Note the regular calendar of months which was used by the Jews starts on Nissan 1 (Mar. – Apr.) of each year. The Jewish months important in this writing are the month Tammuz (June-July) 3755, John’s conception; the month Kislew (Nov.-Dec.) 3756 Jesus’ conception and the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy with John; 3757 Nisan (Mar.-Apr. 4 BC) John the Baptist’s birth; and the month Tishri 3757 (Sept.-Oct. 4 BC) Jesus’ birth.
Note: Orange writing indicates something that this writer considers important in a passage. Green is used for a statement by the writer. Green is used for a statement by the writer. Even though a lot of other writers use the Julian calendar to date events this writer has used the Gregorian calendar which is the calendar we use today. So if you read in another book or article about a date there is a good possibility that there will be a 1 or 2 year and 2 days difference or just a 2 day difference. To convert any of the dates, you may go online and use midrash.org for a calendar date converter.
History
The Lord Jesus was crucified at Passover time, in the spring, 3790 Nisan 4 . So, it would be autumn when he started his ministry three and a half years earlier. As he was about 30 years of age [Luke 3:23] (Fall of 3786). It follows then that he was born in the fall or Autumn because Jesus preached and teached approximately 3 ½ years.
Luke 3:23 – 23 Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being the son of Joseph, the son of Heli,
Jeremiah 23:5- 5 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord,
“That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness;
A King shall reign and prosper,
And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.
Jeremiah overcome by the Holy Spirit
Luke 1:67, 76, 80
67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
76“And you, child (Jesus) will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
80 So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
John the Baptist was conceived approximately 2 Tamuz 3755 on the Jewish calendar or June 16, 5 BC (a reverse calculated date) on the Gregorian calendar six months before Jesus conception. (see the calendar towards the end of this writing).
Jesus was probably conceived during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah (This is a reverse calculated date from the from the birth of Jesus and appears to fit), aka The Festival of Lights, aka the Feast of Dedication. This festival began on 3756 Kislev 25 (or Dec. 4, 5 BC till 3756 Tebeth 2 (or Dec. 11, 5 BC) a total of 8 days. Jesus could have been conceived during this festival possibly around 3756 Tebeth 1 (or Dec. 10, 5 BC) when you count 3 Trimesters or 270 days backward from Jesus’ birth on 4 Tishri 15 (or Sept. 14, 4 BC ).
The Birth of Jesus – Matt. (1:18-24)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name “Jesus.”
Gabriel Announces Christ’s Birth
(Luke 1:26–38)
26 Now in the sixth month (Elizabeth’s 6th month 3756 Tebeth or Dec. 5 BC); the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son (later to be known as John The Baptist) in her old age; and this is now the sixth month (Tebeth 3756 or Dec. 5 BC)
for her (Elizabeth) who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”
38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
(Luke 1:39-56)
39 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
46 And Mary said:
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever.”
56 And Mary remained with her about three months (until Nisan 3756 or Mar.-Apr. 4 BC ), and returned to her house.
Jesus and Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit
Luke 1:15, 41
15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.
41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Christ is Born Luke 2:1-5)
2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Then six months after John was born on 3757 Nisan 15 (Mar- Apr. 4 BC)Note: Jewish New Year begins Nisan 1)) Jesus would have been born in 3757 Tishri 15 (Sept. 14, 4 BC).
The Incarnation of Christ
John 1:14
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ”
16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.
Gabriel Announces Christ’s Birth
Luke 1:26–56
26 Now in the sixth month (Elizabeth’s 6th month; 3756 Tebeth) the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.
The Angels Announce Jesus to the Shepherds
Luke 2:8-14
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
The Shepherds Visit Jesus
Luke 2:15-20)
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Christ is Circumcised
(Luke 2:21)
21 And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
Visit of Wise Men
Matthew 2:1-14
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Note: it fits that this would have been approximately 1 year and a few months after Jesus birth for the Wise Men had a long journey; it also fits that Jesus would have been between 1 and 2 years old and the reason Herod had all the babies killed 2 years old and under).
