Think back to the time when you were expecting a young one. What was one of the most important decisions that you had to make? The name of course! This name would follow this child for the rest of their life. I remember when we chose Stephen's name. Jerry had chosen a name that he liked and really no one else did. Thank goodness he listened to his wife and changed his mind! Our son's carefully chosen name is Stephen Glen. 'Stephen' comes from the Stephen of the Bible. We pray that he will someday be great and mighty for our God.
'Glen' is a family name..important to my husband.
So, what about the name of Jesus? Or shall I say the Names of Jesus?
Today flip back in your Bible and read Isaiah 9:6-7. Then read Matthew 1:21 and Luke 1:31-33.
Let's discuss each of these names (I had some help with this from www.jesus.org):
Wonderful
The root word for this means 'a sense of awe'. There is no substitute for the wonderful love of Christ.
Counselor
(Read Psalm 73:24) Life is full of problems, but all we have to do is turn it Christ for the answers.
Mighty God
Christian life is not easy. But we can rest in the strength of our Mighty God to carry us through all the ups and downs. He is mighty to handle everything!
Everlasting Father.
While Jesus did die on the cross, He rose again! He cannot be defeated! He is the ONLY God that LIVES forever.
Prince of Peace
We certainly don't live in peaceful times. In fact, it is kind of scary at times...thinking about the path this world is on. As Christians, we know God is in control and we can find Peace in Him knowing that no matter what--He's in control.
There are so many other names we could discuss. Lamb of God, Son of Man, Teacher, Preacher, Prophet, Messiah. But I choose to end our study today on the God-chosen name for the Christ Child:
Jesus
The name 'Jesus' is the Greek version of the Hebrew word for Joshua or Jeshua, which means, "Jehovah (Yahweh) will save." The very name God gave Him means that He will save.
I leave you with one last powerful song that I found,
watch it when you can have a silent moment to open your heart and let God speak to you.
Merry Christmas my friends.
There won't be a Bible study next week; rather I ask you to join me in spending the week looking up the verses in this video and humbling ourselves before the Gift of the season.
What is a Magi anyway? According to the Holman Bible Dictionary these are Eastern wise men, priests and astrologers whose interpretation of the stars led them to Palestine to find and honor Jesus. These men may have been from Babylon, Persia or the Arabian Desert. Did you notice when you read the passage that Matthew gives no number, names or royal position to the wise men? Because of the three gifts, the assumption has been made that there were 3 men.
Whether it be 3 wise men, or 20 I am sure that it was well more than that many that traveled with them. This would have been at least a 2 yr journey. I assume (having never been taught it--just my own thinking) that they would have had servants with them. And extra camels to carry their supplies. It certainly would not have been hard for King Herod to take notice of them. I also find it interesting that they wanted to pay homage to a King that was not even from their land. A King that was going to be Ruler of the world someday. And they humbled themselves, accepted it and even did what they could to make this Baby King feel welcome--and safe.
I am humbled when I think about all those other babies that were slain in Bethlehem. My son, Stephen turns two tomorrow. He would have been slain if we lived then and there. I have to wonder...would I gladly give his little young life so that the Christ child might live to save the world? I know the people of Bethlehem had no choice--but what if I did?
I only know of one time in history where a Father gladly gave His Son's life to save others.
I've found another wonderful song for you to meditate on today. This song could have been the entire devotion today--it is pretty powerful; please try to watch/listen until the end and...
Oh come to Him and Adore Him. Right now where you are.
At Christmastime, we see man's version of angels everywhere. From cute little stitching designs, but beautiful tree toppers. Let's take a look at all of the Nativity Bible passages about angels.
Take a moment and read Matthew 1:20; Luke 1: 26-30;
and finally our focus passage for today Luke 2: 8-20.
Did you notice something? Every time an angel appeared...they were feared and had to re-assure that they were angels. In my mind's eye I picture angels as being mighty warriors with wings.
Now a bit about those shepherds. In those days, shepherd's were considered to be low-class people. Nothing great; nothing noticeable. Yet who did the angels go to first? Who were given the job to go and proclaim the news that Christ had been born? Jesus came to save the entire world...but the shepherds got to see Him first. And couldn't you just see those shepherds? It was dark..then all of a sudden the night sky is lit up by a bright light. Then a whole host of angels filled the sky. Wow, wouldn't that have been something to see?? Now that's a light show! I can't even find a photo to do it justice.
Yes, the animals! They played a big part of the Nativity story. How many Nativity scenes have you seen without animals?
Begin today's study by reading Luke 2: 1-7.
