The nativity of Jesus is an event that occurs on the day that Christ was born. This event is described in the gospels of Luke and Matthew. The events surrounding the birth of Christ are fascinating and have profound meaning for believers of all faiths. Learn about Jesus’ birth date, the reign of Herod, and Joseph’s profession as a carpenter. This article explores these events and many more. It will inspire you to learn more about Jesus’ early life and his life’s work.
Date of Jesus’ birth
Many ancient historians disagree about the exact date of Jesus’ birth. Some believe it happened around 2 BC, while others think it was in the early third century. Either way, the birth of Jesus is considered a turning point in history, and the debate continues to this day. The exact date of Jesus’ birth is unknown, but the year that he was born is significant for many historical events. The Gnostic Basilides, for example, reported that Jesus was born in the Egyptian month Pharmouthi (April 19 or 20).
Many scholars dispute the date of Jesus’ birth, but biblical evidence suggests a different day. As early as the second century, the birth of Jesus was not widely known. The western Roman Empire celebrated his birth on December 25, while the eastern Roman empire marked his birth on January 6. While both dates are significant, the truth is that it was unlikely that Jesus was born in the winter. If he was born on a winter’s day, it would be difficult for the emperor to take the census.
Herod’s reign
The timeline of Herod’s reign after the birth of Jesus is not completely clear. According to Josephus, Herod died around A.D. 35. But when we consider that he ruled from 37 B.C. to 4 B.C., we can see that Herod’s death was actually closer to 2/1 B.C. than we might have originally thought. The exact date of his death is not known, but we do know that it was in the first century.
The Bible mentions Herod several times, including in the birth of Jesus. Herod was a Jewish king and was feared by the Jews. He consulted with the teachers of the law and chief priests of the Jewish religion, who confirmed the birth of Christ. The teachers of the law also told Herod that the star had predicted the birth of the Messiah, who would come from Bethlehem. However, Herod was worried about a potential usurper who would take over the kingdom. Therefore, he called a meeting of the chief priests, and asked them where the Messiah would be born. The chief priests answered Bethlehem.
Mary and Joseph’s travel to Bethlehem
In Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem to register their marriage. Since Mary had been promised to Joseph in marriage, she supported him in his decisions. She also showed simple obedience to him. While they were traveling to Bethlehem, angels, magi, and other animals accompanied her. Despite their strained travel plans, Mary and Joseph arrived safely at Bethlehem.
During the time of Jesus’ birth, the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was roughly 70 to 80 miles. Considering the fact that Mary was pregnant, other means of transportation for the couple included donkeys, camels, and horses. Some people speculate that Joseph was not wealthy, so he would have lent Mary a donkey. Another possibility is that he had a wagon.
Carpenter’s trade
The word tekton, translated as “carpenter,” is used to refer to Jesus Christ. It also describes his father, Joseph, who was also a carpenter. In ancient societies, sons often followed in the footsteps of their parents or guardians by becoming a carpenter. Thus, Jesus’ occupation as a carpenter was not surprising, because carpenters were often well-versed in household repair and maintenance.
While many believe that Jesus was a carpenter, his father probably trained him as a carpenter before he began his ministry. But Jesus did more than carpentry: he built a following of followers. While the Bible does not record any evidence of Jesus making furniture, it is believed that Joseph taught him the trade as he was the son of a carpenter. Although there are few details about the carpenter’s profession, many believe that he built a bookshelf.
Midwife’s role in Jesus’ birth
Although the Bible doesn’t tell us exactly who was a midwife, it is easy to imagine a woman who played a vital role in Jesus’ birth. Mary was pregnant for at least nine months, so it is likely that the midwife she hired would have had a significant role. The midwife would have tended to the infant and helped Mary with painful contractions. She would also have found a suitable cloth to clean the baby Jesus. The midwife would also have helped with the delivery of the placenta and cut the umbilical cord.
During the time of Jesus’ birth, the Israelites knew about the Torah and binah, and the midwives’ role in the process was important. They knew that having children was a sacred duty and was a way to glorify God. Women in these days would nurse their newborns for years, and would seek professional help with confinement. A midwife would also have the knowledge of the laws and regulations of birth and would be a key role player in the child’s life.
Whether or not a Christmas star was visible at the time of Jesus’ birth
There are several theories on whether or not a Christmas star was visible during the time of Christ’s birth. Some scholars suggest that the star may have been a comet. In addition, comets are traditionally associated with major historical events. Halley’s Comet was present around the time of the first Christmas, which took place between 5 and 7 B.C. However, other theories claim that the star was something else entirely.
The biblical text does not mention a Christmas star, but the Psalms state that the heavens declare the glory of God. During the time of Jesus’ birth, the wise men probably did see a star in the sky. As an added bonus, the star lasted several months, outshining all other stars in the galaxy. While this fits well with the Christmas card conception of a star, it doesn’t fit with the biblical text. Further, since the star was so bright, King Herod must have failed to notice it. If the star was actually a star, everyone would have seen it by then.