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
6 But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”
7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”
9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Flight into Egypt
Matthew 2:13-15
13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”
We know Jesus was born in the days of King Herod. Since Herod ordered all the male babies up to two years old to be killed so there would not be any male child left to inherit his kingdom in particular the child Jesus. Joseph and Mary were warned to get their child to another country until Herod passed on. So, Jesus was born prior to Herod’s death in the Jewish year of 3757. (Please understand there is much controversy about Herod’s death. It ranges from 1 to 3 B.C Gregorian or 1 to 4 BC Julian by most guessers according to the calendar they use and their wide range of mis-calculations). But if you go strictly by what the bible indicates you will find that Jesus’ birth was six months after John the Baptist was born. Then Herod died about 1 year and a few months later in 3758 or 3 BC Gregorian or 4 BC on the Julian calendar.
Here is another view!
Few know that there is a biblical way to determine when the Messiah was actually born. We can do this by relating the conception and birth of Jesus (Yeshua) with the conception and birth of John the Baptist.
Let’s begin our scriptural detective work in the 1st chapter of Luke:
LUKE 1:5-7 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias (John the Baptist’s father), of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. (NKJV)
First, we need to understand “the division of Abijah.” We find in 1 Chronicles 24:1-19 that the descendants of Aaron’s 24 grandsons (the sons of Eleazer and Ithamar) were divided into 24 divisions or courses for the purpose of serving at the Temple. 1 Chronicles 24:10 tells us that the 8thdivision of service was assigned to Abijah’s descendants which was Zacharias time of service.
Each of these divisions served at the Temple for an eight-day period (1 Chr. 9:25). The service began and ended on the weekly Sabbath (Saturday) (2 Chr. 23:8). In addition to their normal service, all 24 courses served at the Temple during the three holy seasons every year. The Jewish Mishnahindicates that each course served a week during the first half of the year, the three annual festival weeks, and a week during the last half of the year, for a total of five weeks during a normal year.
A normal year on the Hebrew calendar consists of twelve lunar months of 29 or 30 days, for a total of 354 days. This is about 11 days less than a solar year (365.242199 days). During a regular Jewish year (which occurs 12 times in a 19-year cycle), 51 weeks of coverage would be needed to ensure that the Temple was cared for every week throughout the year.
24 weeks (first half of the year) + 3 (festival weeks) + 24 weeks (second half of the year) = 51 weeks.
Between the 1st week (Nisan 1, 3755) and the 9th week of the year, two of the three festival times occur when all 24 courses served occurred. Therefore, the course of Abijah, the 8th course, would serve its first regular week beginning the 8th week to the beginning of the 9 th week of the year however Pentecost fell during that 9 thweek which required Zacharias to work the 9 th week also from 5 Sivan 3755 (May 20, 5 BC) to 12 Sivan 3755 (May 27, 5 BC) . The first month of the Hebrew calendar is Nisan (Mar.-Apr. on the Gregorian calendar).
With that background, now let’s review Luke 1:8-25:
Luke 1:8-25
So it was, that while he [Zacharias] was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the Temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John (he will later be known as John the Baptist). 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” 21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the Temple. 22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the Temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless. 23 And so it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. 24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, 25“Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” (NKJV)
*** Zacharias’ wife Elizabeth would have conceived John the Baptist sometime following the week of his service at the Temple. This would have been sometime in early Tamuz (June-July).
Now let’s switch our focus and take a look at Elizabeth’s young relative, Mary in Luke 1:26-28:
Luke 1:26-38
Now in the sixth month (of Elizabeth’s pregnancy; early Kislew Nov.-Dec.) the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceivein your womb and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 And he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do
not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month (3756 or 5 BC Gregorian) for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (NKJV)
The Holy Spirit likely overshadowed Mary very soon after her encounter with the angel Gabriel. If John the Baptist was conceived after the 10th week of Abijah or the beginning of the Hebrew month Tammuz, Jesus would have been conceived six months later, in the Hebrew month 3756 Kislew (or Nov. – Dec. 5 BC). The beginning of the Feast of Chanukah begins on Kislew 25 and is also known as the Festival of Lights. This is an eight-day feast.
