While many of us are getting over the excitement of Christmas and preparing for the New Year, there are others who are still in the thick of Christmas celebration. Before Christmas, we celebrated the four weeks of Advent as we prepared and celebrated the birth of Christ. For some, Christmas was just the beginning of another celebration that lasts for twelve days and leads from Christmas to Epiphany. What is this celebration and what is Epiphany? Let’s find out.

For many of us, The 12 Days of Christmas is just a zany Christmas song that is sung in a round and keeps repeating itself. It’s just a fun song that a group of people can really get into. Yet, this song refers to an almost two week celebration of Christ’s birth and what he has given to us.

The celebration of The 12 Days of Christmas, or Christmastide, was established by the Council of Tours in 567 AD. The lyrics were published in 1780, but likely existed far earlier. While it is unknown when the song was first written, it is believed to originally be of French origin and began as a memory and forfeits game. This is a game where one makes up unrealistic lyrics to a song to stunt your opponent. If not repeated correctly, that person must forfeit something to the other person. The tune we know of today is from the English composer Frederic Austin in 1909.

The first Christmas was celebrated in 336 AD under the Roman Emperor Constatine. Christmastide goes from the first day being Christmas day to the night before Epiphany, January 6th. Epiphany was first celebrated around 200 AD and was originally the recognition of Christ’s baptism and a time when new converts to Christianity were baptized. It is still celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox today. Yet, by 361 AD, Epiphany was changed to be a celebration of the visit of the Magi to Jesus and their presentation of their gifts to him. Yet, when the Schism of the Catholic Church occurred in 1024 AD, the West continued with the celebration of the Magi on Epiphany while the East officially adopted the celebration of Christ’s baptism.

Some say the song The 12 Days of Christmas was derived or used by Catholics as a secret code to teach catechism and avoid persecution. Some believe this to be untrue for a couple of reasons: (1) the English monarch in 1780 was George III who was considered by many to be a devout Christian. Yet, he took seriously his role as the defender of the Anglican Church. While not actively against those outside the Anglican Church, he would not be supportive of them either. (2) Yet, again, there is nothing taught by this technique that would be contrary to the teachings of the Anglican Church and strictly Catholic in origin. But still, far less reasons for persecution between Catholics and Protestants had been instituted in the past. We have discovered that “conspiracy theories” often have a habit of being true. And it is interesting how the symbolism plays out quite conveniently to the lyrics of this song even though they sound rather zany at first glance.

So, let’s investigate this song and the meanings to which may be inferred.

Each stanza of the song starts with the saying, “My True Love Sent to Me . . .” This is a reference to none other than God Himself. The Bible teaches us that God is love. John tells us, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1Jn 4:9-12). Jeremiah stated, “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jr 31:3). We may not originally think of these things in the song as gifts, but as we explore, I think we can agree these are definitely gifts from a loving God. Also, the number twelve is significant because it represents perfection, authority, and completeness. So, these twelve gifts should represent the perfect gifts of God to us.

On the 1st Day of Christmas, a partridge in a pear tree is presented. This represents Jesus Christ providing wisdom and prosperity. Jesus Christ’s birth is celebrated on the first day of Christmastide. In some Christian circles, the pear signifies knowledge and wisdom, as some believe the pear was the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden, and believe the shape of the pear is linked to humanity’s sorrows. The partridge symbolizes protection and sacrifice because a partridge will give its life to defend its young. This is quite as accurate symbolism of Jesus Christ as to his origin, suffering, and sacrifice. All the gifts within this song point to him, represent him, or come from him.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas, two turtle doves are presented. These represent the Old & New Testaments, which is the provision of the complete plan of God. It is often said the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. As doves are a representation of the Holy Spirit; it is the Holy Spirit who ties all of scripture together. Paul stated in 2nd Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2Tm 3:16).

Doves also represent peace and harmony. Jesus stated, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Mt 5:17). By fulfilling the Law, much of the Old Testament seems like it is null and void, but because it is fulfilled, much of the Law no longer has the same impact on us because Jesus became our Old Testament required sacrifice so that we can now petition directly with the Father: The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience, and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hb 10:19-22).

On the 3rd Day of Christmas, three French hens are presented. These represent Faith, Hope, & Love. The apostle Paul stated, “And now these three [gifts] remain: faith, hope and love, But the greatest of these is love” (1Co 13:13).

French hens come in various colors and patterns, depending on the breed. They are known for their unique feather patterns, colorful eggs, and personality. Like these hens, faith, hope, & love are related but distinct on their own. They each have their own “personality” so to speak. All the other gifts given by the Holy Spirit hinge on these three. Paul tells us that other gifts without, especially, love is like listening to clanging cymbals. One must first have these three to make any other gifts effective and used in the way God intended them. The other gifts without these three can lead to pride and conceit, just the opposite of what any gift is designed to achieve.

Faith is trusting in God for what he says. Hope is believing in what God says about our future as if it already was. Love is demonstrating the trait God has shown to us to others. These are definitely gifts that can only come from God Himself.

On the 4th Day of Christmas, four calling birds are presented. These represent the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John. Although the lyrics today say “calling birds,” it seems originally it was “four colly birds.” Colly birds are typically European black thrushes but can represent any small songbird of any color. This is a great depiction of the Gospels: each one calls to all but with a slightly different song and perspective of Jesus: Matthew presents Christ as the Messiah; Mark present Christ as Our Sacrifice; Luke presents Christ as Savior to all; and John presents Christ as the Son of God.

On the 5th Day of Christmas, five gold rings are presented. These represent The Pentateuch (Torah), or the five books of Moses (i.e., Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). Gold rings signify covenant and promise. The first five books of the Bible provide God’s covenant with Israel and the set up for the new covenant which he also promised to Israel and which we, as Gentiles, are grafted into once we accept Christ for our future. Understanding the old covenant is foundational to understanding, and appreciating, the new covenant Christ has extended to us. Genesis presents how everything began by God’s design and introduces his Promised Kingdom he will one day provide through a coming Messiah. Exodus speaks of deliverance from sin and old ways and turning toward God and how to worship him. Leviticus presents the Law—a binding to God. It shows how to obey and worship a holy God. Numbers is a representation of sanctification over time like the Children of Israel enduring various trials as they traveled through the wilderness on their way to their Promised Land. Deuteronomy was a remembrance for the Children of Israel as Moses reminded them what God did for them, and he prepared them for their future once they reached their Promised Land.

On the 6th Day of Christmas, six geese a-laying were presented. These represent the six days of creation. Each day could be considered hatched, or birthed, by God. As geese lay eggs from within them to give birth to chicks, God birthed creation into existence from within him, being created from nothing already existing. Understanding how creation came to be is foundational to a proper worldview and understanding how God and we are intimately connected to each other. In various cultures, geese have been associated with creation, community, martial harmony, and seasonal changes. On Day 1, light was created. Light is paramount to life; Jesus stated he is the light of the world (Jn 8:12). On Day 2, the firmament was created which gives us air to breathe and protection from cosmic radiation, just as Jesus is our sustainer and protector (Mt 6:25-34). On Day 3, land & vegetation were created, providing us a place to live and nutrients for our needs, reminding us that Jesus is our life sustainer. On Day 4 the sun, moon, and stars were created which provide just the right balance for life to exists on the Earth—all sustained by Jesus Christ himself (Cl 1:17). On Day 5, birds & fish were created providing beauty and nourishment to sustain us—again reminding us that we are sustained by Jesus Christ himself. On Day 6, land creatures & mankind were created. The land creatures provide us nourishment, companionship, and a way to get work done. Again, all sustained by Jesus Christ.

On the 7th Day of Christmas, seven swans a-swimming were presented. These represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In some Christian literature, swans represent the Holy Spirit or God’s unconditional love for humanity. In some cases, swans are even used to symbolize Christ himself – his purity and grace being represented in this beautiful creature. Isaiah 11: 2-3 presents these gifts: (1) The Spirit of wisdom and (2) of understanding, (3) the Spirit of counsel and (4) of might (fortitude), (5) the Spirit of the knowledge and (6) fear of the LORD (piety), and he will (7) delight in the fear of the LORD. Let’s look at these more closely.

Wisdom is discernment, insight, and rightly applying God’s word. The psalmist says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise” (Ps 111:10). So, wisdom is something that we should all be pursuing.

Understanding is the ability to comprehend, learn, and connect to God’s word. Solomon, in Proverbs, says, “Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course” (Pr 15:32). Understanding leads us to having a course in life pleasing to God.

Knowledge is the theoretical and practical understanding of truth expressed through God’s word. Solomon told us, again in Proverbs, “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered” (Pr 17:27). So, knowledge of God leads us to understanding who he is, and that leads us to have awestruck respect for God which is wisdom.

Counsel is the ability to convey insight from God’s word to others. The psalmist said, “I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me” (Ps 16:7). God’s word is where we should receive our counsel for how to make our plans successful.

Fortitude is courage to stand and persevere during adversity knowing God is on your side based upon His word. James tells us, “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (Ja 1:3). We should know who we are in Christ so that we can stand in spite of circumstances and chaos which may surround us.

Piety is devotion in service of God according to His word. The word piety in this verse is translated from the Latin Vulgate. It is not listed in other translations. Yet, the concept is definitely taught in scripture. In Deuteronomy, we read, “It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him” (Dt 13:4). Understanding and practicing all the previous gifts enables us to serve out of gratitude, not out of duty or necessity for approval or winning favor.

