The Theory of...

God, man and the theory of Everything

Gentle reader,

As I told you in the past I believe that God exists (in the person of Jesus Christ).... so much that I have given over my whole life to seek out the Creator of this universe. I believe that I have discovered the "Truth of the Truth"!  Now we find that science wants to prove what some have called "the theory of everything"

Over the past century, physicists have unlocked the secrets behind radio and television, nuclear energy and the power of the sun. Now they’re seeking the ultimate prize: a "theory of everything" that could reveal a bizarre realm of interdimensional wormholes and time warps.

Such a theory would give us the ability to "read the mind of God," says Cambridge cosmologist Stephen Hawking. And in Hawking’s opinion, there’s a 50-50 chance that someone will discover the Holy Grail of physics within the next 20 years.

It won’t be easy, though: The discoverer would have to find the harmony underlying two themes as discordant as light Bach and heavy rock.

On one side is Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity. Einstein saw the large-scale universe as a smooth, curved surface in four dimensions (the three dimensions of space plus time). The gravitational force that binds us to the earth arises from the very structure of that space-time continuum.

On the other side is quantum theory. Beginning in the 1920s, a generation of scientists defined the small-scale universe as a collection of fuzzy phantoms. These subatomic particles couldn’t be precisely located in space and time, but their interaction could be described in statistical terms.

Space-time's out of joint

Both theories are proven successes — but taken together, they’re out of joint. The equations that describe the gravitational field are completely different from those for electromagnetism and subatomic interactions.

Moreover, each theory is incomplete by itself. Relativity cannot tell us how the big bang gave rise to the universe as we know it, or what lies within the black holes created by the collapse of massive stars. Quantum theory, meanwhile, only describes an assortment of particles, mathematical constants and equations — without divining the sense and symmetry underlying them all.

For decades, theorists have tried various strategies to roll up the gravitational field and the quantum field into one set of equations. Most of the attempts failed. "Whenever we tried to calculate numbers from these theories, we would arrive at meaningless infinities," said theoretical physicist Michio Kaku.Superstrange superstrings

But one bizarre approach is gaining popularity. It turns out that the equations of quantum theory can mesh perfectly with the theory of relativity — if we look at them from the perspective of a 10-dimensional universe.

The concept is called "superstring theory," because theoreticians imagine the core components of the universe as tiny loops of string or membranes vibrating in 10 dimensions. Different resonances of the vibrations correspond to different types of particles. Thus, electrons, neutrinos and other elementary particles fit on a grand cosmic scale, just as the notes A, B and C fit on a musical scale.

Kaku says it should come as no surprise that the universe makes more sense in higher dimensions. After all, Einstein made the universe seem more sensible by including time as the fourth dimension.

But if the universe we only dimly understand as having four dimensions really has 10 — where are the other six dimensions? Kaku and his fellow string theorists contend that when the big bang inflated our four dimensions into the universe as we know it, the extra six dimensions collapsed into loops smaller than the smallest observed subatomic particle.

If humans could somehow identify and harness those dimensions, it might become possible to manipulate those interdimensional fields. You could create stable "wormholes" for rapid transit across the universe. You might even be able to drop into parallel "quantum universes" that operate under physical laws completely different from our own.

Needle in a cosmic haystack

Exploring such science-fiction possibilities would require resources of science-fiction proportions.

There are millions of possible solutions for the superstring equations — and figuring out the right solution for our universe would be like picking a needle out of a galaxy-sized haystack. Even if the theory turns out to be right, probing the shrunken dimensions would require energies approaching the scale of the big bang — trillions of trillions of times more powerful than a hydrogen bomb.

However, outer space could open a window to the hidden dimensions and at least provide some confirmation of superstring theory. By observing the patterns of particles and antiparticles flying through space, researchers just might find indirect evidence to back up a "theory of everything."

But here is the real kicker Gentle Reader, ready ....set....jump.... It will take a leap of faith to realize this ‘theory of everything"

So for myself I’m going to wait for the rest of the world to catch up!

F.A.I.T.H. (Forsaking All I Take Him)

 Love, Denis

A True story

Gentle Reader,

This story is directed at those who choose not to believe in God and for those who experience any doubt of His presence and/or existence. I recently came across a true story about a woman in Fort Myers, Florida whose mother was dying. It is my hope that this story may touch you in the same way it touched my heart. The story, some of which is in the exact words of this woman is as follows:

"I was fortunate to be able to sit at my mother's bedside and have lots of talks with her during her last weeks on earth. Most of her last month was spent in a hospital until we went to Hospice House. I knew Hospice helped people die but I didn't know they had a 16 room home in Fort Myers where people could come and die in peace. We had many conversations as she drew closer and closer to death and spoke many times about death and heaven.

In one such conversation about heaven I said: "Mom, well... could we have a secret, something just between us? I know it's going to sound crazy. But if you die and when you get to heaven, if it's more than you ever dreamed it would be, if you are all right and see God and Jesus, would you send me one red rose?"

This was a very special moment between me and my mother an eternal moment. She said, "Yes, I'll do that."

A week later I said, "Look mom about our secret, I'll be on earth and you'll be in heaven. How are you going to get a rose to me?" She said to me without reservation "Honey, God can do anything!"

Shortly after that on September 16,1997 her mother died. As you can imagine this was not a wonderful time. So much to do with funeral arrangements that the woman forgot completely about the secret she and her mother had shared. Then at the funeral home, during the wake a strange thing happened. Let me share this in the woman's words.

All of the sudden in the back of the funeral home I caught a glimpse of an elderly gentleman with a cane. I didn't know him. I was sure that I had never seen or met him before. I turned and looked at him... as he knelt down at my mother's coffin and placed in her hands just one beautiful red rose. I walked over to him and inquired what made him bring the rose. He said, "oh honey, for some reason all day today I had a red rose on my mind, all day I have been thinking about it. I just knew I had to get one red rose for your mother.""

Now if your like me you have tears streaming down your cheeks right now. Let me suggest to you that God is real and sometimes in His graciousness and love, He will, for just a moment pull back the curtain and allow us to see beyond our limited view of life and death. Right now if you believe this story and it has touched your heart, isn't it about time you got right with God and accepted His Son into your heart. Don't wait because if you do it may be too late. Accept Christ today as your Lord and Savior and become part of the eternal kingdom of God. After all heaven was more than this woman's mother.

