THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS – 12-31-23; NEW YEAR’S EVE

My middle daughter alerted me to the fact that today - without any dashes - is 123123. I would not have paid attention to that without her sharing that tidbit of information with me. It reminds me of how much all of us overlook. We don't even know what we don't know! That took me on a bunny trail with current implications. There is a LOT I do not know about the history of Israel, but I do believe I have a simple grasp of the nutshell version - the Cliff's Notes version....

The Jewish people have both a legal and a Biblical right to be in the land we know as Israel. Following is an abbreviated account documenting their right to Israel as their homeland.

When God led the Jewish people out of Egypt in about 1440 B C, He promised them the land of Canaan (Israel). They didn't get to move into the land they were promised until after meandering in the desert for 40 years because of their blatant disobedience of God's instructions. When they did finally move into the land that God designated for them it was much larger than it is today, and was divided into prescribed areas for the 12 tribes of Israel.

Over time, it was the people's disobedience that put them back into slavery again and again and/or overrun by occupying forces. Fast-forwarding, they eventually came under the rule of the Romans, and it was during that period that Jesus was born. With their either being captured and taken into captivity, or being ruled by others the Jews lost being a sovereign nation, which was their homeland gifted to them by God.

After being under the rule of various entities for over 2000 years, their country (though not as large as before) was given back to them. 

British troops took over control of the territory from the Ottoman Empire October 31, 1917, and vowed to establish a national home for the Jewish people under the Balfour Declaration.

There was a huge Jewish immigration that significantly raised the Jewish population between 1920-1946. It was referred to as the Zionist Movement. 

On May 14, 1948, Israel was declared to be a nation. 

Isaiah 66:8 is referenced many time in prophesying this time of Israel's restoration:

Who has heard such a thing?
    Who has seen such things?
Shall a land be born in one day?
    Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment?

The Arab nations around her have fought against her in multiple battles since that time, the first being Israel's fight to survive in 1948-49, with Arab forces battling the infant nation, who miraculously survived.

Other major Arab-Israeli conflicts have occurred in 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982, 2006, and again now in 2023 - which will segue into 2024.

One of the most incredibly sad things from my perspective is that they are all children of Abraham. The Arab nations are from the lineage of Abraham and Ishmael, and Israel is descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Ishmael was the elder half-brother to Isaac, but Isaac was God's chosen "miracle" child. Still, God promised Abraham that he would not forget Ishmael, and that he would make of him a great nation. 

Genesis 17:20 states: 

"As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation."

The sibling rivalry that they had as Abraham's children has never disappeared, and, sadly, will not end until Jesus returns. 

The most important factor to consider at this juncture is that God made this promise to Abraham:

Genesis 12:2-4 states:

2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

The great nation referenced here is Israel, and all nations who bless Israel will be blessed, and all who curse Israel will be cursed. Jesus was the ultimate one to come from Abraham's lineage through whom all the families of the earth shall be blessed. 

THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS – December 30

I would like to explore some of the attributes of God. Yesterday I commented on several Names of God – and there are many more – but it is good to remember the attributes of God. 

God is omniscient – He is all knowing. Nothing escapes his knowing. That is mind-boggling for us - he knows everything that ever was, everything that is, and everything that will ever be.

God is omnipotent – He is all powerful. There is nothing he cannot do. He spoke the world into being - and it was! It is comforting when I am struggling with something way out of my ability to manage that He can handle it.

God is omnipresent – He can be (and is) everywhere at the same time. When Jesus was on earth, He was limited to being in one location at a time. He "saw" Nathaniel under the fig tree before he was actually present with him - and did have divine powers - but physically he was not able to be everywhere at once - but God is!

God is immutable – He cannot change and does not change over time. He truly is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That's assuring. People change. Our feelings about people change. God cannot change and will not change. We can count on Him to be consistently perfect. 

God is eternal - He had no beginning and he has no end. We can't comprehend that because we are constricted by living for only a "vapor" of time. God is. God was. God will forever be. 

God is just – He will judge the world with justice – and He judges us as individuals with justice. I know I deserve far less than God has blessed me with, yet I have experienced his discipline - and know that even in those times of correction, God has been just.

God is merciful – and I am incredibly grateful that His justice is tempered by mercy. I have been overwhelmed with His incredible mercy toward me. 