The fear of the Lord is a state of holy reference as well as being in awe of who God really is, both his wonderful love as well as his longsuffering judgment. Isaiah actually has this as two separate gifts where one has been interpreted as piety, the fear of the LORD, and secondly to delight in the fear of the LORD. To delight in the fear of the Lord is to have a relationship with this one who you can call “Abba Father” and at the same time know his capability of discipline. Solomon also said in Proverbs: “The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (Pr 19:23). It is one thing to have fear, or reverence, for the Lord, but another to delight in this reverence which is another way of saying you have an intimate relationship with God. All of the previous gifts lead to being able to have this one.

On the 8th Day of Christmas, eight maids a-milking were presented. These represent the Beatitudes: those who inherit the kingdom. In 16th century England, women working as day laborers would indicate they were quite poor for they would normally take care of their house or someone else's. So, the beatitudes represent those who the world considers “lowly” but whom God esteems greatly (Mt 5: 3-10): blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted; blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth; blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled; blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy; blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God; blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God; blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. God’s kingdom is upside down to how mankind has set up kingdoms on this world (much from the influence of Satan).

On the 9th Day of Christmas, nine ladies dancing were presented. These represent the fruit of the Spirit. Dancing represents emotions and spiritual experiences. So, it isn’t a stretch to understand that nine ladies dancing would represent the fruit of the Spirit (Ga 5:22-23): Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. These add grace & beauty to anyone’s life and to all those around us.

On the 10th Day of Christmas, ten lords a-leaping are presented. These represent the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). Lords have always been associated with making proclamations, laws, and commandments. The 10 commandments are both God-relational and fellow man-relational. They cover: (1) our relationship with God: Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only; Do not take God’s name in vain; Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy; (2) Our relationship with family: Honor your father and mother. (3) Our relationship with others:  Do not kill; Do not commit adultery; Do not steal; Do not bear false witness. And (4) the respect we should have for others and what is theirs: Do not covet your neighbor’s wife; Do not covet your neighbor’s possessions. These all represent how to live a harmonious life but require all to follow them.

On the 11th Day of Christmas, eleven pipers piping are presented. These represent the eleven disciples. Judas Iscariot is not included because he did not carry forth the gospel. It’s interesting that the disciples are contrasted to “pipes” or woodwinds. There are various kinds of woodwinds and can be used as solos, in combination together to play the melody, or to support the melody. The disciples were similar in that each had different talents and skills, and each complemented the building of the church and spreading the gospel to many places. Judas, of course, is excluded from this list because of his betrayal of Jesus, and a reminder that we must stand for Christ to be counted worthy by God.

On the 12th Day of Christmas, twelve drummers drumming are presented. These represent the 12 Points of the Apostle’s Creed. Drummers keep the beat or cadence for others to follow. This fits in well with the Apostle’s Creed for it is also the beat, or belief, all Christians should follow so that we are united within the body of Christ. Unity is an important point made in Scripture: The psalmist states, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Ps 133:1). Paul tells us in Ephesians, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ep 4:3). And states in Colossians, “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Cl 3:14). Now let’s look at each of the 12 points in more detail:

Apostle’s Creed #1: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Paul tells us in Colossians, “For in him [Christ] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Cl 1:16, 17). Therefore, all things originated from God.

Apostle’s Creed #2: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

Paul stated, “He [Jesus Christ] has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time” (2Tm 1:9). Jesus is the ultimate solution to our sin problem.

Apostle’s Creed #3: He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

Isaiah prophesied, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Is 7:14). Matthew tells us, “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledge to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit” (Mt 1:18). As well as, “But he [Joseph] did not consummate their marriage until she [Mary] give birth to a son. And he [Joseph] gave him [the infant] the name Jesus” (Mt 1:25). Luke adds to this by saying, “You [Mary] will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus” (Lk 1:31). A virgin birth is paramount to how Jesus Christ can save us. Only someone fully human yet full God could accomplish this.

Apostle’s Creed #4: He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

Matthew states, “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” (Mt 27:22). John tells us, “Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head” (Jn 19:1-2). He goes on to say, “Finally Pilate handed him [Jesus] over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus” (Jn 19:16). He then adds, “When he [Jesus] had received the drink. Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (Jn 19:30). Mark tells us, “So Joseph [of Arimathea] brought some linen cloth, took down the body [of Jesus], wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb” (Mk 15:46). Christ was the only one who could atone for the sins of everyone.

Apostle’s Creed #5: He descended into hell [Sheol]. On the third day, he rose again.

Paul tells us in Colossians, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Cl 2:15). Peter adds to this by saying, “After being made alive [in the Spirit], he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits” (1Pt 3:19). Paul tells us in First Corinthians, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1Co 15:20). Christ’s resurrection is the hope and assurance of our resurrection and having a glorified body that will be like his for all eternity.

Apostle’s Creed #6: He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

We read in Acts, “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight” (Ac 1:9). Paul tells us in Romans: “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Ro 8:34). Christ is our ultimate high priest and makes intercession on our behalf to God, the Father.

Apostle’s Creed #7: He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

We read in Acts, “Men of Galilee,” they [the angels] said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Ac 1:11). John tells us in Revelation, “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war” (Rv 19:11). And goes on to say, “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire (Rv 20:15). He is a God of love but ultimately a God of justice.

Apostle’s Creed #8: I believe in the Holy Spirit

In Acts we read, “All of them [Christ’s disciples] were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Ac 2:4). John reminds us of Jesus’ words: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (Jn 14:26). The writer of Hebrews tells us, “God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will” (Hb 2:4). And the apostle Paul tells us, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Ro 8:6). We can have the power and mind of Christ because we have the Holy Spirit.

Apostle’s Creed #9: I believe in the holy catholic Church

The word catholic here means “universal.” Paul tells us in Ephesians, “Christ is the head of the church” (Ep 5:23). And also states, “The church submits to Christ” (Ep 5:24). And then tells us, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ep 5:25). He also tells us in Second Corinthians, “I am jealous for you [the church] with a godly jealousy, I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him” (2Co 11:2). He also speaks to the church in his epistle to the Philippians: “then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Pp 2:2). We are to have unity as the body of Christ.

Apostle’s Creed #10: I believe in the communion of saints

The writer of Hebrew states, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hb 12:1). As well as telling us, “. . . Not giving up meeting together . . .” (Heb 10:25). Paul tells us in Second Corinthians, “And when he had given thanks, he broke it [the bread] and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me’” (1Co 11: 24-25). We are to meet together to strengthen and encourage one another.

Apostle’s Creed #11: I believe in the forgiveness of sins

Paul tells us in Ephesians, “In him [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ep 1:7). And also in Colossians, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins” (Cl 2:13). John wrote, “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his [Jesus’] name” (1Jn 2:12). This gives us hope and the opportunity to live with Him forever.

Apostle’s Creed #12: I believe in the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

In John, we read, “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (Jn 11:25). And Paul stated, “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Ro 6:5). As well as, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ro 6:23). His resurrection gives us assurance of an eternity with him if we have accepted what he has done for us and the hope of our eternal future.

While the 12 Days of Christmas is just a zany Christmas song to many, I hope the next time you hear it, you will remember the key elements of our faith, what Christ gave up to give us all of these gifts, and to appreciate them and review them every time you hear this song in the future.

Paul tells us in Ep 3:20-21: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

We have a lot to live for and even more to experience both in this life and in the life to come!

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Our pastor has decided to retire this next year. He and his wife have been such a great asset to our church and to all of us individually. I wrote this sonnet several years ago, but still feel the same way today.

Christmas is a time of gifts and good cheer.

A time of good deeds and being benevolent.

But sometimes a pretty package leads one to say, “Oh dear!”

Because what was wrapped was actually a white elephant.

Other gifts are expensive and showy which reflect more the giver

Than reflecting on what was wanted, what was needed, or desired.

Some gifts are timely and precious putting a smile on the receiver,

Making onlookers wish to the same they had aspired.

Then come the gifts devoid of pretty packages and bows,

Whose contents, though intangible, are as precious as one’s youth.

Unwrapped is not a thing but a person God bestows,

With a desire to share the Christmas story based upon God’s truth.

And that brings us to the gift Countryside received more than a decade ago,

When God brought to us the gift of Mike and Kaye Otto.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

This poem alternates between three Christmas perspectives: Angelic viewpoint; Joseph’s viewpoint; and modern day viewpoint.

I don’t understand. Was this the plan? Is this what Jesus will do?

How could he leave and go to the Earth, and grieve those here who remain?

I hear the love that resides in him is so great that he will now woo

The humans he loves because that is what he does and their future he will soon regain.

I don’t understand why his plan is entrusted to someone like me.

Can I as a father not bother to care for the life of such a one?

Yet, if he is the Savior which his angel has said, then what can I to him be?

But I will obey and ensure the way so his will for me can be done.

I don’t understand why we wrap all these presents. I for one say nay.

They’re such a chore, a pain, and a bore—that’s for sure and certain.

Is anyone even grateful for how much I spend and just give it all away?

I wouldn’t shed a tear if on all this “cheer” we would just close the curtain.

I can’t believe what I just heard! How can it be? It can’t be true.

He’s bringing his love, which comes from above, but these humans won’t even care.

