First of all, I want to thank you for being a loyal reader… and wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. It’s a good time to be alive.
Secondly, I’d like to depart from our “regular programming” to talk about the birth of Jesus.
Did you know Jesus was NOT born on December 25?
You might wonder then, why do we celebrate December 25?
To answer this question, I’ve reprinted a portion of a book chapter from Secrets of Time by Stephen Jones below. He does a great job of explaining. The excerpt is from Chapter 9, and it starts here:
Astrological Events and Celebrations of 3-2 B.C.
From May 19, 3 B.C., to December 25, 2 B.C., a series of highly significant astrological events was observed in the heavens, which had a big impact on the Romans. We know this for sure, because modern astronomers have calculated these events with great precision. They are as follows, as given by Dr. Martin on page 66 of his book, The Star That Astonished the World and used by permission from the Griffith Observatory.
Planetary Conjunctions, 19 May, 3 B.C., to 25 December, 2 B.C.
| Date 19 May, 3 B.C. 12 June, 3 B.C. 12 Aug., 3 B.C. 31 Aug., 3 B.C. 14 Sept., 3 B.C. 17 Feb., 2 B.C. 8 May, 2 B.C. 17 June, 2 B.C. 26 Aug., 2 B.C. 25 Dec., 2 B.C. |
Conjunction Mercury-Saturn Venus-Saturn Venus-Jupiter Mercury-Venus Jupiter-Regulus Jupiter-Regulus Jupiter-Regulus Jupiter-Venus Mars-Jupiter Jupiter stationary over Bethlehem, as viewed from Jerusalem |
From this table of planetary conjunctions, we can see that there were many significant astrological events occurring in the 18 months from May of 3 B.C. to December of 2 B.C. While we, as Christians, may not hold these as significant, the important thing to note is that the Romans took them very seriously, and these things gave them a heightened sense of optimism that the world was entering a great era of peace and prosperity. Augustus was viewed as the Messiah of the Roman world who had brought in this Golden Age. All of this must have had some influence upon the Senate when they passed the bill declaring Augustus to be “Father of the Country” in February of 2 B.C.
But who would have ever thought that these same astrological conjunctions would bring Magi from the east naively inquiring about the newborn King! This triggered a reaction from Herod that closely resembled the events surrounding Augustus’ own birth. On page 6 of Dr. Martin’s book, he quotes from Jack Lindsay’s Origins of Astrology,
According to Julius Marathus, a personal confidant of Augustus Caesar, the Roman Senate in the year 63 B.C. ordered all boy babies to be killed who were born in that year because prophetic dreams and astrological signs suggested that a “King of the Romans” was to be born.
In reconstructing the events during this time, we can see the very real possibility that the Magi followed the planet Jupiter as it tracked westward until it appeared to remain stationary over Bethlehem on December 25, 2 B.C. While this was not the date of Jesus’ birth, it appears very likely that this was the date the Magi arrived bearing their gifts to the young King.
The first significant planetary conjunction listed above occurred on May 19, 3 B.C. It was a conjunction between Mercury and Saturn. Mercury was known as the messenger of the gods. John the Baptist was also known as “the messenger” (Mal. 3:1). In fact, the name Malachi means “messenger,” and this is the primary theme of his book. Is it not probable that this sign in the heavens occurred at the time the angel announced to Zacharias that he was to have a son who would minister in the spirit and power of Elias?
The Magi were experts in astrological interpretations and would have viewed these things as signs. These signs motivated them to make the long trip west to the land of Judea, knowing that the Messianic King had been born. There is little doubt that these Magi knew the prophecies of Daniel, who, centuries earlier, had been the head of that religious order for about 70 years (Dan. 2:48). We have no way of knowing how much of the truth had been corrupted by the time of Christ’s birth, but we do know that the Magi arrived at the right time and were led by God to the One they sought. That should speak for itself.
In contemplating the significance of the conjunctions of Jupiter (see the table on the previous page), there is much that we can say. Jupiter was considered to be the Planet of the Messiah. The Hebrew name for Jupiter was sedeq, or “righteousness.” It is often spelled “Zadok.” It is connected to the Order of Melchi-sedec (Heb. 5:10), of which Jesus is the Chief Priest. And so the Messiah was connected to signs in Jupiter, or sedeq.
