Revelation records “Christmas” as follows: “Now a great sign appeared in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of 12 stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. And another sign appeared in heaven; behold, a great fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.” (Revelation 12:1-5)
This passage is an obvious reference to Jesus’s birth, Satan’s attempt to kill the newborn Messiah through Herod, His coming reign in His Kingdom, and His ascension to the right hand of His Father.
Interestingly, the constellation Virgo (woman) is “clothed with the sun” thru ought the month of September. (It would be visible in the sky but for the sun during the day). The constellation Coma Berenices (10-14 stars) is then located near her head. Accordingly, the moon is positioned just below her feet at that time. The serpent (dragon), Hydra, runs parallel just below Virgo. According to modern computer astronomy programs, in the centuries around Jesus’s birth the sun was mid body (womb area) in Virgo between September 10th and September 20th. At this time of the year, the moon is directly below her feet during a new moon. A new moon during this time of year is the start of the Jewish month Tishri – the start of a new year – Rosh Hashana. This means Jesus was likely born on the first day of the Jewish new year. More specifically, there is evidence to support a precise date. On September 12, 3 BC, Venus rose up brightly in the middle of Virgo’s head. Jesus referred to Himself as “the bright and morning star” the “offspring of David”.
I’m of the opinion, based on the above, that this date-September 12, 3BC -is likely the actual date of the first Christmas. This date also fits very well with the many other reasons why a December 25th date is unlikely. (Which I won’t go into here).
Maranatha and Merry Christmas, Jim