THE BIRTH OF CHRIST September 11th 3 B.C.?
By Dr. Craig Johnson
If Revelation 12:1-3 is to be interpreted in an astronomical way, then there was only one day in 3 B.C. where the “sun clothed the woman” with the “moon under her feet.” This was from about 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. on September 11, 3 B.C. It was significantly the Day of Trumpets, the beginning of the Jewish New Year, the first day of Tishri, Rosh Hashanah, the New Year day for civil affairs. It was a celebration of physical creation, the year Noah turned 601, (Gen. 8:13), the day Noah removed the covering of the Ark, (Gen. 8:13), the day kings began to rule. It would symbolize the enthronement of the great King of kings.
DECEMBER 25th 2 B.C.
On December 25th 2 B.C. Jupiter becomes stationary in its motion among the fixed stars. Jupiter stops in the middle of Virgo the Virgin for six days. This would be visible 68 degrees above the southern horizon just over Bethlehem. This day also marked the winter solstice when the sun stands still and begins its triumph over darkness. It also marked the third day of the “Feast of Lights,” this was the day when the Magi brought their gifts — a time when the whole nation was in great festivity — synagogues, houses, and streets were illuminated.
“The true light, which lighteth every man” (John 1:9) had come into the world.
THE ORDER OF EVENTS
If Christ were born on September 11th 3 B.C. this is the historical sequence:
1. Joseph and Mary journey to Bethlehem for the census.
2. Jesus is born in a stable on September 11th the Day of Trumpets, 3 B.C.
3. He was circumcised on September 18/19 3 B.C.
4. He was dedicated in the Temple October 20/21 3 B.C.
5. They moved to Nazareth in late October 3 B.C.
6. They moved to Bethlehem Spring or Summer 2 B.C.
7. December 25th 2 B.C. the Magi visited the now older Christ child.
8. Joseph and Mary take Jesus to Egypt late December 2nd 2 B.C.
9. Herod kills all the male children (15 months after His birth).
10. Jesus begins His ministry October/November A.D. 28.
A Select Bibliography
Brown, R.E. The Birth of the Messiah, (New York: Double Day, 1977).
Bullinger, E.W. The Witness of the Stars, (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1972).
Hughes, D. The Star of Bethlehem, (London: J. M. Dent, 1979).
Martin, Ernest L. The Birth of Christ Recalculated, (Foundation for Biblical Research, 1980).
Mosley, John. The Christmas Star, (Griffith Park Observatory, 1980).
>/>/>//>/>=>/>/*//*//*
***The Jan. 10, 1BC or even the Dec. 29, 1 BC lunar eclipses are more logically linked to Herod's death.
So why do I put this in the Eschatology section? Because if you are a YEC like me and think there are 6k years since Creation, then 9/11/2026 would be about when Jesus started His ministry 2000 years ago and 2030 would be 2000 years from his death and resurrection.
Also, was it a coincidence that the Islamic terrorists chose that day - 9/11 to plan their attacks ...or did Satan purposely chose it?
By Dr. Craig Johnson
If Revelation 12:1-3 is to be interpreted in an astronomical way, then there was only one day in 3 B.C. where the “sun clothed the woman” with the “moon under her feet.” This was from about 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. on September 11, 3 B.C. It was significantly the Day of Trumpets, the beginning of the Jewish New Year, the first day of Tishri, Rosh Hashanah, the New Year day for civil affairs. It was a celebration of physical creation, the year Noah turned 601, (Gen. 8:13), the day Noah removed the covering of the Ark, (Gen. 8:13), the day kings began to rule. It would symbolize the enthronement of the great King of kings.
DECEMBER 25th 2 B.C.
On December 25th 2 B.C. Jupiter becomes stationary in its motion among the fixed stars. Jupiter stops in the middle of Virgo the Virgin for six days. This would be visible 68 degrees above the southern horizon just over Bethlehem. This day also marked the winter solstice when the sun stands still and begins its triumph over darkness. It also marked the third day of the “Feast of Lights,” this was the day when the Magi brought their gifts — a time when the whole nation was in great festivity — synagogues, houses, and streets were illuminated.
“The true light, which lighteth every man” (John 1:9) had come into the world.
THE ORDER OF EVENTS
If Christ were born on September 11th 3 B.C. this is the historical sequence:
1. Joseph and Mary journey to Bethlehem for the census.
2. Jesus is born in a stable on September 11th the Day of Trumpets, 3 B.C.
3. He was circumcised on September 18/19 3 B.C.
4. He was dedicated in the Temple October 20/21 3 B.C.
5. They moved to Nazareth in late October 3 B.C.
6. They moved to Bethlehem Spring or Summer 2 B.C.
7. December 25th 2 B.C. the Magi visited the now older Christ child.
8. Joseph and Mary take Jesus to Egypt late December 2nd 2 B.C.
9. Herod kills all the male children (15 months after His birth).
10. Jesus begins His ministry October/November A.D. 28.
A Select Bibliography
Brown, R.E. The Birth of the Messiah, (New York: Double Day, 1977).
Bullinger, E.W. The Witness of the Stars, (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1972).
Hughes, D. The Star of Bethlehem, (London: J. M. Dent, 1979).
Martin, Ernest L. The Birth of Christ Recalculated, (Foundation for Biblical Research, 1980).
Mosley, John. The Christmas Star, (Griffith Park Observatory, 1980).
>/>/>//>/>=>/>/*//*//*
***The Jan. 10, 1BC or even the Dec. 29, 1 BC lunar eclipses are more logically linked to Herod's death.
So why do I put this in the Eschatology section? Because if you are a YEC like me and think there are 6k years since Creation, then 9/11/2026 would be about when Jesus started His ministry 2000 years ago and 2030 would be 2000 years from his death and resurrection.
Also, was it a coincidence that the Islamic terrorists chose that day - 9/11 to plan their attacks ...or did Satan purposely chose it?
