The Birth of Jesus Christ
For many ages, the Birth of Jesus Christ our Saviour has been widely publicized as being on December 25th, 1BC. Thus we celebrate Christmas Day annually on December 25th.
However, through research of the Biblical Scriptures, recorded facts and an understanding of Old Eastern customs in the time of Jesus Christ, the exact date of Jesus’ birth has been revealed.
In this teaching I will cover the generations leading up to Jesus Christ, explain what happened at the time of Jesus’ birth, explore the history behind the Wise men and Herod, and explain how biblical researchers have uncovered a more accurate date of Jesus’ birth.
Sections in this Biblical Teaching:
1) The Significance of Jesus Christ’s birth
2) The lineage of Jesus Christ
3) Mary’s divine conception
4) The birth of Jesus
5) The Wise men and King Herod
6) The day and time of Jesus’ birth
7) About Christmas day and its origins
1) The Significance of Jesus Christ’s birth
What is really so important about the birth of Jesus Christ?
It was a time in history long past, that our Lord and Saviour was born; but is there more behind that historical date?
Well yes, the Birth of Jesus Christ is basically a big part of the foundation of Christianity and our purpose of being here, doing good things on this earth, living righteously and serving God.
Without Jesus’ birth, Christianity does not exist, and we are not saved from Satan’s grasp.
So the Birth of Jesus Christ is the promise of God coming to past; the promise that a Messiah will be born, who will save mankind from Sin.
2) The lineage of Jesus Christ
Long before Jesus was born, there existed prophesies that a Messiah will come from a specific lineage of God’s people.
Here are some of the characteristics found in the Biblical scriptures, which described the Messiah before his coming:
Psalms 2:7 – Son of God
Genesis 3:15 – Seed of a Woman
Genesis 22:18 – Lineage of Abraham
Genesis 21:12 – Lineage of Isaac
Numbers 24:17 – Lineage of Jacob
Micah 5:2 – Tribe of Judah
Isaiah 11:1 – Lineage of Jesse
Jeremiah 23:5 -Lineage of David
Isaiah 7:14 – Born of a Virgin
Matthew 1:1-17 is a record the genealogy of Jesus, we can see that the Prophesies in the Old Testament Verses were fulfilled over time.
(Matthew 1:1) The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
(Matthew 1:2) Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
(Matthew 1:3) And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
(Matthew 1:4) And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
(Matthew 1:5) And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
(Matthew 1:6) And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
(Matthew 1:7) And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
(Matthew 1:8) And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
(Matthew 1:9) And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
(Matthew 1:10) And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
(Matthew 1:11) And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
(Matthew 1:12) And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
(Matthew 1:13) And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
(Matthew 1:14) And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
(Matthew 1:15) And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
(Matthew 1:16) And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
In “Matthew 1:17”, the reason for having a separation of 3 groups of 14 generations is unclear; however, it probably has some significance.
(Matthew 1:17) So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
Significance of Numbers in the Bible:
2 = Established
3 = Completeness
7 = Spiritual Perfection
(7 x 2) = 14 “Spiritual Perfection is Established”
(14 x 3) = 42 “Completely Established Spiritual Perfection”
(This is just my interpretation of the significance of 14 Generations x 3)
Now, there is another group of Verses that lists the Genealogy of Jesus Christ.
Here’s where things can get a little confusing.
(Luke 3:23-38) lists a Different bloodline of Jesus to the one in Matthew Chapter 1.
(Luke 3:23) And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
(Luke 3:24) Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,
(Luke 3:25) Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,
(Luke 3:26) Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,
(Luke 3:27) Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,
(Luke 3:28) Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,
(Luke 3:29) Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,
(Luke 3:30) Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
(Luke 3:31) Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,
(Luke 3:32) Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson,
(Luke 3:33) Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
(Luke 3:34) Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,
(Luke 3:35) Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,
(Luke 3:36) Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,
(Luke 3:37) Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan,
(Luke 3:38) Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.
You may notice that both genealogies contain the same parents (Isaac, Jacob, Abraham, Jesse, etc…) up to King David.
This is where the split in lineage happens.