God is giving, and loving. In fact He is the plumbline for LOVE. For God so loved the world that He GAVE!

These are just a few of God’s attributes! Just the tip of the iceberg! But thinking about them elicits joy and praise. 

Thank you, JEHOVAH, for sending yourself as a tiny baby so we can approach you through Him and experience the grace and mercy you so freely give!

THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS – December 29

My husband and I rarely go to a movie - but this evening we went to see the 6:20 showing of THE BOYS IN THE BOAT at the Regal Cinema in Lacey. The draw for us was that he, our eldest daughter and son-in-law, and two of their children attended The University of Washington so it was personal. What a delightfully well-done movie. And what a treat to get to see it on the big screen! I highly recommend it if you like heart-warming, come-from-behind, against-all-odds, pull-yourselves-up-by-the-bootstraps movies. It was all of that and more! 

The movie rewarded us with an opportunity to relive history. It was so authentically portrayed that I marveled at the director's success in the representation of the era and retelling of the story of true grit and success achieved - but I don't want to give the story away. I will just say it is well worth the price of admission! 

Today is the 5th day of Christmas. Another day to be thankful, to reflect, and, like Mary, to wonder and 'store up these things' in our hearts. the One and only true God, who bore the unspeakable name YHWH, Jehovah, Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, came to earth to be raised by a humble couple who were willing to endure the price of being wrongly labeled and misunderstood, but in spite of that knew that they had been visited by angels, and carried themselves with the assurance that the son they raised was God's own Son. What a marvelous mystery! 

THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS – December 28

Jesus (Yeshua) was born into a very broken world, a world ruled by the Roman authorities. If you watch THE CHOSEN it provides a visual for what it was like in Jesus' day during the time of his ministry. While I don't agree with how some of the characters are cast, I have enjoyed watching a couple of the seasons that were available to watch. 

Our world, again, is very broken! Jesus forewarned future readers about what would come at the end of time - and we are there: wars and rumors of wars comes quickly to mind. 

Russia invaded Ukraine unjustly.

China is threatening to take over Taiwan. 

Hamas - the terrorist organization that rules the Palestinian area defined as Gaza - started a war October 7 when they slaughtered over 1200 people in Israel. They lopped off heads of babies. Burned some of them afterward. And burned others while they were still alive. Gang-raped girls and women and paraded them through the street as their prey. Shot entire families in their beds. Took civilian hostages.

On the other side of the line between the Gaza portion of Palestine and Israel, there are many others who are also caught in the crossfire and the death toll is horrific - but that is Hamas' fault - not Israel's. Israel exercised restraint before they sought to wipe out Hamas. Their war is not with the people who are innocently caught in the middle of their horrific political leaders and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Israel has warned the people repeatedly to get out of the areas they will target next. Theirs is an honest war - not murder. In addition, Hamas uses their own people as shields, thinking that if a lot of civilians are killed that the world will rise up against Israel and make them stop their legitimate retaliation. 

If Hamas is not wiped out it will just live to rise again and do the same or worse the next time they attack. There is no honor in how they "do" war. 

What concerns me for a lot of people is their failure to sort out the facts and think through what is actually happening. Additionally, here in the United States when I hear of or see people shouting "From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free" I don't think they have thought through what that means- so I want to provide an explanation. 

The RIVER referenced is the Jordan River, and the SEA is the Mediterranean. From the river to the sea is saying they want every Jewish person slaughtered who lives in Israel, and for those who thought up this chant, they actually want every Jew in the world annihilated. 

It is others' choice what they choose to 'march' for or against - but very important that they know what they are actually saying! 

The reason for the hatred of the Jews? They are God's chosen people! So this defiance is ultimately against God. It breaks my heart that any group of people become a target. ALL LIVES MATTER! And as a Christian, I certainly know that Jewish lives matter as well as Palestinian lives. We are all created by God, and all of us make a choice whether to accept Jesus as Savior - or choose to reject God's best for our lives and live separated from the One who created us and came to die for us to have the opportunity for Salvation and living with him for all of eternity - or in exile away from him. And it is our choice! 

It breaks my heart that innocent people are caught in the middle of any war. It also breaks my heart to hear that Palestinian children are brain-washed to believe that Jews are the ones who are evil. Not long ago someone reported that even in their textbooks for little children they teach math in this manner: If you have 5 Jews and you kill 4 Jews, how many Jews will you have left? That's sad! Very sad! 