God of all people, LORD of Life and all creation —

At the confluence of three rivers, Heart, Hand and Mind,
stands modestly but boldly a Hospice House.
Alongside the highways and by-ways of human traffic
dwells a safe and peaceful place.

Out of concrete, wood and plaster, a house has been built;
Out of faith, charity and hope, a sanctuary has been established.

As the harbor gives refuge for the weary sailor, and the oasis for
the desert sojourner, so does this haven give solace to those
whose journey is difficult or nears the end.

Bless, O God, the table of compassion and companionship..

Bless, O God, the bed of dignity and integrity.

Bless, O God, the garden of comfort and peace.

Bless, O God, the room of understanding and courage.

By thy Spirit of Grace, may those who give and receive pastoral
and hospice care do so in the spirit of human and divine compassion.

We dedicate this House to all who abide here awhile,
even to the close of their days.

In the name of the Giver and Receiver of Life, Almighty God.

AMEN And Amen

Denis

What's Left?

Gentle Reader,

 Well how was your Christmas (or whatever holy day you celebrate?) We need to clear up a few things before we can go into the next year. For example, Where are you in your life?  Which is an kind way of saying what is the meaning or purpose of your life?. Or perhaps "What is man"?  What is (in your humble opinion) right behaviour? And of course what is left(wrong) behaviour (or put another way ) What is sin? Where does suffering originate, and what end does it serve? How can genuine happiness be found? What happens at death? What is Judgement? What happens after death? And finally, what is the ultimate mystery, beyond human explanation, which embraces our entire existence, from which we take our origin and towards which we tend?  Wow Denis  What did you get for Christmas? A Game of Philosophy ?

Now, now Gentle Reader, I simply ask "What is your worldview?" Where are you headed and what is important to you? Basic questions that many never answer. Lewis Carroll said "If you don't know where your going, any road will get you there"!

What road are you taking Gentle reader? we are told that after the baby was born, the shepherds have come and gone And the wise guys had laid their gifts before the Christ Child and they too had gone home.

But not by the same route! "And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way." (Matt.2:12) The reason I believe is that once one comes to Jesus you never travel the same path!

The wise guys brought His the world's riches He gave them in exchange something priceless: a vision of what life could be- more abundant- one which they could claim that very day! What path will you take Gentle Reader?

Shall we take the right path or the left one?

 Love, Denis

The 4th wise guy

Gentle Reader,

With the season so close and with me not a place to preach, nor a home to call my own. I find I have a lot of time on my hands (so to speak) It's starting to get cold here and Marti wants me to purchase a new winter coat [I really wanted to get a train set] What I want money can't buy.... but that's another time. What I wanted to say is that with all this time I get to read a bit more ( just for the sheer enjoyment and found this which I intend to share. I know I know its the last few hours of prime time shopping and you haven't gotten Uncle Shamus and Aunt Tody  anything. My advice re-gift! How about that 12 year old fruitcake that your using as a doorstop in the winter and as third base in the summer? 

Well come in and sit I'll wet some tea and we'll share a story that will entertain you and perhaps give you some last minute ideas . Ready? Ok. hold on here she blows....  

I was miles from anywhere when I first saw him. He was walking at the side of the road, gas can in hand, and I assumed that he'd run out of fuel somewhere. I didn't remember passing any stranded cars on the road but figured he could have broken down on a side road. Anyone would have stopped to give him a ride.

Because I had one of those mental debates while deciding whether or not to stop, the car was quite a distance ahead of him when I brought it to a halt. I watched in the mirror as he approached. He was in no hurry, it seemed, just ambling along as though out for a stroll. When he came level with the passenger window, I leaned over and called out to him.

"D'you need a ride to the next gas station, pal?"

He stopped and leaned over so that he could see my face.

"Actually, David, I was hoping you'd take me all the way to Akron."

I swear I'd never set eyes on the guy in my life before. How could he know my name? And the fact that I was driving to Akron? I was too dumbfounded to say anything in reply and just watched while he opened the door to get into the car. As he sat down, he threw the gas can into the bushes.

"Aren't you gonna need that?" I asked.

"Oh no, I was only carrying it so you'd take pity on me and stop," he replied. "Bought it at that gas station where you're going to drop me off. But you wouldn't have seen that, of course. You were gone by then."

This was becoming confusing. Was he claiming to have met me before or was he some kind of lunatic with wild delusions?

"Pardon?" I said. "Have we met before or something?"

"Yes and no, David. Look, it's complicated. Why don't you get this thing moving and I'll explain as we go, okay?"

I realized then that he was right. If he was a madman, the sooner I got him to where he wanted to go, the better. He didn't look dangerous or anything, in his early twenties but slightly built and pale, as if he'd been locked away out of the sunlight. I could easily win any tussle with him, I figured. So he wanted to talk in riddles? That was fine; it might be amusing and help the journey to go that much faster. I eased the stick into Drive and let the car move off.

"How d'you know my name?" I asked as we reached the speed limit and I hit the cruise control.

"You told me," he replied. When I said nothing but raised one eyebrow a little, he continued, "I'd better explain from the beginning. As I said before... Oh, you won't remember that, of course. Fact is, David, I'm living backwards."

A dim memory sparked in my brain. "You mean like Merlin? I read a book once by T.H. White about him. Called The Once and future King, I think. Anyway, it was about King Arthur and all that but I remember Merlin was supposed to be living backwards in it. Is that what you mean?"

"Exactly," he said.

I waited for him to go on but he said no more; just sat there watching my reaction to his ridiculous statement. So I gave him none.

"Am I supposed to believe that?" I asked. "It's a pretty freaky thing to say, you know."

He laughed. "Yup, it's weird alright. Most people would be driving me to the loony bin by now. But that's why I chose you. You're going to believe me by the time we get to Akron."

I don't often snort but I did so then. This guy was a hoot. "Okay, pal, tell me more. I'll listen."

"We'd better get that sorted for a start. I'm not your pal, well, not yet anyway. My name's Merlin."

This time I couldn't hide my disbelief. I turned and looked at him. "Are you serious? Are you trying to tell me that you're the Merlin?"

"That's me," he said, without blinking an eye. "Old Merlin the magician, alive and well in the 21st Century, living backwards and loving it. Quite a kicker, huh?"

I couldn't help but smile. "You're crazy," I said. "Pretty entertaining, I grant you, but crazy as a loon."

He grinned back at me. "Yup, you're right. Nutty as a fruitcake, that's me. But that's got nothing to do with what we're talking about. I'm still living backwards."

