LAST YEAR, I smashed everyone’s iconic images of Jesus’ birth. Was the manger, in fact, in somebody’s living-room? Click here to see that blog. https://eleanorgustafson.com/uncategorized/rethinking-christmas-1/
THIS YEAR—How about Jesus being born on March 20 of 6 BC?
Rabbi Jonathan Cahn has researched biblical and historical data, and his conclusions grabbed me. He notes:
King Herod died in 4 BC, so given his decree to kill all 2-year-old babies, Jesus was most likely born in 6 BC.
The ONLY time sheep would be pastured at night was during spring lambing season, when new lambs needed care. Bethlehem lambs, BTW, were set aside for temple sacrifice. Jesus, the Lamb of God, thus was born as the
Perfect Sacrifice.
The Hebrew month of Nisan, which means Beginning, is the ancient Jewish New Year, the month in which the Exodus from Egypt was originally celebrated as a new beginning. Exodus 12:1: “And God spoke to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, ‘This month is to be for you the first month of your year.’”
At least one small, Jewish community still observes the New Year of Nisan 1, rather than Rosh Hashana. They say, “In Nisan, we were redeemed in the past, and in Nisan we are destined to be redeemed again, As the Exodus from Egypt took place in Nisan, so too will the ultimate messianic redemption.”
(Their words, not mine!)
Jesus’ Holy Spirit conception and birth mirrors the original, Old Testament tabernacle that took nine months from conception to completion. “And the Word became flesh and tabernacled or dwelt among us.” (John 1:14) Rev. 21:3—“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people.” A beautiful image of true Christmas—Christ stooping low to draw us into the Holy of holies!
Might Jesus, our Redeemer, have been born on March 20/Nisan 1? WHEN He was born doesn’t matter. THAT He was born shattered our calendar: BC to AD.
What does Christmas mean to you? Is it gifts/parties/decorations? Or is it our Redeemer tabernacling with us? That’s worth celebrating. Few would move Christmas to March 20, but Cahn’s new perspective might lead us to bow and worship the Lamb of God.
Etsy
Please share your Christmas thoughts—special memories, sacred moments, when you first felt the significance of Jesus’ birth. Comment below, or egus@me.com
Dearest Ellie…
Every Christmas is joyful and sacred, but this one has inspired me to embrace God‘s love and peace and unity, more than ever.
I frequently find myself on my knees, begging God to invade the hearts of men and fill them with Christ’s love. This includes my own heart, and I pray that God just overwhelms me with compassion and patience and grace. Because that’s what I really need for Christmas this year!
I hope that you and Jim, and all of our blog friends feel God’s presence in powerful ways throughout this Holy season, as together, we celebrate the birth of our Savior with hands and hearts wide open to receive all that he came to give us!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Love, Sue
Hello Ellie, love your consistently thought provoking blogs. The Rabbi you described made me think of Simeon who had been waiting for the Messiah his whole life. Would it be that Rabbi Cahn ‘s diligent study of the Scriptures brings him to an encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ during this joyful season! Merry Christmas and many hugs being sent your way.
Thank you Ellie for your inspirational thoughts on Christmas. I am indeed not interested in the controversies, arising from the day and time when He was born, but by the impact caused by His coming to this world. I am a changed person. Jesus is my Lord and Savior.
The prophets Isaiah conveyed the true message from God.
“For to us a Child 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.” Isa 9:6. My Joy is that I have Peace from the Prince of Peace.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Hey Ellie, I went back and looked at last years blog then read your newest. They have both given me much to think about. And they both make sense to me. Merry Christmas!
My birthday is 3/20 and my whole life changed when I saw JC’s program revealing this.