I know to the core of my being that Israel is God's land, that Jerusalem is where He chose to put His name, and that ultimately He will come to Israel's defense and judge ALL nations who have gone against her. 

P S: There is a difference between murder and killing. What Hamas did to initiate this war is murder. What Israel has been forced to do in response is killing. What the Bible teaches is THOU SHALL NOT MURDER. Killing is awful, but MURDER is sin! 

THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS – December 27

I cannot think about the "days of Christmas" without the song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" wending its way through my mind. Many years ago I was told that the song was written during a time when talking about one's beliefs was not okay, and that the song was symbolic for sharing one's theology. I do not know if that is true or not, but it is a fun thought. I will relate an abbreviated version of what I found on Christianity.com:

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree. The partridge is purported to be symbolic of Jesus, who died to save us; just as a mother partridge will shelter her young under her wings to protect and save them.

On the second day of Christmas the gift is 2 turtle doves, representing the Old and New Testaments, which are God's Word to us.

On the third day the gift is three French hens, which is for the faith, hope, and love that the Bible teaches. It also represents the Trinity: Father, Son & Holy Spirit. 

On the fourth day of Christmas the gift is four calling birds, which represent the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

On the fifth day of Christmas the gift is five gold rings, which represents the Pentateuch, which is comprised of the first 5 books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy.

On the sixth day of Christmas the gift is six geese-a-laying. Each of the 6 eggs laid are symbolic of the days of creation when God formed the world:

1. God created the heavens and the earth

2. God created the sky and seas

3. God created the land and the plants

4. God created the sun, moon, and stars

5. God created fish and birds

6. God created land animals and man

On the seventh day of Christmas the gift is seven swans-a-swimming. That represents the seven primary gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion.

On the eighth day of Christmas the gift is eight maids-a-milking. These gifts symbolized not only that Jesus came to save everyone - even those of low estate; but it also represents the eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10): (1) the poor in spirit, (2) those who mourn, (3) the meek, (4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, (5) the merciful, (6) the pure in heart, (7) the peacemakers, and (8) those who are persecuted for righteousness sake.

On the ninth day of Christmas the gift was nine ladies dancing. They represent the Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patient Endurance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control. 

On the tenth day of Christmas the gift is ten Lords a-leaping. These 10 stand for the ten commandments:

1. You shall have no other Gods before me (before God!)

2. You shall not make for yourselves any carved image, or bow down to them, or serve them.

3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shall you labor and do all your work...for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them....

5. Honor your father and your mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet your neighbor's house, wife, male servant, female servant, ox, donkey, or anything else that is your neighbor's.

The eleventh day of Christmas is eleven pipers piping. They represent the 11 faithful disciples, but do not include Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. The twelve faithful were comprised of Simon Peter & his brother Andrew, James & his brother John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James & Judas (sons of Alpheus), & Simon the Zealot.

On the twelfth day of Christmas the gift is twelve drummers drumming, and it is connected to the twelve points of doctrine addressed in the Apostles' Creed. 

[Just as a point of difference, I do not like the way the Apostle's Creed is written. It takes Jesus out of Creator role - and being fully God as well as fully human, he was as equally Creator as he was human.]

I do not know if this "collection" is legitimate symbolism, but it makes a nice story. 

THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS – December 26

In Canada today is Boxing Day. I have always assumed it was just a day to start boxing up all of the Christmas decorations - and I was surprised they extended their official holidays to include that activity; but when I searched online I learned that it started in countries associated with the British Empire as a special day to give gifts to the staff of Britain's upper class. That was a surprise. 

It does make sense. The household staff would have been totally immersed in making the Christmas celebrations perfect for the Master and Mistress of the house - with little thought to their own hopes and dreams. So, I am truly pleased to find out that it was initiated as a way to be kind to others - to those who served.  

Now it has morphed into a day to go out and find bargains - and it appears what it started out as has been lost. 

That is true of so many things. 

As for being the second day of Christmas, we are in another period of anticipation, this time to honor the visitation of the entourage of wisemen - but in Jesus' day, they had no way of knowing they would experience such a visit. 

CHRISTMAS DAY 2023 – Also THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS! And happy first day of the twelve days of Christmas!

As a preface to my blog entry today, I want to mention, as a reminder, that the evening and the morning were how days were established - so if Jesus was born in the evening, it would technically (for us) be Christmas Eve. We begin each new calendar day at midnight. They begin theirs at sundown. 