There was a sincerity in his voice that stopped me from dropping him off right there and then. Crazy he may have been but I couldn't help liking the guy. I decided to play along and see how good his story was.

"So, okay, you reckon you're Merlin. But how can that be? He lived, oh, about fifteen hundred years ago, I reckon. How could you be that old? Look at you, you're no more than twenty-five at the most."

"Ah," he said, "That's the thing, you see. I'm living backwards so I'm younger now than I was then."

"But more than a thousand years? Come on, even living backwards you're not going to be born for a millennium at least."

"Always with the math," he sighed and eased himself back into the seat to watch the road ahead. "It's hard to understand, David, but basically it's like swimming against the tide. Easy enough for you folks just going with the flow; of course you live much faster. But for me it's a struggle. Takes me three hundred years to get ten years older."

I did some quick mental calculations. That would make him about seventy in Arthur's time; about right, I thought. And it also meant...

"So you're not going to be born for another six hundred years?"

"You catch on fast," he said.

There was silence for a long time then. I was trying to think of a way to catch him out and he seemed content to wait. The mid west hurtled by our windows.

Eventually, I thought I had sorted things out and was ready for him again.

"So, to you, the future is like the past? You can remember what's going to happen?"

"Yup," he said.

"And the past is like the future?"

"Just so," he returned.

I thought I had him then. "Ah, in that case, how can you know about King Arthur? How can you make jokes about being the great magician when you can't possibly know that's what he was?"

It was his turn to snort. "Oh come on, David; you can do better than that. I can read, can't I? D'you think we don't have books in the future? And, as it happens, I've read Mallory and that guy White you mentioned. Which reminds me..."

"What?" I asked.

"Oh, nothing. Was just thinking that I might drop in on old T.H. in a few years and give him some ideas."

"So now you're the reason he wrote that book?" This was becoming weird. "I suppose you created all our history on your way back to 500 AD?"

"Nah, don't be silly," he said. "Just think I might dabble a bit here and there."

"Oh great. Now we've got a lunatic running around in history, tweaking and fiddling."

He laughed again. "Hey, don't get worried. It's all past to you and anything I do is already incorporated."

We fell silent again as I pondered this. Then he began to speak and I just listened.

"You see, David, six hundred years from now we're going to be able to do things that you can't even dream of. Look at the pace of change over the last hundred years or so. It's accelerating all the time. In a few hundred years we're going to prove that time travel is impossible. But we're also going to find a way to turn ourselves around and live in the opposite direction. Not that many will, of course. In fact, I'm the only one. But it's a form of time travel, I suppose."

He paused to see how I'd react to this. Once again, I didn't. So he went on.

"We became aware that there was something that needed doing in the past. And I volunteered. I've always liked history and I wanted to see it for myself. To actually make a contribution to it was an unbelievable dream.

"It's slow, of course. Man, you can't imagine how slow it is. But it's the only way we've got. All to do with changes at the molecular level, you know."

He rambled on into a long explanation of how it worked but I couldn't understand it. He probably knew that but was just enjoying the opportunity to speak. And I turned everything over in my mind as I drove. It was all too much to be believed but he certainly made a pretty airtight story of it. His knowledge of my name and destination was hard to explain away especially. And that strange business of the gas can.

By the time we got to Akron, night had fallen. Merlin directed me through the dark streets towards the gas station and it occurred to me that he seemed to know his way around pretty well.

"You've been here before, haven't you?" I asked.

"Nope. Just remember it from the future. Take a left here."

"I'm sorry but I can't believe that."

He glanced at me then. "Okay, Mr Doubtful, get your head round this. When we get to the gas station there'll be a green SUV filling up. The driver's a young blonde woman in jeans and a pink top. And just after we arrive, a silver Honda will drive in from the opposite direction."

It was just as he said. I stopped the car and began to apologize for my doubts but he shrugged them off. "It's okay, David, I get it all the time. Thanks for the ride, by the way."

A thought crossed my mind then. "Oh, uh, Merlin, you said you chose me as your ride. Why was that?"

He winked. "Figure of speech. Actually I just traced you back from this moment."

He opened the door and was getting out when I realized that there was something else I wanted to know.

"And what about Arthur and all that?" I asked. "What was it that you have to change?"

He turned to look at me. For a moment he seemed to be considering something, as though he wasn't sure that I could be trusted with it, but then he shrugged and spoke.

"That Arthur thing wasn't it at all," he said. "It was just one of my little tweaks. After all, we know the Angles and Saxons win in the end, don't we?"

There was a slight pause before he went on. "No, after Arthur, I'm going to wander over to Persia. There's a couple of interesting guys there that I want to meet and get to know. And then, just before I die, the three of us have an appointment in a stable in a little town called Bethlehem..."

He turned away. The last I saw of him was a slight and unimposing figure walking into the bright lights of the service station.

Thanks to Clive Adams for that wonderful story

Time to go, be off with you have you no home?

Denis

Another Christ Miracle

Dear Gentle Reader,

Have you become so hardened in your heart that you can not be moved by a simple story? The story of the Birth of Jesus Christ has become so enmeshed in legend and myth that the real message of God has become lost in all the tinsel and pretty colored lights. For example here is perhaps a story that you’ve never heard or forgotten!

So famous and renowned is Taylor Caldwell to us today that it is difficult for us to conceptualize her as a wan, depressed, and frightened young mother; alone, nearly destitute, jobless, and having to face the bleakest Christmas of her life. She had almost lost faith in God Himself.

And then...

For many of us, one Christmas stands out from all the others, the one when the meaning of the day shone clearest.

Although I did not guess it, my own "truest" Christmas began on a rainy spring day in the bleakest year of my life. Recently divorced, I was in my 20s, had no job, and was on my way downtown to go the rounds of the employment offices. I had no umbrella, for my old one had fallen apart, and I could not afford another one. I sat down in the streetcar, and there against the seat was a beautiful silk umbrella with a silver handle inlaid with gold and flecks of bright enamel. I had never seen anything so lovely.

I examined the handle and saw a name engraved among the golden scrolls. The usual procedure would have been to turn in the umbrella to the conductor, but on impulse, I decided to take it with me and find the owner myself. I got off the streetcar in a downpour and thankfully opened the umbrella to protect myself. Then I searched a telephone book for the name on the umbrella and found it. I called, and a lady answered.

Yes, she said in surprise, that was her umbrella, which her parents, now dead, had given her for a birthday present. But, she added, it had been stolen from her locker at school (she was a teacher) more than a year before. She was so excited that I forgot I was looking for a job and went directly to her small house. She took the umbrella, and her eyes filled with tears.