King David had many sons, 2 of which were:
King Solomon (from Matthew 1)
Nathan (from Luke 3)
What causes the confusion is a mistranslation in the Bible at the point where “Joseph” is mentioned.
(Matthew 1:16) And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
(Luke 3:23) And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
These verses seem to say that Joseph had 2 biological fathers, Jacob and Heli. Which is of course not possible!
The mistranslation happens in (Matthew 1:16).
“Joseph the husband of Mary” should be properly written as:
“Joseph the father of Mary”
Original Greek scripture:
(Matthew 1:16) ᾿Ιακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ιωσὴφ τὸν ἄνδρα Μαρίας, ἐξ ἧς ἐγεννήθη ᾿Ιησοῦς ὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός.
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G435
ἀνήρ
anēr
an’-ayr
A primary word (compare G444); a man (properly as an individual male): – fellow, husband, man, sir.
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The meaning of the Greek word anēr (ἄνδρα) is “fellow, husband, man, sir, etc…”
It defines a Male individual, not necessarily husband. It is also used to say Father or “Mighty Man”.
So with “husband” correctly translated to “father” in (Matthew 1:16), everything else begins to make more sense.
(Matthew 1:16) And Jacob begat Joseph the father of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
So the name of Mary’s father was Joseph, so was also the name of her husband.
Both Josephs had different fathers.
Mary must be included in the lineage, otherwise, stopping at Joseph in (Matthew 1:16) would not be 14 x 3 generations (42) as said in (Matthew 1:17), but instead, 41 generations.
3) Mary’s divine conception
In Matthew Chapter 1:18, we see that Mary was bearing a child of the Holy Spirit (pregnant). God planted that seed in Mary, which would become his only begotten Son.
(Matthew 1:18) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
“before they came together” – This means before they had sexual intercourse.
Joseph and Mary were only Espoused at this time (Engaged), not Married. Mary was still a virgin.
In Eastern customs of this time, the Marriage Ceremonies took place over a period of days, and the ceremony ends with consummation of the bride, at which time, they are then officially married.
Once Joseph discovered that Mary was already pregnant without his intervention, he of course was not pleased with this.
(Matthew 1:19) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
Joseph however was a just man, he didn’t take rash actions against Mary for these circumstances.
Again in Eastern customs, having sex outside of marriage (also known as Fornication) is a great shame and is usually dealt with harshly.
There were 2 options for a Husband/Espoused man to take, if his wife or wife to be committed adultery:
1) Put her out in the streets to be stoned to death by the village.
2) Sign off the contract for his Dowry in marriage to Mary and let her flee the city unharmed.
Joseph “was minded to put her away privily”, (contemplating to go with the second option).
(Matthew 1:20) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
(Matthew 1:21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
(Matthew 1:22) Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
(Matthew 1:23) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
(Matthew 1:24) Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
While Joseph was pondering on what decision to take, an angel sent from God appeared to him, explaining that Mary was pregnant with God’s son, Jesus. The angel told Joseph to take Mary as his wife and fear not.
Joseph did as the angel instructed and trusted in God. He did not put Mary away, but took her as his wife.
(Matthew 1:25) And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
“knew her not” – This means he did not have sexual relations with her yet. He waited until Jesus was born. Thus Mary remained a virgin until after Jesus’ birth.
“her firstborn son” – Jesus was only the first son of Mary. Mary and Joseph did have other children together after the birth of Jesus. His siblings are mentioned in various parts of the Bible (New Testament).
4) The birth of Jesus
Most of the story that is told of Jesus’ birth in popular culture today is incorrect in many ways.
I’ll address some of the points of “The Nativity” (Christmas Story) that are incorrect.
Mary rode a donkey to Bethlehem.
This could be possibly true, but the Bible simply does not state this, it is an assumption.
There were other methods of travel she and Joseph could have used.
Mary gave birth to Jesus the same night she arrived in Bethlehem.
The Bible does not state anything like this, it only says:
(Luke 2:6) And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
The Bible says that she gave birth while staying in Bethlehem.
It makes more sense that she arrived well before her baby was due.
Joseph or Mary spoke to innkeepers for a place to stay.
This is not recorded in the bible and there is no evidence to support this.