The Birth of Jesus Christ – Matthew 1:18-25

¹⁸ Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. ²⁰ But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” ²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

²³ “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). ²⁴ When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, ²⁵ but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

The Birth of Jesus Christ – Luke 2:1-7

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³ And all went to be registered, each to his own town.⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. ⁶ And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. ⁷ And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn

 

Isaiah 9:6-7 (prophecy written over 700 years before Jesus was born)

⁶ For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isaiah's ministry was from 740 - 701 B C, and was centered in Jerusalem, so his prophecy was written during that time - likely in Jerusalem or nearby.

There is so much we do not know - but we do know Jesus' birth was prophesied over 700 years before he was born. What an amazing miracle birth! And what an amazing God that he would humble himself and come to us in human form so we could relate to him, but even more importantly, to be the Lamb of God who would sacrifice himself for the sins of the world.

And the name he was given was Yeshua, which means Salvation.

We don't know the actual date of Yeshua's birth, but he definitely deserves to be celebrated for coming. Happy birthday, Yeshua ha Mashiach. Thank you for coming to a very broken world to bring us salvation. 

ADVENT 2023 – Blog #22: December 24 [Fourth Sunday of Advent: LOVE]

The four Sundays of Advent are: HOPE, PEACE, JOY & LOVE. Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent and the day to celebrate LOVE. 

John 3:16 is a verse many people can quote - even if they are not Christians. It is even on roadside billboards and ballgame placards. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." the next verse is equally important: "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." [ESV]

God loved so he gave. At Christmas we also give gifts to others to demonstrate our love. We reflect just a smidgeon of God's goodwill in doing so - but it is only a trace, for we cannot save anyone. But our giving just might be a catalyst for others to 'hear' that God is love. 

Hundreds of books have been written about love and it is the theme of many songs. There are many facets of love, but God's love is agape love - a love so extreme that we cannot even begin to fathom it, let alone mimic it. However, we can embrace it - and in so doing, experience God's loving forgiveness through the power of the Holy Spirit by what Jesus (God incarnate) did for us on the cross. There is no greater love. 

An old Christian song states, "There is no greater love than that of Christ above, that made him come to earth, become a man, and by his death provide redemption's plan. There is no greater love, that's why I'm singing of God's love so rich and free, revealed at Calvary. There is no greater love."

There is an old secular song that says, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of." It's true. Love gives instead of takes. Love covers a multitude of sins, and forgives even when the other person doesn't ask and forgiveness is not deserved. Love pours out over and over - and for the one who loves, the capacity to love just grows. I believe that degree of loving cannot be done in our own power, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us. 

Love is an action verb. It changes who we are, and makes us more like Jesus. 

1 Corinthians 13 is often read at weddings - but is a good reminder for all of us every day:

13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

 

ADVENT 2023 – Blog #21: December 23

Shepherds. 

Tradition says they were usually older men and younger boys, i.e., those who were not otherwise employable.  Sometimes the shepherds were the sons of the owners - like David was. 

The Bible certainly does not tell us anything specific about the ages of the shepherds who were watching the flocks out in the fields near Bethlehem the night Jesus was born. However, it is significant that Jesus' birth announcement was first made to people who were among those who did one of the most humble of tasks. That was not accidental! 

Jesus, the Lamb of God, who would someday be sacrificed as the payment for the sins of the world, was also to be known as "The Good Shepherd". 

Being a shepherd required being responsible and accountable. They have the enormous responsibility of protecting the owners' sheep from predators and poachers. Their role may sound humble - but it is incredibly important.

Those shepherds who were in the field that night just outside Bethlehem were treated to the most glorious announcement ever given! An angel appeared to them to tell them, "Fear not, for behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord...." Shepherds on a hillside, taking their turns being the ones to watch for danger, were the first ones to hear of Messiah's birth. 

And then, a host of angels joined the first angel, saying "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" I seriously doubt that the words in my ESV translation are the best representation of what they actually proclaimed - but they'll do. Perhaps I am just too connected to what I grew up hearing sung, "Peace on earth. Goodwill to men."

What the Bible does tell us is that when the angels disappeared back into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they did. 

What they saw they shared. That is a good reminder for me. They testified to what they had experienced. God asks the same of us - to tell our story. Go tell it! 