The teacher wanted to give me a reward, but--though $20 was all I had in the world--her happiness at retrieving this special possession was such that to have accepted money would have spoiled something. We talked for a while, and I must have given her my address. I don't remember.

The next six months were wretched. I was able to obtain only temporary employment here and there, for a small salary, though this was what they now call the Roaring Twenties. But I put aside 25 or 50 cents when I could afford it for my little girl's Christmas presents. (It took me six months to save $8.) My last job ended the day before Christmas, my $30 rent was soon due, and I had $15 to my name--which Peggy and I would need for food. She was home from her convent boarding school and was excitedly looking forward to her gifts the next day, which I had already purchased. I had bought her a small tree, and we were going to decorate it that night.

The stormy air was full of the sound of Christmas merriment as I walked from the streetcar to my small apartment. Bells rang and children shouted in the bitter dusk of the evening, and windows were lighted and everyone was running and laughing. But there would be no Christmas for me, I knew, no gifts, no remembrance whatsoever. As I struggled through the snowdrifts, I just about reached the lowest point in my life. Unless a miracle happened I would be homeless in January, foodless, jobless. I had prayed steadily for weeks, and there had been no answer but this coldness and darkness, this harsh air, this abandonment. God and men had completely forgotten me. I felt old as death, and as lonely. What was to become of us?

I looked in my mailbox. There were only bills in it, a sheaf of them, and two white envelopes which I was sure contained more bills. I went up three dusty flights of stairs, and I cried, shivering in my thin coat. But I made myself smile so I could greet my little daughter with a pretense of happiness. She opened the door for me and threw herself in my arms, screaming joyously and demanding that we decorate the tree immediately.

Peggy was not yet 6 years old, and had been alone all day while I worked. She had set our kitchen table for our evening meal, proudly, and put pans out and the three cans of food which would be our dinner. For some reason, when I looked at those pans and cans, I felt brokenhearted. We would have only hamburgers for our Christmas dinner tomorrow, and gelatin. I stood in the cold little kitchen, and misery overwhelmed me. For the first time in my life, I doubted the existence of God and His mercy, and the coldness in my heart was colder than ice.

The doorbell rang, and Peggy ran fleetly to answer it, calling that it must be Santa Claus. Then I heard a man talking heartily to her and went to the door. He was a delivery man, and his arms were full of big parcels, and he was laughing at my child's frenzied joy and her dancing. "This is a mistake," I said, but he read the name on the parcels, and they were for me. When he had gone I could only stare at the boxes. Peggy and I sat on the floor and opened them. A huge doll, three times the size of the one I had bought for her. Gloves. Candy. A beautiful leather purse. Incredible! I looked for the name of the sender. It was the teacher, the address simply "California," where she had moved.

Our dinner that night was the most delicious I had ever eaten. I could only pray in myself, "Thank you, Father." I forgot I had no money for the rent and only $15 in my purse and no job. My child and I ate and laughed together in happiness. Then we decorated the little tree and marveled at it. I put Peggy to bed and set up her gifts around the tree, and a sweet peace flooded me like a benediction. I had some hope again. I could even examine the sheaf of bills without cringing. Then I opened the two white envelopes. One contained a check for $30 from a company I had worked for briefly in the summer. It was, said a note, my "Christmas bonus." My rent!

The other envelope was an offer of a permanent position with the government--to begin two days after Christmas. I sat with the letter in my hand and the check on the table before me, and I think that was the most joyful moment of my life up to that time.

The church bells began to ring. I hurriedly looked at my child, who was sleeping blissfully, and ran down to the street. Everywhere people were walking to church to celebrate the birth of the Savior. People smiled at me and I smiled back. The storm had stopped, the sky was pure and glittering with stars.

"The Lord is born!" sang the bells to the crystal night and the laughing darkness. Someone began to sing, "Come, all ye faithful!" I joined in and sang with the strangers all about me.

I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all.

And that, of course, Gentle Reader, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.

Wonder of wonders  Gentle Reader,

"He gave His only-begotten son"

 Love, Denis

 

The Form

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
It is time for the LORD to work when man makes void His Law!

GOD IN HUMAN FORM
The true Messiah must be the Messenger and Mediator of a New & Everlasting Covenant which includes Gentiles as well as Jews. "For He (God the Father) said, 'It is too little a thing that You should be My Servant in that I raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the survivors of Israel: I will also make You a light to the nations, that My Salvation may reach the ends of the earth.'" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 49. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im; also see Deuteronomy/Devarim 18. 17 - 19; Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 31. 31 - 32; 33. 14 - 15; Zechariah/Zecharyah 3. 8; 9. 9 - 12; Malachi/Malakhi 3. 1] He must also unite in Himself all the God-ordained offices that exist in Israel; being the Prophet (Lawgiver & Leader) like Moses, a High Priest & Mediator like Melchizedek, and a King like David, besides being the Saviour & LORD of all that ever will be saved. [Deuteronomy/Devarim 18. 15; Isaiah/Yeshayah 55. 4; 33. 22; Psalms/Tehillym 110. 1, 4; Zechariah/Zecharyah 6. 12 - 13; Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 33. 1, 4 - 18] The true Messiah must be the Redeemer of man's sprit, soul (mind) and body. [Job/Iyob 19. 25 - 26; Psalms/Tehillym 16. 9 - 11; 17. 15; 31. 5, 19; 72. 13 - 14; Isaiah/Yeshayah 26. 19]

"Jacob was left alone. And a MAN wrestled with him until the break of dawn...Then He said, 'Let Me go, for dawn is breaking.' But Jacob answered, 'I will not let You go unless You bless me.' Said the Other, 'What is your name?' He replied, 'Jacob.' Said HE, 'Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince, you have striven with Elohiym and with man and have prevailed." [Genesis (Bereshith) 32. 24 - 28 Tanakh, Torah]

Here we see that Jacob wrestled with a Man, Who was none other than GOD Almighty. To commemorate this wonderful experience, Jacob calls this place "Peniel" ("face of GOD") "For, he said, 'I have SEEN GOD face to face, yet my life has been preserved.'" [Genesis (Bereshith) 32. 30 Tanakh, Torah] Jacob recognized the fact that this "MAN" with whom he wrestled was Creator GOD Himself!

