Timeline Truths for the Birth of Jesus

After the predictions from the Old Testament about the forthcoming Messiah, the order of occurrences at the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem has been skewed by paintings, traditions, and hymns of the Christmas season. The first fulfilled sign was the appearance of the star. This special star was noted by astronomers and scientists of that era. The unusual and distinct divergence from the normal night sky intrigued the Magi enough to gather a caravan and follow it from the east. The wise men learned of it from old texts, because the star was predicted in Numbers 24:17. “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab. And destroy all the children of Sheth.” They connected the dots and sought this King represented by the Sceptre. Readying themselves and making the journey would have taken about a year or more.

The next event would have been the annunciation and the miraculous impregnation of Mary. Luke 1:26-38. Joseph’s visitation of an angel in a dream came next. Matthew 1:18-25. Caesar Augustus decreed that all should go to their own city to be taxed. Luke 2:1-5. Joseph and Mary left Nazareth to Joseph’s hometown of Bethlehem.

It was pointed out to me that the image of Mary riding on a donkey and being nine months was almost as impossibility. Joseph being a carpenter would probably have had a cart to carry tools, lumber, and the items he made. He would have not have left his tools behind and they would need supplies for the ten day journey. Arriving in Bethlehem, they took the only shelter that was available in a stable.

About this time, the Magi would have gotten to Jerusalem seeking the newborn King. Matthew 2:1-9. While they were in audience with King Herod, angels appeared to shepherds. They hurried to find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. It was another prophecy fulfilled. 1 Samuel 2:34. While the Magi traveled from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph acquired lodging in a house where they were found by the Magi. Matthew 2:11. Most pictures and Crèches have the wise men at the stable. Tradition and the hymns also say there were three because of the gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but there were probably more people than this. The Magi were warned of God not to return to Herod and departed for home by another route.

This was all done before Jesus was eight days old, because he was taken to the Temple in Jerusalem to be circumcised. Luke 2 21-38. Then Joseph, being warned in a dream, departed to Egypt to reside with his family until Herod’s death and the danger of the decree to slay all children two years and under was gone. The two years was a time to coincide with the appearance of the star.