I think most of you reading this study have been pregnant women at one time or another. Remember your ninth month? I do! (well it's only been two years for me so It's still fresh in my memory.) Swollen fingers, swollen ankles. Unable to bend. Unable to breathe. Having to use the girls room every 20 minutes. Remember when you felt that way? Now imagine climbing on a donkey and staying there for two weeks while 9 months pregnant.
(The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem is 93 miles. A US army travels around 20 miles a day. The Roman Army traveled around 14 miles a day. Here was a pregnant woman riding a donkey and a man walking. They probably traveled less than 10 miles a day.)
That would be one miserable trip.
Now, contrary to belief, Joseph would not have been poor. He wasn't rich. He was average. He did have money to stay in the inn for an extended time. (vs 6). This was not just an over night stay. But it was busy there; Kind of like going to Florida in the summer. Mary needed to get off her feet I am sure, so they ended up out back in the barn. I am pretty sure at this point, she didn't care where she ended up. (I would be saying, "Just get me off this donkey!")
Barns back then were basically caves. Dark and dreary.
What else is in a barn?
Plenty of manure for Mary to have a soft, sterile environment.
Can you imagine the animals? They got shooed out of their barn and their bedding. I can just hear the foot stomping; the swish of a mane of a donkey because his routine was messed up. Probably even some kicking. Yes, I am fairly sure it wasn't quiet in that barn.
So, Mary has her little baby with no doctors or nurses. Just her husband to help her. They were there several days, she had to have something to lay the baby in.
That is a modern day feed trough. Can you imagine Joseph taking the trough outside, dumping it out and banging it against the ground to get most of the yuck out of it?
And then...laying a newborn Baby in it?
The animals were just normal animals.
They didn't prepare the way for the King by having a perfectly clean barn.
I wonder why when we list all the smells of Christmastime, we don't include the smell of manure?
Keeping last Friday's lovely post by Snoodles in mind, I'd like to spend this week studying the Nativity a little closer. I hope that you'll set aside time with me to open your heart and really learning about the Gift of the Season.
Have you ever taken the time to really think about Mary?
Here is a little background for you. The city of Nazareth was on a trade route. It was not uncommon for teenage girls to sell their services to traveling merchants or Roman soldiers. Prostitution was rampant. Mary was a young teen; possibly even as young as 12, and probably not older than 15.
While she was not perfect, Mary was a God fearing young woman.
Please take a moment to read Luke 1: 26-56.
Didn't you find that passage beautiful? I just love that Jesus and John knew each other from the womb!
Most amazing to me though, here is this young girl, and the first thing she does is run to her older Aunt to praise God!
Now let's take a look at Joseph.
We don't know Joseph's age; but we can assume that he was at least several years older than Mary.
We do know that he must have been a very considerate, loving man.
I'll let you read the passage about Joseph, and then we will discuss that in a bit more detail.
Please read Matthew 1: 18-25.
There are a couple of important things to note. Mary was betrothed to Joseph. Betrothal was a serious matter to the Jews and could not easily be broken. But, Joseph was a righteous man.(vs19). This is where we know Joseph was considerate and loving because he could have surely been disgraced by Mary's condition, but instead he selflessly thought of her first.
"He planned to marry her, but was prepared to abort his plans so she could keep her baby. How different than modern couples who abort their baby in order to keep their plans."(by I. Campbell)
Friday Snoodles played one of my favorite songs. I am going to share two more here. Take a moment to play them, as music is very powerful. Let this set the mood for this upcoming busy week. The first is written through Mary's eyes and the video images are very powerful and moving. It just sent chills down my spine watching it.
The second is written through Joseph's eyes~so appropriate to end today's study.
Right off the top I want to thank Belinda for being patient with me on my posting of the answers to last weeks questions. There was just so much to write I am glad that she didn't mind waiting. I actually read the assignment through and think about the questions myself before I cheat and look at the study guide...so I appreciate her patience with me so I could catch up!
1) I'll quote the book here as it is very good, " He who was patting himself on the back for having overrun his brother is now helped up by the one he had so underestimated. Such are the lessons that God teaches us; that when we have an inflated ego, the very one we feel superior to is usually the one who will help us in our distress."
2) Wanton used many things that in and of themselves were alright, until they were perverted by sin. Although Faithful was able to avoid the temptation, did you notice that he said he didn't know whether he fully escaped her? Here is a quote about that from Spurgeon, " The probability is, that the temptations of the flesh, even when resisted do us an injury. If the coals do not burn us, they blacken us...."
3) While we as Christians should realize that self-indulgence is sinful, it is good to be reminded of the sin nature that we inherited from Adam the First so that we value what Christ has done for us and our hopeless nature.