Most people, especially Jews, cringe at the mention of the fact that one can see GOD and live. Nevertheless it was the experience of Jacob. Also Moses, the great Lawgiver of the Jews relates a similar instance in his own life and others: "Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel ascended; and they SAW the GOD of Israel: under His feet there was the likeness of a pavement of sapphire, like the very sky for purity. Yet He did not raise His hand against the leaders of the Israelites; THEY BEHELD GOD, and they ate and drank." [Exodus (Shemot) 24. 9 - 11 Tanakh, Torah] Moses declares that the nobles of the children of Israel saw the GOD of Israel and after seeing Him they were able to eat and drink - which testifies to the fact they were still alive.

Note: "The Angel of the LORD," Who is GOD, appeared frequently in the Old Covenant times as a MAN. That being the case, it should not be difficult for a Jew or Gentile who has studied Scriptures, to believe that the Messiah was none other than Yehovah GOD manifested in the flesh! "Behold, I am sending My Messenger to clear the way before Me, and the Lord Whom you seek shall come to His Temple suddenly. As for the Angel of the Covenant that you desire, He is already coming says the LORD of Hosts." [Malachi (Malakhi) 3. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Here the Messiah is called "LORD, The Messenger, and The Angel of the Covenant." He is the Angel Who "saves" and "redeems," spoken of in Isaiah. [64. 9] It is true -- Messiah Jesus came to save and redeem. He is "The Messenger of the Covenant," the New Covenant, prophesied and promised by GOD in Jeremiah. [31. 31 - 32]

But, why must the Holy GOD appear as a MAN? Because sin requires the death penalty. Man, who is a sinner, could not redeem himself. Almighty GOD, in His Own Person, must be a substitute to pay the ransom price in man's place. But GOD Omnipotent cannot die; He is "forever and ever." [Exodus (Shemot) 3. 14; Psalms/Tehillym 90. 2] Therefore, The Redeemer of mankind must become MAN in order that He could be made sin and DIE. [Hebrews 2. 9; 1 Peter 1. 18 - 19] The Redeemer could not be a mere MAN either for if He was, He would have been involved in sin Himself through Adam. [Romans 5. 12] Also, if He were simply a MAN, there would be no sacrifice that would be appropriate for ALL humanity. To meet all the requirements, there had to be a GOD/MAN, "The GOD\MAN" to meet both man's need and Eternal GOD's requirements of a Saviour. Yeshua ha'Mashiach, the Lord Jesus is "The Answer" and He is the Greatest Lover of our soul. Thank You LORD!

Biblical Archaeology

Two annual meetings took place in San Diego this year between November 14 and November 17, 2007. This set of conferences draws thousands of Biblical and religious scholars from around the world who meet in a series of separate but related academic venues. ABR readers who might not be aware may be interested to know what is going on in the field of Biblical Archaeology at these large annual events.

Having attended and presented at both the Near Eastern Archaeological Society (NEAS of the Evangelical Theological Society) and the American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR), I noted the prominence of archaeologists who are not averse to correlating their finds with the Bible. Some of these scholars come from or work for evangelical institutions and others for secular universities. But contrary to the belief that so-called Biblical Archaeology is dead, as Mark Twain once said, "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." This article will survey ongoing research that archaeological enthusiasts should find both promising and exciting.

The sessions of the NEAS featured 24 papers on a wide variety of topics. Participants from the Associates for Biblical Research (ABR) figured prominently, represented most notably by the efforts of the Rev. Gary Byers, who both organized the diverse and informative program and acted as moderator. Other presenters included Rick Lanser, Gordon Franz, and Brian Janeway. Moreover, two sessions entitled "Archaeology and Bible Background" reflected a growing awareness and recognition of archaeological research as vital to Biblical studies.

A sampling of papers included such varied subjects as "Identifying and Excavating Tell el-Hammam," which has been tentatively identified as Sodom (see Bible and Spade, Summer 2007 for a debate on the subject), several papers debating the likely location of Noah's Ark, "Etruscan Language Derived from Hurrian" (Clyde Billington), locating the "Temple of Zion" and the tomb of King David, "The Proto-Aeolic Capitals of Mudaybi" in Jordan, "Archaeology and Pop Culture," and Iron Age II/III Jericho in text and artifact, as well as a session dedicated to education in the Ancient Near East.

Several presentations dealt with ongoing or past excavations in addition to the aforementioned Tell el-Hammam. Leen Ritmeyer reported on his fascinating work on Solomon's Temple, "40 Years On - Temple Mount Research Since 1967." Gordon Franz presented on "Area M at Hazor Revisited" and Randall Price reviewed recent excavations on the Qumran Plateau. Iron II fortified cities in Northern Israel, particularly Bethsaida, was the subject of a paper by Boyd Seevers and Brian Janeway discussed "Tell Tayinat and the Bible: Finds from Seventy Years of Excavation." Excavations at Tell Gezer, which have been renewed under the direction of Dr. Steve Ortiz, were the subject of a presentation by Eric Mitchell.

Six papers were presented as part of the backgrounds of the Bible sessions. Charles Quarles posed one of the more provocative questions in his talk, "Buried Hopes or Bold Hoax: Is the Talpiot Tomb Really the Tomb of Jesus of Nazareth?" in which the answer is implied. The Jewish community of Elephantine Island in Egypt was the topic of a paper by Tony Shetter while a historical reading of the account of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) was suggested based on a parallel from the Ur III period in Mesopotamia. Debra Dyk provided a historiographical comparison between the annals of Tiglath-pileser III and the Old Testament while another paper documented the contribution of the Persian kings Cyrus, Darius I and Artaxerxes I to the rebuilding and restoration of Jerusalem.

In summary, the meetings of the ETS provided many new insights and discoveries relating to Biblical archaeology, particularly the Hebrew Bible. This should come as no surprise to ABR readers and biblical archaeology enthusiasts. However, what may surprise some is the growing number of excavation projects directed by scholars that embrace the integration of text and artifact, Biblical or otherwise. These expeditions are using state-of-the-art methods of extracting data and enjoy strong institutional support from their sponsoring agencies. The long-term vision of these projects promises to produce many significant discoveries relating to the Bible for many years to come.

First in place, owing to their extraordinary longevity, is the Madaba Plains Project (MPP), which was begun 40 years ago in search of the Biblical city of Hesbon. It is the longest-running American archaeological project in the Middle East and in the history of the discipline. All the more remarkable is the fact that a conservative Seventh Day Adventist institution (Andrews University) has sustained it these many years. It has developed into a broad regional study employing innovative approaches to field recovery techniques and in many ways has become a leader in the field. In addition to Tell Hesbon, the project has expanded to include major site excavations at Tell Umayri, Tell Madaba, and Tell Jalul.

