Planets & Stars at the Birth of Jesus

The Birth Date of Jesus and the Celestial Events around that time.

Introductory Summary

Through a study of computerized data we can very accurately determine astronomical events at all time periods. With certainty we can now date the birth of Christ to September 3BC. The very noticeable celestial activity of Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Regulus (the King star), and Venus (the Queen star), and their various combinations of conjunctions in Leo during the 9 months leading up to Christ’s birth are vital signs to determine this September birth date. Research shows that he was born [Jerusalem time] between 6:18 pm [Sunset] and 7:39 pm [Moonset] on September 11 (Tishri 1 on the Jewish calendar), on which day the sun was in Virgo:

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: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. [Revelation 12:1-2].

Meanings

Jupiter = Planet of Kings, Righteousness, The Messiah

Venus = The Mother Planet

Saturn = Planet Protector of the Jews

Mars = Planet of War, Aggression, Danger

Mercury = Planet of Speed, Messenger, Deception

Regulus = Star of Kingship, Chief Star of Leo

Day Star = The Star in the Head of the Infant in “Coma” visible in daylight for 300 years

Leo = Constellation of Kings and of Tribe of Judah

Pisces = Constellation of Nation of Israel

Virgo = The Virgin

Celestrial Activity

7BC May: Jupiter and Saturn in Pisces.

7BC September: Jupiter and Saturn in Pisces.

7BC December: Jupiter and Saturn in Pisces.

6BC February: Jupiter and Saturn in Pisces, this time with Mars – Royal Planet and Israel’s Protector Planet in Israel’s Constellation 4 times, the last with signs of danger.

5BC March – April: Supernova in Capricorn — significance?

4BC March 13: Eclipse of the Moon (late night) Josephus associated this event incorrectly with the death of Herod.

3BC May 19: Saturn and Mercury – Protector of Israel and Messenger Planet.

3BC June 12: Saturn and Venus – Protector of Israel and Mother Planet.

3BC August 12: Jupiter rose as a morning star, which soon came into conjunction with Venus in the constellation of Leo, the Lion. Jupiter and Venus united as a “morning star”, then displayed an “evening star” reunion 10 months later [2BC June 17]. Royal Planet and Mother Planet in Royal Constellation (Judah).

3BC August 12 – 2BC August 27: Jupiter started its journey in which six conjunctions with other planets and the star Regulus took place.

3BC August 12 – 2BC August 27: Jupiter proceeded in its apparent motion westward. Since the Magi came from the East, it could well be that they simply followed the normal movement of the planet toward Jerusalem as it progressed westward each day, for the Bible says the star “went on before them” (Matthew 2:9), which means they let Jupiter lead them westward.

3BC August 27: Massing of planets Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Venus in Leo with Jupiter and Mars in conjunction. Royal Planet and Mother Star in Royal Constellation, but also Royal Planet and danger.

3BC September 11: Jupiter joined Regulus, chief star in the constellation of Leo, the Lion – Royal Planet and Royal Star. Regulus is situated between the feet of Leo. The Sun was in Virgo (Virgin Constellation) and the New Moon in the Royal Constellation Leo (Judah). First day of Jewish New Year (Tishri 1). After this 1st conjunction Jupiter continued on its normal course in the heavens. In Jerusalem on September 11, 3BC, sunset was at 6:18 pm and moonset at 7:39 pm. Jesus Christ was born on September 11, 3BC sometime in that 81 minute span of time between 6:18 pm and 7:39 pm. In Gematria 81 = Holy Angels.

3BC November: Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Venus in Leo – Royal Planet and Mother Star in Royal Constellation, but also danger and deception.

3BC December 1: Jupiter stopped its motion through the fixed stars and began its annual retrogression. As it did so, it once again headed toward the Royal Star Regulus.

2BC February 17: The 2nd conjunction of Jupiter and Regulus occurred in Leo – Royal Planet and Royal Star. The Moon came to be positioned at that time between Jupiter and Regulus. At about 5 am, looking at the western horizon, an observer would have seen the Moon directly between Jupiter and Regulus. It occulted (covered up) the star Regulus with the lower 1/5th of the Moon’s diameter.

2BC February 17 – 2BC March 29: Jupiter continued its backward, retrogressive motion another 40 days and then reverted to its normal motion through the stars.

2BC May 8: This movement placed Jupiter once again into a 3rd conjunction with Rugulus, the chief star in the constellation of Leo, the Lion – Royal Planet and Royal Star. To an appropriate observer, it would appear that Jupiter was making a circling “crown” effect over and around Regulus. This time, however, the Moon occulted Regulus by the top 1/5th of its diameter. This occurred 80 days after the 2nd conjunction [2BC February 17]; in Gematria, 80 = Son of Man.

2BC June 17: Jupiter and Venus in conjunction in Leo. Jupiter having moved on its westward journey, had its extraordinary rare reunion with Venus. When Venus had extended herself as far east as possible to encounter Jupiter, a splendid conjunction resulted, visible west of Babylon. This conjunction occurred in the constellation Leo and at the exact time of the full Moon. So close were the two planets that they would have appeared very much like one gigantic star in a “marriage union” with each other. The Magi would have witnessed this union which appeared on the western horizon precisely in the direction of Judaea.

2BC August 27: The massing of the planets: Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Venus – Royal Planet and Mother Planet and Israel’s Protector Planet, also Danger.

2BC December 25: Jupiter then became “stationary” for a brief time over Bethlehem. King Planet Jupiter came to its stationary point in mid-Virgo, the Virgin. The star would have been seen as “stopped” over Bethlehem, as viewed from Jerusalem. The Sun was also “standing still” in its usual Winter Solstice. Jupiter in meridian position directly over Bethlehem at an elevation of 68 degrees above the southern horizon. This precise position would show Jupiter shining directly down on Bethlehem while it was stationary among the stars !

2BC December 25 – 31: Jupiter began to move westward. Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt, having been forewarned by an angel of the Lord.

1BC December 29: Total Eclipse of the Moon (started at dusk). Associated with Herod’s Death. Herod died around 1AD January 18. [Josephus’s remark in Antiquities 17.6.4 that there was a lunar eclipse shortly before Herod died].

Biblical Verses

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. [Genesis 1:14-15]

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. [Genesis 3:15].

Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee. 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]. [Genesis 49:8-10].

[Sceptre = an ornamented staff carried by rulers on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of sovereignty]

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first [day] of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work [therein]: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. [Leviticus 23:23-25].

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city. [Numbers 24:17-19].

And in the seventh month, on the first [day] of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you. [Numbers 29:1].

And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. [Nehemiah 8:2].

Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? [Job 38:31-33].

Pleiades is among the nearest star clusters to Earth and is the cluster most obvious to the naked eye in the night sky.

When the bands of Orion are loosed, then Jesus will return.

Mazzaroth – probably meaning “the twelve signs” (of the zodiac).

Arcturus with his sons relates to the constellation of the Great Bear; her “young” are the stars that project from the square.

The whole sky being under the control of Jesus.

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? [Psalm 8:3-4].

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. [There is] no speech nor language, [where] their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which [is] as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, [and] rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth [is] from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple. [Psalm 19:1-7].

Thy mercy, O LORD, [is] in the heavens; [and] thy faithfulness [reacheth] unto the clouds. [Psalm 36:5].

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. [Psalm 91:13].

Conquered enemies prostrated themselves before their conquerors, who, to mark the completeness of the subjection, placed a foot upon the prostrate form.

He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by [their] names. Great [is] our Lord, and of great power: his understanding [is] infinite. [Psalm 147:4-5].

[Seek him] that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD [is] his name: [Amos 5:8].

Matthew 2:1-23

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 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. When Herod the king had heard [these things], he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, [in] the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 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. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

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. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

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 inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping [for] her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: 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.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. [Luke 1:34-37].

Luke 2:1-11

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

day [which began at sunset]

Luke 2:15-16

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen. [Romans 16:20].

[There are] also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial [is] one, and the [glory] of the terrestrial [is] another. [There is] one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for [one] star differeth from [another] star in glory. [1 Corinthians 15:40-41].

Celestial = positioned in or relating to the sky / belonging or relating to heaven.

Terrestrial = on or relating to the earth / of or on dry land / an inhabitant of the earth.

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost. [2 Peter 1:19-21].

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: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. [Revelation 12:1-2].

Wonder is a sign which is seen.

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star. [Revelation 22:16].

Spirit of Prophecy

The Messiah’s coming had been first announced in Judea. In the temple at Jerusalem the birth of the forerunner had been foretold to Zacharias as he ministered before the altar.

It was not the leaders in the church who had an understanding of this truth, and engaged in its proclamation. Had these been faithful watchmen, diligently and prayerfully searching the Scriptures, they would have known the time of night; the prophecies would have opened to them the events about to take place. But they did not occupy this position, and the message was given by another class.

At the time of Christ’s first advent, the priests and scribes of the holy city, to whom were intrusted the oracles of God, might have discerned the signs of the times, and proclaimed the coming of the Promised One. The prophecy of Micah designated his birthplace; [Micah 5:2.] Daniel specified the time of his advent. [Daniel 9:25.] God had committed these prophecies to the Jewish leaders; they were without excuse if they did not know and declare to the people that the Messiah’s coming was at hand. Their ignorance was the result of sinful neglect. The Jews were building monuments for the slain prophets of God, while by their deference to the great men of earth they were paying homage to the servants of Satan. Absorbed in their ambitious strife for place and power among men, they lost sight of the divine honors proffered them by the King of Heaven. {GC88 312.2}

An angel visits the earth to see who are prepared to welcome Jesus. But he can discern no tokens of expectancy. He hears no voice of praise and triumph that the period of Messiah’s coming is at hand. The angel hovers for a time over the chosen city and the temple where the divine presence was manifested for ages; but even here is the same indifference. The priests, in their pomp and pride, are offering polluted sacrifices in the temple. The Pharisees are with loud voices addressing the people, or making boastful prayers at the corners of the streets. In the palaces of kings, in the assemblies of philosophers, in the schools of the rabbis, all are alike unmindful of the wondrous fact which has filled all Heaven with joy and praise, that the Redeemer of men is about to appear upon the earth. {GC88 313.3}

It was not alone upon the hills of Judea, not among the lowly shepherds only, that angels found the watchers for Messiah’s coming. In the land of the heathen also were those that looked for him; they were wise men, rich and noble, the philosophers of the East. Students of nature, the magi had seen God in his handiwork. From the Hebrew Scriptures they had learned of the Star to arise out of Jacob, and with eager desire they waited His coming, who should be not only the “Consolation of Israel,” but a “Light to lighten the Gentiles,” and “for salvation unto the ends of the earth.” [Luke 2:25, 32; Acts 13:47.] They were seekers for light, and light from the throne of God illumined the path for their feet. While the priests and rabbis of Jerusalem, the appointed guardians and expounders of the truth, were shrouded in darkness, the Heaven-sent star guided these Gentile strangers to the birthplace of the new-born King. {GC88 314.3}

The wise men from the East were philosophers. They belonged to a large and influential class that included men of noble birth, and comprised much of the wealth and learning of their nation.

The character of these wise men who came to Jesus were upright men who studied the indications of Providence in nature, and who were honored for their integrity and wisdom. {DA 59.2}

These men were men of noble birth, learned in art and science. They were astrologers, and in the heavens they had seen the glory of God. But they had not a full knowledge of the Author of the wonders they studied.

While the magi were studying the heavens, a luminous star, entirely new to them, made its appearance. As they stood gazing at it, they were impressed that it was the herald of some great event. They decided to investigate the matter, hoping that they would be rewarded by a knowledge of the promised Messiah. The Lord encouraged them to go forward; and as the pillar of cloud moved before the children of Israel through the wilderness, so the star guided the wise men as they journeyed toward Jerusalem. When they drew near Jerusalem, it no longer went before them, but was enshrouded in darkness.

As these magi studied the starry heavens, and sought to fathom the mystery hidden in their bright paths, they beheld the glory of the Creator. Seeking clearer knowledge, they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures. In their own land were treasured prophetic writings that predicted the coming of a divine teacher.

Balaam belonged to the magicians, though at one time a prophet of God; by the Holy Spirit he had foretold the prosperity of Israel and the appearing of the Messiah; and his prophecies had been handed down by tradition from century to century.

But in the Old Testament the Saviour’s advent was more clearly revealed. The magi learned with joy that His coming was near, and that the whole world was to be filled with a knowledge of the glory of the Lord. {DA 59.3}

The wise men . . . had studied prophecy, and knew the time was at hand when Christ would come, and they were anxiously watching for some sign of this great event, that they might be among the first to welcome the infant heavenly King, and worship Him.

The wise men had seen a mysterious light in the heavens upon that night when the glory of God flooded the hills of Bethlehem. As the light faded, a luminous star appeared, and lingered in the sky. It was not a fixed star nor a planet, and the phenomenon excited the keenest interest. That star was a distant company of shining angels, but of this the wise men were ignorant. Yet they were impressed that the star was of special import to them.

They consulted priests and philosophers, and searched the scrolls of the ancient records. The prophecy of Balaam had declared, “There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Numbers 24:17. Could this strange star have been sent as a harbinger of the Promised One? The magi had welcomed the light of heaven-sent truth; now it was shed upon them in brighter rays. Through dreams they were instructed to go in search of the newborn Prince. {DA 60.1}

As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God, “not knowing whither he went” (Hebrews 11:8); as by faith Israel followed the pillar of cloud to the Promised Land, so did these Gentiles go forth to find the promised Saviour.

The Eastern country abounded in precious things, and the magi did not set out empty-handed. It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages of rank, and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed.

It was necessary to journey by night in order to keep the star in view; but the travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditional sayings and prophetic utterances concerning the One they sought. At every pause for rest they searched the prophecies; and the conviction deepened that they were divinely guided. While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope.

The journey, though long, was a happy one to them. {DA 60.2}

They have reached the land of Israel, and are descending the Mount of Olives, with Jerusalem in sight, when, lo, the star that has guided them all the weary way rests above the temple, and after a season fades from their view. With eager steps they press onward, confidently expecting the Messiah’s birth to be the joyful burden of every tongue.

But their inquiries are in vain. Entering the holy city, they repair to the temple. To their amazement they find none who seem to have a knowledge of the newborn king. Their questions call forth no expressions of joy, but rather of surprise and fear, not unmingled with contempt. {DA 60.3}

The priests and elders of Jerusalem were not as ignorant concerning the birth of Christ as they pretended. The report of the angels’ visit to the shepherds had been brought to Jerusalem, but the rabbis had treated it as unworthy of their notice.

Calling the wise men to him, Herod “inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 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. When they had heard the king, they departed, and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were 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 unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.” Mrs. E. G. White. {YI, October 19, 1899 par. 8}

In like manner Joseph received warning to flee into Egypt with Mary and the child. And the angel said, “Be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him.” Joseph obeyed without delay, setting out on the journey by night for greater security. {DA 64.2}

Herod in Jerusalem impatiently awaited the return of the wise men. As time passed, and they did not appear, his suspicions were roused.

Soldiers were at once sent to Bethlehem, with orders to put to death all the children of two years and under. The quiet homes of the city of David witnessed those scenes of horror that, six hundred years before, had been opened to the prophet. “In Ramah was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.” {DA 65.4}

This act of cruelty was one of the last that darkened the reign of Herod. Soon after the slaughter of the innocents, he was himself compelled to yield to that doom which none can turn aside. He died a fearful death. {DA 66.1}

Joseph, who was still in Egypt, was now bidden by an angel of God to return to the land of Israel. Regarding Jesus as the heir of David’s throne, Joseph desired to make his home in Bethlehem; but learning that Archelaus reigned in Judea in his father’s stead, he feared that the father’s designs against Christ might be carried out by the son. Of all the sons of Herod, Archelaus most resembled him in character. Already his succession to the government had been marked by a tumult in Jerusalem, and the slaughter of thousands of Jews by the Roman guards. {DA 66.2}

Again Joseph was directed to a place of safety. He returned to Nazareth, his former home, and here for nearly thirty years Jesus dwelt, “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.” Galilee was under the control of a son of Herod, but it had a much larger admixture of foreign inhabitants than Judea. Thus there was less interest in matters relating especially to the Jews, and the claims of Jesus would be less likely to excite the jealousy of those in power. {DA 66.3}

Comment:

Spirit of Prophecy makes clear that the Magi’s guiding star was “entirely knew to them”, was “not a fixed star nor a planet” but that it was “a distant company of shining angels”. Therefore, this so called “Bethlehem star” / “Christmas star” was not the Planet Jupiter moving westward on its regular orbit nor was it a unique planetary alignment as many sources have suggested.

Jewish Dates and their Meaning

Tishri 1-10 is the repentance period between the Feast of Trumpets and the Feast of Atonement.

Tishri 10 is the Feast of Atonement / Judgment for those who have not repented of their sins.

Tishri 11 is Jubilee or the Year of Jubilee; where all that is God’s is returned to God (owner).

Tishri 15 is the Feast of Tabernacles held for 8 days through to Tishri 23.

Tishri [or Tishrei] is the first month of the civil year (which starts on 1 Tishrei) and the seventh month of the ecclesiastical year (which starts on 1 Nisan) in the Hebrew calendar.

In the Jewish year 3759, Tishri 1 started on 3 BC September 11.

Tishri 1 – Feast of Trumpets – (Rosh Hashanah).

The Jewish Months

Jewish Month

Approximate Secular Date

1. Nissan / Nisan

March–April

2. Iyar / Iyyar

April–May

3. Sivan

May–June

4. Tammuz / Tamuz

June–July

5. Menachem Av / Av

July–August

6. Elul

August–September

7. Tishri / Tishrei / Tishre

September–October

8. Marcheshvan / Cheshvan

October–November

9. Kislev / Chislev / Casleu

November–December

10. Tevet / Tebet

December–January

11. Shevat / Š?vat / Š????

January–February

12. Adar

February–March

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dedication

Dedication is the act of consecrating an altar, temple, church, or other sacred building.

The Feast of Dedication, today Hanukkah, once also called “Feast of the Maccabees,” was a Jewish festival observed for eight days from the 25th of Kislev (usually in December, but occasionally late November, due to the lunisolar calendar). It was instituted in the year 165BC by Judas Maccabeus, his brothers, and the elders of the congregation of Israel in commemoration of the reconsecration of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, and especially of the altar of burnt offerings, after they had been desecrated during the persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes (168 BC).

The custom of solemnly dedicating or consecrating buildings as churches or chapels set apart for Christian worship must be almost as old as Christianity itself.

This service is probably of Jewish origin. The hallowing of the tabernacle and of its furniture and ornaments (Exodus 40); the dedication of Solomon’s Temple (I Kings 8) and of the Second Temple by Zerubbabel (Ezra 6); its rededication by Judas Maccabaeus, the dedication of the temple of Herod the Great, and Jesus’ attendance at the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22-23). All these point to the probability of the Christians deriving their custom from a Jewish origin.

http://www.cgsf.org/dbeattie/calendar/?roman=4bc

http://www.cgsf.org/dbeattie/calendar/?roman=3bc

http://www.cgsf.org/dbeattie/calendar/?roman=2bc

Feast of Dedication (Chanukah) [Hanukkah]

Kislev 25-Tebet 3, 3758

4 BC December 14-21

Feast of Dedication (Chanukah) [Hanukkah]

Kislev 25-Tebet 2, 3759

3BC December 2-9

Feast of Dedication (Chanukah) [Hanukkah]

Kislev 25-Tebet 2, 3760

2BC December 22-29

http://www.beda.cz/~jirkaj/seasons/seasons.pdf

Year

4BC

3BC

2BC

Spring Equinox

22 Mar 22:42

23 Mar 04:25

23 Mar 10:15

Summer Solstice

24 Jun 21:47

25 Jun 03:26

25 Jun 09:18

Autumn Equinox

25 Sep 08:28

25 Sep 14:13

25 Sep 20:02

Winter Solstice

23 Dec 01:07

23 Dec 07:01

23 Dec 12:43

The Bible does not state how old Mary was when Jesus was born but most Christian historians speculate that she was around 15-16 years of age. According to Jewish customs at the time, a young woman might become betrothed to a young man as early as 12 years of age, though the consummation of their marriage through ceremony and physical intimacy would not happen until they were legally married, many months or even years later.

Mary travelled from Galilee to Judah to visit her relative Elizabeth [Luke 1:39–56]. She would have had to cross a great distance though the territory of Samaria. We do not know if she travelled alone, with servants, or in the company of other family members. However, there is a great likelihood that, even with adult escorts, Mary would have needed to be both physically and emotionally mature enough to handle such a journey.

No matter what Mary’s age when Jesus was born, her spiritual maturity is indeed evident. The mother of Jesus is described by God as “highly favoured” [Luke 1:28]. When presented with the news that she would conceive the holy Son of God, Mary responds with pure faith and obedience by saying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” [Luke 1:35–38]. Her song [Luke 1:46–55] is full of Old Testament Scripture and this is another strong proof of Mary’s learning and spiritual maturity.

From the above, was probably 16 years of age when Jesus was born and probably 15 years old at conception.

Conception

Conception occurs when the male sperm meets the female egg and fertilizes the egg inside one of the fallopian tubes, thus producing a new life. After a few days, the fertilized egg will travel to the woman’s uterus where it will implant itself into the wall of the uterus.

For the standard pregnancy the due date is 266 days (38 weeks) after conception.

266 days (38 weeks) before the 3BC September 11 birth is 4BC December 19.

However, teenage pregnancies are usually of a slightly shorter duration that more mature mothers. Therefore a duration of 263 or 262 days (37.5 weeks) is more realistic.

263 days before the 3BC September 11 birth is 4BC December 22.

262 days before the 3BC September 11 birth is 4BC December 23.

Returning to the Winter Solstice for 4BC, this occurred on 23 December at 01:07 hours; some cite the time on this day as 05:51 hours.

Either way, the Winter Solstice marks the darkest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere; this being the shortest amount of time between sunrise and sunset [ due to the Earth’s relation to the Sun and the angle of the Earth’s tilt ].

So, precisely at this re-birth of a new year, Mary is visited by The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee. Naturally, this act would occur while Mary was sleeping.

According to Science and also God as shown above, life begins at conception.

“Human development is a continuous process that begins when an oocyte from a female is fertilized by a sperm from a male”.

“Human development begins at fertilization when a sperm fuses with an oocyte to form a single cell, the zygote”.

GOD’S CREATION WEEK – ADAM and EVE [f.] created by God [generation 1]. [Genesis 1:1 – 2:3]. Creation week started after sunset at 6 pm on Saturday October 22, 4004BC [Jerusalem time].

Moving forward 4,000 years gives:

Sunset at about 6 pm on Saturday 4 BC October 22 [Jerusalem time].

Between 4 BC October 22 and 4BC December 22 there are 61 days.

Between 4 BC October 22 and 4BC December 23 there are 62 days.

In Gematria:

61 = King of Jews (Messiah).

62 = Jerusalem the Royal City.

Only our OMNI-God could produce all the above results with such accuracy.

God's Word Explained

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Planets & Stars at the Birth of Jesus