Gabriel has said of this he knew, but his birth would somehow become a clue

For those who follow, his love they hallow, and it to others they bear.

I can’t believe the shepherds would come to observe our baby just born here at Migdal Eder.

Angels, it seems, had said to them to be of good cheer for he lay here in their manger.

I thought they would be mad but one shepherd replied and spoke as if their leader.

He said no, they were happy to ponder this Promised Wonder; Israel to God no longer a stranger.

I can’t believe my wife had me purchase such an expensive type of wrapping paper.

Why does the color need to be gold with texture stiff and hard to fold? But that’s what I had to buy.

Yeah, she said beauty of the color reminds her of the gold, and the frankincense and myrrh

That was given so freely, on that first Christmas really, to the baby Jesus by the regal Magi.

I think I get it now, even though it is strange to see it all play out.

Jesus left heaven on that Shavuot, being born as a sin antidote, arriving on Earth as an infant

So he could with humans identify even though their allegiance lays often in doubt.

But he assures his love will win in the end, freeing mankind from sin, becoming transcendent.

I think I get it now, this Promised One in my arms giving me a feeling of awe.

Knowing that God has visited this sod in such a glorious and magnificent way.

It’s beyond my comprehension how his tiny little fingers reach out and touch my jaw.

My eyes fill with tears realizing Mary’s fears will manifest on that future dark day.

I think I get it now: this present wrapped in gold donning its delicate bow changes my attitude.

I anxiously await as the giver for the receiver to open this gift wrapped with so much care.

It then hits me. God felt the same giving his Word, his Son, without any platitude.

What mattered was not its inception but its open reception without any needed fare.

I bow my head and raise my hand as I am taught this love which Jesus freely flaunts.

Humans are not worth the mention but that does not change the attention that is given.

“It was all for naught,” “it will not last,” “and all will forget,” the Adversary taunts,

But love, a sacrificial cause, will give the receiver applause as one day to be risen

To a life anew forever united with this One who loved them so.

Their praise will last forever because their Savior will never let them go.

I bow my head and raise my hand as I look at the shepherds and Magi here on their knees

Realizing I am part of the prophecy of the supremacy of this dear one now in Mary’s arms.

Yes, sadness will come but will not remain for there is more to these prophecies

Which state my adopted son will one day reign King of kings and free us all from any harms.

My heart beats with pride as I look at this one so tiny in this lowly of places.

Knowing I’m fulfilling God plan for me, for Israel to see, and for the world full of so many faces.

I bow my head and raise my hand, a better attitude now found.

Presents are a symbol of the love that does resemble what occurred on that first nativity.

How love came down in the form of an infant, and to all mankind did abound.

Even to those who refuse his gift and remain amused in their negativity.

But Christ’s love bestows new life to those who believe and keeps the evil that comes at bay.

So shout it and say, “I thank you Yahweh for the love you gave on that first Christmas Day.”

By: Randy C Dockens

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Can you believe that? Almost being fired for delivering news we have all waited for for centuries. I mean, who else should be more excited than me about this, but them? I thought that was why my great grandfather, by grandfather, my father, and I have worked as shepherds for the temple.

My father taught me it was an honor to watch over the sheep that produce lambs for temple sacrifice. We have always taken great pride in ensuring the animals are without any blemish because we want only the best to be offered to Yahweh. The Torah commands it. We obey. That’s what the priests teach us and repeat to us almost every time we bring them the lambs.

“We can’t afford to offer anything with any hint of sickness, deformity, or blemish,” they say. “It’s your job to ensure that,” they drill into us.

And we do! I can’t remember a single time I had to be reprimanded for bringing in a bad lamb or goat.

I learned from my father and grandfather what to do. And I was determined to do it even better. I was going to be known for the quality of my work. I would watch each ewe carefully for when they showed signs of being ready to deliver. I would bring them to Migdal Eder, our watchtower for the flock just outside Bethlehem, when they got near their time for delivery so I could watch them closely. As soon as the lamb was born, I would grab it, wrap, and swaddle it so neither the mother could accidently kick or step on it nor the lamb somehow injure itself. The swaddling cloths would cause the lamb to calm. After it calmed down, I would place it in the stone manger and examine every square inch of its body to ensure it was a lamb worthy of temple sacrifice: free from any blemish or malady. I had to watch all the lambs born for an entire year to ensure they fed properly, didn’t become too rambunctious, or do anything that could potentially harm or mar them in any way. Even if I do say so myself, that’s a lot of hard work. And I take great pride in it. Doing otherwise yielded harsh consequences.

Oh, I saw how these “benevolent” priests could get so riled when things didn’t go their way. I was determined not to go through their scolding. They can be brutal. After all, wasn’t it only a couple months ago they were commending me on the quality of sheep they got from me for Passover? Now, today, they tell me I must be drunk because I saw hallucinations, and if I don’t stop spreading these false rumors, they will not only fire me but excommunicate me. And maybe even my entire family from the temple! I can’t bring such a disgrace to my family.

But I can’t deny what happened and what I saw either.

There we all were, sitting around the campfire as the sheep had finally settled down. All of a sudden, the dark, night sky burst into glorious light. It was a light almost like that of the sun, but different somehow. I was able to look at it. The light began to move, and I realized it wasn’t light after all, but an angel! I didn’t know what was happening and wanted to run, but my feet wouldn’t move. I was terrified, I tell you. But the angel spoke. Such a calming tone yet commanding somehow.

“Don’t be afraid,” the angel said. “I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people. Born to you, even today, in the City of David is a Savior, the Christ, the Messiah you have been waiting for. Here is a sign for you: you will find him as a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in the manger.”

Then, suddenly, the night sky exploded with light. Many, many angels seemed to be everywhere around us! Each shining like a glorious star—and singing. I can still hear them:

“Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.”

We all were stunned, standing there looking into the sky with mouths partially open. I don’t know how long it lasted. It seemed like an eternity and like a split second at the same time. Then, just as suddenly as they appeared, they vanished.

The darkness enveloped us once again.

We all just stared at each other for several seconds.

Benjamin broke the silence and said, “What just happened?”

“A miracle,” Elimelech added.

I then chimed in, “Let’s go see.”

“See what?” Benjamin asked. Benjamin has always been a little slow on the uptake, granted, but I just couldn’t believe him.

“See what? The baby, the Messiah, of course.”

“Let’s do it,” Eldad replied, “but where?”

Maybe they were still too stunned, but I know they heard the same words as I did.

“Why, Midgal Eder, of course. Where else has a manger we know about?”

So, we left Simon and Jesse with the sheep as the rest of us headed to the watchtower.

As we approached Migdal Eder, we saw a small fire going, so we knew someone was using the watchtower. The timing for birthing of the lambs was practically over so we only had some supplies and a few animals there at the time. When we poked our heads in, a woman and man looked at us, at first startled, but the mother then smiled at us—almost like she knew we would be coming. She was somewhat rocking the baby as it lay in the stone manger; she waved for us to come closer.

The man spoke first. “I am Joseph. This is my wife, Mary. And this . . .”

Mary picked up the infant so I could see his face, “is our son.”

I think I gasped. It was such a special moment.

Now any baby is cute, but this one—well, he was different. Looking into his eyes was like looking into eternity. I can’t really explain it, but I just knew he was special—he was the One Israel had been waiting for. With eyes like that, yes, he was the One.

“What is his name?” I asked.

The mother smiled and said, “Jesus.”

I grinned. “The Lord Saves.”

Mary nodded. “He will save his people from their sins.”

My eyes began to water. “My name is Joshua,” I said.

Mary smiled again. “Then you both have something in common already. Your names are similar to each other,” she said as she placed her son back in the manger.

I nodded again—overcome with emotion.

I looked down at the infant in the stone manger, and I gasped again. He looked just like a newborn lamb I would wrap in swaddling cloths inspecting it for blemishes to ensure it would be suitable for sacrifice. It hit me like a ton of bricks. This is the One who would save his people from their sins. Sin requires sacrifice. This meant he would, somehow, become the sacrifice for Israel. How he would do that I had no idea but knew he would. This One had come to be born to die.

My eyes watered again, and I looked at Mary who seemed to know what I was thinking. She gave a slight nod as her eyes watered as well.

It then struck me what Joseph had said. “If you are married, how can you be the virgin to give birth to our promised Messiah as prophesied by the great prophet Isaiah?”

Mary touched my shoulder and looked into my eyes. “I assure you; the Holy Spirit has conceived this child. Joseph and I have not yet been together.”

When I looked at Joseph, he nodded. “I took her as my wife to protect her.”

I nodded as I knew immediately what he meant. Knowing the wrath the priests could bring upon someone, I knew he had likely saved her from being stoned to death. But I just knew the high priest would welcome this one with open arms. After all, this baby was fulfilling prophecy, several in fact, and the Sanhedrin certainly believed in prophecy, or so I thought.

I told Joseph and Mary all that had happened: about the angel and what he said, about the angels singing, and the bright star I had noticed.

“Oh,” she said, “I don’t think many even look up to notice the star. How did you notice it?”

I laughed. “A shepherd has two things to do,” I said. “Tend sheep during the day and look at the stars at night. And I’m certainly not going to count sheep at night to go to sleep. I spend all day counting sheep. I’d rather just look at the stars until I fall asleep.”

Both Mary and Joseph thought that a little funny.

