Jesus’ Acts Aligned with Jewish Feasts and Holidays
Overview
This document explores the alignment of the major acts of Jesus Christ with the Jewish feasts and holidays based on biblical scripture (NKJV). The theory is that significant events in Jesus’ life corresponded with these sacred observances, illustrating the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies by Jesus.
Below is a historical summary that weaves together several threads—the ancient calendar of Nisan, early pagan fertility rites involving evergreens and wreaths, and the later adoption of December 25 as the celebrated birthdate of Jesus—while presenting the theory that Jesus was actually born on the 1st of Nisan. This narrative draws on both historical traditions and scriptural passages from the NKJV.
The 1st of Nissan in the Hebrew calendar falls on the following dates of the Gregorian calendar that we use here in the United States:
Here’s a breakdown:
• 5784 (2024): 1st of Nissan is on April 8.
• 5785 (2025): 1st of Nissan is on March 30.
• 5786 (2026): 1st of Nissan is on March 19.
Historical and Biblical Context
Nisan: The Month of Renewal and Deliverance
Nisan (or Nissan) is the first month of the ecclesiastical year in the Hebrew calendar—a time marked by renewal and liberation. In Scripture, the season of spring (when Nisan falls) is closely linked with themes of rebirth and freedom. For example, the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt (commemorated at Passover) signals a new beginning for a people called by God (see Exodus 12:1–14 [NKJV]). Some scholars propose that the symbolism of new life in Nisan aligns with the birth of a Savior.
Jesus’ Birth and Its Scriptural Proclamation
In the New Testament, the Gospels announce the birth of Jesus with great significance. Luke 2:10–11 (NKJV) proclaims:
“And the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”
While this passage does not provide a date, some modern interpretations, using priestly service records and other historical hints, propose that the true birthday of Jesus might have been on the 1st of Nisan—symbolizing the dawn of a new era.
Pagan Traditions and Their Influence
Evergreen Trees, Wreaths, and Fertility Rituals
Long before the establishment of Christmas on December 25, various pagan cultures observed winter solstice festivals with customs that celebrated the continuity of life even in the midst of winter. These included:
- Tree-Centric Rituals: Ancient Germanic and Norse peoples, for instance, honored evergreens—symbols of eternal life and fertility—by cutting trees and bringing them indoors during the midwinter season. This act was a tribute to the life forces they revered and was believed to protect the family and ensure fertility.
- Wreaths as Symbols: Circular wreaths, representing eternity and the cycles of life, were also common. Some interpretations suggest that the circular form symbolized the womb or the female reproductive cycle—a metaphor for the promise of new life and rebirth.
The Theory: Jesus Born on the 1st of Nisan
According to one theory, a significant Old Testament king—concerned with preserving his lineage and ensuring a future generation to carry his name—instituted rituals that involved bringing trees indoors and adorning them with green wreaths. This act, originally a pagan fertility rite, symbolized the hope for continued prosperity and a secure lineage.
In this view, the birth of Jesus on the 1st of Nisan carries profound symbolic meaning:
- Alignment with Renewal: Just as Nisan heralds spring and the liberation of the Israelites (as seen in the Passover narrative in Exodus), Jesus’ birth on this day would mark the beginning of a new spiritual era—a deliverance not only for a nation but for all humanity.
- Preservation of a Sacred Lineage: The ancient king’s desire to protect his lineage through rituals of fertility and renewal parallels the Christian belief in Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah—a redeemer born to establish a lasting covenant with God (see 2 Samuel 7:12–16 [NKJV], where God promises David that his offspring will endure).
- A Shift in Celebration Dates: Despite these symbolic and historically rooted connections, later church leaders chose December 25 as the official date to celebrate Jesus’ birth. This decision was partly influenced by the need to align with existing pagan festivals (such as the celebration of Sol Invictus and Saturnalia) and to ease the transition for converts. However, proponents of the 1st of Nisan theory argue that reverting to the original date would more authentically honor the true birth of our Savior.
Scriptural Reflections and Contemporary Significance
The NKJV Bible emphasizes the hope and redemption brought forth by Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:11 [NKJV]). Believers who subscribe to the theory that Jesus was born on the 1st of Nisan view this day as not only historically significant but also as a time to celebrate the fullness of life and renewal that Christ brings into our lives. By realigning our celebration with the original symbolism of Nisan, we pay tribute to both the historical context of ancient fertility rites and the prophetic fulfillment found in Scripture.