Jesus’ Birth
The bible calls for Jesus’ birth 6 months after John’s; Johns birthday which is looked on as 3756 Nisan 15 by the Jewish people (aka: the day of “Passover” a reverse calculated date which fits with the Jewish tradition of children setting out food for John and awaiting his arrival on Passover).
Jesus observed the Feast of Chanukah(called the “Feast of Dedication” in John 10:22). John gives us an indication that Jesus was in fact conceived during this Festival of Lights (Chanukah) when he speaks of him at the beginning of his Gospel in John 1:4-9:
John 1:4-9
4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light. 9 That was the true lightwhich gives light to every man coming into the world. (NKJV)
Chanukah or the Feast of Dedication and The Festival of Lights was held that year from 25 Kislev 3756 to 2 Tevet 3756 (an 8 day feast).
Quickly after Gabriel’s visit, Mary went to see her relative Elizabeth:
Luke 1:39
Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)
Luke 1:56
And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house. (NKJV)
It appears that Mary stayed with Elizabeth right up to the time for her to give birth. The average time for the gestation of a human baby is nine months/40 weeks/280 days. Nine months from the time of John’s conception in early Tamuz 3755 would bring us to Passover of the Jewish year 3756 in the month called Nisan. This Hebrew date fell in the month of April in 4 BC Gregorian . (John was born on Passover Day, 15 Nisan 3756; See calendar towards end of article)
Luke 1:57
Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. His name was John later referred to as John the Baptist.
It’s highly symbolic that John the Baptist was born at the time of Passover. Even to this very day, there is still an expectation by religious Jews of the coming of Elijah the prophet during the time of Passover (Mal. 4:5-6). In fact, a cup is set for Elijah at the annual Passover seder, and children symbolically check for him at the door during the service. As Gabriel prophesied and Jesus confirmed (Matt. 11:14), John the Baptist was the preliminary Elijah to come before the Messiah.
Malachi 4:5-6
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah (John the Baptist) the prophet
Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
6 And he will turn
The hearts of the fathers to the children,
And the hearts of the children to their fathers,
Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.
Commentary: 4:5-6. God promised through Malachi that the Prophet Elijah would come and minister beforethe day of the Lord. (See comments under ”Major Interpretive Problems“ in the Introduction to Joel.) This is the only passage in the Prophets that speaks of a future ministry for Elijah. Many commentators have linked this prophecy to 3:1 which speaks of a messenger who prepares the way for the Lord’s coming. However, Matthew (Matt. 11:7-10) specifically states that John the Baptist was the messenger (Elijah) (Mal. 3:1) who prepared the way for the Lord. But should John the Baptist also be considered the fulfillment of the prophecy about Elijah? (Mal. 4:5-6) Before John the Baptist was born an angel of the Lord predicted that he would minister ” in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord“ (Luke 1:17). This would seem to put together the two prophecies (Mal. 3:1 and 4:5-6) and to see John as fulfilling both of them.
Signs in the heavens over Jerusalem on the 15th of Nisan in the Jewish year 3756 (March 21, 4 BC Gregorian) heralded the birth of John the Baptist.
Since Jesus was conceived during Chanukah, six months after John the Baptist, He would also have been born six months after John. Then if John was born on 15 Nissan 3756 then Jesus would have been born six months later on 15 Tashri 3757.Remember the new year for Jewish festivals begins on Tashri 1 (Sept-Oct.) each year
Luke 2:1
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (NKJV)
This (The Feast of Tabernacles) explains why there was no room at the inn for Joseph and Mary. A multitude of Jewish pilgrims from all over the Middle East had come to Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Tabernacles, as God required (Deut. 16:16). Bethlehem, which was only a few miles outside of Jerusalem, was also overflowing with visitors at this time because of the Feast.