We stayed a little longer and then left the couple there with their infant so they could have privacy and get some sleep themselves.

I had a hard time sleeping that night, though. What would the priests say? Would we still have a job if the true sacrifice was already with us?

But I learned something. Greed trumps prophecy. I overhead some of the priests say that if the people heard what I had just told them, then they may stop buying sheep for sacrifice. They definitely didn’t want that to happen. Then, as I said earlier, they threatened me to remain silent. I eventually told them what they wanted to hear: I would not spread false rumors.

But what I saw and heard was not false. No! It was truth!

Truth is something to be shared. And that is what I will do! I will share the truth because it is the truth that will set one free. So, I will go and spread truth. After what you’ve heard from me, I hope you will do the same. Until we meet again. Shalom.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

We normally see the Magi at the manger in the Christmas story, but is that when they actually came? Believe it or not, Scripture tells us a different story. If you’ve been following previous posts, you already know Christ was likely born on Shavuot, and, if Rick Larson’s work is accurate, in June of 2 BC. Other work he has done has shown that the Magi visited Mary and the baby on December 25, 2 BC. One could argue whether that was serendipitous or divinely appointed. Either way, it’s still very cool! That would make Christ around 6 months of age. Does that line up with scripture? Let’s see.

The Bible tells us the Magi arrived at a house and saw the child (a different word than for infant; Mt 2:11). So, what Larson has discovered about Christ’s birth, and what we have discovered about the prophetic meanings behind Rosh Hashanah and Shavuot, seem to line up perfectly with what Matthew tells us. The Magi found a child, not an infant when they visited Mary in the house. I just find that exciting!

How did the house come into the picture? If Mary and Joseph were just there until they could get back to Nazareth, then why were they in a house? Well, people at this time in history almost routinely stayed with relatives when they visited. This was the custom at this time. It was the expected thing to do. Also, Mary would be considered unclean for a time as she gave birth and for some time afterward. By being unclean, what she would touch would become unclean, so Joseph likely found shelter at Migdal Eder, the watchtower of the flock, so she could have the baby without contaminating a crowded house. Then, once her purification was over, she could come back to the house and be welcomed and well taken care of. And this is likely where the Magi, the Wise Men, found Jesus: in the house of one of the relatives of Joseph where Mary and Joseph were temporarily staying. I just love how all of this comes together and makes such perfect sense.

The next piece is why did Herod kill all boys two years of age and younger? If you recall from previous posts, the Magi began to see the signs in the heavens even before Christ’s conception. If you recall, his conception between Mary and the Holy Spirit occurred on Rosh Hashanah when Israel would ask God to remember his covenant with his people (and when Jupiter, the king planet, converged with Venus, the mother planet). Nine months later, Jesus was born on Shavuot (the feast which has held many paradigm shifts which God has orchestrated). Six months after his birth, the Magi show up.

When Herod asked the Magi when they began to see these signs in the heavens (Mt 2:7), he couldn’t be sure how old the baby had become when these men from the east showed up at his doorstep. He just knew that the time from when they started seeing these signs until their arrival was almost two years. Therefore, just to be sure, he had all boy babies two years and younger killed. Better safe than sorry, as they say—at least to his way of thinking. It seems unconscionable to us, but this was not the first act of lunacy this Herod had done in his lifetime.

So, it was all timed perfectly. The meaning in the stars so these Magi could understand, the meaning in the Jewish festivals so the Jews could understand, the recording in scripture so we could understand—these events and their timing were all planned from the very beginning of time. Can you grasp that? Can you see why Christmas is such a magical time of the year? So, why in December? There are many reasons and although part of it deals with a pagan holiday, I hope you can see there is more underlying this magical story than just that. The Magi came to Christ in December. The Winter solstice, very near Christmas, is the shortest day of the year—the longest night. Christ, the light of the world, came and the darkness started to recede. Isn’t that what he does for us individually as well? He brings us light and the darkness within us recedes as his light takes over!

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Joseph had to return to Bethlehem to get registered for the taxation which was being implemented (Lk 2:1-3). He was from the lineage of King David, and Bethlehem was David’s hometown (Lk 2:4-5). With Mary being pregnant and on the journey with him, it took longer than normal to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Yet, there were so many people traveling for this same issue, the roads were likely safer than they ever were previously. Yet, it took a lot out on Mary.

Joseph knew he at least didn’t have to worry about a place to stay. Or he didn’t think he would. He knew of a close relative who still lived in Bethlehem and would be more than willing to allow them to stay there. After all, this was the custom of the day. But Joseph was shocked when he arrived in this usually small, quaint, and slow-moving town just outside Jerusalem. It had never been more crowded and was literally bursting at its seams. He wondered if he would have trouble getting a welcome after all.

He found his relative’s house and knocked. Joseph was now filled with apprehension. His cousin opened the door. He had a haggard look on his face, but it turned into a smile when he saw Joseph. The two of them embraced. Joseph stepped aside to introduce Mary as his wife, but his cousin’s face went from a smile to a frown once he saw the evidence of her pregnancy. His cousin’s wife did the same, but then quickly recovered and invited them in. His cousin’s house was already full of people, yet room was made for Mary to lie down and recover from her long trip. After seeing everyone and talking for a while, his cousin invited Joseph to join him outside. His cousin explained that at any other time, Joseph and Mary would be welcomed in his home, but Mary’s pregnancy complicated things. Joseph nodded because he knew that as well. The guest room was already full of additional relatives (Lk 2:7). There was just no place for Mary to have her baby. Joseph knew it wasn’t only about privacy, which very few people ever had, but Mary would be considered unclean for at least a month after the baby would be born (Lv 12:1-4). Anything and anyone she touched during this time would also be unclean (Lv 15:19-23). This was just an untenable situation in such a crowded house. Joseph assured his cousin he understood and would find other arrangements before the baby would be born. His cousin asked him to hurry because it looked like it would happen any day now.

Looking for a place proved more difficult than Joseph thought. Because all the houses were so crowded, most could not bring their animals into their home at night as normal. Therefore, even the outside areas for animals were filled to capacity, and some people had to stay all night outside with the animals to prevent robbers from taking them or them wandering off in the middle of the night. Finding a place to have a baby proved extremely difficult. Joseph began looking outside the main town area itself. He found a shelter at Migdal Eder, the watchtower of the flock (Mi 4:8). The fields around Bethlehem were the places where the priest shepherds watched over the temple flock. There were special requirements for sheep being offered as a temple sacrifice and these shepherds took extra diligence to ensure these sheep were without blemish for sacrifice. Midgal Eder was a place where they ensured the lambs born were protected and where they inspected them. They would wrap each newborn lamb in cloths to help calm the animal and place it in a special manger so they could inspect the animal for any blemish. The cloths also protected the animal so it wouldn’t do any damage to itself as the shepherd inspected it.

The time of birthing sheep had recently ended, so there was no competition for using the shelter at Migdal Eder (Mi 4:8). While not ideal by our standards, I’m sure Joseph considered it almost ideal, and he likely felt fortunate. It was a place still in Bethlehem, so relatives were close by if needed. Likely some of them helped with the baby’s delivery. The watchtower was almost abandoned that time of year, although it likely contained supplies for the shepherds and likely a donkey or two for hauling supplies. It may have had other animals for various needs: milk, carrying cargo, and maybe even food. It provided a quiet place for Mary to have her baby and would be a place to stay until her uncleanness was over. Afterward, she could be welcomed back into the crowded house. Then everyone would ooh and aah over the infant.

Once the cramping started, Joseph led Mary out to Midgal Eder on their donkey. Likely a few of the women went with him. It was now June, the time of Shavuot—a Jewish holiday which represented paradigm shifts and the inclusion of non-Israelites: Israel as a nation was born this day (Ex 19), both Rahab and Ruth, both Gentiles, were accepted into Judaism on this day (Js 5-6; Ru 1-4), now Christ, the one born for the salvation of the entire world was being born on this day. In days to come, it would be when the Holy Spirit would be given (Ac 2) and the Church, both Jew and Gentile who put their belief in what Christ did for them on the cross, was established. Yes, this was a date of many paradigm changes.

Joseph thought back on the things Mary had told him. The angel Gabriel had appeared to her in the sixth month (Lk 1:26), just before Rosh Hashanah which occurred on the first day of the seventh month (Lv 23:23-25). He now understood this was the time of the baby’s conception by the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:35). Thanks to the Jewish leaders adding Adar II to their calendar, this Shavuot was now nine months later. The baby was conceived on Rosh Hashanah when all of Israel asked God to remember his covenant with his chosen nation. Now, the baby was being born on Shavuot when God instituted paradigm changes and when Gentiles were accepted. He was now being born at Midgal Eder where the sheep born to be temple sacrifices were born—where they were wrapped in swaddling cloths and placed in the manger for inspection. Joseph looked at this one born on this Jewish holiday. Did he recognize all the symbolism God had bestowed on this special day? Did the shepherds? They were the ones who provided lambs and goats for temple sacrifice. Now, this baby was lying in their special manager wrapped in cloths they used to swaddle newborn lambs so they could inspect them for any blemishes. Did they understand the significance? Do we?

