December 8 BC - Mary and Elizabeth
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, you that are highly favored, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among women. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word. (Luke 1:26-28, 38).
Hanukkah is the Incarnation of Jesus Christ
Six months later in Kislev (December), Gabriel tells Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. She travels from Nazareth to the Jerusalem area to help her pregnant cousin, Elizabeth. Jesus Christ was not born in December but He was conceived on the Jewish feast of Hanukkah (25th of Kislev-2nd or 3rd of Tevet). In 8 BC, the 25th of Kislev (Hanukkah) starts on December 26/27 and the winter solstice is December 25 on the old Roman Julian calendar. December 26/27 Julian is December 24/25 Gregorian. We celebrate God with us. On the darkest day of the year, the Light of the World began.
Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; And entered into the house of Zechariah, and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit: And she spoke out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb (Luke 1:39-40, 41-42).
Mary said, My soul does magnify the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house (Luke 1:46-48, 56).
April 7 BC - The Birth of John the Baptist
Now Elizabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he has visited and redeemed his people, And has raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (Luke 1:57, 67-69).
John the Baptist was born during Passover. Jewish tradition leaves a seat for Elijah at Passover which John the Baptist filled.
Spring of 7 BC - Joseph and Mary
Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary your wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son, and you shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:18-19, 20-21).
Mary was engaged to be married but was pregnant with Jesus. Under Jewish law, a man had the right to stone the unfaithful fiancée. However, Joseph decided to quietly cancel their engagement. After an angel appeared in a dream, Joseph took Mary to be his wife and Jesus as his son.