Just as it was six months earlier, signs in the heavens over Jerusalem on the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles (15 Tishri, 3757 or September 14, 4 BC Gregorian) proclaimed the birth of the prophesied Messiah. Another remarkable lunar eclipse of the full moon was visible in Israel on this night also, as shown below:
In addition to the hint of Jesus’ conception during Chanukah, we also find the strongest hint of Jesus birth during the Feast of Tabernacles in John’s Gospel:
John 1:14
And the Word (Jesus) became flesh, and did TABERNACLE among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of an only begotten of a father, full of grace and truth.
Commentary: 1:14. The Word (Logos; cf. v. 1) became flesh. Christ, the eternal Logos, who is God, came to earth as man. Yet in doing so, He did not merely “appear” like a man; He became one (cf. Phil. 2:5-9). Humanity, in other words, was added to Christ’s deity. And yet Christ, in becoming “flesh,” did not change; so perhaps the word “became” (egeneto) should be understood as “took to Himself” or “arrived on the scene as.”
“Flesh” in this verse means a human nature, not sinfulness or weakness. In the Greek the words lived for a while among us recall God’s dwelling with Israel in the Old Testament. The word “lived” is eskēnōsen, from skēnē (“tabernacle”). Much as God’s presence was in the tabernacle (Ex. 40:34), so Jesus dwelt among people.
We have seen most naturally implies that the author was an eyewitness. His glory refers to the unique splendor and honor seen in Jesus’ life, miracles, death, and resurrection. The one and only Son (monogenous; cf. John 1:18; 3:16, 18; 1 John 4:9) means that Jesus is the Son of God in a sense totally different from a human who believes and becomes a child of God. Jesus’ sonship is unique for He is eternal and is of the same essence as the Father. The glorious revelation of God which the Logos displayed was full of grace and truth, that is, it was a gracious and truthful revelation (cf. John 1:17).
The Greek word translated “tabernacle” above is eskenosen. This word is a form of skenoo (#4637 in Strong’s Greek Concordance). While it is usually translated “dwelt,” Strong’ssays this word literally means: “to fix one’s tabernacle, have one’s tabernacle, abide (live) in a tabernacle (tent).”
Eight days after his birth, in accordance with the Law of Moses, Jesus was circumcised on the Eighth Day (Luke 2:21), which was the 8thday of the Assembly (Shemini Atzeret), another holy day of God (Luke 2:21):
Luke 2:21
And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the child, his name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (NKJV) This would have been 22 Tashri 3757 or September 21, 4 BC.
Visit of Wise Men
Matthew 2:1-
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem (15 Tashri 3757 or Sept. 14, 4 BC) of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”
7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”
9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (a young child speaks of one being older than a baby).
Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Flight into Egypt
13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”
Herod Kills the Children
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying:
18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
Refusing to be comforted,
Because they are no more.”
Jesus Returns to Nazareth
19 Now when Herod was dead (possibly in Nov. or Dec. 3 BC), behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” 21 Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. (young child speaks of one older than a baby)
22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
The truth of Jesus’ birth is much greater than the pagan celebration that has been appropriated for his supposed honor. This truth reaffirms the need to keep God’s Holy Days (listed in Lev. 23) in order to better understand His plan for mankind.
Since John was born on 15 Nisan 3756, John would have been conceived 9 months or 280 days prior on 2 Tammuz 3755 (June 16, 5 BC) three weeks after his father Zacharias completed his time in the temple. (The 15 Nisan date is pretty much confirmed from the Jews setting out a cup each 15 Nisan for Elijah (John the Baptist) to come and worship with them.
Jesus would have been “conceived” 6 months (178 days Jewish time) later on 1 Tevet (Dec. 10, 5 BC)
John was born on 15 Nisan 3756.
Since John was born on Passover, the 15th day of Nisan, Jesus would have been born six months later on the 15th day of Tishri. The 15th day of Tishri begins the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23:34-35), also known as Sukkot. If Jesus was born on the 1st day of the Feast of Tabernacles that would put His birth in the month of Tishri in 3757.Actually according to the Midrash calendar converter 15 Tishri 3757 converts to September 14, 4 BC on the Gregorian calendar. Then eight days later Jesus was circumcised on Sunday, 22 Tishri 3757 the last day of the festival. And doesn’t it just make good common sense that God would want to have His Son presented during a time when a major festival is taking place so He could be among His people.