After the baby was born, Joseph wanted to get back to Nazareth, but knew he needed to wait until the baby was older and stronger. His cousin insisted he stay with them a few months until the baby and mother could travel. When the time of purification was over, Joseph took Mary to the temple in Jerusalem to offer her offering of purification (Lk 2:22-24; Lv 12:6-7). This is where they met Simon and Anna who prophesied about Jesus (Lk 2:22-38). They then returned to the house in Bethlehem where they were staying. When Jesus was about six months old, they were visited by the Magi who gave the child gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Mt 2:1-12). These men told Mary and Joseph all they had seen and heard. An angel appeared to Joseph to have him take Mary and Jesus to Egypt (Mt 2:13) so he would not get killed by Herod’s order to kill all infants two years old and younger (Mt 2:16). Once Herod died, Joseph came back to Israel with Mary and Jesus, and took them to Nazareth (Mt 2:19-23).

While this is not the usual Christmas story, it seems to align more closely with scripture and with what the Jewish holidays represented. These Jewish holidays which God instituted with Israel back in Leviticus when he first formed their nation have many purposes. A significant purpose is their prophetic significance. Jesus’ conception and birth are two of them. Isn’t it interesting how God coordinates so much, and we take so much of it for granted? The Bible is full of such wonderment if we only look. May we be more attentive to what God is doing in our lives as we embark on the coming year.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

We all know Christ was born on Christmas, right? Well, that’s when we celebrate his birth, but chances are, this was not his actual birth date. When was it? Let’s see if we can discover.

Rick Larson has done a lot of research about the star of Bethlehem. There are several significant points of time we need to consider:

1.      When did the sign in the sky first appear? It seems to have been in September of 3 BC near the time of Rosh Hashanah when the king planet (Jupiter) came into a conjunction with the king star (Regulus). Yet, over the next few months, it did this three times—all within Leo (the lion constellation). In other words, Jupiter went into retrograde motion three times over a period of a few months. The lion has always been a symbol of the tribe of Judah.

2.      In June of 2 BC, Jupiter had a conjunction with Venus (the mother planet) within Virgo (the virgin constellation).

3.      Then on December 25, 2 BC, the planet Jupiter went into retrograde motion and seemed to stand over the town of Bethlehem. This was when the Magi visited Mary and Joseph to see the king who had been born.

Before we go further, we also need to understand something about the Feast of Israel which occurred around September and June and what they represented:

1.      Feast of Weeks (Pentecost; Shavuot): This is a feast about paradigm changes. Israel became a chosen nation before God when they stood around Mount Sinai on Shavuot (Ex 24:1-8). The incorporation of Rahab and Ruth (both Gentiles) into the nation of Israel occurred on or near Shavuot (Js 6:25; Ru 4:13). This is what the two loaves (Lv 23:17) made on this feast, both containing leaven, represented: the inclusion of everyone into God’s plan. This was a mystery to Israel until Shavuot in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit was given, and the birth of the Church began. This was the mystery to which Paul referred and of which he preached (Ep 3:6).

2.      Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): This was a feast to request God to remember his covenant with the nation of Israel (Lv 23:24). You see, Yom Kippur would soon come where they would be judged. They, just as we, had no righteousness on their own. Therefore, they needed God’s mercy and requested he remember his covenant where they would be his people forever. We have evidence of this when Solomon dedicated his temple (2Ch 5:3, 7:8-10), when the altar of the temple was rebuilt (Er 3:1, 6), and when the wall of Jerusalem was completed (Ne 8:1-2).

3.      Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): This feast was to represent God dwelling with his people. Yet, this is more representative of Christ’s second coming than his first. We’ll revisit this later.

So, what can we put together from all these pieces of information? We see that the New Testament opens with the birth of Christ. The time from Malachi to Christ’s birth has often been referred to as the Four Hundred Years of Silence. God remembered his covenant with his chosen people Israel, and did so in a big way. God appeared to Mary and stated she would have a child. If Larson is right, Christ’s conception occurred in September of 3 BC, on Rosh Hashanah. From what we have seen about this feast, it would be consistent with God remembering his covenant.

Nine months later puts us into June. What occurred around this time period? Well, Shavuot is typically around this time, but Shavuot is not typically nine months from Rosh Hashanah. From Tishri 1 of 3 BC (Rosh Hashanah) to Sivan 6 (Shavuot) would typically be just a little over eight months (243 days)—not quite enough time for a normal gestation period (average time: 280 days). Yet, something interesting happened this year. In 3 BC an extra month, Adar II, was added to the Jewish calendar. This was periodically added to realign the Jewish feasts with the seasons of the year since the Jewish calendar was a lunar calendar, not a solar calendar. Adding this extra month allowed the two calendars to realign. This added 29 more days to the time between these two feasts. Now, the time between the two feasts was 272 days—very close to the average normal gestation period. After all, it’s an average, with some babies born a little earlier and some born a little later. It seems appropriate he could come a little early. After all, he had an important job to fulfill! This would mean Christ’s conception was likely on September 10th of 3 BC, and his birth was likely on June 8th of 2 BC (although, some say June 2nd). The angels appeared to the Shepherds at Midgal Eder, the Watchtower of the Flock, to announce Christ’s birth. These Shepherds who watched over the sheep for sacrifice were trained in rabbinical law of the requirements for sacrifice and had to ensure all lambs were without blemish. The angels appeared to them to let them know their job was now obsolete. The sacrificial lamb for which they had long awaited was now lying in their manger wrapped in the swaddling cloths they use to wrap newborn lambs to keep them calm for their inspection to ensure they were without blemish.

Therefore, what Rick Larson has discovered in the stars seems to align with these Jewish feasts and the meaning behind them. I just think that is fascinating. Yet, I know many feel Christ was born on Sukkot. After all, isn’t that what his prophesied name, Immanuel (Is 7:14; Mt 1:23), was supposed to mean: God with us? Yet, although Christ did offer his kingdom upon his first coming (Mt 4:17), that was rejected (Mt 16:21). In addition, Matthew records the angel Gabriel stated to name him Jesus (Mt 1:21), meaning, “he will save his people from their sins,” which is what he did by paying our sin debt, fulfilling the mystery of how the whole world would get incorporated into his Kingdom, and setting the stage for the time when he will come again and truly dwell with his people as the King of kings (Rv 17:14, 19:16).

There is one other supportive piece of information which this timing seems to support. Why was Jesus brought to the temple when he was twelve rather than being the normal thirteen years of age? According to the Mishnah, even in the first century, thirteen was the age of questioning in the Commandments for a male. It seems this is what was going on and he amazed them all in his answers to their questions (Lk 2:47). If he had been born on Sukkot, he would have been almost fourteen years of age when he visited the temple at that Passover. Yet, Scripture reports he was twelve (Lk 2:42), because his birthday would have been just a couple of months later.

Isn’t it amazing how Scripture and events go together like hand in glove? God is not a God of accidents. He has a purposeful plan. It helps to also know he has a purposeful plan for us as well. Are you listening to what he has planned for you? More than likely, it will be pretty special.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

The term “12 days of Christmas” marks the days between December 25th (Christmas) and January 6th (Epiphany). It is thought to have originated around 1300. However, various traditions have sprung up from the celebration of these days. Each day became known for a specific event in the life of Christ (for example, January 1st was termed the circumcision of Christ because it was the 8th day) and others for specific saints (for example, December 26th was St. Stephen’s Day in representation of the first martyr Stephen [Ac 7:54-60] and is celebrated as Boxing Day in the UK). The term epiphany comes from the Latin root epiphania meaning “to appear” and was applied to Jesus Christ. The Eastern Orthodox would celebrate this “appearing” as the baptism of Jesus whereas the Western Catholic Church celebrates the visitation of the Magi and would read from Isaiah and Matthew (Is 60:1-6; Mt 2:1-12). The night of January 5th became known as Twelfth Night which Shakespeare made popular with his play of the same name. This was the main night that wassail was drunk and plum pudding eaten. In colonial America, a wreath was placed on the front door during the Christmas season and was removed on Twelfth Night. It became the custom to not leave Christmas decorations up past Twelfth Night. However, some countries still leave decorations up until Candlemas (February 2nd, representing the visit of Christ to the temple with twelve years of age).

In Catholic-centric areas, Twelfth Night was also a time of revelry where a “king cake” is eaten and the one getting a piece with a bean and pea become king and queen of the night overseeing the festivities. In the US, this has become morphed into mardi gras in New Orleans and celebration by mummers in parades.

The song Twelve Days of Christmas is noted as a British carol but may have been originally French in origin. Although there are various adaptations, here is the traditional version: The twelfth day of Christmas, | My true love sent to me | Twelve lords a-leaping, | Eleven pipers piping, | Ten ladies dancing, | Nine drummers drumming, | Eight maids a-milking, | Seven swans a-swimming, | Six geese a-laying, | Five gold rings, | Four colly birds, | Three French hens, | Two turtle doves, and | A partridge in a pear tree. There is no way today to know what the meaning of these verses was originally. However, it has become an extremely popular, and fun, Christmas song to sing. Although it seems to have been debunked, it was stated at one time that each verse had a hidden religious meaning and was used as a catechism to help teach their faith. It seems that Catholicism was criminalized in England from around 1558 until 1829. A partridge in a pear tree: Jesus; two turtle doves: The Old and New Testaments; three French hens: The three Biblical magi; four calling birds: The four Gospels; five gold rings: The Torah or Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament; six geese a-laying: The six days of Creation; seven swans a-swimming: Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; eight maids a-milking: The eight Beatitudes; nine ladies dancing: Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit; ten lords a-leaping: The Ten Commandments; eleven pipers piping: the eleven faithful Apostles; twelve drummers drumming: The twelve points of the Apostles' Creed. However, there is nothing of these decodes that distinguishes Protestant belief from Catholic belief so it would seem no need to make this a secret code. Therefore, all the more reason for this to be a legend. However, it is a simple way for people to better understand, and remember, Biblical truths.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

In the last post, we discussed the gifts the Magi gave to Jesus. But when were these gifts actually given? Even though most Christmas stories have the Magi arriving with the shepherds to view the baby Jesus, we find from Scripture that the Magi actually came much later (Mt 2:11). We also know that the early Catholic Church recognized this distinction by celebrating Epiphany (the arrival of the Magi, the three kings) in January. How much later did they actually arrive? Well, let’s see if we can piece all the clues together.

