What was the weather like in Bethlehem when Jesus was born?
Asked in the following category: General The most recent update was made on March 26th, 2021. “The shepherds were keeping an eye on their sheep, and it was freezing.” The majority of the time, shepherds let their sheep to graze harvested areas in search of any remaining vegetation. A short supply of pasture is frequently available after a long, hot, and dry summer in the Mediterranean climate of the Middle East. So it’s possible that Bethlehemmin fall isn’t all that chilly. It’s right there in one of the Gospels, if you look closely.
Also I’m curious, how is the weather in Bethlehem today?
Throughout the year, the temperature normally ranges from 41°F to 86°F, with temperatures seldom falling below 35°F or rising over 92°F.
Weather conditions in Bethlehem and the Palestinian Territories on an average in December.
Daily low temperatures drop by 5 degrees Fahrenheit, from 47 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit, seldom dropping below 37 degrees Fahrenheit or reaching 53 degrees Fahrenheit.
“And there were shepherds staying in the field, keeping watch over their flock at night in the same land,” the Bible says.
What was weather like when Jesus was born? – HolidayMountainMusic
The question was submitted to the category of General. 26th March, 2021 is the most recent date that has been updated. ‘The shepherds were keeping an eye on their sheep, and the weather was frightful’ Shepherds typically let their sheep to graze harvested fields in search of any remaining greenery that may have survived. In the Middle East, grass is generally scarce after a long, hot, and dry summer in the Mediterranean environment. It is possible that Bethlehemmin autumn will not be too chilly.
- ‘The shepherds were keeping an eye on their sheep, and the weather was frightful’ It is possible, however, that the Gospels would have stated that there was snow or rain at Jesus’ birth.
- It is hot, dry, and clear during the summers in Bethlehem; it is chilly and mainly clear during the winters.
- Temperatures normally range between 41°F and 86°F.
- Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories, has an average temperature in December.
- Despite a 5°F reduction in the average daily low temperature, from 47°F to 42°F, low temperatures are rarely below 37°F or beyond 53°F.
‘And there were shepherds staying in the field, keeping watch over their flock at night in the same country,’ according to the text.” Some individuals have come to the conclusion that this would be an uncommon practice during the month of December, claiming that the weather conditions would be too cold to live outside or look to a flock of animals.
Was there snow in Bethlehem when Jesus was born?
Posted under the category of General The most recent update was made on March 26, 2021. “The shepherds were keeping an eye on their sheep, and it was bitterly cold.” The majority of shepherds let their sheep to traverse harvested fields in search of remaining greenery. In the Middle East’s Mediterranean environment, grass is generally scarce after a long, hot, and dry summer. So it’s possible that it won’t be so chilly near Bethlehemmin autumn. It’s right there in one of the Gospels, in plain sight.
- Also I’m curious, how is the weather in Bethlehem?
- Throughout the year, the temperature normally ranges between 41°F and 86°F, with temperatures seldom falling below 35°F or rising over 92°F.
- Weather Conditions in Bethlehem and the Palestinian Territories in December.
- Daily low temperatures decline by 5°F, from 47°F to 42°F, with temperatures seldom dropping below 37°F or reaching 53°F on a daily basis.
- “And there were in the same countryshepherdsabiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock at night,” the text states.
What was the climate like in Israel 2000 years ago?
Moreover, the environment of ancient Israel was not only arid, but also varied in temperature from roughly 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and there were two seasons: one wet and one dry. Israel was situated in the Fertile Crescent, an area characterized by fertile soil as a result of the rivers that ran through the region.
Is Israel humid or dry?
Israelis experience a broad range of weather conditions, which is mostly due to the country’s diversified geography. Two different seasons may be found in the country: a chilly, wet winter (October–April) and a dry, scorching summer (May–September). Sea breezes provide a cooling effect along the coast in the summer, and the Mediterranean beaches are quite popular among tourists.
Is Israel a dry country?
Israel is a safe country with a low level of crime. When visiting in Jordan, as well as in East Jerusalem and Arab cities inside Israel, tourists should avoid bringing or drinking alcohol (which is prohibited by Islam) in public places, and both men and women should dress modestly, according to local custom.
Are drugs legal in Israel?
Israelis have a high level of security.
The carrying or use of alcohol (which is prohibited by Islam in public places) is prohibited when traveling in Jordan, as well as East Jerusalem and Arab towns within Israel. Travelers must also dress modestly, with men and women wearing modest clothing.
Can you drink and drive in Israel?