Umayri has only recently exposed the best-preserved four-room house in the Levant, in addition to a monumental palace or temple structure from the Late Bronze Age II period. Was this a city occupied by the tribe of Reuben? The geography and chronology are suggestive, but confirmation will have to await future discoveries.

The 2007 season produced Late Bronze Age remains for the first time at the site of Tell Madaba, the absence of which until now has occasioned skepticism regarding its mention as a Moabite city conquered by the Israelites (Num 21:30; Josh 13:9, 16). Future seasons will undoubtedly uncover more of the Late Bronze levels of the city.

A special session was devoted to the remarkable discovery of the Tel Zayit Abecedary (an alphabetic exercise) in the lowlands of traditional Judah. Its key importance lies in the fact that it was excavated from a secure 10th century context, whereas other comparable inscriptions (Gezer Calender, inscribed arrowheads, etc) came from uncertain provenances. It displays a twenty-two letter alphabet that developed from the Phoenician tradition of the Early Iron Age and "anticipated the distinctive features of the mature Hebrew national script" (Tappy, 2007 abstract). It also provides new material evidence strongly supportive of the idea of a well-developed and centralized nation-state during the period of the United Monarchy.

Evidence of state formation before and during the 10th century is also being uncovered at Khirbet en-Nahas, where a vast copper metal production center operated for several centuries beginning as early as the Late Bronze Age. Until this discovery, most archaeologists held that the Biblical data on Edomite kingship was in error, that Edom had kings before Israel did (Gen 36:31; 1 Chron 1:43). Now it would appear that the Biblical data was right on the mark due to the efforts of excavations directed by Tom Levy at UCSD (San Diego).

Continuing fascination with the Dead Sea Scrolls was prominently represented by the subject of the Plenary Session at ASOR, given by Jodi Magness on "The Current State of Qumran Archaeology" and was supplemented by a "Virtual Tour of Qumran" delivered by Robert Cargill of the UCLA Qumran Visualization Project. Moreover, two sessions focused specifically on Hebrew Bible, History, and Archaeology.

All in all, contrary to the purported demise of Biblical archaeology, the research projects associated with ASOR are an ongoing testament to the relevance of the Bible to archaeology. Despite the fact that many of its secularly oriented scholars disdain the Scriptures as historically unreliable, they well realize the very sustenance (funding) of their programs and projects depends to one extent or another on their connection to the Biblical world.

Christmas in Ireland

Dear Gentle reader,

I broke a precedent... I had a cup of Irish tea! (Crowd gasps ooh) I know I know But to be frank it was my second cup of a hot beverage of the morning followed by a another of my famous coffee. Well it was cold out and the dogs needed walking and after raining for two days in a row with me on the end of the leash that gets splashed. You know how kids and dogs will walk right through a puddle of water when they could just as easily have walked around (which meant that I could not be outdone and had my feet wet clear up to where my socks end). Which was just below my knees! By the end of the walk my once new socks were down around my ankles and Marti just laughed and said "I knew you were a kid at heart but you make a six year old look like an old man"!

Well Gentle Reader, that has all changed I will return with some cakes and some good Irish tea the next time you visit. Have you bought your Christmas gifts yet? No? Neither have I! Well We both Herself and me wish you a very Merry Christmas! Here is a wee bit of the customs in Ireland.

CANDLE IN THE WINDOW

Many homes in Ireland still today will show a lighted candle, or perhaps today equivalent, and much safer, electric lights, in the window of their home on Christmas Eve. This stems from the custom that to show a light in the window lighted the way of a stranger out after dark. It goes back to most ancient times, when the laws of hospitality were stronger and not abused. To have a light in your window on Christmas Eve to welcome the stranger meant that you were welcoming the Holy Family too. To have no light meant that you shared the guilt of the Innkeeper at Bethlehem who said, "No Room"!

WHITEWASHING THE HOUSE

In many rural areas of Ireland still today the custom of whitewashing the outhouses and stores prevails. At One time, it was the whole farm, inside and out. The women would scrub and polish everything til it shone, and the men would take a bucket of whitewash, or limewash, and purify everything in honour of the coming of the Christchild.

This custom goes back long before christianity or even celtic civilisation. It was a purifying ceremony from the most ancient of times, the ancient Mesopotamians, 4000BC would cleanse their homes, sweep the streets even, in an attempt to assist their god in his battle against the powers of chaos. And in Central European lore, it was believed that the deity, Frigg, would check all the threshholds of each house to make sure they were swept clean. The links are so tightly intertwined, it becomes difficult to seperate one belief from another, Christmas is like a Tapestry, tightly and colourfully woven. It is almost impossible to find a thread and trace it to its beginning in the picture. From this ancient custom comes the modern traditions of putting up fresh curtains, a special Christmas Bedcover, cushions and table linens etc.

Early Christmas morning is the time when children discover what Santa Claus has brought - they will have submitted their 'wish list' on an earlier visit to see the man himself at a local store.

Family gifts are exchanged on Christmas morning in most families, though a few wait until after dinner. Most people will attend a church service on Christmas morning, if they have not already been to midnight mass the previous night.

Once the turkey is in the oven, those family members not directly involved in its progress use the extended cooking time to call to friends, relatives and neighbours to deliver gifts and share a drink or two. Then it is home and time for the big meal. This is eaten in the late afternoon or evening. There is more about Christmas dinner in our article about Christmas food.

After dinner most people simply flop in front of the fire and the television, to watch the inevitable seasonal movies, reruns and Christmas specials, too full and too exhausted to do anything more energetic!

St Stephen's Day

The day after Christmas day is also a holiday in Ireland, and in some places is celebrated with just as much vigour! The Wren Boys will be out in many places, calling to the door for money, with whole families dressing up and joining in the fun. Other families will head to a horse racing event, visit family or friends or just get out into the country for a long walk.

Few shops open on St Stephen's day, though some of the larger stores start their sales and are crowded with bargain hunters.

 Well, Gentle Reader,

That about wraps it up for now until next time,

We ale sending our prayers out to all of you from:

Denis & Marti       

and (FIDS) fur and feather critters

Oh Silent night

Gentle Reader,

It’s the time of year when we think of those times when it is all right with the world "Peace on earth Good will toward men" Well here is a True story read think and enjoy! Hope and dream!

