The Mortal Birth of our Savior
Most Bible scholars agree that the birth of Jesus was not quite what the world at large believes. We know that Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem to satisfy the census required by Caesar Augustus. The bible describes it as being "taxed". However, Bible historians understand this to be "counted" as in a census. The people had to go to the city of their birth because that was where the records were kept and thus the census could be better managed.
This census was usually taken during the time of the Passover because most folks went to their home city to take the Passover with family. Joseph and Mary went to Joseph's birth town, Bethlehem. It was a difficult journey because of Mary's pregnancy and the nearness of the time of her baby's birth. It is likely that they planned to stay with Joseph's family, instead of a public inn. The home where they planned to stay and partake the Passover had many family members already there and there was no private place for Mary to give birth. But there was room in the stable and there they went. They were still with family and would partake the Passover with family, but they also had privacy when they would not otherwise have had.
The Passover comes in the springtime. Usually late March or April. Thus, scholars agree, the birth of Jesus would most likely have happened in early April. We know, through revelation, that the date of His birth was April 6, in our current calendar. The year is a little subjective because in ancient Judah a baby was considered to be 1 year old at the time of his birth, or in other words, he would be in his first year. Scholars do not agree which year it was. Some say 1 b.c.e, some say 4 c.e. It doesn't really matter.
We chose to celebrate the birth of Jesus, whom we know to be the Christ, on December 25. Why? There are various answers. Some say that it was convenient to do so during a pagan holiday so as to avoid criticism from those of anti-Christian belief. It doesn't really matter. That we celebrate Jesus' birth is the important thing.
The birth of Jesus is important, but it isn't as sacred as is His death. Some celebrated His death because they thought His teachings would be eliminated with His death. They could not have been more wrong. There is no other birth, life, teachings, or death more celebrated than that of Jesus Christ. No other person has had as great an influence on the various societies of the earth than has Jesus Christ.
We honor Jesus Christ, the Almighty Son of the Living God. We love Him. We revere Him. We are grateful for the Atonement affected by Him. We know He Lives. We acknowledge His hand in our lives.
This census was usually taken during the time of the Passover because most folks went to their home city to take the Passover with family. Joseph and Mary went to Joseph's birth town, Bethlehem. It was a difficult journey because of Mary's pregnancy and the nearness of the time of her baby's birth. It is likely that they planned to stay with Joseph's family, instead of a public inn. The home where they planned to stay and partake the Passover had many family members already there and there was no private place for Mary to give birth. But there was room in the stable and there they went. They were still with family and would partake the Passover with family, but they also had privacy when they would not otherwise have had.
The Passover comes in the springtime. Usually late March or April. Thus, scholars agree, the birth of Jesus would most likely have happened in early April. We know, through revelation, that the date of His birth was April 6, in our current calendar. The year is a little subjective because in ancient Judah a baby was considered to be 1 year old at the time of his birth, or in other words, he would be in his first year. Scholars do not agree which year it was. Some say 1 b.c.e, some say 4 c.e. It doesn't really matter.
We chose to celebrate the birth of Jesus, whom we know to be the Christ, on December 25. Why? There are various answers. Some say that it was convenient to do so during a pagan holiday so as to avoid criticism from those of anti-Christian belief. It doesn't really matter. That we celebrate Jesus' birth is the important thing.
The birth of Jesus is important, but it isn't as sacred as is His death. Some celebrated His death because they thought His teachings would be eliminated with His death. They could not have been more wrong. There is no other birth, life, teachings, or death more celebrated than that of Jesus Christ. No other person has had as great an influence on the various societies of the earth than has Jesus Christ.
We honor Jesus Christ, the Almighty Son of the Living God. We love Him. We revere Him. We are grateful for the Atonement affected by Him. We know He Lives. We acknowledge His hand in our lives.
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