You are not permitted to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) more than 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. We strongly advise against drinking and driving in Israel, particularly in view of the poor driving standards displayed by the majority of the population.
Are there bars in Israel?
When it comes to finding some of the city’s trendiest pubs in Israel, there are so many lanes, especially in major towns, that it might be difficult. If you are searching for venues that are a little different from the norm, check out our guide to some of Israel’s trendiest bars that are located in areas you would never anticipate.
What is the most popular drink in Israel?
Limonana. The anise-flavored liquor Arak is undoubtedly the most popular alcoholic beverage in Israel, and this cocktail created with Arak, lemonade, and mint is one of the most delicious variations on the theme. True fans of Arak, on the other hand, like to drink the liquor neat, with a splash of water and a few of ice cubes on the side.
What is the weather like in Bethlehem at Christmas?
Limonana. The anise-flavored liquor Arak is perhaps the most popular alcoholic beverage in Israel, and this cocktail, which combines Arak, lemonade, and mint, is one of the most delicious variations on the drink. But true enthusiasts of Arak prefer to sip their liquor straight up with a dash of water and two or three ice cubes, rather than mixing it with other ingredients.
Was Jesus born in the winter solstice?
The Virgin Mary, who was nine months pregnant with the son of God, would have given birth to Jesus on the winter solstice, nine months after the conception of the child. From Rome, the celebration of Christ’s birth spread to other Christian churches in the west and east, and by the end of the fourth century, the majority of Christians were commemorating Christ’s birth on December 25.
Is there winter in Bethlehem?
There is a Mediterranean climate in Bethlehem, which means that the summers are hot and dry and the winters are moderate and moist. During the winter months (from mid-December to mid-March), temperatures can be chilly and wet. The coldest month is January, with temperatures ranging from 1 to 13 degrees Celsius (33–55 degrees Fahrenheit). From May through September, the weather is mild and sunny with occasional showers.
What was the weather like when Jesus was born?
Consider the weather conditions in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, during that time of year. It was cold and rainy. Temperatures were chilly and wet during the Jewish month of Chislev (which corresponds to the months of November and December). Tebeth (December/January) was the month that followed after that. It was the coldest month of the year, with a few flurries of snow in the highlands on rare occasions.
When was Jesus born according to the Bible?
Let us have a look at the weather conditions in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, during that time of year. Temperatures were chilly and wet during the Jewish month of Chislev (which corresponded to late November and early December). Tebeth (December/January) was the month that followed. Despite sporadic snowfall in the mountains, it was the coldest day of year with the lowest temperatures of the year.
Is it cold in Bethlehem when Jesus was born?
Consider the meteorological conditions in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, at that time of year.
The Jewish month of Chislev (which corresponded to November/December) was characterized by chilly and wet conditions. Tebeth (December/January) was the month after that. It was the coldest month of the year, with a few flurries of snow in the mountains.
What was the climate like in Palestine at the time of Jesus?
Today’s climate in Palestine is divided into two different seasons, just as it was during the time of Jesus. From the middle of October through the middle of April, the wet or rainy season is in full swing. The dry season, also known as the summer season, lasts from the middle of June to the mid-September. During these months, it is extremely dry, and rainfall is quite rare.
Was Jesus Born in December? — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY
The Bible does not give us the exact date of Jesus’ birth. However, it provides compelling evidence that his birth did not take place in December, as previously believed. Consider the weather conditions in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, during that time of year. It was cold and rainy. Temperatures were chilly and wet during the Jewish month of Chislev (which corresponds to the months of November and December). Tebeth (December/January) was the month that followed after that. It was the coldest month of the year, with a few flurries of snow in the highlands on rare occasions.
- Chislev was, according to the Bible’s author Ezra, a month that was notorious for being chilly and wet in nature.
- due of the heavy rain,” which he attributes to the weather.
- Shepherds, according to the Bible, were out in the fields tending their flocks on the night of Jesus’ birth, according to the story.
- (See Luke 2:8-12 for further information.) It is important to note that the shepherds were truly living outside, rather than simply wandering about outside throughout the day.
- Is that definition of outdoor life appropriate for the chilly and wet weather conditions that prevail in Bethlehem in the month of December?
- As a result, the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth imply that he did not arrive on our planet in December.
Immediately, the words of King Solomon come to mind: “A good reputation is better than excellent oil, and the day of death is better than the day of birth.” Ecclesiastes 7:1 (Ecclesiastes 7:1) It should come as no surprise, then, that the Bible contains numerous information concerning Jesus’ work and death, but just a few specifics regarding the period surrounding his birth.