It is more likely that they stayed in a house of relatives.
Jesus was born in a stable.
Again, the Bible does not mention exactly what kind of place Jesus was born in, except for that he was laid in a manger.
(Luke 2:7) And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
The word “inn” causes a bit of confusion, it was not properly translated.
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G2646
κατάλυμα
kataluma
kat-al’-oo-mah
From G2647; properly a dissolution (breaking up of a journey), that is, (by implication) a lodging place: – guestchamber, inn.
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The Greek word “kataluma” can refer to a Guestroom rather than Inn.
According to our Bible archaeology experts, Jesus was probably born in the house of relatives, but outside (under) the normal living and guest quarters.
The word “manger” is translated from the Greek word “phatnē”.
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G5336
φάτνη
phatnē
fat’-nay
From πατέομαι pateomai (to eat); a crib (for fodder): – manger, stall.
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In this case of a baby being born, the intended form of the word was probably “Crib” and not a “Stable” as modern culture usually depicts.
I don’t think that God would have allowed his only begotten son to be born in a Stable full of Animals, an obviously unfit environment for a baby to be born, especially the King of Kings, on such a glorious moment in time.
Jesus did not cry when he was born.
The Bible does not state this. Crying is a completely natural way for a baby to communicate with its parents. Crying does not make Jesus a bad baby.
Angels sang to shepherds outside on the night of Jesus’ birth.
The Bible never said that Angels sang to the shepherds.
(Luke 2:8-14)
The first Angel that appeared spoke to the shepherds calming them and telling the good news, then accompanied by “a multitude of the heavenly host praising God”.
Angels were present at Jesus’ birth.
The Bible simply does not report this, and there is no other evidence to support this theory.
It could have possibly happened, but it is not recorded in scripture.
Two other inaccurate stories I will cover in much more detail as we go along are:
– Three Kings came to see Jesus riding on Camels.
– Jesus was born on December 25th.
5) The Wise men
It is common to hear of the three Kings or wise men that visited Jesus bearing gift of gold frankincense, and myrrh.
The Bible never mentioned that these visitors of Jesus were Kings, but only that they were wise men (Magi – plural of Mage).
The Magi were Persians who practiced Astronomy, which is the study and reading of the stars.
On the other hand, Magicians practiced Astrology, the false art of making predictions based on the stars.
Importantly also, the scriptures never stated that there were only three wise men; we only have evidence that it was more than one person, since “wise men” is plural.
By understanding the ways of the East, and practices in those times, it is much more realistic that the number of wise men that visited Jesus was a large amount, I’ll explain why:
1) Men traveling such a long distance from Persia to Bethlehem would be “wise” enough not to travel in small numbers carrying expensive treasures. If it was only 3 of them, they would have surely been attacked and robbed by bandits that also crossed those deserted paths.
They probably had guards and servants who would have protected and taken care of them over the long journey.
2) The Magi approached Herod the King demanding to see Jesus.
(Matthew 2:2) Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
A small number of Magi would not have been granted direct access to speak with the King; they would have probably been jailed instead. The wise men most likely would have been great in numbers to earn the respect and attention of the king. Most likely they moved as large caravan of Persians travelers. (Probably group of over 100 persons)
3) The Magi were also brave enough to ignore the king Herod’s request to lead him to Jesus the King. This is practically mocking the king. If it was a small number of harmless men, the king would have sent soldiers to hunt down the Magi when they did not soon return.
6) The day and time of Jesus’ birth
Through Biblical and Historical research, a more accurate estimation of the Birth of Jesus Christ has been calculated.
Let’s first look at time of the events between Herod and the Wise men. (Matthew 2:1-11)
(Matthew 2:8) And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
(Matthew 2:11) And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Twice in these verses, it is mentioned that Jesus was now a young child, not an infant or newborn.
So the Wise men bearing gifts did not see Jesus on the day of his birth, but over a year later.
Further on, scripture says that Herod ordered all young children that were 2 years and younger to be killed, in an attempt to get rid of Jesus.
(Matthew 2:16) Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
So based on the time that Herod “diligently enquired of the wise men” about Jesus, they realized that Jesus was no longer a baby.
