It is always so fascinating to learn about the deeply embedded tradition as well as the background behind Biblical dates and events. We celebrate Christmas, Jesus’ day of birth on December 25th. But, what is the significance behind dates and months in the Bible?
It seems each month, in the year leading up to Jesus’ birth, there was some sort of significant event that took place – like the birth of John the Baptist. Studying Jesus’ actual birth date allows us to learn more about God’s perfect timeline.
Must Have Messiah Moments
In the feasts of the Lord given to Israel to celebrate, there are four singular days I call “Must Have Messiah Moments”. They are: Passover, First Fruits, Pentecost, and Atonement.
Did you know that the Lamb of God was slain on Passover for the sins of the world and that He arose three days later on First Fruits? Do you know that He was baptized by John on the day of Pentecost? In John 1:32, the Holy Spirit came down from Heaven; and in Acts 2:2 the Holy Spirit also came down from Heaven. Both times it was on Pentecost.
Therefore, I think the Old Testament parallel for the day of Jesus birth, was the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year (10 Tishri).
The New Testament testimony is also the seventh month of the Jewish calendar. Luke 1:5 starts during the eighth course of Abijah; which starts at the full moon of the fourth month. In the fifth month, Zecharias goes home and John the Baptist is conceived. Mary meets Elizabeth in the tenth month, during her sixth month of pregnancy. John is born in the first month of the next year, and Jesus is born six months later; in the seventh month of 6 BC, on the tenth day as required!
Therefore Jesus actual birthday this year, 2018 was actually from sundown on September 18th!
This article was written by Curtis A. Routley.