Below is a Jewish and Gregorian calendar for comparison of Zacharias’ service in the Temple and John’s and Jesus’ conception and birth. I am sorry that the calendar is so compressed but just maybe you will be able to make something out of it .
Calendar for Jesus’ Birthday
Using the Jewish (Hebrew) and Gregorian Calendars
Jewish (Hebrew on left. Gregorian on right
| CONCEPTION & BIRTH OF JESUS & JOHN THE BAPTIST (based on the Gospel of Luke) | ||||||||||||||||
| ניסן Nisan3755 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Mar. 6 BCE Apr. 6 BCE | |
| 1 | 18 | |||||||||||||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | |||
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | |||
| 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |||
| 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | |||
| 30 | 16 | |||||||||||||||
| אייר Iyar3755 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Apr. 5 BCE May 5 BCE | |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | |||||
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | |||
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |||
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | |||
| 28 | 29 | 14 | 15 | |||||||||||||
| סיון Sivan3755 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Zacharias’ service in the Temple (week 8 plus week of Pentecost-Luke 1:5-23) | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | May 5 BCE June 5 BCE |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | |||||||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | |||
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |||
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | |||||||||
| תמוז Tamuz3755 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | John the Baptist’s conception (Luke 1:24) | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | June 5 BCE July 5 BCE |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 15 | 16 | 17 | |||||||||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | |||
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 1 | |||
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |||
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | |||||||
| אב Av3755 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | July 5 BCE Aug. 5 BCE | |
| 1 | 2 | 14 | 15 | |||||||||||||
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | |||
| 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | |||
| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |||
| 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |||
| אלול Elul3755 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Aug. 5 BCE Sep. 5 BCE | |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | |||
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | |||
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | |||
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |||
| 29 | 10 | |||||||||||||||
| תשרי Tishri3756 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sep. 5 BCE Oct. 5 BCE | |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |||||
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | |||
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |||
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |||
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |||||||||||
| חשון Chesvan3756 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Oct. 5 BCE Nov. 5 BCE | |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | |||||||||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | |||
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | |||
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |||||||
| כסלו Kislev3756 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | The Festival of Lights, aka the Feast of Dedication (Chanukah) – Kislev 25- Tevet 2 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Nov. 5 BCE Dec. 5 BCE |
| 1 | 2 | 10 | 11 | |||||||||||||
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | |||
| 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | |||
| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 1 | 2 | |||
| 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |||
| טבת Tevet3756 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Jesus’ conception during Chanukah(Luke 1:35) | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Dec. 5 BCE Jan. 4 BCE |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |||
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | |||
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |||
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |||
| 29 | 7 | |||||||||||||||
| שבט Shevat3756 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Jan. 4 BCE Feb. 4 BCE | |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | |||||
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | |||
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | |||
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |||||||||||
| אדר Adar3756 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Feb. 4 BCE Mar. 4 BCE | |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |||||||||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | |||
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | |||
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 1 | 2 | |||
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |||||||||
| ניסן Nisan3756 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Birth of John the Baptist on 1st day of Passover (Pesach) | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Mar. 4 BCE Apr. 4 BCE |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |||||||||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |||
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | |||
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |||
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |||||
| אייר Iyar3756 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Apr. 4 BCE May 4 BCE | |
| 1 | 6 | |||||||||||||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | |||
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | |||
| 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | |||
| 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||
| סיון Sivan3756 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | May 4 BCE June 4 BCE | |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | |||
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | |||
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | |||
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | |||
| 29 | 30 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||
| תמוז Tamuz3756 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | June 4 BCE July 4 BCE | |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |||||||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | |||
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | |||
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | |||
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||
| אב Av3756 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | July 4 BCE Aug. 4 BCE | |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |||||||||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | |||
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | |||
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | |||
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | |||||||
| אלול Elul3756 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Aug. 4 BCE | |
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | |||||||||||||
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |||
| 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | |||
| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | |||
| 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |||||
| תשרי Tishri3757 | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sab | Birth of Jesus on 1st day of Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Aug. 4 BCE Sep. 4 BCE |
| 1 | 31 | |||||||||||||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |||
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | |||
| 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | |||
| 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | |||
| 30 | 29 | 30 | ||||||||||||||
Note: 15 Tishri 3757 = Sept. 14, 4 BC (Gregorian) and also =’s the Julian date Sept. 16, 5 BC. So if Herod died in the Julian year 4 BC that would = 3 BC Gregorian. That would make Jesus about 1yr. and a few of months old when King Herod issued the decree to kill all male babies 2 yrs. old and under. That makes sense as to when Herod spoke to the wise men that He chose 2 years and under because Jesus would have been over one year old at the time and that is why Herod called Him a young child instead of a baby.