How cold was that stall where Jesus was born?
Christians all throughout the world commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, which occurred more than 2,000 years ago this month. This takes place in a stable in Bethlehem, in the middle of a cold winter night, according to many classic Christmas legends of the season. Is it possible to recreate how chilly it was that night? Christians all throughout the world commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, which occurred more than 2,000 years ago this month. This takes place in a stable in Bethlehem, in the middle of a cold winter night, according to many classic Christmas legends of the season.
It is a conundrum based on a large number of assumptions.
What is the quickest response?
You may read the substantiation and how many ways we could be incorrect in the section below.
When Was Jesus Born?
The most certain thing we know about Jesus is that he was born around 2,000 years ago. Additionally, Jewish and Roman historians have made note of it in addition to Christian sources. Given that the Christmas tale includes references to Jewish king Herod and Roman emperor Quirinius, it has been hypothesized that Jesus was born 4 to 6 years ‘before Christ,’ or around 2024 to 2026 years ago. However, this has not been proven.
How much cooler was the climate then?
It is presently on average 1.7 degrees warmer than it was at the end of the nineteenth century in the Bethlehem region, thanks to global warming. The changes in CO2 concentration and temperature were much smaller in the two thousand years before then, with global temperature swings of little more than a quarter of a degree Celsius. There were higher climate changes in the local area. The Mediterranean saw a pretty warm phase during the start of the era, although it was probably colder than it is now: roughly 1 degree Celsius.
But was Jesus really born in Bethlehem?
The four Gospels of the Bible tell the account of Jesus’ life and death on the cross. Interestingly, only two of the four evangelists (Matthew and Luke) make any mention of Jesus’ birth at all, and they do so in two very different ways. In certain instances, Matthew and Luke agree on the location of Jesus’ birth: Bethlehem, a city in the West Bank not far from Jerusalem. There is some basis for doubting this. The earliest gospel, Mark, only mentions that Jesus came from Nazareth, a town in Galilee to the north.
Following the crucifixion, later evangelists may have included the city of Bethlehem, confirming that Jesus is a descendant of King David of Bethlehem.
What about climate differences locally?
The particular position can make a significant impact in the outcome. Due to its location atop the highest ridge in present-day Israel and Palestine – 765 meters above sea level – the city of Bethlehem experiences temperatures that are 4 to 6 degrees Celsius cooler than the surrounding valleys (some of which lie far below sea level). Today, December 25, the temperature in Bethlehem is an average of 6 degrees above zero in the early morning hours (and 13 degrees during the day). However, these are typical temps during the overnight.
The Christmas narrative takes place under a starry sky, which allows for more light to be seen.
As a result, we deduct at least 2 degrees from the temperature. Nazareth and the settlement of Bethlehem are only a few hundred meters below the surface of the water. Good for a Christmas night when the temperature is at least 2 degrees softer.
Was it in the middle of the winter night?
That’s something we have to take for granted. The Bible makes no mention of Jesus’ birth date or even the season in which he was born. The earliest known reference to December 25 is found in a text produced two centuries later by the priest Hippolytus of Rome, who dated it to that day. Christians did not celebrate Christmas throughout that time period. This ritual is believed to have begun in the fourth century. Both the date and the season are very speculative. The behavior of flocks of sheep during their migration has been used to extrapolate this from astronomical events (Matthew describes a notable star) and even from astronomical occurrences (Luke gives shepherds a role in the Christmas story).
Was it a relatively cold night?
That is something we must expect. A date or even a season for Jesus’ birth are not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. In fact, the earliest known source that dates back to December 25 is a record prepared by the priest Hippolytus of Rome two centuries after the event. Christmas was not celebrated by Christians at that time, according to tradition. It is likely that this custom began in the fourth century. A great deal of uncertainty surrounds the date and season of the event. Attempts have been attempted to derive this from astronomical phenomena (Matthew describes a magnificent star) and even the migration behavior of flocks of sheep, but none of them have been successful so far (Luke gives shepherds a role in the Christmas story).
“Most likely” Christmas night was just not white
Finally, the temperature was most likely 3 degrees above zero – or 5 degrees if we stick to the area near Nazareth – rather than below zero, which was more likely to be freezing. In an open stable, the horses are still quite young. It is possible that we will be several degrees off because we have no notion which way the wind is blowing. Finally, Lucas is the only one who mentions a stable. According to Matthew, there was just one room available in the residence. It’s quite hot. For further information, see How high need the Vaalserberg be (this year) in order to have a white Christmas?
