Christmas sales start earlier each year. Soon, we will celebrate Christmas in October when Jesus Christ was actually born. According to God's Word, Jesus Christ was conceived on December 24-25, 8 BC (Hanukkah) and born on October 5-6, 7 BC (Tabernacles). In 2014, the Day of Atonement is October 5-6 (10th of Tishri) and Tabernacles (Christmas) is October 9-10 (15th of Tishri). If we understand the timing and events of His First Coming, we can better understand the timing and events of His Second Coming.

October 7/8 of 7 BC - The Birth of Jesus Christ

All went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child (Luke 2:3-4).

All Jewish men were required to travel to Jerusalem for Tabernacles. At the same time, the Romans conducted the census. Joseph and Mary traveled about 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register. It could take a week to travel that distance and movement was restricted on Sabbaths, Rosh Hashanah (Trumpets), Yom Kipper (Atonement) and the first day of Sukkot (Tabernacles). It made the trip longer but Jews traveled around Samaria.

Joseph and Mary stayed with family at Bethlehem. Because of the holy day, there was no room in the guest quarters, so they slept in a stable. During Tabernacles, the Jews are required to live in booths. From the first day of Hanukkah to the first day of Tabernacles is 287 days. Both feasts are called the Feast of Lights and Feast of Dedication. The Jewish temple was dedicated on Tabernacles and rededicated on Hanukkah, two key days of Jesus Christ's incarnation.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:6-7).

October 7/8 of 7 BC - The Feast of Tabernacles

Luke writes that the angels say, "I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people". The Feast of Tabernacles is celebrated for seven days and is called "Season of Our Joy" and "Feast of the Nations". John refers to Jesus Christ as "the light of the world" as another reference to the Feast of Lights. Jesus Christ dwelt or tabernacled with us. Matthew says they will call Him Emmanuel, which means God with us. As God the Father dwelt in the Jewish temple, so Jesus Christ dwells in a body with humanity.

There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:8-14).

In him [the Word, Jesus Christ] was life; and the life was the light of men. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt [or tabernacled] among us (John 1:4, 14).

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel" (which means "God with us") (Matthew 8:23).

Jesus Christ is the double fulfillment of Tabernacles. During the future one thousand year reign of Jesus Christ on earth, we will go up to Jerusalem each year on the Feast of Tabernacles to celebrate both the birthday of Jesus Christ and His coronation as King of Kings. Both times, God dwells on earth with man.

It shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles (Zechariah 14:16).

Note: On October 8, 2014 or the 15th of Tishri (Tabernacles/Christmas) is a total eclipse of the moon. It is centered over the Pacific Ocean but parts of eastern Asia, Australia and North American will be able to see part of the eclipse between 3:15 to 8:33 AM EDT. This is the third of twelve eclipses on Jewish holy days in 2014-2016. See Blood Moons.

References: 21st Century Revelation: World Wars, Iraq Wars & End Wars Chapter 16 - The Life of Christ, Chronology of Man