Further studies and research on this topic suggests that Jesus was about 1 year and 3 months old at this time of Herod’s cruel order.
Now, the scriptures Revelations also tell of Jesus’ birth.
The book of Revelations in the Bible is composed of Prophesies written by Paul the Prophet.
They tell of events already past and those to come in the future. Allot of symbolism is used in these verses, so a greater understanding of the Bible, Astronomy and ancient history is needed to better understand the deeper meaning of what is written in those verses.
(Revelation 12:1) And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
(Revelation 12:2) And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
(Revelation 12:3) And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
(Revelation 12:4) And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
(Revelation 12:5) And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
“woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet” – This symbolizes virgin Mary preparing to give birth to baby Jesus.
“woman” – The constellation Virgo.
“clothed with the sun” – The Ecliptic (the sun’s path through the heavens over the period of a year), was at this point in time, crossing Virgo. The Sun would have occupied most of Virgo’s “body” (where clothes would appear on a woman), thus, the sun was said to be clothing her.
“moon under her feet” – The Moon was aligned just below the constellation Virgo and the Sun at this point.
This perfect alignment of Virgo, the Sun and the Moon occurred only 1 time in history. It was a sunset view, appearing almost as a very large and bright star over Palestine. (When viewed from Persia and other places.)
The exact time this event occurred can be scientifically traced back, to a specific date and time.
It is calculated that this event happened on September 11th, 3BC, between the hours of 6:18pm – 7:39pm.
Not on December 25th as practiced in modern culture.
There are several other problems why it is unrealistic to expect that Jesus was born on December 25th. Here are 2 of them:
1) God would not allow his son to be born in the middle of winter. This is probably the worst time of the year for mother to give birth to a newborn baby.
The weather is too cold and conditions unsuitable baby Jesus.
Also, Joseph and Mary fled Bethlehem to Egypt with Jesus almost immediately after he was born. The winter would be a very bad time to travel with the newborn.
The best time of year for a baby to be born in Bethlehem and to travel to Egypt would be in autumn (August-September-October), when the weather is cool and calm. Not too Hot as in summer, and not to cold as in winter.
2) Many historical books and other records on Eastern customs all confirm that sheep are not put out in the pastures past October, because it is simply to cold that time of year.
As we know from Biblical records, the shepherds watching their flocks of sheep outside came to see Jesus on the night he was born. Thus it could not have been December (winter) when this all took place.
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I know that the birth of Jesus on September 11th, 3BC, reminds allot of people of the catastrophe that occurred on September 11, 2001 (9/11) to the United States.
However, the calculation of Jesus’ time of birth was done long before 9/11 occurred, so it was not influenced by the date of the attack, more likely the other way around, or simply coincidence.
7) About Christmas day and its origins
December 25th, annually celebrated as Christmas Day in modern times, was originally a pagan holiday that was re-adapted to suit Christians.
The pagan Roman festival Saturnalia was a week long period of lawlessness and turmoil that lasted from December 17th – 25th, held in honor of the ‘star of the sun god’ Saturn. (First introduced around 217 BC)
December 21 is the Winter Solstice (shortest day of the year), and December 25 is the first day that ancients could clearly note that the days were definitely getting longer and the sunlight was returning.
During Saturnalia Roman laws declared that no one could be punished for damaging properties or injuring other persons.
One victim was chosen per city, which was made to indulge in various pleasures throughout that week. At the end of the week (December 25th), they would brutally murder that person to conclude the festival. They believed that ritualistic process helped to destroy the forces of darkness.
Around 400 AD, the Christian church having grown and gained power, wanted to attract the Roman pagans into Christianity to make the religion grow and spread. They succeeded in converting a large number of pagans into Christians, by introducing Christmas Day on December 25th, which would replace Saturnalia.
Christmas literally means: Mass (celebration) of Christ.
They slowly changed the routines done in Saturnalia into the Christmas practices we know today.
This helped to remove the previously unholy practices of that day, into celebrations that seemed good and Godly, otherwise, the population could return again to the wicked pagan festivities.
Thanks for reading! 😀
God Bless You!
-Andrew Emmanuel Davis