The Nativity

12. Monday, December 25, 5 B.C. of the old solar calendar of the Jews: The Nativity.

Caesar Augustus was the Roman emperor from 27 B.C. till 14 A.D. In those days, the world had the peace, so he issued the decree that the census should be taken of the entire Roman World. This was the first census while Quirinius was governor of Syria, so the people went to their own towns for register. (1)
Monday, December 12, 5 B.C. of the old solar calendar of the Jews: This day was the winter solstice.
The mid December, 5 B.C. of the old solar calendar of the Jews, the imperial command was put up on the gate of the Nazareth’s synagogue.
Israel had the rainy season from October until March. Especially, from December till January the Jews had a lot of rainfall. Moreover, of course the trip could be postponed because Mary had a reason such as pregnancy and illness. Nevertheless, Mary persuaded Joseph to go to Bethlehem.
Thursday, December 21, 5 B.C. of the old solar calendar of the Jews, the sun rose at 6:44 a.m.
Joseph who belonged to the house and line of David also went to from Nazareth to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, to be registered with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and her pregnancy was already advanced. (2)
Bethlehem was located in south 9 km of Jerusalem, and it was 760 meters above sea level. However, Bethlehem did not have the many springs, so the population was about one thousand.
The Nativity is the third Mystery of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.
The old solar calendar of the Jews had 365.25 days in one year.
Sunday, December 24, 5 B.C. of the old solar calendar of the Jews, the moon which phase of the moon was 9.4 rose at 0:43 p.m. That afternoon, Joseph and Mary met a shepherd in the pasture, so Joseph got information on the lodging from him. (3)
Because Mary began labor Joseph struck the doors of the houses. But the all inhabitants of Bethlehem refused them, and they arrived at an inn. But the innkeeper refused them also, so they gave up the inn.
The Jews calculated their dates from sunset.
The sun set at 4:53 p.m., and it became on Monday of December 25 of 5 B.C. of the old solar calendar of the Jews, they arrived at the livestock hut which was dug to the mountain. Mary was seventeen years three months and seventeen days old.
The moon’s zenith which phase of the moon was 9.7 was at 7:53:28 p.m. While they were there, her days were completed to give birth, and she gave birth to her first-born Son. She wrapped Him in clothes and placed Him in the manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Monday, December 25, 5 B.C. of the old solar calendar of the Jews, it was at 8 p.m., the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds, and he stood by them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they feared very much. (4)
The angel Gabriel said to them.
“Do not be afraid. I bring you the good news of great joy which will be for all the people. Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born for you. He is Christ, the Lord. And this will be a sign to you. You will find the Baby wrapped in cloths and lying in the manger.”
Suddenly, the tremendous angels appeared in the moonlight sky, and they sang the Glory of God.
“The Glory to God in the highest, and on earth may peace with the people of the good will!”
As the angels disappeared into the heaven, the shepherds said to each other.
“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see what has happened that the Lord has made known to us.”
They went to the cave, and they found Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Who was lying in the manger.
On the other hand, the three Wise men were researching about the Mysterious star at the distance at 8 p.m.
(1) Luke 2:1-3 (2) Luke 2:4-5 (3) Luke 2:6-7 (4) Luke 2:8-16