Happy New Year to you John and to all the Doves -

http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/jan2007/michaeld12-2.htm

To understand the dating of Luke 1:26 - one needs to read the whole passage.
As is usual with scripture the CONTEXT is important.  The writer, Luke was a
doctor....

Luke 1:24  And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself
FIVE MONTHS, .....  v. 26  And in the SIXTH MONTH the angel Gabriel was sent
from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth to a virgin.....  v.36  And,
behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age;
and this is the SIXTH MONTH with her, who was called barren.

The context indicates that the month number has to do with Elizabeth's
pregnancy, not the calendar date.    It is about the SIXTH month that it is
difficult for a woman to HIDE her pregancy any longer - hence the declaration
by the angel.

God Bless.   EAR