4) hmmm, the book was too good here too. I've got to quote again, "...the Law of God is meant not only to encompass the outward actions but to reach so far as the thoughts and intents of the heart. So strict, so pure, so spiritual is the holy Law of God that it will knock any man flat on the ground and leave him despairing. A comprehensive view of the Law and one's own sinful heart and actions can leave the believer discouraged. Yet this can lead to a humble dependence on Christ and to empathy for other believers. What gratitude we should have for Christ's nail-pierced hands, which alone can rescue."
5) this was meant for personal reflection only...
6) Mark 8:38. Also, I love this quote by Alexander Whyte: "In the present order of our souls, we are all acutely ashamed of many things that are not the proper objects of shame at all; while, on the other hand, we feel no shame at all at multitudes of things that are really most blameworthy, dishonorable, and contemptible."
7) I think the book was trying to say that in this context it was important to point out the faults (or talk ill) of Talkative. "When no remorse, only defensiveness, is shown when error is exposed, we do well to heed the apostolic advice,'from such withdraw thyself'. We do scandalous professor's souls no good by accepting them into church membership when their lives do not back up their words. Their actions cause nonbelievers to point at them and say, "See what a bunch of hypocrites these Christians are', which brings disgrace on Christ's bride, the church."
Next reading assigment: Moody in Today's English : 87-98; Revell Spire: 78-90
I will post discussion questions next Saturday and answers the following. I know it is the holidays but I think Belinda and I both want to continue on our Path.
This is a season that too often turns into a whirlwind of activity -- much of it fairly mindless! I wanted everyone to take a time out today, and reflect on some verses. Enjoy a few moments of reverie . . . I believe you'll be refreshed, you'll feel better, and you'll feel like the time was well spent.
I've been struck by the fact that there have not been many of us that have taken time to post comments or discussion. I think that we are all so busy this time of year, that perhaps the things that help us most, and heal us most, are the ones that fall by the wayside.
I have been blessed by a song that I would like for you to listen to. I'm embedding it here, and I would like to ask you to click "play," adjust your volume so that it is pleasant, not overwhelming, and then scroll down. You see, I want your attention to be focused on the words, the music, and the pictures and verses down below. Will you do that for me? Please? Click to play, and then scroll down . . .
Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
We are celebrating an awesome moment in time. Whether or not it happened on or near December 25th is something that we can leave to the scholars to wrangle over . . . let's just focus on the fact that a holy God, the Great I Am, knew there was no other way for sinful mankind to be made whole. And He sent the perfect lamb, the Son of God, in the form of a wee babe.
This same holy God had planned it all. And He set the wheels in motion, and sent His angel to a young woman named Mary. Luk 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. Luk 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. Luk 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
Luk 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Did you know, Mary? Did you know all that was in store for you?
What about you, Joseph? Did you know?
Luk 2:4 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): Luk 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Joseph -- I imagine a gentle, courageous man. It would have been human nature to think that Mary had "slipped up" or been taken advantage of, and the Scripture does record his compassionate desire to hide her pregnancy from the world, and not take her for his wife. Some have suggested that his motive was more mean spirited, but I believe he was shielding her from a society that would make her a pariah, or worse, stone her to death. Whatever the reason, he considered moving her, hiding her. But I imagine that having a conversation with an angel would change my mind, too, if I were he. So they went to Bethlehem . . .
And then it happened . . . as the star shown and the angels sang . . .
Luk 2:7 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.
Look for a moment at the expressions on the young parents' faces -- this nativity touched me when I saw it on A Desert Quilter blog. Do we echo the emotions you see there? Or are we too busy? Do we relegate the Child to the stable, or do we bring Him in to the inn of our hearts?
Imagine, if you will, being Mary, and hearing the shepherds tell her of their remarkable visitors: Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
As they entered the stable they saw something like this:
This is the true miracle --- God's gift is freely given. He allowed, He planned for His Son to leave the magnificence of heaven, and allow His infinite power to be clothed in a finite body. To live as a mortal, to die a humiliating death, but to rise again to show His power, His grace, and His love. Why? Listen again to John . . .
Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
This, then, is the miracle. Everlasting life. For everyone. For anyone. Who believes. And who will allow their life to be changed. Don't take my word for it -- listen to Jesus as he speaks to Martha in John's gospel:
Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead yet shall he live: Joh 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
Long time ago in Bethlehem, so the Holy Bible say,
Mary's boy-child Jesus Christ was born on Christmas Day.
Hark now, hear the angels sing - listen to what they say:
For man will live forever more, because of Christmas Day.
I hope you all have paused with me, and taken a time-out. I'm awestruck, all over again, as I always am when I read these verses. I hope they've been meaningful for you, too.
Thank you, Nichol at A Desert Quilter, for the use of your photos.