What was the weather where Jesus was born?
The story of Jesus’ birth provides a window into the social climate of the day: History: According to scholars, Mary and Joseph lived in a repressive environment where they were subjected to heavy taxation. It’s a chilly Mediterranean night roughly 2,000 years ago, and the sun is setting.
Was Jesus Born winter or summer?
The biblical account that shepherds were looking over their flocks in the pastures on the night of Jesus’ birth — something that would have been more appropriate for them to perform in the spring rather than the winter — has also led some theologians to speculate that Jesus was born in the spring.
How cold was it the night Jesus was born?
To summarize, the temperature was most likely barely above freezing, although it was probably approximately 3 degrees above zero – or 5 degrees if we limit ourselves to the area around Nazareth. In an open stable, the horses are still quite young.
What is the weather like in Bethlehem at Christmas?
The weather in Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories, in December. Daily maximum temperatures drop by 7°F, from 62°F to 55°F, with temperatures seldom falling below 47°F or reaching 70°F on a daily basis.
Daily low temperatures drop by 5 degrees Fahrenheit, from 47 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit, seldom dropping below 37 degrees Fahrenheit or reaching 54 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is December 25th Jesus’s birthday?
Christmas is on the 25th of December. In fact, the Bible does not specify December 25 as the day of Jesus’ birth; in fact, the Bible is quiet on the day or time of year when Mary was claimed to have given birth to him in Bethlehem, according to tradition. His birth was not commemorated by the first Christian communities.
What month is winter in Bethlehem?
Temperatures in Bethlehem are on the warm side. During the chilly season, which lasts for 3.1 months from December 6 to March 9, the average daily high temperature is below 60°F on a daily basis. Winter in Bethlehem is very chilly, with average lows of 41°F and highs of 54°F. January is the coldest month of the year.
Is it true Jesus was born in the summer?
BETHLEHEM, Occupied West Bank (AP) – The Israeli occupation of the West Bank continues. In light of new archaeological evidence, it is possible that Jesus was born in the late summer or early fall of the year 12 B.C., and the star that guided the three wise men to Bethlehem was really Halley’s comet.
How cold does it get in the Holy Land?
Temperatures range between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 and 15 degrees Celsius) in most regions, but can drop to the 40s (5 degrees Celsius) in Jerusalem and the Galilee highlands — where it can be quite chilly at night.
Did Mary and Joseph live in Egypt?
Prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, Mary and Joseph went from Nazareth to Bethlehem around the year 5 B.C. After a 65-kilometer trek, they arrived in Egypt, where they remained for three years until Herod’s death in 4 B.C., when Joseph received a dream that it was safe to return to their homeland of Israel.
Does Bethlehem have snow on December?
A few months before the birth of Jesus Christ, Mary and Joseph journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem. After a 65-kilometer voyage, they arrived in Egypt, where they remained for three years until Herod’s death in 4 B.C., when Joseph received a dream that it was safe to return to their homeland in Israel.
Tale of Jesus’ Birth Provides Look at Social Climate of the Times : History: Scholars say Mary and Joseph lived in an oppressive society in which they were heavily taxed.
It’s a chilly Mediterranean night roughly 2,000 years ago, and the sun is setting. In order to travel the 100 miles from Nazareth to Joseph’s homeland of Bethlehem, Joseph and a pregnant Mary must trudge over rugged terrain on donkey and foot. Should they have made the decision to go on their own, the pair may have opted to do it during the dry season. They didn’t have a choice, though. According to the narrative of Jesus’ birth in the Gospel of Luke, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem in order to file their tax returns.
- Taxes were collected in the form of crops and livestock back then.
- It is said that local and distant authorities wanted as much as 50-60 percent of what the common people cultivated and possessed, putting them in a difficult financial situation.
- In “Liberation of Christmas,” author Richard Horsley describes the social and political context that existed at the time of Jesus’ birth.
- “As a result, Joseph returns Mary to Bethlehem.
He most likely left Bethlehem because of debt and traveled roughly 100 miles away from his home in order to find employment.” Horsley claims that Caesar was so tax-hungry that if someone couldn’t pay, the Romans would compel the peasants to return home and cultivate the land again—despite the fact that they had fled because they couldn’t make it.
- * Although some academics argue over whether or not a census was ever conducted, claiming that it occurred years after Jesus’ birth, they do not deny that the peasants who lived at the time of Jesus’ birth were living in an atmosphere of instability and social unrest.