Conclusion
This historical summary connects the ancient customs of bringing evergreens indoors and adorning them with wreaths—practices rooted in pagan rituals for fertility and protection—with the later Christian celebration of Jesus’ birth on December 25. The theory that Jesus was born on the 1st of Nisan invites us to consider a celebration that honors both the scriptural promise of redemption and the rich tapestry of historical traditions. In doing so, we recognize Jesus’ role as the redeemer, the one through whom a new era of hope and eternal life begins—a truth proclaimed in the NKJV:
“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11 NKJV)
Embracing the 1st of Nisan as the authentic celebration of Christ’s birth calls us to a deeper appreciation of His holiness and the profound renewal He brings into our lives.
Here’s a timeline of the Jewish feasts and holidays mentioned above, along with possible connections to the acts of Jesus:
1. 1st of Nisan (Jewish New Year / Passover Preparation)
- Claim: Possible date of Jesus’ birth.
- Scripture: Exodus 12:2 (Nisan as the beginning of months).
- Cross-Reference: John 1:29 – John the Baptist declares Jesus as the Lamb of God, aligning with Passover themes.
2. Passover (14th of Nisan)
- Significance: Commemorates the Exodus; lamb’s blood saves the firstborn.
- Scripture: Exodus 12:3-14; Leviticus 23:5.
- Cross-Reference: Matthew 26:2, 26-28 – Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper during Passover.
- Crucifixion: Jesus, the Passover Lamb, is sacrificed (John 19:14).
3. Feast of Unleavened Bread (15th-21st of Nisan)
- Significance: Removal of leaven (sin); focus on purity.
- Scripture: Exodus 12:15-20; Leviticus 23:6-8.
- Cross-Reference: John 6:35 – Jesus as the Bread of Life.
4. First Fruits (Day after the Sabbath during Unleavened Bread)
- Significance: Offering first crops to God.
- Scripture: Leviticus 23:9-14.
- Cross-Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 – Jesus, the first fruits of resurrection.
5. Feast of Weeks / Pentecost (50 Days after First Fruits)
- Significance: Celebrates the wheat harvest and giving of the Law.
- Scripture: Leviticus 23:15-22.
- Cross-Reference: Acts 2:1-4 – Holy Spirit descends on the disciples.
6. Feast of Trumpets (1st of Tishrei)
- Significance: New Year (Rosh Hashanah); blowing of trumpets.
- Scripture: Leviticus 23:23-25.
- Cross-Reference: Matthew 24:31 – Jesus speaks of the trumpet sound at His return.
7. Day of Atonement (10th of Tishrei)
- Significance: High priest atones for Israel’s sins.
- Scripture: Leviticus 16; 23:26-32.
- Cross-Reference: Hebrews 9:11-14 – Jesus as the High Priest offering Himself.
8. Feast of Tabernacles (15th-21st of Tishrei)
- Significance: Commemorates wilderness journey; God’s provision.
- Scripture: Leviticus 23:33-43.
- Cross-Reference: John 7:37-38 – Jesus declares Himself the source of living water during the feast.
Reflections
As God had a redemption plan for us after the fall of man into sin, we too were created by God with a plan and a purpose for our lives before we were born here on earth.
A well-known bible verse about God knowing us before we were born is found in Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV, which states, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…”
Here’s a more detailed look at this verse and related concepts:
Jeremiah 1:5:
This verse, often cited to illustrate God’s foreknowledge and plan for individuals, emphasizes that God knew Jeremiah even before he was formed in his mother’s womb.
Other Verses:
Psalm 139:13-16 speaks of God’s intimate knowledge of us, even before we were born, stating that “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be”.
Since you were created with a purpose and plan by God the Father before you were formed in your mother’s womb, it’s our mission here on earth to discover what that purpose is in order to live our lives in victory. Here’s an exert from Dr. Paul Crites from the Sid Roth’s It’s Supernatural program that will give you 4 questions to ponder in an effort to get you started discovering what God placed in your heart to do here on earth as your life’s mission.
Be sure to pray and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction to get you on your way.
Sid Roth with Dr. Paul Crites on
It’s Supernatural Jan 11, 2019
How to determine your God given purpose – It was already inside of you so it’s for you to discover not your decision.
- What do you love? Reveals a gift/talent in your life.
- What do you hate? What you’re called to correct in the world.
- What makes you cry? Where we’re hurt the most is where we’ll heal the most.
- What annoys you? These are the problems you’re created to solve and will be attracted to your life.
You’re purpose will keep you going when everyone else seems to stop working on the problem/issue or gift/calling.