Denis



It was December 25, 1914, only 5 months into World War I. German, British, and French soldiers, already sick and tired of the senseless killing, disobeyed their superiors and fraternized with "the enemy" along two-thirds of the Western Front (a crime punishable by death in times of war). German troops held Christmas trees up out of the trenches with signs, "Merry Christmas."

"You no shoot, we no shoot." Thousands of troops streamed across a no-man's land strewn with rotting corpses. They sang Christmas carols, exchanged photographs of loved ones back home, shared rations, played football, even roasted some pigs. Soldiers embraced men they had been trying to kill a few short hours before. They agreed to warn each other if the top brass forced them to fire their weapons, and to aim high.

A shudder ran through the high command on either side. Here was disaster in the making: soldiers declaring their brotherhood with each other and refusing to fight. Generals on both sides declared this spontaneous peacemaking to be treasonous and subject to court martial. By March 1915 the fraternization movement had been eradicated and the killing machine put back in full operation. By the time of the armistice in 1918, fifteen million would be slaughtered.

Not many people have heard the story of the Christmas Truce. On Christmas Day, 1988, a story in the Boston Globe mentioned that a local FM radio host played "Christmas in the Trenches," a ballad about the Christmas Truce, several times and was startled by the effect. The song became the most requested recording during the holidays in Boston on several FM stations. "Even more startling than the number of requests I get is the reaction to the ballad afterward by callers who hadn't heard it before," said the radio host. "They telephone me deeply moved, sometimes in tears, asking, `What the hell did I just hear?' "

I think I know why the callers were in tears. The Christmas Truce story goes against most of what we have been taught about people. It gives us a glimpse of the world as we wish it could be and says, "This really happened once." It reminds us of those thoughts we keep hidden away, out of range of the TV and newspaper stories that tell us how trivial and mean human life is. It is like hearing that our deepest wishes really are true: the world really could be different.






This song is based on a true story from the front lines of World War I that I've heard many times. Ian Calhoun, a Scot, was the commanding officer of the British forces involved in the story. He was subsequently court-martialed for 'consorting with the enemy' and sentenced to death. Only George V spared him from that fate. -- John McCutcheon


My name is Francis Toliver, I come from Liverpool.
Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school.
To Belgium and to Flanders, to Germany to here,
I fought for King and country I love dear.

'Twas Christmas in the trenches, where the frost so bitter hung.
The frozen fields of France were still, no Christmas song was sung.
Our families back in England were toasting us that day,
Their brave and glorious lads so far away.

I was lying with my messmate on the cold and rocky ground,
When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound.
Says I, "Now listen up, me boys!" each soldier strained to hear,
As one young German voice sang out so clear.

"He's singing bloody well, you know!" my partner says to me.
Soon, one by one, each German voice joined in harmony.The cannons rested silent, the gas clouds rolled no more,
As Christmas brought us respite from the war.

As soon as they were finished and a reverent pause was spent,
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" struck up some lads from Kent.
The next they sang was "Stille Nacht," "'Tis 'Silent Night,'" says I,
And in two tongues one song filled up that sky.

"There's someone coming towards us!" the front line sentry cried.
All sights were fixed on one lone figure trudging from their side.
His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shone on that plain so bright,
As he, bravely, strode unarmed into the night.

Soon one by one on either side walked into No Man's Land,
With neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand.
We shared some secret brandy and wished each other well,
And in a flare lit soccer game we gave 'em hell.

We traded chocolates, cigarettes, and photographs from home.
These sons and fathers far away from families of their own.
Young Sanders played his squeezebox and they had a violin,
This curious and unlikely band of men.

Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more.
With sad farewells we each prepared to settle back to war.
But the question haunted every heart that lived that wondrous night:
"Whose family have I fixed within my sights?"

'Twas Christmas in the trenches where the frost, so bitter hung.
The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung.
For the walls they'd kept between us to exact the work of war,
Had been crumbled and were gone forevermore.

My name is Francis Toliver, in Liverpool I dwell,
Each Christmas come since World War I, I've learned its lessons well,
That the ones who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame,
And on each end of the rifle we're the same.

Grilled Cheese

 

Dear Gentle Reader,

 Well winter is here, we are stuck without a chance to get out for a wee walk so Paddy and I are taking to our next best pastime "eating" And I am hungry for a grilled cheese sandwich- Paddy will eat anything! Marti wants one too so this will have to be a shorter blog!

  "To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;" Proverbs 1:3

A professor recently shared with his students the theory of what he called a "Grilled Cheese Education."  After teaching for many years, he noted that in the past few semesters, college kids can be likened to a man who goes into a fine restaurant, orders Hibachi Steak, but gladly accepts a grilled cheese sandwich when the food is brought out.  Upon receipt of the bill, the man pays in full for a steak that he did not receive or enjoy. 

Knowing the meaning behind the professor's words, one student spoke up and said, "We just want the degree so we can get a good job."  And as the instructor let his head fall into his hands, the horrible modern view was evident: Few people want to receive instruction, but they all want to reap the benefits and rewards that follow. 

We want wisdom, but we don't want to be instructed in it.  We want to be just, but we don't want anyone to tell us if we're being unjust.  We want to claim that we have good judgment, but we fail to know what it is.  We want to stand tall, but we continue looking at the ground.  To receive instruction on anything is the only way that a man can actually profit in his end reward.

The "instruction of wisdom" is, as we already know, the capstone of this entire book.  For we will discover that all of life is wrapped up in a choice between folly and ignorance or wisdom and grace.  Thus, if we are willing to receive instruction unto wisdom, then read on.

The instruction of "justice and judgment" can seem rather obscure depending on how we look at it.  Given a different word, we might have more familiar connection:

"All Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" II Timothy 3:16

Solomon's notion of justice and judgment is found in his teaching on righteousness.  What is it to be right?  How can a man know if what he has said, what he has done, or what he has thought is right?  Such instruction comes from the Word of God.  If we are to know what it is to be right, to be just, and to exercise good judgment, read on.

The instruction of "equity" rests on a much more personal application.  This is not, as many of us would assume, a matter of good financial planning.  Quite the contrary, the instruction of equity is about teaching an insecure man to be confident.  Insecurities come in the absence of sure knowledge and as a result, many find themselves ashamed by what they do not know.  Solomon affirms that if a man wants to stand tall, he should read on.

If we are to share in that stand, then it is our responsibility to be instructed on the wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity that lay the necessary footing.  Now is the time to recognize our need for instruction, to anticipate the process, and to accept more than a Grilled Cheese Education.

