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But this day was different

by | Dec 14, 2015 | Uncategorized

We move to the next scene, where we see in this story of Jesus, in Luke two verse thirty three a new character:
[Anna, a prophet, was also there in the temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four.
She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer.
She came along as just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God.
She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
When Jesus parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee.]
Isn’t it amazing how God uses older people? I find it both an encouraging and challenging thought.
Each one of them were beyond years of ministry yet God chose, to allow them to be a part of the story of Jesus.
Beginning with Zechariah, who was an old man, then Elizabeth, Simeon and Anna, God wanted all of them to play a part in this very special baby’s birth.
Anna was waiting for the chosen one also.
Just as Simeon was led to the temple that same day Jesus was there, Anna was nudged to go see, at that very same hour, something special for herself.
She had spent many days in this temple. But this day was different.
This day perhaps, there was an excitement, a holy ‘stirring’, the Messiah was here.
How very wonderful to include so many players and characters in this Holy story.
It is amazing to see that not only Mary and Joseph experienced this ‘miracle’ birth, but so many were also witnesses to it.
God did not allow his baby son, to be born in isolation or privacy.
He allowed this ‘Holy night’ orchestrated by the Holy Spirit, to be witnessed and proclaimed by many.
The spirit of Christmas is weaved all throughout this Christmas story.
As we continue to read and study it, we will see and remember how very special this time was for everyone.

That day the Spirit led him

by | Dec 13, 2015 | Uncategorized

In Luke chapter two we find another scene unfolding in the this story of Jesus.
verse 25 it says:
[At the time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon.
He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel.
The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
That day the Spirit led him to the Temple.
So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there.
He took the child in his arms and praised God saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you promised.
I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people.
He is a light to reveal God to he nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel.!”
Jesus parents were amazed at what was being said about him.
Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother,
“This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others.
He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.
And a sword will pierce your very soul.”]

We have to understand Simeon was a very old man who waited patiently day after day, for the baby to arrive.
The spirit of Christmas over shadows this very blessed man, and he sees the chosen one.
The one who will save many including himself. The day the Spirit led him was also the day he was released to stop waiting.
The Messiah was here and Simeon could allow his life to end and die in peace.

He was named Jesus

by | Dec 12, 2015 | Uncategorized

In Luke chapter two verse twenty one we find another scene for Mary and Joseph and their little baby.
[Eight days later when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.
Then it was time for the purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child;
so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.
The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord, so they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord, “either a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.”]
So much is happening for Mary and Joseph at this time.
They traveled so far and then they delivered a precious little baby.
She had to have recovery of some kind, and then they journeyed again to dedicate their son.
It was a precious time for them, but also very significant and also very necessary to follow the laws.
Even though this was a ‘chosen baby’, they still had to do what was required of them.
I am not sure how far they had to travel, but it couldn’t be an easy path since she had just delivered.
Anyone who has gone through that process, understands the first week or two of healing and discomfort.
Again I wonder, he could not have placed her on donkey to travel, and to walk could have been a hardship for her.
They did what was required. The baby was named and the rules were followed.
Jesus was presented in the temple, and it would be the beginning of the life changing experiences many would share in, over and over, starting in the temple.
Mary’s baby was born, dedicated and named. His was named Jesus, just as the angel told them.

Don’t be afraid

by | Dec 11, 2015 | Uncategorized

In the book of Luke chapter two verse eight we find a new scene to the story.
[That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flock of sheep.
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.
They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said.
“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign; you will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God and saying.
“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
When the angels had returned to the heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem!
Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.
After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.
All who heard the shepherds story were astonished but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.
The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.
It was just as the angel had told them.]
When reading this the first thing we need to remember is the job of a shepherd.
They were social outcasts not really liked by most in the city.
They were fearless, they had to be so they could protect their sheep from any animal who may come to harm them while in the fields.
They were rough and tough and most likely not well kept as they were out in the fields most of the time.
They were not credible witnesses and not someone to be invited in ones home.
So we find these guys. These out of character guys, to be chosen to be a part of the story of Jesus.
Isn’t that amazing that God would show up and allow them to be given this privilege and even honor.
Can you even imagine these men who knew the night sky as they looked at every night.
These men who knew when something was different with the moon or stars, all of a sudden see radiance coming towards them.
It says they were terrified. We probably would be too, the brilliance and the glory was something no one had ever seen and it was noted that the angel told them not to be afraid.
The skies opened up and all of heaven sang. Wouldn’t that be amazing?
It would be breathtaking, startling, maybe even a bit emotional, for these rough and tough men.
Then it tells us they hurried to see the baby. That means they left their flock unprotected.
That is something no shepherd would ever do, but it was God who challenged them.
Can you imagine them standing or even kneeling near the tiny little baby.
Then they told others and they were believed. Making them credible witnesses.
Isn’t it like God to take an ordinary person, and change them into a ‘voice’ that others will listen to?
wow… it was just as the angel had told them. A baby was born.

