be traveling 2,000 years ago. One of the things that Ruby and I feel blessed by is being able to understand the culture and demographics of the Holy land. It truly is fascinating to know that we have been living in the place where God chose to begin His creation here on the earth. Yes, the cradle of civilization.

Another approach in determining the date of the birth of our King is to look at the birth of His cousin, John the Baptist. Zacharias, the father of John, was of the “course” of Abijah. Priests were divided into 24 courses and each course officiated in the Temple for one week. When Titus had the temple destroyed on August 5, 70 AD, the first course of priest had just taken office. Since the course of Abijah was the 8th course, we can track backwards and determine that Zacharias would have ended his duties on July 13, 3 BC. If the birth of John took place 280 day later, it would have been on April 19-20, precisely on Passover of that year.

John was five months older than Jesus which gives us the autumn birth date for Jesus. Elizabeth hid herself for five months and then the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary both Elizabeth’s condition and that Mary would bear a son who would be called Jesus. When Mary visited Elizabeth it was in the first week of her sixth month, or the fourth week of December, 3 BC. If Jesus was born 280 days later it would place the date of His birth on September 29, 2 BC. This was the First of Tishri, the day of the Feast of Trumpets. Glory!

One last thought along these lines. The Seed of God was placed in the womb of Mary during the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah that year. Wow! The Light of the World is conceived during the Festival of Lights. Two weeks ago while in Israel the main street of Ariel was blocked one evening as they began this Festival of Lights. It looked very similar to our Festival of Lights that we call Christmas lights. So we can say that the coming forth of the King of Glory from heaven began during this time of the year when He was placed in the womb of Mary. May He truly continue to light up the world with His presence.

I always have folks write me and correct me about my even mentioning Christmas or the birth of Jesus during this time of the year. I answered one dear concerned saint out of Philippians 2:15-18. Paul rejoiced in the fact that Jesus was being preached. Some out of rivalry, but others out of goodwill. May you be blessed knowing that in fact our King was born and is alive for ever more. Let us purpose to worship Him all year long. Glory

Blessings, Homer Owen

www.samaritanfoundation.org
homer@samaritanfoundation.org