The Hebrews considered Jupiter to be the planet associated with and governing Jerusalem, although the Romans considered it to be the planet of Rome. However, the Magi did not go to Rome, but to Jerusalem, as they followed Jupiter westward. Isaiah 1:26 calls Jerusalem “the city of sedeq.” This can be translated either as “the city of righteousness” or as “the city of Jupiter.” The Magi thus followed Jupiter to the city of Jupiter-Jerusalem. In the nearby town of Bethlehem, they found the Messiah, the High Priest of the Order of Melchi-sedec.
Even as Jupiter was considered to be the planet of the Messiah, so also was Regulus considered to be the star of the Messiah. Regulus is located between the feet of the constellation Leo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. This star is the “sceptre” and the “lawgiver” referred to in Genesis 49:9-10,
Judah is a lion’s whelp; from the prey, my son, thou art gone up; he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.
When Jupiter and Regulus had three conjunctions in the constellation of Leo between September, 3 B.C., and May, 2 B.C., the Magi could not have missed the significance. In fact, the path of Jupiter actually formed a loop, or halo, directly above Regulus, as though the King’s Planet was “crowning” the King’s Star. On June 17, 2 B.C., it culminated in one of the most spectacular conjunctions ever seen. Jupiter and Venus came so close together that they appeared to merge as a single star (.01 degree of separation).
Immediately after these three conjunctions, Jupiter began moving westward across the sky. Perhaps knowing that the great celestial show was over, the Magi must have begun making preparations to “follow the star” to Jerusalem. It would have been about a four-month trip, since that is how long it took Ezra to make the same journey from Babylon (Ezra 7:6-9).
If the final conjunction occurred on June 17, then perhaps by the first part of July it would have been apparent that Jupiter was going to continue moving westward, and the Magi would have begun making preparations for the trip. If they left the end of August, they would have arrived toward the end of December. Jesus would have been born on September 29, while they were already on the road.
The first thing the Magi did upon arriving in Jerusalem was to inquire of the locals to learn where the King had been born (Matt. 2:1-2). Little did they know that they were walking into a hornet’s nest. Two weeks earlier Matthias, the high priest, and rabbi also named Matthias had incited some young students to tear down Rome’s golden eagle from the Temple wall. Herod went into a state of rage, not only at the affront, but also because he was becoming very ill and paranoid as he approached the age of 70. The students had committed treason, and Herod was very angry. Then, to make matters worse, the Magi arrived in the middle of the investigation, inquiring where the new King had been born!
Herod’s spies told him of the mysterious strangers, and so he called them in for an interview. Herod specifically inquired as to the time of the star’s appearance (Matt. 2:7). Their answer is not recorded, unfortunately, but we may presume that they told him about all the astrological signs for the past 19 months. Herod was upset, and Matthew tells us Herod “was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matt. 2:3).
Since astrology is not a precise science, interpretations always vary, even among those who take stock in it. It would be difficult to tell if the King had been born at the beginning of the heavenly conjunctions or many months later. To a paranoid king with no scruples against killing potential rivals, it would have been natural to simply kill all the children that had been born in Bethlehem in the past two years.
When the Magi left the palace, they probably looked into the sky and — using their measuring instruments — discovered that Jupiter had not moved from its position the previous night. It hovered toward the south of Jerusalem in the direction of Bethlehem, as if to confirm the word of the prophet Micah which they had learned from the chief priests (Matt. 2:4-6).
Herod sent the Magi to Bethlehem to find the King they sought (Matt. 2:8). Matthew certainly would have told us if they had found Jesus in another city, after Herod had told them to go to Bethlehem. Thus, it appears that they arrived on December 25, 2 B.C., to present the Messiah with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This appears to be the origin of the tradition of giving gifts on December 25th, although this was not the time of Jesus’ actual birth. And so, Matthew does not call Jesus an infant, but a young child, when the Magi arrived.
The Gospel writers use two different terms for the baby Jesus in telling the stories surrounding his birth. The Greek words used to describe Him are brephos and paidion. When the shepherds came to Jesus the same night that He was born, Luke says He was a brephos, an infant “babe” (Luke 2:16). But three months later the Magi came and found a paidion, a young child (Matt. 2:9). Many have argued that the difference between these two words is the difference between an infant and a toddler. This, along with the fact that Herod ordered all the children of Bethlehem who were two years old or less to be killed, leads people to believe that Jesus was about two years old when the Magi arrived. However, we should be careful not to try to read too much into these words.