- Herod was referred to as a “client king,” since he was selected by Rome to rule a vast kingdom of Jews.
- In the words of Douglas Oakman, a religion professor at Pacific Lutheran University, “It’s apparent that Herod was harsh.” “Jesus was born into what was effectively a third-world environment under a military government.
- Horsley estimates that the remaining 90 percent worked in the fields surrounding Nazareth, where they grew grapes, olives, and grain.
- According to Oakman, the people were subsistence farmers who raised one bag of food for themselves and another bag for Herod or Caesar.
- While the wealthy benefited, the peasants were disadvantaged.
- In the words of the Rev.
- Meier, professor of religion at the Catholic University of America and a biblical scholar, “the Jews despised him because he had a reputation as a killer and a thug.” “There was definitely a sense of unease.
- When it came to getting rid of you, Herod could have slashed the throat of anybody he chose.
- Malina, a theology professor at Creighton University, in order to comprehend society at that period, one must first understand Mediterranean culture.
- “It was a male-dominated environment in which they never came into contact with one another except in bed.” The women stayed in the vicinity of the two-room dwellings, where they looked after the children, the garden, and the chickens.
They went out to gather water, cooked in a semipublic courtyard, and milked goats, which is what academics believe Mary did as well, according to the evidence. Traditionally, men toiled in the fields; but, in the case of Joseph, he worked with his hands, cutting stone or constructing buildings.
What Was the Climate Like at the Time of Jesus?
Please keep in mind that I am currently in the Holy Land. Because of my hectic travel schedule, I’m republishing several pieces on living in Jesus’ day that were previously published. If you read (or reread) them, I hope you will find them to be as enjoyable as I found them to be. In Palestine, both today and during the time of Jesus, there are two different seasons defined by the sun and the moon. Seasons are divided into two categories: wet and dry. The wet season goes from the middle of October to the middle of April, while the dry season runs from the middle of June to the middle of September.
- Despite the fact that it might get quite hot throughout the summer, it rarely feels that way.
- During these months, the sky is almost always clear and the sun is almost always shining.
- It presents difficulties for farmers, who must devise novel means of capturing and storing water during the rainy season.
- During the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, and snow can fall at higher elevations (areas around Jerusalem and Bethlehem, for example), but this is uncommon and normally only occurs for brief periods during the months of December and January.
- Hermon.
- Because to the varying geography, there can be drastic changes within a few kilometers of one another.
- Deep crevasses and pure desert characterize the Dead Sea region and the area surrounding Jericho.
- Summer’s warmest days come during the transition between the two seasons, when temperatures are at their highest.
- It would appear from several allusions in Scripture that the soil was wetter and more ideal for agriculture, and that there was no need for the extensive irrigation that is currently required in the Middle East.
I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters; for I am aware of their sorrows; and I have come down to deliver them from the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land into a good and a large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:7,8).
Similar to today’s situation, the greatly variable geography of Jesus’ day had a significant impact on the microclimate that fluctuated from mile to mile.
Each spring, the valleys and hills were transformed into a sea of wildflowers and blossoming trees, a sight to see.
It was a patchwork of vineyards and fruit plantations on the lush ground.
Flavius Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian who was well-versed in the region, wrote the following about it: Its natural beauty is matched only by its wonder; its soil is so fertile that all kinds of trees can grow on it, and the inhabitants accordingly plant all kinds of trees there; for the temper of the air is so well mixed, that it agrees very well with those several kinds, particularly walnuts, which require the coldest air, flourish there in vast abundance; there are also palm trees, which grow best in hot air; fig trees and olive trees grow nearby, which still require an arid climate; and fig trees This region may be described as the ambition of nature, where it forces plants that are naturally antagonistic to one another to cooperate; it is a happy contest of the seasons, as if each of them had staked a claim to this territory; it not only nourishes different kinds of autumnal fruit beyond men’s expectations, but preserves them for a long time; it supplies men with the principal fruits, with grapes and figs continuously, during ten months of the year and the rest of the year; it supplies (The Jewish War, Book 3, Chapter 10:8).
- Crops were bountiful and fish were numerous in the area surrounding the Sea of Galilee.
- Grain, olives, and grapes were the most common crops farmed in the region during Jesus’ lifetime.
- courtesy of Creative Commons 2.5 The Valley of Jezreel (seen on the right), located in the southern region of the country between Galilee and Samaria, was known for its fertile soil and moderate rainfall.