Many say that Christmas was created to provide a Christian alternative for a pagan holiday, but is that the whole story? Maybe. Maybe not. Let’s investigate.

Frederick Larsen (1) has given a lot of evidence on specific dates for the events of Jesus’ early life. I won’t go into all that he has done. It’s fascinating, so I hope you check it out in more detail.

Based upon several Biblical passages, (Gn 49:9; Rv 12:1-5) and the conjunction of specific planets or stars (Jupiter, Regulus, and Venus), it is likely that Jesus’ conception was in September of 3 BC. This puts the event around Rosh Hashanah of that year. Very apropos, don’t you think? This holiday is also called Feast of Trumpets in Scripture (Lv 23:24-15) and was a memorial feast of the blowing of trumpets to ask God to remember His covenant with Israel.2 The conception of the Messiah would indeed represent God remembering his people after the 400 years of prophetic silence.

If this is true, it would put his birth nine months later in June of 2 BC. This also coincides with a triple conjunction of Jupiter with Regulus, and Jupiter then continuing its journey for a rendezvous with Venus, noted as the Mother planet. With the naked eye, these stars would appear as one star – one very bright star. In addition, this would put Christ’s birth near the Jewish holiday of Shavuot (or Pentecost). This holiday has marked many paradigm shifts in scripture: (2) e.g. giving of the Law, and the beginning of the church. And now, we see this fits with his birth as it was certainly a paradigm shift for Israel. We don’t have time to get into all of that here, but look at his teachings and the Jewish leaders’ response as well as his initial gospel to Israel.

Now, if we follow Larsen’s logic of when the star was over Bethlehem and appeared to “stay” (i.e., as Jupiter entered retrograde motion), it would put their visit at Bethlehem on December 25, 2 BC. Isn’t that interesting? The first gifts were given when we actually give gifts to each other. Somewhat serendipitous? Maybe.

This also helps us understand why Herod killed everyone in Bethlehem two years old and younger. While the above information would show that Jesus was only six months old at this time, we need to realize the signs in the stars occurred nine months earlier which would make the total time to be slightly under two years. Herod, and the wise men, may have been unsure if the initial signs were of conception or of birth. Herod was making sure of either in case it was the later.

I find it interesting and awesome that all that happened in the birth of Christ match the meaning of the different Jewish festivals upon which they occurred around, and although December was chosen to celebrate his birth as an alternative to a pagan holiday, it still has a Biblical significance showing us when those first gifts were actually given. Sometime serendipity isn’t serendipity at all.

Have a joyous New Year.

1Frederick A. Larsen, “The Star of Bethlehem.” Sound Enterprises, Inc., http://www.bethlehemstar.net/

2Robert R. Congdon, An Appointment with God: The Feasts of the Lord (Bloomington, IN: CrossBooks, 2009).

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

You may have heard the story many times about the three wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. We’ve had previous discussions about was it really three, when they came, and how much of an uproar did they really cause when they met Herod. Yet, I want to focus on the gifts they gave. We read the following in Scripture: “And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh” (Mt 2:11).

I’m sure those are not really the gifts you’re hoping for on Christmas morning. Although, gold wouldn’t be so bad, right? But what would you do with frankincense and myrrh? Maybe you’ve heard, “gifts for a king” as the explanation. But why? True, they are all expensive and that is what one would expect someone to give to a king – expensive gifts. Yet, there is more to it than just that. Gold, of course, can, and does, represent his kingly stature. For indeed, he was to become the King of kings (Rv 17:14; 19:16). Frankincense was a spice used in incense and was used in the preparation of the incense used by the priests for worshipping God in the temple (Ex 30:34). Myrrh was a spice used for many things, but also commonly used on the dead for burial (Jn 19:39).

These gifts represented the three stations Christ would fulfill: prophet, priest, and king. Well, this is the order that we normally think, and it is the order in which Christ fulfilled these stations. Yet, this is the reverse order the Magi gave the gifts. Is that significant? I think so. Christ was a prophet at his first coming (Dt 18:15; Mt 13:57, 14:5, 21:11; Lk 1:76, 4:24; Jn 4:19, 6:14, 7:40), and like most prophets, he was killed. Myrrh was used to anoint his dead body for burial. Today, he is our high priest (Hb 4:14-15; 8:1 – 9:28). Therefore, frankincense was a very suitable gift. He is coming back as a king and will reign (Rv 17:14; 19:16). Gold was a very suitable gift to represent this.

Yet, as we stated, the gifts were given in the reverse order of how Christ fulfilled, and will fulfill, them. That is because the gift of king was given first. That is what the angel Gabriel proclaimed to Mary (Lk 1:31-33), that is what John the Baptist proclaimed and offered to the people (Mt 3:1-2), and that is what Christ first offered at the beginning of his ministry (Mt 4:17). Gold – his kingship – was offered first. It was rejected by many people and the leaders of Israel. Therefore, what was offered first became what will be given last. But that did not alter God’s perfect plan because we still benefited as he offered himself as the sacrifice for our sins and now intercedes for us. Yet, this first offer is still offered to us. Yet now, we must first accept the myrrh and frankincense in order to have the gold. Are you willing? Will you accept the myrrh – his sacrifice for your sins? Will you accept the frankincense – have him be your high priest to intercede for you before God the Father? It is only then you can accept the gold – have him as your king and watch him become the King of kings. Christmas is touted to be about peace. That can only happen when you accept the gold, but you must first accept the myrrh. The order of the gifts was important, but the fulfillment of those gifts are even more important. Will you accept them?

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

This is the monologue that I wrote and then gave tonight at our Christmas Eve service at our church. I thought I would share it with you. I hope you are blessed by it.

Can you believe that? Almost being fired for delivering news we have all waited for for centuries. I mean, who else should be more excited than me about this, but them? I thought that was why my great grandfather, by grandfather, my father, and I have worked as shepherds for the temple.

My father taught me it was an honor to watch over the sheep that produce lambs for temple sacrifice. We have always taken great pride in ensuring the animals are without any blemish because we want only the best to be offered to Yahweh. The Torah commands it. We obey. That’s what the priests teach us and repeat to us almost every time we bring them the lambs.

“We can’t afford to offer anything with any hint of sickness, deformity, or blemish,” they say. “It’s your job to ensure that,” they drill into us.

And we do! I can’t remember a single time I had to be reprimanded for bringing in a bad lamb or goat.

I learned from my father and grandfather what to do. And I was determined to do it even better. I was going to be known for the quality of my work. I would watch each ewe carefully for when they showed signs of being ready to deliver. I would bring them to Migdal Eder, our watchtower for the flock just outside Bethlehem, when they got near their time for delivery so I could watch them closely. As soon as the lamb was born, I would grab it, wrap, and swaddle it so neither the mother could accidently kick or step on it nor the lamb somehow injure itself. The swaddling cloths would cause the lamb to calm. After it calmed down, I would place it in the stone manger and examine every square inch of its body to ensure it was a lamb worthy of temple sacrifice: free from any blemish or malady. I had to watch all the lambs born for an entire year to ensure they fed properly, didn’t become too rambunctious, or do anything that could potentially harm or mar them in any way. Even if I do say so myself, that’s a lot of hard work. And I take great pride in it. Doing otherwise yielded harsh consequences.

Oh, I saw how these “benevolent” priests could get so riled when things didn’t go their way. I was determined not to go through their scolding. They can be brutal. After all, wasn’t it only a couple months ago they were commending me on the quality of sheep they got from me for Passover? Now, today, they tell me I must be drunk because I saw hallucinations, and if I don’t stop spreading these false rumors, they will not only fire me but excommunicate me. And maybe even my entire family from the temple! I can’t bring such a disgrace to my family.

But I can’t deny what happened and what I saw either.

There we all were, sitting around the campfire as the sheep had finally settled down. All of a sudden, the dark, night sky burst into glorious light. It was a light almost like that of the sun, but different somehow. I was able to look at it. The light began to move, and I realized it wasn’t light after all, but an angel! I didn’t know what was happening and wanted to run, but my feet wouldn’t move. I was terrified, I tell you. But the angel spoke. Such a calming tone yet commanding somehow.

“Don’t be afraid,” the angel said. “I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people. Born to you, even today, in the City of David is a Savior, the Christ, the Messiah you have been waiting for. Here is a sign for you: you will find him as a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in the manger.”

Then, suddenly, the night sky exploded with light. Many, many angels seemed to be everywhere around us! Each shining like a glorious star—and singing. I can still hear them:

“Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.”

