Larry A. Smail's Blog

A Rather Long Study of Events Surrounding Christ’s Birth, but Worth the Read.

By Larry A. Smail

The accounts of Christ’s birth in scripture actually give very little details. Only a handful of verses within a couple books of the New Testament give any information of his actual birth. However, there are words in Old Testament prophecies that, also, affirm the New Testament accounts.

I believe this fact of little detail was by design. Perhaps, the infinite wisdom of God knew mankind would create rituals around Christ’s birth that would greatly lesson the importance of the reasons as to why the God of heaven would come to earth as a baby only to sacrifice his earthly life for mankind. Thankfully for us this same man would arise from the grave and death giving us all the opportunity for forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation. (Gospel of Grace)

Before we dive into this study of Christ’s birth, I believe, some study needs addressed from Old Testament prophecies to learn why, and how, Christ’s birth came to be.

OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES

In Genesis 12: 3, God told Abraham, in his Abrahamic Covenant, from his lineage all families of the earth SHALL be blessed. With this statement it is easy to see a future Messiah would come through the Jewish people. This blessing would be Christ!

The Jews from antiquity knew they were destined to be a great nation. After all God had made covenant promises with the Jews’ fathers of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob… Other promises insured they were to be a special set-apart and holy nation of priests to take God’s message to the Gentiles if they only were obedient. (Exodus 19: 5-6 Also, see 1 Peter 2:9-10 and Isaiah 49: 6.)

In an early prophecy of Genesis 49: 8-10, the patriarch, Jacob told his twelve sons they would praise his one son named, Judah. He, also, added the scepter shall not depart from Judah. (A scepter is a ceremonial staff held by an imperial authority such as a king. This individual would be over a royal kingdom and forever. This prophecy indicates the Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah. Remember, Jesus has been known in scripture as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. See Revelation 5:5.)

Also, in Numbers 24: 17,…there SHALL come a Star out of Jacob and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel… (This Messiah would come from Jacob’s lineage (Abraham’s grandson) through Israel. Note the capital letters on Star and Scepter)

In 2 Samuel 7 beginning with verse 12, the prophet Nathan told King David, prophetically, that after his death his offspring would establish a kingdom or a royal house FOREVER. These prophetic words shows a King and Spiritual kingdom would be established throughDavid’s lineage. (Note the prophet used the word FOREVER. How long is forever? Forever is a long time like eternal.)This natural, or earthly, kingdom (Israel) would be corrected as needed, but God would NOT remove his steadfast love and promises. (This is why Israel became a nation again in 1948. Those promises will be coming soon.)

Nathan continued that this royal house of David or kingdom SHALL be forever as well as the throne. (This will happen at the Second Advent of Christ. However, this could have happened at his first advent if Israel would not have rejected him.)

Israel and Judah would be greatly chastened with falling into Gentile control. This happened over 500 years before Christ beginning with King Nebuchadnezzar of the Chaldeans. (The Babylonian Empire or the head of gold story in Daniel 2.) However, during much of this Gentile control, Israel’s prophets continually told of a coming kingdom and King despite Israel’s failings.

Words from Isaiah’s prophecies regarding the future King and kingdom are often heard during the Christmas season. Take note: These words were written by a Jewish prophet to the Jews and Israel.  Isaiah 9: 6- 7 states: “For unto us is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore.” Note the Jewish language in those verses. The “US” here are the Jews.

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Isaiah 7: 14 states;  “the Lord himself SHALL give you a sign; Behold, a virgin SHALL conceive, and bear a son, and SHALL call his name Immanuel.”

Notice in Isaiah 11: 1 where scripture states, there SHALL come forth out of the Jesse, a Branch… and the spirit of the Lord SHALL rest upon him…(Jesse was David’s father.)

NOTE: When the Lord states the word “SHALL” the meaning is not a maybe but a definite event. Watch how often scripture uses the word SHALL.