What an amazing experience - one filled with wonder! An over-the-top highlight of their lives.

ADVENT 2023 – Blog #20: December 22

I have never seen electricity - but I believe in it and what it can do. The proof is in the results. When I flip a switch, I am usually rewarded with the effect I expected. I don't notice that it works until it doesn't.

I have never seen an angel - but I definitely believe in them. But, far different from electricity, I do not pay attention to their activity in the world. They are hidden from me, and unless God chooses for them to be seen for some special 'mission' we do not engage directly with them.

How different it was with events surrounding Jesus' conception and birth. Gabriel - one of the most revered angels - appeared to Mary and announced that she was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. And, later, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to take Mary as his wife. 

Amazing! I can only imagine that it was at that point when he got the confirmation he needed to believe Mary had not been unfaithful to him. And he obeyed, and they were married - but they didn't physically consummate the marriage until after the birth of Jesus. 

We aren't told about other angel interactions during the pregnancy - but we certainly can assume that they were around: guarding, protecting, nurturing, blessing - as God's hands extended to this precious family who was chosen to be the earthly parents of God incarnate.

The next big event when we see the angels in full array was when an angel appeared to the shepherds to announce Jesus' birth, who was then joined by a multitude of angels praising God. I'll wait for the full story of that event to be shared in another blog entry. 

Angels are God's messengers - but they are never to receive worship. They are just obedient servants. Well, at least those who were faithful to God are. When Satan defied God, a third of the angels went with him - and there is a constant battle that goes on in heaven between them and the warring angels on God's side. Until Jesus returns, that is. 

Also - just for clarity, people do not become angels when they die. They are created beings, just as Adam and Eve were, but they re very different than we are, and there is no transition from human to angel that ever occurs. 

Angels are fascinating, but mostly they are models of obedience. They are unseen actors both in heaven and on earth who serve at the will of God.

ADVENT 2023 – Blog #19: December 21

 Immediately after Elizabeth greeted Mary, Mary proclaimed:

“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.”

And verse 56 tells us that Mary stayed with Elizabeth about 3 months and returned to her home. 

And Mary leaves us with wonder (amazement) and wondering.  It is only in examining the texts that foretell Jesus birth - and then the scant history of what was recorded that we realize how much we don't know. What we do know is enough. A miraculous birth was about to take place for Zechariah and Elizabeth; and another miraculous birth was only +-6 months away. 

I wonder who recorded the words Mary spoke through the power of the Holy Spirit that day; or if God recited them to Luke when he was writing the history. Reading and wondering leaves me with more questions than answers - but even within that we know all we were meant to know. Our belief in God is not a journey corroborated by sight - but by faith. Immersing ourselves in what we do know because it is written in God's Word for us to study and embrace is enough. God doesn't need us to know everything to trust him and his plan for us. Part of faith is being willing to walk out our journey with him only having each step revealed to us in his time. But - study we must! 

There is far more in the Bible to process than we work to dig out. That's why he tells us to study. 

I memorized 2 Timothy 2:15 in the King James Version as a kid:

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The ESV says it this way:

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

That is the fruition of WONDER: Searching, learning, seeing, understanding, embracing, acting on. 

ADVENT 2023 – Blog #18: December 20

Today I want to focus on Elizabeth's greeting when Mary came to visit her. 

Elizabeth was about 6 months pregnant when Mary arrived to stay a few months with her. The Bible documents their first interaction in Luke 1 beginning with verse 39:

³⁹ In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah,⁴⁰ and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, ⁴² and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! ⁴³ And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴ For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵ And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

I absolutely love God's affirmation to both of them in that instant. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, she (Elizabeth) felt her baby leap in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and under the power of the Holy Spirit she passionately proclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!.... And she heaped blessings on Mary for believing what God had revealed to her through the angel.

And Mary stayed with Elizabeth about 3 months, and then returned to Nazareth when Elizabeth was about to give birth. 

We can only imagine what a joyous time they had together! Zechariah was unable to speak, and Elizabeth had been in isolation, so having Mary there to talk with - and share what God had done in each of their lives - and try to imagine what that would mean.... Lots to wonder about!

ADVENT 2023 – Blog #17: for December 19

Seriously! I was so focused on getting my Christmas Letter written on December 19 that I totally spaced on writing my blog entry! This is my second time missing a day, and I am literally shocked! 

I do wonder about this amazing baby - God in human form - who was soon to come into this world. What was it like in heaven in the final days before his birth? Angels certainly were eager to come proclaim it! It is mind-boggling to consider all of the ramifications of angelic protection for him in utero, and even after his birth. Something more to ponder. To wonder about! This little Israeli Jewish boy, to be born in the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (aka Israel) and David, born to be the Savior of the world. Born to die for our salvation. 

Thank you, God, for your amazing plan of salvation - and thank you Yeshua, for your obedient sacrifice in giving up heaven for 33 years to come for us!

ADVENT 2023 – Blog #16: December 18

 LUKE 1:5-25

Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

⁵ In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. ⁶ And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. ⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

⁸ Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, ⁹ according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. ¹⁰ And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. ¹¹ And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. ¹² And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. ¹³ But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. ¹⁴ And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, ¹⁵ for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. ¹⁶ And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, ¹⁷ and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

¹⁸ And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” ¹⁹ And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. ²⁰ And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” ²¹ And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. ²² And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. ²³ And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.

²⁴ After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, ²⁵ “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

I cannot improve on Luke's story - so I have included the text from the ESV.  The Cliff's notes version is that Zechariah was OLD, and his wife was also "well advanced in years". She was barren - which many people apparently believed to be a curse - but Luke records that both Zechariah and Elizabeth were "righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord." Wow! That is an amazing credential to have affirmed. 

Their story is yet another reminder that man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. And in God's timing - so there could be no doubt it was a miracle - God answered this couple's most heartfelt prayer...one they probably had stopped praying for! It is a testament to the reality that "all things are possible with God!" 

Yesterday I talked about wonder. And I definitely wonder how Zechariah conveyed the angel's message to Elizabeth! On a tablet? In pantomime? There is no end of wondering once I get started! 

ADVENT 2023 – Blog #15: December 17 JOY & WONDER

Today marks the third Sunday of Advent, and it is the Sunday that focuses on JOY! Joy is a choice! It is not to be confused with happiness. God really isn't nearly as concerned about our happiness as he is about our salvation, our character, our obedience, our Christian attributes. True JOY is found only in knowing Jesus as our Savior - and thereby knowing our ultimate destination when we leave this world. The joy of the Lord is our strength. It is salvation that brings us joy! 

I first accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 8 3/4 years old. My birth mother died when I was 7 1/2 - and my dad remarried 14 months later. My stepmother was the one who got us into church - and that was where I learned about God, and that Jesus loved me sooooo much that he died for my sins so I could be saved and go live with him FOREVER. It was great Good News, and I accepted Jesus very soon after my folks were married. It was in a little wooden white Assembly of God church in Wilder, Idaho. It was the "new" beginning to my story!

One of the choruses we sang as children was named JOY:

Jesus and others and you, what a wonderful way to spell joy

Jesus and others and you. It's good for each girl and each boy

J is for Jesus. He takes first place. O is for Others you meet face to face 

Y is for You, and whatever you do, just remember: be glad and spell JOY!

That song was a model for our choices, our attitudes, and our behavior. Others were always to be put before ourselves. It is still great modeling of how we are to be as Christians.

Choose JOY!

The other thing that is really on my mind today is WONDER. There is sooooo much to wonder about in the nativity story. I realized for the first time this year, for instance, that the Bible doesn't actually tell us Mary was a young teen when she gave birth to Jesus. We just know she was a virgin. But somewhere in history it was assumed and credited to be a credible part of the story. I alluded to that formerly. It is okay to speculate - but absolutely essential to pose our ideas as ours, not pass them off as 'what the Bible says', and that leaves us with wondering....

How old was Mary?

How old was Joseph?

What ages were they when their parents arranged for them to one day be betrothed and married?

How old was Joseph when Jesus was born?

When was Jesus actually born? (not likely to have been December because the shepherds were out with their flocks)

Where exactly were the Wise Men from?

And how many were there? (Three men certainly wouldn't have been traveling alone. How big was their entourage?)

Where were Mary, Joseph & Jesus living in Bethlehem when the astrologers from 'the East' finally arrived? 

Did it take 2 years to get there - or did Herod just choose baby boys 2 years and younger to slaughter so he could make sure he included a wide enough span of time?

And on and on. Wondering is fine. Defining the results of wonder as fact is not!

I wonder as I wander.....