We all were stunned, standing there looking into the sky with mouths partially open. I don’t know how long it lasted. It seemed like an eternity and like a split second at the same time. Then, just as suddenly as they appeared, they vanished.

The darkness enveloped us once again.

We all just stared at each other for several seconds.

Benjamin broke the silence and said, “What just happened?”

“A miracle,” Elimelech added.

I then chimed in, “Let’s go see.”

“See what?” Benjamin asked. Benjamin has always been a little slow on the uptake, granted, but I just couldn’t believe him.

“See what? The baby, the Messiah, of course.”

“Let’s do it,” Eldad replied, “but where?”

Maybe they were still too stunned, but I know they heard the same words as I did.

“Why, Midgal Eder, of course. Where else has a manger we know about?”

So, we left Simon and Jesse with the sheep as the rest of us headed to the watchtower.

As we approached Migdal Eder, we saw a small fire going, so we knew someone was using the watchtower. The timing for birthing of the lambs was practically over so we only had some supplies and a few animals there at the time. When we poked our heads in, a woman and man looked at us, at first startled, but the mother then smiled at us—almost like she knew we would be coming. She was somewhat rocking the baby as it lay in the stone manger; she waved for us to come closer.

The man spoke first. “I am Joseph. This is my wife, Mary. And this . . .”

Mary picked up the infant so I could see his face, “is our son.”

I think I gasped. It was such a special moment.

Now any baby is cute, but this one—well, he was different. His eyes were so mesmerizing. Looking into his eyes was like looking into eternity. I can’t really explain it, but I just knew he was special—he was the One Israel had been waiting for. With eyes like that, yes, he was the One.

“What is his name?” I asked.

The mother smiled and said, “Jesus.”

I grinned. “The Lord Saves.”

Mary nodded. “He will save his people from their sins.”

My eyes began to water. “My name is Joshua,” I said.

Mary smiled again. “Then you both have something in common already. Your names are similar to each other,” she said as she placed her son back in the manger.

I nodded again—overcome with emotion.

I looked down at the infant in the stone manger, and I gasped again. He looked just like a newborn lamb I would wrap in swaddling cloths inspecting it for blemishes to ensure it would be suitable for sacrifice. It hit me like a ton of bricks. This is the One who would save his people from their sins. Sin requires sacrifice. This meant he would, somehow, become the sacrifice for Israel. How he would do that I had no idea but knew he would. This One had come to be born to die.

My eyes watered again, and I looked at Mary who seemed to know what I was thinking. She gave a slight nod as her eyes watered as well.

It then struck me what Joseph had said. “If you are married, how can you be the virgin to give birth to our promised Messiah as prophesied by the great prophet Isaiah?”

Mary touched my shoulder and looked into my eyes. “I assure you; the Holy Spirit has conceived this child. Joseph and I have not yet been together.”

When I looked at Joseph, he nodded. “I took her as my wife to protect her.”

I nodded as I knew immediately what he meant. Knowing the wrath the priests could bring upon someone, I knew he had likely saved her from being stoned to death. But I just knew the high priest would welcome this one with open arms. After all, this baby was fulfilling prophecy, several in fact, and the Sanhedrin certainly believed in prophecy, or so I thought.

I told Joseph and Mary all that had happened: about the angel and what he said, about the angels singing, and the bright star I had noticed.

“Oh,” she said, “I don’t think many even look up to notice the star. How did you notice it?”

I laughed. “A shepherd has two things to do,” I said. “Tend sheep during the day and look at the stars at night. And I’m certainly not going to count sheep at night to go to sleep. I spend all day counting sheep. I’d rather just look at the stars until I fall asleep.”

Both Mary and Joseph thought that a little funny.

We stayed a little longer and then left the couple there with their infant so they could have privacy and get some sleep themselves.

I had a hard time sleeping that night, though. What would the priests say? Would we still have a job if the true sacrifice was already with us?

But I learned something. Greed trumps prophecy. I overhead some of the priests say that if the people heard what I had just told them, then they may stop buying sheep for sacrifice. They definitely didn’t want that to happen. Then, as I said earlier, they threatened me to remain silent. I eventually told them what they wanted to hear: I would not spread false rumors.

But what I saw and heard was not false. No! It was truth!

Truth is something to be shared. And that is what I will do! I will share the truth because it is the truth that will set one free. So, I will go and spread truth. After what you’ve heard from me, I hope you will do the same. Until we meet again. Shalom.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

For about three centuries after the birth of Jesus Christ, his birthday was not celebrated. The early church focused more on Christ’s crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection as that was considered more important because believing this act of Christ was payment for mankind’s sin, for any individual’s sin, and was how one was able to have eternal life. That was certainly more important than when Christ was physically born. One can’t argue with that point.

However, as the early church became more organized and developed into what became the Catholic Church, church leaders looked for ways to turn people toward Christian ways and away from pagan ways. However, this had both positive and negative consequences. The pro of this was that it gave a positive slant to a pagan holiday and allowed traditions to become more Christianized. However, the negative is that this was an attempt to force people to accept Christianity by changing their traditions rather than reaching the hearts of people to change their internal focus which would then affect their outward actions. So what resulted was a blend of Christian customs and traditions with and pagan customs and traditions into the same holiday.

The first claim that Christ’s birthday was on December 25th seems to have occurred in 221 AD. Yet, there was still no real celebration. The first recorded celebration of December 25th as Christ’s birthday was in the Calendar of Filocalus in 354 AD. Furius Dionysius Filocalus was the leading scribe or calligrapher during this period—just after the reign of Constantine. Another date celebrated by some was January 6th, called Epiphany, meaning the manifestation of God to man. Eastern orthodox Christians said this was proven at his baptism and western Christians said this was proven at the visit of the Magi. The time between December 25th and January 6th became known as the 12 days of Christmas.

Although church officials knew that Jesus was not born in winter, why did they choose December 25th as the day to celebrate Christ’s birth? Well, most cultures had a pagan celebration of the winter solstice. The early celebrations, like Saturnalia, also had human sacrifice, licentious rites, drunkenness, and all sorts of abbreviate behavior. Therefore, it is not far reaching to understand why the church officials wanted to turn this type of celebration around. However, as usual, many of the pagan rituals became part of the Christian celebration, although they usually became tamer and over time lost their original intent and meaning.

So, if Christ was not born in December, when was he born? Scripture tells us that the angel Gabriel appeared to a young Jewish girl named Mary who was betrothed to Joseph, but they were not yet married (Lk 1:26-27). However, it was Jewish custom for the official marriage to occur sometime later but even at this stage even though there was no cohabitation they were considered legally married and a formal divorce was necessary to break the marriage covenant. Gabriel told Mary she would bear a son with the help of the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:35) and her son would be the Messiah, she should name him Jesus, and he would be equal in state to God, would one day sit on the throne of David (Lk 1:30-33), and would save his people from their sins (Mt 1:21). Jesus being equal with God is a fulfillment of many Old Testament scriptures (2Sa 7:8-16; 1Ki 2:24-25; Ps 2:1-12; Ps 89:14, 19-29, 35-37; Ps 110:1-7; Ps 132:11-12; Is 9:6-7; Is 11:1-5, 10; Jr 23:5-6).

Isaiah had prophesied the Messiah would be born to a virgin (Mt 1:23; Is 7:14). In Isaiah, the word “almah” which is the more precise and accurate Hebrew word for virgin and Matthew uses the Greek word “parthenos” which is always interpreted “virgin.” Although this did fulfill prophecy and people were expectant of a coming true Messiah, having a child without a man would seem physically impossible and so God appeared to Joseph in a dream to let him know of Mary’s truthfulness (Mt 1:18-25). Because Christ had no human father, he became the word of God to mankind and was equal to God (Jn 1:1). Joseph therefore claimed the pregnancy as his own, initiated cohabitation, but did not have intercourse with Mary until after Jesus’ birth (Mt 1:24-25).

Rick Larson in his DVD Star of Bethlehem gives compelling evidence to the date of Christ’s conception. At the time of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, in September of 3 BC, the planet Jupiter (known as the king planet) made a very close conjunction with the star Regulus (known as the king star), and over the next couple of months Jupiter actually made three conjunctions with Regulus. Not only that, but this occurred in the constellation of Leo which is the constellation representing a lion, both a symbol of Judah and of royalty as well as of the coming conquering Messiah; it would fulfill the prophecy of Isaac to Judah (Gn 49:9) as these three conjunctions would be occurring around the feet of Leo within this constellation. In addition, the constellation Virgo at the time of Rosh Hashanah in 3 BC would occur during the daytime, i.e., clothed in the sun, as described in Revelation, with the new moon at her feet (Rv 12:1-5). Rosh Hashanah was also known as the Feast of Trumpets (Lv 23:24-25) which was a memorial feast of the blowing of trumpets to ask God to remember His covenant with Israel.  Therefore, the conception of the Messiah would indeed represent God remembering His people after the 400 years of prophetic silence.

Therefore, if conception was in September of 3 BC, then Christ’s birth would occur around 9 months later: June 2 BC. There are two other events that also help us to see that this is likely the date of Christ’s birth. Again, the stars tell the story. After the triple conjunction of Jupiter with Regulus, Jupiter continued its journey for a rendezvous with Venus, the Mother planet. With the naked eye, they would appear as one star—one very bright star. This would have occurred on June 2 BC. This was also around the time of Shavuot which has been the festival around different paradigm shifts. It was this time that God made the covenant with Israel at Mt. Sinai (Ex 19) and the time the Holy Spirit was given to the first Christians (Ac 2)—both paradigm shifts of how God intervened with His relationship to mankind. Christ’s birth would certainly fit into this category as well.