This is about as close as it gets for the birth of Jesus. In addition to the hint of Jesus’ conception during The Festival of Lights or Chanukah (John 10:22; 1:4-9), we also find an allusion to his birth during The Feast of Tabernacles in John’s Gospel (Lev. 23:34-35) and Jesus’ death occurred during the Passover festival. So on 15 Tishri 3757 (Sept. 16, 5 BC on the Julian calendar and September 14, 4 BC on the Gregorian calendar is about as close as anyone can get for the birth of Jesus. This date is supported by Zacharias time served in the Temple, Elizabeth’s conception and pregnancy, the birth of John, the conception of Mary by the Holy Spirit, the visit of Mary to stay with Elizabeth, The Festival of lights (Chanukah), and The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) and Passover as well as some astrological lunar eclipses during John’s birth and Jesus’ birth. Also, John 1:14 which possibly gives us the strongest hint of Jesus birth.
Using Sept. 14, 4 BC (Gregorian) as Jesus Birth date and April 3, 30 AD as Jesus date of death that would have given Jesus 33 years 6 months and 19 days on earth using the Hebrew or Jewish calendar. These dates work with the facts from the Bible and is about as close as anyone can get to the birth of Jesus. (See CB’s writing on “Dates and Events of Jesus Death” to understand the facts from the bible of the date of Jesus death)
Let’s look at one more aspect of Jesus birth, that of festivals:
Festivals
Jesus was conceived, born, and died during Jewish festivals.
Have you ever heard of such a statement? God most likely would not have his Sons conception, birth and death happen on just any common day so it appears that God chose festivals.
We know from reading the bible that the Jewish people are God’s people. The Jewish people celebrate many festivals each year. It just makes sense that God planned His only Son’s conception, birth and death during one of these festivals because this would have been when the majority if not all of the Jews stopped work to celebrate and whether they knew it or not would be celebrating Jesus also.
See CB’s “Dates and Events of Jesus’ Birth” and “Dates and Events of Jesus Death” to be filled in on the dates, events and bible verses associated with the below statements.
So, let us go now, one festival at a time and learn about how Jesus was conceived, born and died during Jewish festivals.
Jesus Conception
Jesus was conceived during Chanukah (aka Hanukah) aka The Festival of Lights, aka the Feast of Dedication. This festival fell on Monday, 25 Kislev 3756 to Monday, Tevet 2 3756 Jewish or Nov. 25, 5 BC to Dec. 11, 5 BC Gregorian, a total of 8 days. Jesus would have been conceived on Sunday, 1 Tevet 3756 on the Jewish calendar (Sunday Dec. 10, 5 BC Gregorian calendar).
Jesus Birth
Jesus was born during Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles on the first day of the feast. The festival began on Saturday (the Jewish Sabbath) 15 Tishri 3757 Jewish or Sept. 14, 4 BC Gregorian. The festival lasted 8 days and ended on Saturday, 22 Tishri 3757 Jewish or Saturday, September 21, 4 BC Gregorian. On this eighth day, the last day of the festival, Jesus was circumcised according to Jewish law (Luke 2:21).