- Since Jesus’ time, the entire region has seen slow desertification, which is the process by which once-fertile terrain is transformed into desert (typically due to natural factors such as drought or through inappropriate agriculture).
- As a result, less water is available, less arable land is available, and the days and nights get warmer.
- Even while deforestation was a major concern during the Jewish-Roman War of 66-70 A.D., there have been other other causes that have contributed to environmental degradation during the previous two thousand years.
- However, there are still many lovely locations in Israel, particularly in the Galilee region in the north.
- Their attention would be drawn to the decrease in the number of trees rather than the somewhat warmer and drier weather.
This project has received a significant amount of private financial assistance. The Israelis are seeking to partially reforest the country, in effect. The intended effect is that the ground will be able to store more water, allowing for the expansion of agricultural area.
What Was the Climate and Weather Of Israel Like at the Time of Jesus?
Today’s climate in Palestine is divided into two different seasons, just as it was during the time of Jesus. From the middle of October through the middle of April, the wet or rainy season is in full swing. The dry season, also known as the summer season, lasts from the middle of June to the mid-September. During these months, it is extremely dry, and rainfall is quite rare. Despite the fact that the temperature might reach extremely high levels in the summer, it is not always felt as such. During the summer, cool winds and low humidity are frequent, making the summers quite pleasant, especially in regions directly on the shore or on higher slopes of the mountains.
- As a result of the dominance of high-pressure zones in the area, rain is expected to pour throughout the summer.
- Although it does not rain every day during the rainy season, there can be heavy rainfall that cause streams to overflow from time to time during the season.
- Despite the fact that snow is mentioned in the Bible, it is primarily portrayed as occurring in the highlands to the north, around Mt.
- Throughout the Holy Land, the climate ranges from north to south as well as from east to west.
- In general, more rain falls in the eastern half of Palestine, while the temperature rises as one travels further south in the country.
- West-facing mountainous locations receive significantly more rainfall than east-facing mountainous ones.
- It is possible that the temperature in Israel during Jesus’ time was not quite as warm and dry as it is today.
For example, as Lot raised up his eyes, he saw the entire plain of Jordan, and he saw that it was well watered everywhere, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, just like the garden of the LORD, like the country of Egypt, as he approached Zoar (Genesis 13:10).
During the construction of the Temple and many other buildings in the vicinity of 1000 BC, the Bible mentions Solomon’s usage of colossal quantities of timber.
era, were found to be prevalent throughout the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East, according to land-use studies conducted in these regions.
Lower Galilee (at left), where Jesus spent the most of his life, was Israel’s most lush region, famed for its sunny, temperate temperature and its spring-watered farms.
Since the beginning of March, the region has been enveloped in a thick blanket of green.
Because of the warm, subtropical temperature, grapes, figs, olives, pomegranates, oranges, and other fruits grew well in the region.
Crops were bountiful and fish were numerous in the area surrounding the Sea of Galilee.
Grain, olives, and grapes were among the most common crops farmed in the region at the time.
It is known as the Valley of Jezreel(at right), and it is located in the southern region of Israel between Galilee and Samaria.
The scenery of Judea, which is located south of Samaria, gradually changes.
Since Jesus’ time, the entire region of the Holy Land has been gradually turning into a desolate wasteland.
Despite the fact that this process has been going on since far before the time of Jesus, desertification has been particularly visible in the last several hundred years.
War and bad land management have been the most significant human factors to this situation.
However, there have been several more wars and conflicts throughout the past 2000 years that have resulted in environmental devastation as well.
However, there are still many lovely locations in Israel, particularly in the Galilee region in the north.
Those who lived during Jesus’ time might notice it if they were to visit us now; nonetheless, they would not be surprised to see it.
It is important to note that Israel now has a program in place that is seeking to reverse desertification by planting trees (cedars, which are the same type of tree utilized by Solomon!) This is a program that has gotten a significant amount of private financial assistance.
With increased soil moisture, it is expected that more water will be stored on the land, allowing for more water to be made available for farming and, as a result, more land will be available for farming.
The terrain is arid and desolate.
It is a mountainous region with extreme aridity.
I’m going to share some of them with you here.
Compared to 2000 years ago, there are only minor differences in the climate today.
I’m not sure how much of a role man plays in all of this. This is not a science blog, and I have no desire to get involved in a debate about that topic on this blog. In order to honor the beautiful gardens of God that can be found all over the world, I created this video:
History of Christmas: Nativity Season – Snow in Bethlehem?
