1. When Was Jesus Christ Really Born?

Let's look at the birth of Jesus Christ. The scriptures show when Jesus was really born. Matthew 2:1-4, 7-8 states "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and the scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. . . . Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also." But we know from the scriptures that king Herod did not want to worship Jesus but destroy him. Matthew 2:16, 19-20 state "Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. . . . But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel:for they are dead which sought the young child's life." History tells us that king Herod died March 13th, 4 B.C. (1). We can find out the time of Jesus Christ's birth if we look at the date of the death of Herod and look at Matthew 2:16 which tells us about his decree to kill all children 2 years old and under. This would take us back to March 13th, 6 B.C. We know that Jesus Christ was on the earth for 33-1/2 years and died on the week of Passover or Feast of unleavened bread which was during the month Abib or Nisan (which is during March or April). From this we see that Jesus Christ would be born in the October or November month in the year 5 B.C.

The birth of Jesus Christ is discussed in Chapter 9 in the book "Why Are So Many Christians Confused About Bible Prophecy?"

2. The Pagan Counterfeit of Jesus Christ Birth

The word "Christmas" comes from the Old English phrase "Cristes maesse", or "Christ's mass"(2). "The Catholic Church "celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ in 336 AD, according to a Roman almanac...During the 4th century the celebration of Christ's birth on December 25 was gradually adopted by most Eastern churches....The reason why Christmas came to be celebrated on December 25 remains uncertain," but most likely the reason was so that early Catholics could "coincide with the pagan Roman festival marking the birthday of the unconquered sun (winter solstice)"(2). "The giving of presents was a Roman custom; while the yule tree and the yule log are remnants of old Teutonic nature worship."(1)

First I would like to say that a Catholic is not a Christian. Many of the teachings of the Catholic Church are rooted in pagan religions. (To find more information on the history of the teaching of Catholic Church, visit the Chick Publications web site at www.chick.com and click on the Alberto series or write to Chick Publications P.O. Box 3500, Ontario, CA 91761-1100 and ask about information on the Alberto series).For current information about the Catholic Church read the July/August 2000 issue of the Prophetic Messenger Newsletter on "The One World Religion Is Here."

The prophet Jeremiah warned the house of Israel against learning the way of the heathen. Sadly many Christians are doing this very thing today. In Jeremiah 10:1-4 it says "1 Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: 2 Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not." Notice how this scripture sounds like many Christians who have Christmas trees in their home and exchange gifts. These customs have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus Christ but have their roots in pagan religions. Many Christians today need to remove all these pagan practices out of their lives and glorify Jesus Christ.

Note 1: reference at Unger's Bible Dictionary
Note 2: reference at web site :www.britannica.com

How Technology Is Being Used To Bring In The Mark Of The Beast. Read this article in the next issue of The Prophetic Messenger.

As Christians if we want to live in victory and if we want to be able to share the Word Of God with others we must know the Word of God ourselves. Let's see what the Bible says about this. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11. " If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." John 15:7. "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed." John 8:31. We encourage you to put the following scriptures in your heart: Acts 17:11, Song of Solomon 2:1, Isaiah 43:2, Colossians 3:15, Ezekiel 33:3-4, II Corinthians 4:3-4, Psalm 119:130, Mark 8:25, II Corinthians 13:1, Psalm 37:23. Use only the Old King James version of the Holy Bible. (If you have any questions about this please see the book New Age Bible Versions, by G.A. Riplinger ©1993, ISBN 0-9635845-0-2.)

We invite you to worship with us on Sundays! Our church is called The Ingathering Fellowship. We meet at 9400 NE 72nd Ave, Vancouver, WA (The Barberton Grange).

Sunday School is from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. Church service begins at 1:45 pm. If you would like a map, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Mysteries From The Word Of God Ministries, P.O. Box 6391, Vancouver, WA 98668. Request the map to the church service.