Christmas Presentation: United in Prayer (12/18/2019)

Biblical Context of Birthday of Jesus - December 25

Many people might not doubt if December 25 is the true and exact birthday of Jesus. Let's look at the Bible as reference. This was presented during the United in Prayer: Cebu Answersnthe Call of Mama Mary.

We can trace it by first looking at the conception of John the Baptist in Gospel of St. Luke Chapter 1.

 [5] There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zachary, of the course of Abijah; and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth.

[5] "Of the course of Abijah": that is, of the rank of Abia, which word in the Greek is commonly put for the employment of one day: but here for the functions of a whole week. For, by the appointment of David, 1 Par. 24., the descendants from Aaron were divided into twenty-four families, of which the eighth was Abia, from whom descended this Zachary, who at this time was in the week of his priestly functions.

[6] And they were both just before God, walking in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blame. [7] And they had no son, for that Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years. [8] And it came to pass, when he executed the priestly function in the order of his course before God, [9] According to the custom of the priestly office, it was his lot to offer incense, going into the temple of the Lord. [10] And all the multitude of the people was praying without, at the hour of incense.

[11] And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. [12] And Zachary seeing him, was troubled, and fear fell upon him. [13] But the angel said to him: Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John: [14] And thou shalt have joy and gladness, and many shall rejoice in his nativity. [15] For he shall be great before the Lord; and shall drink no wine nor strong drink: and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

Abijah serve the Temple during the second week of the Jewish month of TISHRIE, estimated to be 15th day of Tishrie. Therefore, converting it to Gregorian Calendar he was conceived on September 25. 

Now let us read the conception of Jesus.

[26] And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, [27] To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. [28] And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. [29] Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. [30] And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God.

[31] Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. [32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. [33] And of his kingdom there shall be no end. [34] And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? [35] And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

[36] And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren: [37] Because no word shall be impossible with God. [38] And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

St. Elizabeth is on her 6th month pregnancy when Jesus was conceived by the Virgin (Mama Mary). So adding 6mos. to September 25 is March 25 which is the Annunciation, celebrated by Catholics.

Doing math again adding 9mos. to March 25 is..... December 25!!!

The early Church fathers fathers was truly guided by the Holy Spirit as they discover the Birthday of Jesus through the Holy Scripture.