Jeremiah 23: 5-6 states similar words. …the Lord will raise  unto David’s a righteous Branch, and a King SHALL reign and prosper, and SHALL execute judgement … In his days  Judah SHALL be saved, and Israel SHALL dwell safely: and through his name whereby he SHALL be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

This King will, also, to be known as the Promised One, the Messiah and the Anointed One for the Jews. That King would be Christ! He will be King over Israel and set upon the throne of David. After this event happens then the Jews would go out to the Gentiles. Of course, Israel failed and this duty went to Paul. (Paul in Romans 15:8-12 stated: Christ came to earth to be a minster, or servant, to the Jews to confirm God’s covenant promises. This would allow the Gentiles to receive mercy and glorify God. Notice how everything fits together. Remember the scriptural verses mentioned earlier.)  We know the Jews rejected Christ and they have been greatly chastised. Also, Pilate ordered a sign place over the cross of Jesus stated …Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews.

Micah 5: 2 tells us this ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem. This man’s origin is from of old, from ancient of days. (This is Christ. John: 1-5 calls Christ the Word who was from the beginning.)

GABRIEL’S APPEARANCE TO MARY

As stated, Israel had been under Gentile control for over 500 years by this time in Jewish history. The Lord knew the timing was right to move with the delivery of Israel’s King to fulfill prophecy. He sent an angel named Gabriel to visit a young

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Jewish virgin. Her name was Mary. This visit, using the Jewish calendar, was sometime within August and September. (See writings in Luke 1: 26-38.)The Bible, in verse 26, records this visit from the angel Gabriel, happened in the sixth month. (The Jewish calendar and new year begin with Nisan. (Abib) Nisan 1 varies within our March-April time frame.)

NOTE: The name Mary is an English translation for Maria in Latin and Greek and Myriam (Miriam) in Aramaic.

Mary, upon seeing this angel, was troubled. Gabriel told her to not be fearful for she had found favor of God. Mary was told she was to deliver a son named Jesus. This baby would be called the Son of the Most High and receive the throne of David. This son would rule forever over the House of Israel and his kingdom would never end. (Remember the prophecies mentioned above from 2 Samuel and Isaiah.)

Of course, Mary couldn’t understand how she would have a son since she had not been married. Gabriel told her she would conceive through the actions of the Holy Spirit and the power of the Most High. The child would be called holy (Set apart) and the Son of God! Mary was faithful and agreed to do whatever was required of the Lord. (How soon did this supernatural conception take place? It is impossible to know an exact time with any certainty.) However, in Luke 1: 36, Gabriel relayed to Mary that her kinswoman, Elizabeth was six months into her pregnancy so when was the Holy Spirit conception most likely to have had taken place? Probably quickly, but we can’t say with certainty of the timing. Verse 26, as stated above, states the angelic visit was in the sixth month. (August-September)

NOTES: Details to keep in mind

Elizabeth was already six months pregnant when Gabriel visited Mary, on the sixth month, with the foretelling of Mary being the mother of Jesus. She would conceive through the actions of the Holy Spirit and the Most High. Six months using the Gregorian calendar equals to somewhere within the August-September time frame. The conception probably happened soon after this visit.

BLOODLINE FLOWS THROUGH THE MAN

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Few realize an interesting truth about this Holy Spirit conception. One needs to go back to the time of Adam to begin this understanding. With Adam’s willful disobedience the Lord placed a curse on creation. Everyone born since this time has the curse of sin through Adam’s bloodline. Even if an individual could have been born and lived an absolute sinless life (Impossible) the person would still be considered a sinner due to the corrupted bloodline. Jesus’ bloodline would need to NOT be corrupted with the sin line brought about through Adam. The Lord would be required to interrupt that bloodline with a Holy Spirit sinless bloodline. Since the bloodline is traced through the father, Joseph could not have been a biological father to Christ for his bloodline would be under Adam’s sin  or corrupted blood.

NOTE: Details on bloodline.

All of mankind carry corrupted bloodlines due to Adam’s unbelief as to what the Lord told him. This led to Adam’s sin and the curse. The Holy Spirit conception would eliminate Jesus being with a corrupted and cursed bloodline.

JOSEPH’S ISSUE

Mary and Joseph were betrothed. (Engaged) Joseph learned of Mary’s pregnancy and was to divorce her privately to avoid public shame and scandal. (Remember Joseph and Mary did not have any relationship that would have led to her pregnancy.)