Next time we will look further at how the star played a role in Christ’s birth and the place of Christ’s birth.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

What was the Christmas star? Rick Larson in his DVD Star of Bethlehem [1] gives some very compelling evidence to what the star likely could have been. It could not have been something that would draw much attention to it because no one seemed to know about the star until the Magi came to Jerusalem and started asking questions. However, the star did do some unusual things for a star. Larson takes the scientific approach and does explain many of these occurrences. Ken Hamm, and others, state that only a unique event designed by God could explain the occurrence of it being over the house where Jesus was in Bethlehem (Mt 2:9). However, does it have to be all or none: i.e., does it have to be all scientific in explanation or all miraculous in design? Could it not be some of both? Let’s look more closely.

Larson gives compelling evidence to the date of Christ’s conception. At the time of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, in September of 3 BC, the planet Jupiter (known as the king planet) made a very close conjunction with the star Regulus (known as the king star), and over the next couple of months Jupiter actually made three conjunctions with Regulus. Not only that, but this occurred in the constellation of Leo, which is the constellation representing a lion, both a symbol of Judah as well as of the coming conquering Messiah and would fulfill the prophecy of Isaac to Judah (Gn 49:9) as these three conjunctions would be occurring around the feet of Leo within this constellation. In addition, the constellation Virgo at the time of Rosh Hashanah in 3 BC would occur during the daytime, i.e., clothed in the sun, as described in Revelation, with the new moon at her feet (Rv 12:1-5). Rosh Hashanah was also known as the Feast of Trumpets (Lv 23:24-25) which was a memorial feast of the blowing of trumpets to ask God to remember His covenant with Israel [2]. Therefore, the conception of the Messiah would indeed represent God remembering His people after the 400 years of prophetic silence.

Before Jesus was born, Joseph, who currently lived in Nazareth, which was around the Galilee region of Israel, found that he had to return to Bethlehem for a census since that was the birthplace of his ancestors (Mt 1:1-17; Lk 2:1-4). Bethlehem was approximately 5 miles south of Jerusalem. The prophet Micah had prophesied some 700 years prior that the birth of the Messiah would occur in Bethlehem (Mi 5:2).

Again, the stars told the story. After the triple conjunction of Jupiter with Regulus, Jupiter continued its journey for a rendezvous with Venus, the Mother planet. With the naked eye, they would appear as one star– one very bright star. This would have occurred in June and would coincide with Christ’s birth.

Just because a star is bright doesn’t mean it would draw much attention by people in and of itself. Actually, not too long ago (12-Mar-2012) we had a conjunction of Jupiter and Venus which was made Venus brighter than ever. However, not many really paid attention except to perhaps think, “Wow, Venus is awfully bright tonight.” Only those watching and understanding the planetary movements understood the significance and rarity of the event.

Therefore, if Larsen is correct, then someone who would know and understand these movements of the planets would be needed. Who would that be? The Magi, of course. These were scientists and priests of their day who would have a knowledge of the stars, their movements, and astronomical events.

The Magi, or wise men, who came to visit Jesus brought gifts (Mt 2:1-11), were likely of Parthian descent [3]. Parthian kings were elected by the Megistanes which was composed of two houses: the “Royal House,” or Arsacids, which consisted of the male members of the royal line – called the “Magi,” and “the Senate” which consisted of the prominent secular leaders – called the “Wise Men.” Kings did not have to succeed from father to son but those selected for kingship did have to be a member of the Royal House and were elected by a concurrent vote between the two houses [4]. It is possible that these were actual descendants from Northern Israel and similar in function to the Levites in Judah. It was known by the Jews that many of the northern ten tribes of Israel still lived beyond the Euphrates, i.e., Parthian territory [5].

It is likely the Magi had their beginnings with Daniel as he became the chief of the Magi (wise men) during Nebuchadnezzar’s day (Dn 2:48) and was highly regarded by the reigning kings up through the reign of Cyrus (Dn 6:28). It is also very likely that Daniel would have influence on the house of Jehoiachin when brought to Babylon (2Ki 24:15; 2Ch 36:9-10) and when released (2Ki 25:27-30) and could have had influence on how to maintain the kingly succession when outside Jerusalem. He also had insight when the promised Messiah would be born (Dn 9:25). All of this could have started the watch for the proper king to return and the maintenance of the proper bloodline so the prophecy could be fulfilled and documented.

The Magi who came were likely more than three and were likely a very large delegation and likely had an armed escort [6]. Their arrival caused all of Jerusalem to be concerned (Mt 2:3). These were tenuous times between Rome and Parthia, so for such a large delegation to cross the Euphrates River into Judea – Roman territory – could likely have sparked another war if heads were not kept cool [7]. Herod could have taken insult to their question of “Where is he that is born king of the Jews?” (Mt 2:2) as that was the title Rome had given to him [8]. Although Herod plotted (Mt 2:8), the scribes told the Magi that scripture had predicted the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and the Magi continued their journey toward Bethlehem (Mt 2:5-9).

No one knows exactly when the Magi began their journey. They apparently arrived in Bethlehem as Jupiter entered retrograde motion on December 25, 2 BC over the town of Bethlehem. This would have given them at least 6 months to make their journey, likely from Persia. Jesus would have been of Arsacid descent and would explain the reason for the trip of the Magi as well as the elaborate gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh which they brought to give to this one they recognized as a king (Mt. 2:11). They likely also understood his prophetic significance as these gifts pointed to Jesus being prophet [myrrh], priest [frankincense] and king [gold] (again, likely from the teachings of Daniel and understanding Old Testament Scripture). Jesus would have been six months old at this time. It is likely that Herod’s decree of killing all children in Bethlehem up to the age of two was to be certain that the “correct” child was killed. After all, although the child was only 6 months, the signs in the stars occurred 9 months earlier which would make the total time to be slightly under two years. Herod, and the wise men, may have been unsure if the initial signs were of conception or of birth. Herod was making sure of either in case it was the later.

So the signs in the heavens got the Magi to Israel and they stopped by the capital city to find out where this king was living. The Jewish scribes repeated the prophecy of Micah stating that he was prophesied to be born in Bethlehem (Mi 5:2). Therefore, when they were leaving Jerusalem, they again saw the star and it led them to the house where Jesus was living (Mt 2:9-10). This is where some have a problem with Larsen’s scientific approach as this is hard to explain. However, I think this is where the Shekinah glory of God could have played a part (like it did in the Old Testament when it led the Israelites to their Promised Land [Ex 13:21]). It could have appeared in the form of the star the Magi had been seeing and could have hovered over the exact house where Jesus was living. That would be consistent with scripture, not be out of scope for God to do, and would have been rational in the Magi’s mind as it would form a continuity of their trek following the star and then pointing them to their final destination.

God revealed to the Magi that they should not return to Herod so they went back to their homeland via a different route (Mt 2:12). However, this is likely not the end of the incident. Herod, and Rome, would not have known of the Magi’s true intentions. After all, less than 40 years earlier, the Parthian king Antigonus had captured Palestine and ruled as “king of the Jews” for 3 years (40-37 BC) causing Herod to have to flee. Parthian rule had been popular with the Jews. Mark Antony was later able to defeat Antigonus, have him beheaded, and pushed the Parthians back to beyond the Euphrates River. However, further wins were not successful and Rome was unable to subdue Parthian territory east of the Euphrates River. Since that time détente had ruled, but now was the question of whether Parthia was trying to regain Palestine by looking for another Jewish king. History tells of a great summit conference between Rome and Parthia that occurred in 1 BC on an island in the Euphrates River (neutral territory) [9]. Therefore, the visit of the Magi may have been the spark or a contributing factor to this unrest that ended peacefully.

Therefore, we see consistency between scripture and history, between scripture and science and still being consistent with how God works.

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[1]Frederick A. Larsen, “The Star of Bethlehem,” Sound Enterprises, Inc., http://www.bethlehemstar.net/ (accessed 19-Dec-2012).

[2]Robert R. Congdon, An Appointment with God: The Feasts of the Lord (Bloomington, IN: CrossBooks, 2009), 99-119.

[3]Chuck Missler, “Who were the Magi?” Lambert Dolphin’s Library, http://www.ldolphin.org/magi.html (accessed 19-Dec-2012).

[4]Steven M. Collins, Parthia: The Forgotten Ancient Superpower and its Role in Biblical History, (Royal Oak, MI: Bible Blessings, 2004), 47-49.

[5]Flavius Josephus, The Antiquities of the Jews in The Works of Josephus Complete and Unabridged, trans. William Whiston (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1987): 11.5.2, 294.

[6] The Ensign Message, “More about the Magi,” The Ensign Message, http://www.ensignmessage.com/archives/moreaboutmagi.html (accessed 19-Dec-2012).

[7]Collins, Parthia, 126-127.

[8]Barry D. Smith, “The Reign of Herod the Great, King of the Jews (37-4 BCE),”Crandall University, http://www.abu.nb.ca/courses/ntintro/intest/hist7.htm (accessed 08-Sep-2012).

[9]Collins, Parthia, 147.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens