The Winter Solstice
December 25th is the winter solstice. For most of the northern hemisphere, it is the day with the smallest amount of sunlight that there’ll be all year. Most Bible scholars agree that this was not likely Jesus’ date of birth but rather they suggest it was in September. Some believe the date was coupled with what is called “the epiphany” which was among the first feasts of the Christian church. It is also called the “Three Kings Day” or “Twelfth Day” which was observed on January 6th. Epiphany means “manifestation” and in this context, it was the manifestation of Jesus as both Man and God where the Word became flesh and dwelt with mankind (John 1:1-3, 14). Apparently the early church had the idea that there were three kings who brought gifts to Jesus but the number of kings or wise men (magi) were never numbered. Only the gifts they brought were counted, being gold, frankincense, and myrrh.