WAS YESHUA (JESUS) BORN ON DECEMBER 25? (cont.)
by Dave R. Mode, Jr.

“There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:36-38 NIV). 

These scriptures describe the account of Yeshua's (Jesus') being presented to the LORD at the Temple. According to Torah, every male was presented to the LORD at the Temple 40 days after his birth. Forty (40) days being the period of purification for the mother after birthing a male child. Also, two individuals by the names of Simon and Anna had an encounter with the Messiah at the time of his presentation.

At this point, it is important that special attention be given to the bold portion of scripture related to both Simon and Anna. The portion of scripture related to Simon states, “He was waiting for the consolation of Israel.” The portion of scripture related to Anna states, “looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” The phrases “the consolation (comfort) of Israel” and “the redemption of Jerusalem” are associated with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. On Yom Kippur the sins of Israel would be pardoned or remitted. This was the day when the congregation of Israel would be delivered or liberated from the past years' sins producing a renewed relationship with the LORD. 

The phrases “He was waiting for” and “looking forward to” indicates that the people were in a period of expectation making preparation for Yom Kippur. This period of expectation in waiting for Yom Kippur is known as "the Days of Awe" or "the Days of Teshuvah". The word teshuvah is Hebrew for repentance. The Days of Teshuvah were regarded as a period of repentance for Israel. The Days of Teshuvah began from the 2nd of the Hebrew month called Tishri until to the 9th of Tishri. The 10th of Tishri was Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement. During the Days of Teshuvah the people prepared themselves to receive atonement by remaining in an attitude of repentance. Many came from all over Israel to the Temple in Jerusalem for prayer and fasting (self-denial) during this time. This was the case with Anna being in the Temple courts during this time continually in prayer and fasting. 

It was during the days of Teshuvah that Yeshua (Jesus) was brought to the Temple to be presented to the LORD. According to scripture, every male child was to be presented to the LORD after the mother's 40 day period of separation (purification) following childbirth (see Lev. 12:1-8 & Luke 2:22-24). Counting backwards 40 days from the day of Yeshua (Jesus) being presented to the LORD we can locate the time frame of Yeshua’s (Jesus’) birth. The Days of Teshuvah occurred from the 2nd thru the 9th of the Hebrew month called Tishri. So then, the birth of Messiah took place on one of the eight days from the 21st of Ab (Av) to the 28th of Ab (Av) according to the Hebrew calendar. Since the Hebrew calendar is on the lunar cycle the month of Ab differs slightly from year to year in comparison to the solar cycle calendar. Generally speaking, Yeshua (Jesus) was born in the mid summer, and more specifically around the first part of August according to the solar calendar. 

May the information received provide you with a more accurate understanding of Messiah’s birth. 

Shalom (peace) and Barucha (blessings) of the LORD be upon you.

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