A Day to Remember

 

It might come as a surprise to some of my readers when I say that today is quite probably the birthday of the Lord Jesus Christ. I base this statement on an extensive research that was done some years back at the Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy in California. You may read the full article on this research by Dr. Craig Chester to learn more about it. 

With modern science it is now possible to use a computer to display the night sky from any location at any time in past known history. Out of curiosity a group of astronomers decided to set their machine to demonstrate what the night sky would have looked like to the wise men from the East and on their journey to Israel during the time frame of Christ’s birth (approximately 3 B.C., due to corrupting of the calendar). What Dr. Chester and his fellow astronomers learned by viewing the movement of the stars, sun, moon, and planets during that period of time was that there was in fact an amazing series of events in the night sky that the wise men, being proficient in reading the heavens, would have been able read. From this they were able to learn that there was indeed a great King born in Bethlehem. Interestingly enough, the date that He was most likely born was September 11th.

“September 11, 3 B.C., is perhaps the most interesting date of all. Not only was Jupiter very close to Regulus in the first of their conjunctions, but the sun was in the constellation of Virgo (of obvious symbolism- the Virgin), together with the new moon (a Jewish symbolic event), in a configuration that fits a plausible interpretation of a passage in the Book of Revelation describing the birth of a male child who is to be the ruler of the universe. Significantly, September 11, 3 B.C., also marked the beginning of the Jewish New Year, traditionally regarded as the anniversary of Noah's landing after the Great Flood.”

By studying the course of Abia (Luke 1:5-8), some have concluded that it is pretty certain that Christ was born in the spring or fall – not on December 25th. However, with the star research now available, it seems safe to say that it was most likely in September, and probably the 11th.

A Different Perspective

Isaiah 5:20-23  Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!  Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!

There has been a lot of speculation about the World Trade debacle and a lot of accusations regarding conspiracies. It certainly was a conspiracy, but whether it was solely the work of Muslim zealots, whether other entities were involved, and whether the U.S. government was apprised of the impending disaster is up for some debate – or maybe I should say a lot of debate. 

My perspective personally is that it doesn’t matter a whole lot what was going on “behind the scenes," there is nothing I can do about it now no matter what the scenario. I know that there have been situations in past history where the leaders of a country decided not to heed a warning or allowed a dangerous situation to occur because they needed an “event” to justify going to war. On the other hand, there have also been significant sabotage events that were a complete surprise to the powers that be. It really doesn’t matter that much how it all came about since the event is over and there is nothing truly constructive we can do about the conspiracy involved. (Note: Please see my previous post on how we can remember 9-11 and turn the evil intentions to good: Overcoming Evil with Good.) God is the righteous judge and only He can mete justice where it is truly deserved.  Romans 12:19  …Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Regardless of what the conspiracies of men may be, you can count on there having been one conspirator who was orchestrating the whole thing from start to finish, and that is Satan, the roaring lion who seeks to devour. 1 Peter 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

The fact that the date he chose was September 11 makes me wonder. I’m inclined to think that he knew full well what he was doing. The father of lies (John 8:44), who has convinced the world to celebrate “Christ’s birth” on December 25th, one of his own particular unholy days, certainly is aware of the actual day that Jesus Christ was born. And, look at the evil that has been caused by the September 11th event: thousands of people died (including Jews); Israel has been blamed for the attack and singled out to suffer for it; Islam has been both blamed and “nice-ified” and re-characterized as “peaceful” and “good” (an up-side-down response from our politically correct society); more war and violence has been justified; and, significantly to the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10), Christians have been encouraged and inspired to bow more zealously to the golden calf of patriotism and militarism. [Disclaimer – some content and I do not agree with all of this author’s viewpoint.]

Could all this be a mere accident? I think not. In the big scheme of things, there is altogether too much “coincidence” to make this an accident.

What Are We Doing?

I have lamented before, and probably will again, that more Christians don’t see the point in observing the birth of Jesus Christ at the time it was most likely to have happened. We’re told repeatedly by our fellow believers that they are observing “Christmas” in December to honor Christ’s birth. How much more would it honor Him if the church separated from the carnal activities of December and had its celebrations at a totally different time of the year – a more appropriate time? (Read more.)

I would not object to observing Jesus’ birth in September, but it is not something that the church is commanded to do and we have not felt compelled to do so privately. But, I have to say that in April this year when we, the church of the Lord, were observing the resurrection of Christ it grieved my heart when I stopped to think about how a whole month of the year is preoccupied with allegedly celebrating His birth, while we generally give less than a week to the remembrance of His death, burial and resurrection. Can this please God?

Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

1 Corinthians 15:13-20 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

While the birth of Jesus Christ is important and a very precious and wonderful thing, it is His death and resurrection that are the central point of all history. How is it that the Lord’s church celebrates the first to such extremes and the second so little? But, I digress.

In Conclusion

I think there was a lot more at stake the day the World Trade Center was destroyed. This should not be a surprise to Christians. The book of Daniel tells us a little about the tremendous spiritual battle that is going on unknown by us. We catch small glimpses of it at times in different ways. When anything as significant as that event happens, it is a given that great spiritual forces of evil were at work one way or another. If this day truly was the day the Prince of Peace was born in Bethlehem we can hardly wonder that it would be chosen for such an event. But, as the servants of the Prince of Peace - the ultimate Victor in the end - how should we be remembering that day? We should be living in His peace and striving to pass it on to others. This is the way to honor the Lord not only on the probable day of His birth, but every day that He gives us upon this earth.

Colossians 3:15  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.


Romans 10:15  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!