Just as the angel had told her

by | Dec 10, 2015 | Uncategorized

The next thing we read about is Mary and Joseph entering into the city of Bethlehem.
Remember they are tired, needing rest, a warm bath and food.
The census is going on and there are a lot of people there and much chaos.
Many places to stay were full already, and I would imagine Joseph had a sense of urgency, as he searched for a resting place for Mary.
In Luke chapter one verse six it says:
[While they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.]
We are not told a lot about how that took place or whether she had help.
Joseph wouldn’t be too much help as she labored in the delivery process.
There could have been a midwife there close by or even an older ‘lady’ who could help.
One could imagine the isolation and sadness Mary would feel delivering her baby alone.
Anyone who has ever had a baby knows how hard it is, and how much pain it involves.
Even though He was a chosen child, and she was chosen to have him, that doesn’t mean she would have no labor pains or a hard extreme delivery.
Remember she was young and this was her first baby.
There was no doctor as far as we know, and only Joseph to help.
We are not really sure where they were when she delivered, some say it could have been a barn like the ones we
see in the nativities showing Mary laying on straw and or sitting with the baby in a manger.
We don’t know. Some opinions say it could have been in a cave on the side of a hill behind the inn.
What we do know, is a baby was born and He would change the world forever. In verse seven:
[She gave birth to her fist child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger,
because there was no lodging available to them.]
I have often wondered if she had seen this before and knew what to do, and I also wondered where the strips of cloth would come from.
Did Joseph take part of his ‘robe’ and tear it with his hands making strips for the baby?
Were they that prepared when they traveled the road to Bethlehem for her delivery?
They had to make wrappings of blankets, and maybe even using some of what was on the donkey for ‘warmth’.
Many things within this story we are not told.
She did not have a pretty little bassinet with soft cuddly onesies for him.
She had strips of cloth, torn and ragged, to wrap her baby in as she swaddled her tiny little boy.
The world was watching and waiting, for a Messiah and soon they would be able to meet him.
In verse twelve it says:
[You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.]
A baby was born. Mary’s baby…just as the angel had told her.
[Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!]

The journey together

by | Dec 9, 2015 | Uncategorized

In Luke chapter two we find Mary and Joseph needing to leave together.
[verse one: At the time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendent of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home.
He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.
He took with him, Mary his fiancée, who is now obviously pregnant.]
So we now understand why Joseph and Mary traveled together, when we would say it wasn’t a safe time for her to travel. It was mandated that he had to go, no matter what the reason.
I cannot imagine Mary at a later stage of pregnancy, traveling on a donkey 120 kilometers or the distance of eighty miles.
They were walking or riding. Struggling and agonizing every step towards the city.
We are not told if she went with a good spirit or if there was a bit of grumbling.
I know I would be grumbling a lot.
Did she have him rub her sore feet at night as they rested between walks?
Did she have a comfortable blanket or pillow to sleep with, while waiting for the next morning?
I cannot imagine being obviously pregnant and trying to sleep on the ground.
It could not have been easy for her, it could have taken them a few weeks to go a ‘steady pace.’
One can only imagine the long and hard road, and Mary’s discomfort and perhaps even a lack of patience.
Anyone would understand how hard and how difficult that had to have been.
The smell of donkey hair and dirt and dust had to have been all over them.
I wonder if they had enough water or food as they journeyed along this path.
It was a hard and exhausting journey for both of them, and as they walked together
did they talk much about what it would be like to see and have this little baby?
So much happening in such a short time.
I would imagine because of the census, there were many others doing the same kind of journey.
Only this journey Joseph and Mary walked, would be like no other one in history.
Soon a baby would be born, and life as they knew it would change forever.

Mary’s song of praise

by | Dec 8, 2015 | Uncategorized

When Zechariah was told about Elizabeth’s baby, his response was one of question.
How can I be sure? which was a sign of unbelief. Which got him in trouble with the angel.
When Mary was told of her baby to be, her response was one of curiosity.
How can this be? Which moved her into a more accepting position and future.
When we see her spending time with Elizabeth, and noticing the reaction of one who has loved her for many years. We can see how Mary is moving into the place within her heart of receiving all that God was going to do, even if she didn’t fully understand it.
Elizabeth told her in Luke chapter one verse forty five:
“You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
verse forty six begins with Mary’s response:
Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat100_7008
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
ESV)
verse 56
Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months, and then went back to her home.
Mary’s song of praise was from a knowing…a knowing in her heart, that she was chosen.
Elizabeth was a mentor and encourager and said, “Mary, you are blessed.”
How precious it is to have someone believe in you even when you are unsure.
Perhaps that is why Mary went to see Elizabeth.
To find and receive words of affirmation and hope.
It is a special ‘relationship’ of sharing in miracles and believing in the promise of God.
They both will have a sons, and their lives will bring purpose and meaning to everyone.
What a glorious moment for both of them. Deep friendships sharing in the miraculous.