The shepherds, after seeing Jesus, told everyone about the paidion that they had seen (Luke 2:16). But this does not necessarily mean that Jesus was a two-year-old toddler. When Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day, Luke describes Him at that time as a paidion (Luke 2:21). It is therefore apparent that the Greek word paidion could be used to describe a baby who was just eight days old.
The point is, let’s not insist that the Magi came to a toddler, just because he is said at that time to be a paidion. I believe that Jesus was three months old when the Magi arrived. He was no longer in the stable, of course, for we read in Matthew 2:11 that they found Him in a “house” in Bethlehem. It is also unlikely that Jesus’ parents would have remained in Bethlehem — even in a house — for two years after his birth. The most likely explanation is that Jesus was born in a stable, where the shepherds found him that same night. Perhaps the next day, after the testimony of the shepherds, someone opened up a house for them to stay in while Mary rested and recovered from her labor of childbirth. They ended up staying longer than anticipated for whatever reason, and then finally after three months had passed, the Magi arrived with their gifts on December 25th. That night, one or all of the Magi were warned in a dream to return home by another way (Matt. 2:12), and God also warned Joseph in a dream to go to Egypt (Matt. 2:13). At this point the family left Bethlehem.
Jesus had been born on the evening of the Feast of Trumpets, which in 2 B.C. fell on September 29. Precisely three months later, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Egypt, the “house (nation) of Pharaoh.” This was done to fulfill the prophetic pattern of Moses’ birth.
******
Here ends the excerpt from Stephen Jones’s book. If you’d like to read the full chapter about Jesus’ birth, you can do so here.
On a side note, assuming Jesus was born on Sep 29, 2 B.C., he would have also been conceived on or around December 25 of the previous year. Yet another “timing coincidence” for why we celebrate on Christmas.
About Ryan M. Healy
Ryan Healy is a direct response copywriter. Since 2002, he has worked with scores of clients, including BoostCTR, Alex Mandossian, Terry Dean, and Pulte Homes. He writes a popular blog about copywriting, advertising, and business growth, has been featured in publications like Feed Front magazine, and is a regular contributor to WordStream.com, BoostCTR.com, and MarketingForSuccess.com.
If you're working hard, but it's not yet adding up to a steady, consistent, predictable flow of ideal clients, listen to this free seminar I hosted with Dov Gordon. Discover why getting clients has been so hard -- and how to make it simple, predictable, and consistent. Get the Free Recording Here! » |
{ 18 comments }
Modern society as we know is maybe 100 to 150 years. We forget that planetary conjunctions had a big impact on past societies, and their interpretation of the world around them.
I was not familiar with the Roman side of the planetary events.
BTW, this gives a better explanation of Dec. 25 than it was tied to the winter solstice. Possible conception around the time winter solstice another sign?
Thanks.
John
On a related topic, much of what we celebrate as “Christmas” is really a celebration of winter, and much of it is from our European and Colonial American tradition rather than being related to anything Biblical.
While gift giving reminds us of the gifts of the Magi, lights remind us of the star, and so forth, what about snow, and sleighbells, and evergreens, and all that?
Our Euro-American traditions are no less valid–all human traditions have cultural importance–BUT what bugs me is how atheists and suchlike make such a fuss over Christmas trees in public places.
Calling it a “holiday tree” doesn’t solve the problem. The word holiday means “holy day.” What makes the day holy? You’re still tying it to Christmas by calling it that.
If you don’t like the “religious” overtones of a decorated evergreen, call it an Early American Winter Solstice Tree.
And no matter how you look at it, our entire calendar goes back to an approximation of the birth of Christ. Unless you’re using the Jewish calendar, which begins with an approximation of Creation. I guess you’d have to call that “religious” too.
My my, there’s just no escaping it. :)
@John – For more interesting information about the stars, check out The Glory of the Stars by E. Raymond Capt.
@Lisa – Much about Christmas has Christian roots, but much does not. I agree it’s silly to make a big fuss over something you disagree with (for instance, Christmas trees).
I’m sure both religious and non-religious people could find things to take issue with, whether it’s Christmas trees on the one hand or Santa Claus on the other. Best just to celebrate those parts you wish to celebrate — and let others do the same.
Another interesting take: http://markshea.blogspot.com/2006_12_01_markshea_archive.html#116611119750997638
Whenever I hear people talking about religion I get really turned off and want to share things like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeSSwKffj9o
Religion… the biggest bullshit story ever told. RIP George Carlin
Deep, Jeff. Good job.
