Several important events took place in December during the earthly life of Jesus Christ.
* Conception Day *
September 2 in 5 B.C., which fell on the weekly Biblical Sabbath, was also the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah). Jesus, given its symbolism, was likely born on this day. Nine months prior to this momentous event places the miraculous conception of Christ in Mary's womb on December 2 in 6 B.C.
* Fleeing Death *
Joseph, in mid-October of 5 B.C., is informed in a dream he must flee Bethlehem with his family to escape Herod the Great's wrath (Matthew 2:13 - 14). In December of the same year they are in Egypt awaiting to be told by God when it is safe to return to Israel.
* Miracles *
Three of Jesus' miracles delineated in the Bible took place very close to or in December of 29 A.D.
The first of these miracles was a coin appearing in a fish's mouth in order to pay for Jesus' and Peter's temple tax (Matthew 17:24 - 27). The second miraculous event was the Lord casting a demon out of someone who was unable to speak (Luke 11:14). The last miracle was the casting out of a demon who had caused a woman to be crippled for 18 years (Luke 13:10 - 13).
* Jesus Is God *
The Festival of Lights (Hanukkah) took place from December 18 to 26 in 29 A.D. Jesus, who is in Jerusalem during the celebrations, is accosted by Jews who demand he plainly tell them whether he is the promised Messiah (John 10:22 - 24). After giving a short answer he states, "I and the Father are one" (verse 30).
The Jews who hear his answer, furious because they believe Christ has spoken blasphemy, hurriedly begin to gather stones because "being a man, (you) are making Yourself God" (John 10:33).
The Lord's Biblical answer to the charge of blasphemy (John 10:34 - 36) does little to quench the anger of the Jews. He ends up escaping out of Jerusalem where he travels to the eastern side of the Jordan River.
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