One can see Joseph was a man of integrity. (Under Jewish law a man could divorce a wife, or betrothed, simply by a formal act from the man with a certificate of divorce.)                                                 

However, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream explaining Mary’s pregnancy was the result of the Holy Spirit. The child, he was informed, would be called Jesus and he would save his people from their sins. Joseph was satisfied and the marriage would happen. (The story of Joseph is in Matthew 1: 18-25.)

NOTES: Details on Joseph

Joseph was most likely much older than Mary. Mary could have been fourteen, or

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so, years old with Joseph, as an established carpenter, being in his twenties. Women were often very young in marriage in these days. He and Mary lived in Nazareth.                

THE TRIP TO BETHLEHEM

A decree from Caesar Augustus (Reign 27 B.C.-14 A.D.) was issued for the Jews to be counted. (Luke 2: 1-5) Joseph and Mary were living in Nazareth, so they would be traveling to Bethlehem, known as the city of David.  This town was Joseph’s hometown.  Mary’s pregnancy was getting close by this time to give birth. However, they headed for Bethlehem. (The distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem is approximately 70 miles depending on the route they chose to use.)

NOTE: This trip would have been organized with others in the area since traveling alone for such a distance would have been extremely dangerous. Also, remember Joseph was a carpenter. He would have had wagons or carts of some sort to carry tools and materials. Using commonsense, Joseph would have used such a wagon to travel to Bethlehem with supplies, needed belongings and a place to sleep, after all his wife could, possibly, have the child before they reached Bethlehem. It is easy to see the travelers would need to spend several nights either by stopping at communities or setting up tents for sleep and evening meals. They may have been able to move eighteen to twenty miles a day.

In Luke 2: 6-7, we see Mary would, indeed, give birth while in Bethlehem. (This birth would have happened sometime in May or June depending on when she was conceived through the Holy Spirit and assuming that supernatural event occurred quickly after the visitation of Gabriel. Also, remember Elizabeth was six months with child at Gabriel’s visit to Mary.) This satisfied ancient prophecies.  Jesus was born, wrapped with swaddling clothing and he would sleep in a manger until a better place would be had. (Placing swaddling clothes on a baby was customary. The baby was wrapped and this method seemed to be positive for a baby. This act was to have the baby feel secure as he was in the womb and to cut down on possible scratches as the baby moved his arms around. Mangers could have been made from wood or hewn-out stones. The livestock would feed from a manger.)

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NOTE: Scripture states there was no room in the inn. Christmas traditions usually use a stable or barn. Some suggest a cave.  However, many homes of the day had the living quarters upstairs, or to one side, and the livestock below or beside the primary living space. The Greek word used for inn is kataluma which means guest room.  Jesus could have, most likely, been born on the lower floor of some family members or friend’s abode. Joseph would have had family in Bethlehem. We simply can’t say from scripture except he wasn’t born at an inn or guest room.

NOTE: Details on the Trip to Bethlehem

The May-June time frame (Our calendar.) is concluded by adding nine months from the Gabriel visit in August-September. Remember to think in a Jewish calendar mindset for determining scriptural dates. Such a trip would undoubtedly be organized with others from Nazareth to insure safety from robbers and to help each other as needed. It would be very unlikely for Mary to ride a donkey for such distances with a husband. Many supplies would be needed.

THE SHEPHERDS

There were shepherds in a field watching over their livestock at night. The livestock were, probably, sheep. (This would need to be in warmer time of the year. Spring is lambing season. So, Jesus, also known as the Lamb, would be born during lambing season. One example: John 1:29 states; “The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him, and said Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”) An angel of the Lord appeared to them and they were fearful as the glory of the Lord shone around them.  The angel told them to not be afraid because this appearing to them was to bring about good news. That good news was of the Savior, Christ the Lord’s birth in the city of David. (Bethlehem) They would find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. A heavenly host sung praises before their eyes.  They searched out this baby. These men told the news to everyone they met.  (See Luke 2: 8-20.)

NOTE: Details for the Shepards

 I wondered about this supernatural appearance to the shepherds and if there was any significance to this. Then I thought of the men commonly referred to as the

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wise men. Did the Lord use the lowly shepherds to indicate all common men would, now, have hope? Shepherds were considered to be at the “bottom of the heap.”  The wise men of wealth and position in society were on their way to see this King. I believe these two groups of classes were supernaturally approached by the Lord to demonstrate that this baby would cover the sins of the world regardless of cultural standings and classes of people.

THE STAR

Around this same time during this event of Christ’s birth a “Star” appeared. This star may have made its debut prior to the actual birth. Much speculation and theories have been used to find out exactly what this star was in those ancient skies. One thing for certain the star was an event known or recognized by only a few. The star wasn’t something that impressed most of the people of the area for even King Herod was unaware of anything out of the ordinary. People educated in astronomy, or the study of the stars, however, saw the star. (This “star” could have been a possible special planet alignments or a supernatural star placed by God.) Apparently, some who knew enough of prophecies recognized this event as something very important. Perhaps, they had visions from an angel of the Lord. Scripturally, we can’t know how their knowledge came to be. Regardless, these men began the quest to find the King of the Jews. More on the star shortly.

NOTE: Details on the Star

Some points to remember about the star. It seems very apparent that the star was not anything of wonder to the average person of the time. Only men with knowledge of such an event would take special notice.

THE “WISE” MEN

Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of King Herod. Men, some- times called Magi, from the east came to Jerusalem seeking information on a new King of the Jews.  They added, they had seen “HIS STAR” in the east and came to worship him. (Nowhere in scripture does it state there were three wise men. All we can know there were, at least, two men because of the plurality in scripture. Of

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course, they would have had their servants along with supplies needed to travel. They were not “kings” as per common Christian songs, but rather learned and educated men, possibly, in a study of the heavenly stars and various religious cultures.

This study of stars is astronomy. They may have been priests of Zoroaster from eastern lands near Persia which is present-day Iran or Iraq. They were, most likely Gentiles, but they could have been Jews, possibly priests since many Jews had lived in these areas. Remember, the Jews had been carried off hundreds of years ago. Some remained in these countries to live their lives. Somehow they knew of the promise of a Messiah to the Jews. Did an angel of the Lord appear to them with the words of this coming King? Did they see this from dreams?) The story of the “wise men” is in Matthew 2: 1-12.

NOTE: Detail of the Wise Men

 It is impossible from scripture to say when exactly the wise men visited Bethlehem, but it is safe to state the visit was not on the night of the birth. Were these men Gentiles or Jews? Again it is impossible to know with any certainty. More later.

KING HEROD

Herod was king over Judea. He was a Roman appointee who was an Arab that had converted to Judaism. The educated “wise” men came to Jerusalem to inquire as to where this King would be born.  These people of Jerusalem were not aware of any star apparently, or at the least, didn’t think anything special from the appearance. This natal Star was not the bright illuminating star featured in Nativity images and Christmas cards. The Star was only special to those educated with such knowledge of the heavenly stars. Herod called his priests and such and was told the prophecies exclaimed the King would be born in Bethlehem.  Herod wanted to know when the star first appeared and told the “wise” men to return once this King was found so he too could go and worship him. (This proves even King Herod wasn’t aware of anything all that unusual in the night sky. Herod’s story is in Matthew 2:1-19.)

The men headed to Bethlehem. The Star “appeared” to them and led them to where the child was living. (Notice this time a Star led them to where the baby

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was staying. This star mentioned here, I believe, was an angelic-style star. Many times in scripture the word “Star” was used to indicate an angel. It seems a heavenly star was viewed by these men with heavenly knowledge. It indicated to them a King was born. But note this star, now, went before them as a guide and stood over where the baby was. I do not see this to be the same heavenly star. This star, or angel, apparently, was for their guide only.) The men worshiped the King and gave gifts. They found the Christ in a “house.” (Some time may have elapsed since the astronomical natal star’s first appearance until these men first saw this guiding  star and realized the importance of it, the planning to go to Judah, travels and finding the Christ. Jesus and Mary were still in Bethlehem at this time.)                                     The men realized through dreams they were not to return to Herod. The wise men may have arrived about this time of circumcision for Matthew 2: 13 states after the Magi had gone Joseph was told to go and take the child to Egypt. (It is six miles between Bethlehem and Jerusalem.) Another unknowns: how long before Joseph and his family left for Egypt? I suspect their time in Bethlehem was short after Christs’ birth. Was the circumcision completed while traveling?

Herod was angry when he realized the “wise” men were not coming back and ordered the murder of all male babies from two years old and younger. He, apparently, through the wise men’s description as to when the original star appeared wanted to make sure that King would not live. He ordered all male babies from two years and under to be killed. Herod wanted to be thorough so he included a two year time span. (Matthew 2: 16-18)

NOTE: Details of King Herod

King Herod was an evil man. He had family members assassinated to preserve his power as king. His wife was eliminated, as well. He died in a suffering and long death.

HEROD’S DEATH

Herod, according to the Jewish historian, Josephus, died in 4 B.C. shortly before Passover of April 9-11 in the year of 4 B.C. (My research has three dates of possible Passover for that year.)

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However, some historians lean to Herod’s death in 3 B.C. Remember Herod ordered male babies murdered from two years and under.

Jesus’ parents would have had him circumcised on the eighth day according to Mosaic Law. (Luke 2:21) According to Jewish law Mary would be required to go through the “Rite of Purification.” This rite is found in Leviticus 12: 1-8. This purification for having a male child lasts 40 days including the eight days prior to circumcision. I do not believe this action is required to be immediate under various circumstances.

This date of assumption concerning Herod’s death indicate Jesus had to have been born, at the latest, in 4.B.C. sometime before Herod’s death. To satisfy the historian Josephus records of a 4 B.C. death careful thought is a must. King Herod could have died around Passover and still be a 4 B.C. death considering Passover is Nisan 14, Herod could have died prior to Nisan 1 and still have died in 4 B.C. However, once he lived over the Nisan 1 date the year would have been 3 B.C.

If his death occurred in the March-April (Gregorian calculations) birth prior to Passover and at the beginning of Nisan 1. This would less than 14 days from the first day of the Jewish year. Remember Passover takes place on Nisan 14. One needs to remember around this time the king had been suffering with severe health issues.

To make the birth of Jesus fit into the May-June birth, as stated earlier, the 4 B.C. date would work just fine. Some claim the birth was 2 or 3 B.C. as the year of Christ’s birth. I can’t see how considering Herod’s probable death of 4 B.C. However, a 3 B.C. death of Herod would easily allow a 4 B.C. birth in May-June along with visits of the wise men, circumcision after eight days and purification requirements to be fulfilled. This date allows for more time in the story to see events fall into place. As recently discovered in my research, there are historians stating Herod died in 3 B.C. Either date seems to allow for all the events to occur in a timely manner.

Herod had ordered all male babies of Bethlehem murdered. Herod died thereafter and the family returned from Egypt, to Jerusalem, to make an offering for Mary’s

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purification rite complete.  (Luke 2: 22) At this time, while in Jerusalem, scripture states of a man named, Simeon who realized the baby was the Messiah.

Upon the completion of the circumcision; the escape to Egypt; the return to Jerusalem for the purification rite to be fulfilled as per Jewish law, the family returned to Nazareth. After Herod died they returned to Jerusalem immediately. Once all purification rites and offering were completed the family returned to Nazareth.

NOTE: Detail of Herod’s Death

 As you have just read and exact dating is difficult due to some unknowns and the discrepancy of Herod’s death. Personally, I see the 4 B.C. or 3 B.C. death fits very well in the timing of additional events. This allows for the 4 B.C. birth of Jesus in May-June  during the time of lambing, weather conditions agreeing for travel of men from the east, Shepherds in the fields, and traveling for the registration or census. This allows for Herod suffering for a long time before death near Passover of 3 B.C. Since Passover is only fourteen days into the Jews first month of Nisan, Herod could still have died in 4 B.C. just  a day or two prior to  the Jewish new year of 3 B.C. See addendum chart.

Final Note

Although many of the traditional ideas of the Christmas season do not fit into the reality of those times, it is important to realize his birth is what truly is important. The world would have a Savior and an opportunity to see salvation if they believe that Jesus died for their sins was buried and rose from the grave.

DISPENSATION FOR US TODAY

One needs to believe Jesus died on the cross for their sins. This belief with faith promises the forgiveness of sins. One, also, has to believe Jesus rose from the grave with resurrection power to receive salvation.

THIS IS GRACE!

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