We are not told

by | Dec 7, 2015 | Uncategorized

We are not told how long Mary stayed with Elizabeth and Zechariah.
The word does not go in any details other than the greeting that took place between Elizabeth and Mary.
At the time of her visit Zechariah was not able to speak, as the Angel who told him about Elizabeth, gave him a bit of discipline, for not trusting him more when he was told about Elizabeth having a baby. He was finally chosen to be in the temple and finally able to the do the temple duties as an old man, and all of a sudden while in the temple, an angel appeared to him.
In Luke chapter one verse eleven it says:
[While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elizabeth will give you a son, and you are to name him John.”]
The conversation continued and Zechariah answered the angel with a bit of a question.
(I can’t really blame him for asking)
[“Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I am an old man now and my wife is also well along in years.”
Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God.
It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!
But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born.
For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”
So we find Mary visiting Elizabeth and Zechariah who had no voice.
One could assume she stayed until the baby came, as Elizabeth was in her sixth month which perhaps could put Mary at four months.
That might also have helped Mary learn of labor and delivery.
We are not told how she got there, or how far it was to travel there.
We do know this is where Mary says her magnificate prayer. The song of Mary.
There are many details we are not told, but what we do know, it is never a good idea to question an angel.

 

 

There were others in the story

by | Dec 6, 2015 | Uncategorized

The Christmas story is not just about Mary and Joseph and their experience.
The other Key people were Zacharias and Elizabeth.
We are told that she was a much older cousin of Mary’s.
I would think it would be similar to a grandma relationship rather than a friend.
We know that Zacharias and Elizabeth had never had children even though, it had always been the desire of their hearts. It is always hard for couples who cannot have children, it’s a deep sad heartache.
We are told they were a good couple, blameless in their lifestyle and steadfast in the Lord.
Elizabeth was way past child bearing years and no one would ever expect a miracle baby for them.
They certainly would not think that was possible.
During the visit from the angel to Mary we are told there was more news to share.
In Luke chapter one verse thirty four:
[Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.
What’s more, (as if to say, if you don’t believe in this miracle, lets’ try another one more believable), your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but now she is in her sixth month.
For nothing is impossible with God.”]
I would imagine that was a great way of helping Mary to understand, the power and the miraculous when hearing this news.
Mary knew she was up in years and would never imagine her having a little baby of her own.
In verse thirty nine it continues:
“A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zachariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth.
At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
There are a few points here I would like to take note of.
Both babies, mentioned before birth had value, each had a purpose and each would play an important part of the story that was unfolding.
As we continue the Spirit of Christmas we will journey through even more signs of miracles and prophecy spoken.
There were others in the story, God saw that is was good to include those who had been waiting.
Isn’t that just like ‘our God’ to give us the desires of our hearts even when we least expect it?

Then the angel left her

by | Dec 5, 2015 | Uncategorized

There is no mention of a wedding although the angel told Joseph in a dream to take Mary to be his wife.
Matthew chapter one verse twenty four it says:
[When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.]
One would have to imagine a command from an angel is pretty powerful, and also it was still part of their original plan to be married since they were engaged.
The wedding might have been already discussed and the details were in the works for the ‘special day.’
We are not told if it was a public or private one. There is no mention of it.
We are just told they were married as the angel commanded, and they waited to be ‘husband and wife’ till the new baby Jesus was born.
That took a great deal of courage and self control for a young couple, but based on the serious assignment they were given, I am sure it was something they could manage.
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, he said to her in Luke one verse twenty eight:
[“Greetings, favored women! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.
“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God!”]
In order for us to fully understand this moment we need to understand the words that were spoken.
Dictionary.com said confused is: to perplex, bewilder, make unclear or to associate by mistake.
In other words Mary was having a difficult time understanding what was taking place.
The word disturb means: to interrupt the quiet, rest or peace, or to unsettle or cause disturbance.
I would imagine if an angel told anyone they were to not be afraid, just listen to me.
It would be unsettling and interrupting. Then to hear your life would change forever?
Yeah that would be a bit disturbing or interrupting or even, hard to believe.
To be favored was to have God’s grace and blessing upon you when you least deserve it.
After listening to the angel Gabriel Mary responded:
In Luke chapter one verse thirty eight:
[Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
Then the angel left her.]
The spirit of Christmas continues as scripture moves towards the birth of Jesus.