Note: 15 Tishri 3757 Jewish =’s Sept. 14, 4 BC Gregorian and also =’s the Julian date Sept. 16, 5 BC. So if Herod died in the Julian year 4 BC that would = 3 BC Gregorian. That would make Jesus about 1yr. and a few of months old when King Herod issued the decree to kill all male babies 2 yrs. old and under. That makes common sense as to when Herod spoke to the wise men that He chose 2 years and under because Jesus would have been over one year old at the time and that is most likely why Herod called Him a young child instead of a baby.
Jesus Death
Jesus died during Pesah aka TheLord’s Passover festival and Feast of Unleavened Bread (Lev. 23:5-8). The day of the Passover festival always begins on the 15th of Nisan as is the Feast of Unleavened Bread each year and is also a Sabbath day for the Jews (Exodus 12:15). John 19:14 tells us that it was on the Preparation Day of Passover (the day before Passover when all the lambs were being slaughtered that Jesus was crucified on the cross. That is it was Wednesday, 14 Nisan 3790 AD or April 3, 30 AD Gregorian around the 9th hour (Jewish) or after 3 PM today’s time that Jesus was killed on the cross.
Just as Jesus died the Jews began slaughtering the lambs for Passover. As stated in Exodus 12:5, everything about the Passover lamb was fulfilled in Jesus. He was the Lamb without blemish and without spot.
In the time of the Exodus, on the fourteenth day the believing Jews killed a lamb and put the blood on the sides of the doors and on the lentil on the first month and after sundown which began the next day for the Jews, the Lord’s Passover meal began to be eaten. Then at midnight is when the Lord’s angels passed over Egypt and killed all the firstborn of humans and animals alike except those Jews who killed the lamb and put the blood of the lamb on both sides of the door frame and on the lentil of their houses. The Passover occurred on the evening of the 15th of Nissan (i.e., after sundown of the 14th day of Nisan (year undetermined), begins a new day and around midnight of the 15th of Nissan is when the angels passed over Egypt killing all the first born). This is how it was then and that is how it will be until the end of our time on earth according to God.
And that my friends is how this writer observes how Jesus’ conception, birth and death took place. However, I am always open to change when other proof is presented that can be verified in God’s inspired and inerrant bible.
God blesses the gentle and the lowly. God leads and supports the humble and teaches them His way. Love is not proud but suffers long and is kind, it does not envy, it does not parade itself and it is not puffed up. The humble will be filled with fresh joy.
Always keep Jesus in your heart and on your mind.
God is testing you every day and has given you the right to make your own choices. Do you know which ones are the right choices in Gods mind?
Fear God, love God, honor God, and trust God with all your heart, mind and soul and you will receive and experience the promises of God’s blessings in His time.
Prayer: Father in heaven, hallowed is Thy Name. I praise You for Your Son and the Holy Spirit. I praise You for Your grace in sending us Your wisdom about the “Dates and Events of Jesus’ Birth.” Please bless all those who have read this writing for they too are seeking Your righteous truth and understanding. Please open their hearts and minds so they may differentiate those words that are yours words and that which man has surmised. I pray as I believe that You will keep all believers for Your Own.
May God, Jesus, The Holy spirit and Christianity be our guiding lights for eternity. Let it be Your will Lord not mine. Please come Lord Jesus.
I pray in Jesus sweet name and to His glory through the power of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.
Jesus
Loves You
and you and
you and you…….
since time began and will
forever. Show your faith in Him
and be received into the house He has
built for
You.
May God bless you for receiving His Word. 100% of my articles are Bible based rhetoric. All of these articles have at least one lesson or something very important from God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. First we must believe, then Jesus will take us under His wing and reconcile us, then regenerate us, justify us and sanctify us. Then if we continue to believe in Him and follow His teaching, He will come for us when it is time. These articles can help you to understand so you may live out the righteous things God and Jesus has sent to us. Please feel free to use these articles in your religious studies. The best thing about truth in the Gospel is God’s Truth. Tell God’s Truth, teach God’s Truth to others and you will please God and build many rewards in heaven.
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