@Jeff – I can see the humor in a lot of what George Carlin says. And, personally, I’m not a fan of religion. I don’t go to church and don’t belong to any kind of denomination.
The information I posted above will never be taught in a church. I would hardly call the article “religious” in the sense I think you mean.
Now, I do believe the Bible is the word of God. And I believe the Bible clearly says that ALL people will be saved through Jesus. Nobody is going to be burning in “hell” for eternity.
I’ve written about this in-depth here:
http://www.SecretEvangel.com
I’ve also written a new 5-page study I will be publishing this week. If you’re on the Secret Evangel email list, you will be notified.
Interesting stuff, though, respectfully, I think it is so far off the mark. Going down the wrong path, altogether.
It’s really not about a star in the sky or any astrological/astronomical occurrences, in my opinion.
If you read the scriptures of India, the “star of the east” is quite clearly explained, numerous times. It’s really common knowledge, in Vedic/Yoga philosphy.
Since the three wise men came from the East (India and Tibet, not Persia) it’s good to look to their religious texts. (Incidentally, they were most likely renunciants not finely dressed kings.)
In the Vedic scriptures, it describes the head of man, as having north, east, west and south. South is down the spinal cord. North is straight over head. West is at the back of the head from which life force (the “word of God”) enters the body at the base of the skull (the “mouth of God”). East is at the forehead (the frontal lobe), which reflects the base of the skull.
By deep meditation, anybody, with practice, can see the “star in the Easte” at the point slightly above the eyebrows.
It’s a five-pointed, white start, encircled by blue, and a halo of yellow. It’s what Jesus meant by “If thine eye be single, they whole body will be full of light” (grossly edited in later “revisions” of the Bible — “single” becomes good, because most theologians couldn’t make sense out of “single” so they changed it).
When seen unclearly the star is often mistaken for a white dove instead of a white pointed star, e.g., the Bible is full of a lot of descending doves.
It was the perception of that star, through meditation, that the three wise men were following. It does shock me how few scholars actually turn to Eastern religions to find out what the “star of the east” means. Particularly, when Indian’s scriptures are very straight-forward and articulate about such things.
It’s actually referenced in the Bible numerous times, from old testament to new, with the Bible’s usual metaphorical edge that baffles people who don’t pursue God through scientific meditation.
I’m not denying there may have also been certain events happening in the sky to symbolize an incarnation of God on earth. It was a big day. I’m sure there were many outwards signs, angels, that like. But, when I see such explicit descriptions of the “star of east” in Hindu scriptures, and since the wise men were most likely Hindus… and hardly naive about what they came to see… a “king” in Vedanta is one who is king of the kingdom of their own body and mind — they weren’t expecting a worldly king.
As an aside, most people don’t realize, Hindus and yogis believe Jesus was a fully incarnate form of God or, as it’s called in India, “Christ Consciousness” or sometimes, “Krishna Consciousness”. The only difference being, they don’t believe that was the only time God incarnated himself, by a long shot — but still acknowledge God’s incarnation as Jesus was an (obviously) special mission.
@Ryan – Do you think you’d still be Christian if you were born in India or say China?
I know you mentioned not being a fan of religion or being part of any denomination but it’s clear you believe in Christian ideologies, like Jesus is going to save everyone.
Religion has been the cause of almost every war in history and it’s going to be the cause of the next major world war. It is used to make the masses obedient and to carry out horrific actions against mankind.
I was raised a Catholic, went to church, sunday school, was confirmed and all that but after I turned 18 I started thinking for myself. I started reading about Eastern Philosophies, world politics and history.
I knew early on that things weren’t right with what you learn in church or from the bible. I never liked feeling fallible, or guilty or that I had to live my life according to someone elses rules. I never liked the concept of heaven or hell.
To me people who are so adamant about what is right really show off their true naivete and really their fear of the unknown. That’s why I originally said I get turned off by people talking about religion in a “matter of fact” sort of way.
Btw, Have any of you seen the movie Zeitgeist?
This clip is only 10 minutes long and you can skip to minute 3 if you want. The movie is in parts since it is long but this part talks about religion and I shortened the URL so it wouldn’t break your comment box.