You’ve probably seen those Christmas greeting cards where Joseph and Mary are riding on the back of a donkey, making their journey to Bethlehem over the snowy landscape. Have you ever considered the possibility that Jesus may have been born at the end of the year, possibly even with snow on the ground?
Nativity Weather
The occurrence of snow in this section of Palestine is not unusual every 3 or 4 years. Bethlehem, located at a height of 2,400 feet, is in the desert. Desert, on the other hand, indicates arid, not necessarily hot. My home in Colorado is officially in the high desert, and despite the fact that we’re at an elevation of 6,500 feet, we get a lot of snow on a regular basis. There was 12 inches of snow over Palestine in early January 2013, while 16–28 inches of snow fell in Jerusalem between December 2013 and early January 2014.
Nativity Flocks
Shepherd’s Field (also known as Beit Sahur) “.shepherds kept an eye on their flocks at night.” it adds. During the winter, you would imagine that shepherds don’t normally keep sheep on the slopes, but rather in the spring. And it would be a reasonable assumption to make in most cases. There were, however, flocks of a particular breed of sheep, those that were intended for sacrifice in the Temple in Jerusalem. They were stationed near Bethlehem at Bet Sahur, known as the “Place of the Night Watch,” all year round.
Nativity Season
As previously stated in our earlier post, we are unable to determine with confidence when time of year the Nativity took place. Unless you were royalty, it was quite difficult to trace down a person’s exact date of birth two millennia ago. Neither the gospels of Matthew nor Luke make any explicit reference to a certain year or time of year in particular. Even the earliest Christians were fond of keeping track of the dates of their martyrs’ deaths. When it comes to the Nativity, Matthew associates it with King Herod, who, according to the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, died in 4 B.C., whereas Luke associates it with the census during the reign of Emperor Augustus, “when Publius Sulpicius Quiriniuswas governor of Syria,” which occurred around the same time as the census in Matthew.
In contrast, the Eastern Church celebrated their festival on January 6th, known asEpiphany (or Theophany), which coincided with a visit by the Three Wise Men.
Hello, I’m Bill Petro, your friendly neighborhood historianbillpetro.com Please consider leaving a comment if you found this article to be helpful.
Jesus could be born in December
It is a fabrication to assert that Jesus could not have been born in December. It is untrue to assert that Jesus could not have been born in January. Those who are attempting to bring Jesus down employ a variety of deceptions. Unfortunately, many brothers have fallen prey to similar traps. This is being written in order to assist those brothers. I am not claiming that I can demonstrate that Jesus was born in December; rather, I am asserting that it is a fabrication to claim that others can demonstrate that Jesus was not born in the month of December.
- This is one of the numerous falsehoods perpetrated by the Russellites, who are incorrectly referred to be Jehovah’s Witnesses despite the fact that they are not.
- In the winter 1998-1999 edition of “On page 35, lines 33-35 of “LifeWork Pursuits,” a Christian quarterly, it is stated: “The Bible does not specify the year in which Jesus was born.
- Is there any evidence to support this?
- Tradition should be rejected when it conflicts with what the Bible teaches, when it contradicts facts or reasoning, but it should not be dismissed simply because someone else tells us to.
- No one challenges it since it is not in conflict with facts or logic, as other traditions are.
- There are hundreds more traditions that have been recognized over the years.
- It has no negative effects on anyone.
It does not stand in opposition to logic.
After all, why are they going to such tremendous efforts to resist it in the first place?
Jesus, according to Russellists, could not have been born in December since the fields were covered with snow at the time.
The opponents of Jesus take advantage of the ignorance of others in order to disseminate their falsehoods.
You can check the accuracy of the information I’ve provided here by consulting the Encyclopedia.
Almost every winter, the northern uplands see a few days of subzero temperatures.
Snow can occur in the northern and central regions of Israel on occasion.” As previously mentioned, January, not December, is the coldest month of the year.
The temperature is not too chilly for the shepherds to be able to remain outside all day.
As a result, December must be much hotter than January, which is the warmest month of the year.
In regards to snow, it is stated that snow can fall in the northern and central portions of Israel on occasion (albeit not every year).
If we turn to page 77 of volume 11 of the same book, we can find that the average temperature in Jerusalem in January, which is the coolest month, is 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius).
Since Bethlehem is located around five miles south of Jerusalem (volume 2, page 214), it is reasonable to assume that the two cities share the same temperature.
Where has the field “full of snow” gone that Russellists are continually claiming to have been there all along?
