Posted on 12/09/2009 11:40:19 AM PST by BGHater
They just got it wrong a little bit... instead of it being the birth of Jesus — it was actually the time of conception...
Those things happen... :-)
“On December 25, Christians around the world will gather to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Joyful carols, special liturgies, brightly wrapped gifts, festive foods—these all characterize the feast today, at least in the northern hemisphere.”
Except much of Southern California...
Merry Christmas...
:)
Was Jesus Conceived on Hanukkah?
Many believe that our Messiah, the “light of the world,” was conceived on the festival of lights—Hanukkah. The Bible does not specifically say the date of Jesus’ birth. It was not during the winter months because the sheep were in the pasture (Luke 2:8). A study of the time of the conception of John the Baptist reveals he was conceived about Sivan 30, the eleventh week (Luke 1:8-13, 24). Adding forty weeks, for a normal pregnancy reveals that John the Baptist was born on or about Passover (Nisan 14). Six months after John’s conception, Mary conceived Jesus (Luke 1:26-33); therefore Jesus would have been conceived six months after Sivan 30 in the month of Kislev—Hanukkah. Was the “light of the world,” conceived on the festival of lights? Starting at Hanukah, which begins on Kislev 25 and continues for eight days, and counting through the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy, one arrives at the approximate time of the birth of Jesus at the Festival of Tabernacles. (See the Tabernacle chapter.)
Isn’t this all tied to the dates of the Roman census and the requirement to return to the husband’s place of birth?
For many years, I’ve considered that explanation to make the most sense.
We can tie it down to an approximation. In those days when there was a decree like that, it wasnt a date certain, but rather a period. So the census may have been between August and october for example.
And anyway, they probably had acorn people working the numbers so they are not reliable.
Merry Christmas.
Well, it was all fun and games until you showed up.
:-)
bttt
Postscript: Personally, I am persuaded that Yeshua was conceived around Chanukah and born during Sukkot (in other words, I think that Zacharias heard from Gabriel during his first course of service at the Temple). And since Christmas occurs close to Chanukah, I consider it to be a valid time to remember the Incarnation of the LORD Jesus and to rejoice with others over the miracle of the love of God for us all. Among other things, that means that my family celebrates both Chanukah and Christmas!
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I celebrate December 25th as the date that the "Light of the World" entered the world... :-)
So what were the dates of the Roman census that year?
Isn’t this all tied to the dates of the Roman census and the requirement to return to the husband’s place of birth?
Yeah, that was what got Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem at that right time... :-) ... which, of course, was where the Bible Prophecy said that the Messiah was to be born.
The birth calendar explanation seems most likely to me.
I have always heard about it borrowing pagan festivals, but the thing is, it would be one heck of a conspiracy to be the case without any mentions of it early in Christian history.
Sorry, that’s the way I was told the story in grammar school.
So what were the dates of the Roman census that year?
Does anyone today know? :-)
What we do know, thanks to the Bible, is that this is what got Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, so to be at the place where the Messiah of Israel was to be born.
Wanna get in on when Jesus was born and/or conceived? :-)
It is specifically mentioned in early christian history. The author is saying that he believes he has evidence showing that Christ’s birth was already being celebrated on December 25th before the assimilation of pagan holidays and rituals took place.
Sept. 11, 3 BC. About 7:30 am.
Day of Trumpets, I believe.
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