Talks a bit about the positions of the stars and sun,, etc. Just watch it: http://tinyurl.com/85yrrs
Good luck on your journey and I hope you keep your mind open to new ideas not bound by someone elses laws.
Jeff
“Religion has been the cause of almost every war in history and it’s going to be the cause of the next major world war.”
I don’t know about that.
According to “The Encyclopedia of Wars” published by C. Phillips and A. Axelrod (1,502-pages compiled by nine reputable history professors, hardly a “religious” group, eh?) there have been 1,763 wars fought from 2325 B.C. to today.
Of these wars, only 123 were about “religion” — which is 6.92 percent. And about half of those were engaged by one religion in particular (and I ain’t talking about Christianity).
You can read a far more detailed analysis of this on page 102 of the free eBook at:
http://irrationalatheist.com/freedl.html
Ben
@Ben – Haha, so is this an argument for or against religion?
10% is still a lot and it’s not about percentage of wars but how many people died during the wars which religion was the cause.
If I were to attempt to write an over-the-top satire about an atheist character, I would write almost everything Jeff said, word-for-word.
“When I was a teenager I began to think for myself…”
“I started reading Eastern philosophies…”
“I didn’t like feeling guilty…”
“Keep your mind open and don’t be bound by others’ laws…”
“I didn’t like the concept of Heaven or Hell…” (This last one is my favorite. It reminds me of Nina in “A Brave New World,” saying “I don’t like it” when she fears something.)
Lol. And believers are supposed to be the brainwashed sheeple. Whatever.
Hey Jeff, I’m not “arguing” for or against religion either way.
Just pointing out a common (and pretty big) false assumption atheists like to quote about religion and wars.
Ben
@Jeff
Free Thinker are you. I hate to bust your Free Thinking bubble, but that movie you linked to is so full of errors. I’d say about 98% errors and lies.
George Carlin can’t RIP because according to you, he’s just dead. There is nothing else after that.
Guilt, morals and consequences are a bitch huh? Don’t like that stuff do ya?
Laws are a bitch ain’t they?
You’re not very good at math either because 6.92=10 in your book.
Yup, religion, especially those evil Kristyens are the worst. Responsible for all those dead people that wouldn’t convert.
Well, I go away for a couple hours… and look what happens. :-)
Here’s the thing about most forms of religion:
They start with good intentions. But inevitably power-hungry men find their way into positions of authority and screw everything up.
It’s pretty much the same way in government.
Whenever there is power to be had, evil men rise to the top. All the “good guys” don’t want to be in the limelight. As a result, very few “good guys” end up in positions of authority, whether that’s religion or government.
I think all of us could probably agree that there are both good things and bad things about religion and government.
And I think all of us could probably agree that none of us will see eye-to-eye on matters of spirituality. So let’s not turn this into a finger-pointing “us vs. them” argument.
It is enough to respectfully share our unique points of view without resorting to any kind of ad hominem attacks.
Please be considerate of each other.
@Ben – Thanks for pointing out those statistics about religious wars. Very helpful.
“Religion has been the cause of almost every war in history ”
You have no scientific evidence for this assertion. In fact, Vox Day in his book The Irrational Atheist has shown that religion is statistically the cause of a only small percentage of all wars in human history. (Vox’s blog is: http://voxday.blogspot.com)
If you stack up murders, the atheist regimes in the 20th century (communists) were among history’s biggest killers.
Atheism in government kills, based on statistics. This is science speaking.
Hope you guys have a great 2009!
Thanks Chris and Ben for opening my eyes. I never realized I was an atheist until you pointed it out. I just ordered my “honk if you’re an atheist!” bumper stickers.
Russ and JA sorry to have taken up your time and hope I didn’t disturb too much of your Creed listening time.
Ryan – keep up the good and positive work. I never meant to come off saying that there was nothing good about religion. If it empowers people to be and Do good then I’m all for it. I totally believe in loving everyone.
Peace,
Jeff
Hey guys, wondering if anyone can answer this, and please email it directly .
Great info about history, religion and astronomy. Reality is cultures, religions and societies with multicultural members have base so much of their believes in the stars.
Before Jesus there were others, in Egypt, in India, all over the pacific who fit the profile. But they were given the right to be the savior base on sacrifice and the coincidence the “stars” ASTRONOMY help the cause for which they were name “prophets to be” .
My Question is this… Which are the exact religions that base December 25 as an important date? And what’s the story behind their believe and time table?
Thanks.
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