Even if I cannot show that Jesus was born in December, tradition holds that he was, and neither the Bible nor logic are in opposition to that belief.
This is because they aim to completely demolish Christianity from the inside out.
It is significantly colder in Padanaram, the location from which Rebekah was originally from, than it is in Bethlehem, which is much further north.
The situation between Jacob and Esau became so tense that Isaac was convinced to send Jacob to Padamaram for a period of time.
(Genesis 28: 5) Twenty years passed as Jacob tended Laban’s herd in that location.
39 That whatsoever was taken by animals, I did not bring to thee; I bore the loss of it; and thourequist it from me hand, whether stolen by day or stolen by night.
And this continued for a period of twenty years.
It’s important to note that this was not at Bethlehem, where the temperature was just 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius), but rather up north in a considerably colder region.
Shepherds were able to stay with their livestock in the pastures of Bethelehem even during the coldest winters since it was not such a “tough thing.” Another bogus argument that is attempted to undermine Christmas is the claim that it was once a pagan festival celebrating the winter solstice.
Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, whereas the winter solstice occurs between December 21st and December 22nd.
There have been hundreds of pagan kingdoms throughout history, and as a result, there have been thousands of pagan feasts held throughout history.
Instead of ancient Greeks, it is a feast honoring Mayas, Aztecs, and Incans from antiquity.
Alternatively, they would find another pagan feast with which to tarnish and discredit it if, according to custom, they did not commemorate Christ’s birth on December 25th but on another day.
Sad to say, but many of our brethren who attend seminaries in order to better serve our Lord end up being duped and led astray by those who scheme the “dischristianization” of Christendom.
Russelists and others have attempted to pound into the brains of many Christians the “evidence” that Jesus did not come into the world in December. However, this “proof” is nothing more than a falsehood. This is a complete fabrication! To return to the Index of Biblical Notes in English, click here.
If Christ was born in the spring, why do we celebrate Christmas in December?
When Christ was born in the spring, why is Christmas celebrated in the winter? New Era, December 1974, pages 10–11. Answer/Brother Richard O. Cowan is an American businessman and philanthropist. Before we go any farther, let us go through how we know the Savior was born in April. On April 6, 1830 (a Tuesday), the Church was formed in accordance with revelation, marking the completion of “eighteen hundred and thirty years after the arrival of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh.” (Deuteronomy 20:1.) As a result, we arrange general conference sessions on April 6 each year, not only to commemorate the anniversary of the Church’s founding, but also to commemorate the birth of the Savior.
A comparable witness can be found in the Book of Mormon.
(See 3 Ne 2:8 for further information.) In the next month, on the fourth day of the month, the sign of Christ’s crucifixion was revealed: “in the thirty-fourth year, in the month of January, on the fourth day of the month.” 3 Ne.
Because the New Testament claims that Christ was crucified during Passover, which occurs throughout that time of the year, this would have occurred in the early spring season.
“It could not have happened in January or December since flocks are not found in open areas throughout the night at this time of year.” Furthermore, a census that would have necessitated travel would not have been ordered during this time of year.” 1 So, why do we celebrate Christmas in the month of December, then?
- This is what Pope Gregory (A.D.590–604) told these missionaries to remember: “Remember not to interfere with any traditional belief or religious observance that may be harmonized with Christianity,” he said.
- A number of instances may be found in the celebration of Christmas.
- As fall days got shorter and shorter, there was a terrifying superstition that the sun would eventually totally drop beyond the southern horizon and never return.
- This prominent pagan festival was chosen by early Christian missionaries as a link between the birth of Christ and the celebration of the feast of the Nativity.
viewing the evergreen as a symbol of the everlasting Christ, in place of the leaf-dropping trees of paganism, the Christmas tree served as a substitute for sacred oaks and other trees utilized in pagan rituals.” When the wise men delivered frankincense, gold, and myrrh to Jesus, they were regarded as representing the green, gold, and red lamps that the heathen employed to seduce the sun-god to return to his throne.
3 As a result, according to theEncyclopedia Britannica, the celebration of Christmas “is accompanied by secular practices that are frequently derived from pagan roots.” 4 Some may wonder if we’re doing something wrong by celebrating Christmas in December.
Perhaps we should be more concerned with how we remember the Savior’s birth than than when we do it.
May we show our affection for others not just via thoughtful presents and greetings, but also by genuine acts of compassion and love for one another.
We have also had a special family night in which we read the Christmas narrative from the Bible and sang Christmas carols.