So Gentle Reader, my sandwich is done and I'd offer you some but Paddy ate yours!

 See you tomorrow, 

Denis, Marti, Paddy pooch, Chi Chi Angel, And Duffy Bird
 

THE HARDEST THING TO DO

I am sending this very interesting email from my friend, Glenn Kimball. Hope you pause a few times to think about his thoughts. Only a few times in everyone's life a brilliant thinker and genius in ancient stories comes along. Learn from him.

THE HARDEST THING TO DO

In the movie Phenomenon George Malley (John Travolta) says something to the children in the very last of the movie. He tells them that, "Everything is on its way to someplace". That is one of the most profound comments in cinema history.

We live in a day when there is an increasing tension within our own country. Hesiod predicted it and so did the ancient prophets throughout the scriptures. Never in my lifetime has there been such a polarization between political factions. The last letter I sent about my particular beliefs in the political world was met with undeserved praise from some and the most vehement critique from others I have ever received. I have thought a lot about that during the time that I have been ill for the last two or three weeks. I had a couple of dozen suggested to me that I stick to ancient history where I belong. Perhaps in the larger picture of things that is good advice. Certainly there are more important things for me to do than to try and convince either side of the reality of the world in which we live. However, I would like to say something about the very nature of those feelings.

This is the holiday season again. Many of us are suffering this year from one tragedy or another. It has caused many of us to doubt that we have ever meant anything to the world or believe that there is nothing left for us in this life. It is roughly the same tension in our personal lives that we see in our country. We react both positively and negatively out of fear. Part of us wants to hang onto something bigger than ourselves in order to find meaning. Another part of us wants to extinguish the thoughts of others to persevere the meaning we have left in our lives. Some are looking up to the immensity of space and time and feel small. Others of us are looking down at others in hopes of propping themselves up. Groups of people are doing the same thing around the world. Some are looking up from their lot in life and wondering if any of this apparent madness is worthwhile and others are looking down with so much hatred for others that they would shed the blood of whole cultures to preserve who they think they have the right to be. Both are on their way to someplace.

While I was trying to get my sea legs I had a dream. It was one of those dreams that you experience half of it when you are asleep and the other half when you wake up. I realized how unique we all are. I saw the greatness of the spirits around me and remembered that the greatest of the children of deity, along with the most divisive, came to this world. I remember hearing myself say that when you open the door to heaven you open another to hell itself. It is like the law of reciprocity works for us all. I wanted to tell the lowly at heart to remember that everyday and moment in this life is not only precious, but significant. A third of our lives are spent while we are sleeping and if we only knew what was really going on during that very large segment of life, we would jump up and down for joy. That was the reason for the two classes on Dreaming this month. One was so that you all know that this is a topic for which we are well educated Chase and I. However, the most important part comes in the second class where you understand how much potential we have.

Religion would like to have you think that when you die we all queue up in a long straight line and either follow the leader into heaven or down to hell. With this kind of thinking people try and control each other. The truth is quite different. Even though Jesus may be the way, the truth and the light and those who believe in him, yet shall they live, Jesus is the gate and not all the possibilities rolled up into one. We all have a very unique path both here in this world, and after we leave. It will do us little good to think that someone had a better opportunity than did we, because in the end that isn’t true. Equally it won’t do us any good to think we have to become like each other, because that isn’t true either. The greatest thing we will ever do in this world is within the confines of our own flesh and it is a journey as unique as a fingerprint. I saw in this dream something wonderful. I saw that in the end we will all realize that we mean so much and are accomplishing so much that it is impossible to compare ourselves. Some of the greatest stories ever to be told about this world will be about individual journeys into our self discovery. There will be those who have shared with only one other person in their lives and sometimes we think that those who teach many are greater than those who merely teach themselves. That is not true.

Deity looks down from its heaven and doesn’t think of us as embryonic nothings. They consider us children for whom they have prepared a place. We look up and sometimes feel jealous that we are not one of them because their lot is certain and their joy complete. Deity controls the creation of this universe and many others as well. We ignore the joy that is ours for the taking in the here and now.

I think of Betty Eadie who saw the beggar in the street in her near death experience and the lawyer stop in his grand car and helped him out of the gutter. She realized that one was not greater than the other. Both of them were doing something wonderful for each other.

Then I realized that the greatest of all the emotions for this holiday was gratitude. There is something very strange about gratitude. It is a feeling without arrogance and hatred. It is the attitude of those who understand that they are on their way to someplace. Hatred, skepticism and vehement critique are missing the journey. So are the ones who think of themselves as worthless. In this Christmas time I am grateful to all of you. I get to take this journey with you to the outer edge of what our generation has forgotten. One lady said today, "Where did these guys Chase and Glenn Kimball come up with this material?" I would like to tell her that I have been collecting ancient texts for over forty years. I don’t think that would help her understand either. There are many who have been researching as long as I. My son who is thirty hasn’t lived that long, but he is truly smarter than I. I worry sometimes that he might walk off the edge of the cliff like Don Juan Matus did in the end, and never come back again. Don Juan didn’t die. They never found his body. He just learned how to use dreaming to enter the other dimensions and when the time was right, he just left, like the watchers of old, Moses, Elijah, Elias and John the Beloved. They never found them either. The emperors of China and the Egyptian priests were right that someone did have the secret to life, though they never found it. Someday we will speak about how resurrection plays a part in this scenario.

In any case, the story of the birth of the messiah is spectacular and worth many years of thought, dreams and learning. Feel grateful this holiday and let the spirit of the season do its best work in your lives.

Sincerely,
Glenn Kimball

Kimball College
Institute for the Study of Ancient History
Phoenix, AZ

Santa Says...

Christmas? God's gift!

Gentle Reader,

Before you think that I have no sense of Holy Day spirit Let me tell you about last year.

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out next to the fireplace.

"What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement . . .

"TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children!

Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten. "Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."

He then pulled from his bag an ORNAMENT of himself. "Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL,. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.

Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship him, our LORD, our GOD."

There you have it, Gentle Reader,

Love, Denis

The Harsh reality of

 Irish Christmas time- time for reflection?

 

Gentle Reader,

 Do you know the "Christmas story"? We as Christians make a lot to do at this time of year. We'll fight to the last man to keep up atradition that in reality has little to do with the birth of Jesus Christ some 2000 + years ago. For what? So we can give gifts? or Cards to people that we don't have time for the rest of the year?  How about a good cold dose of reality? Start here and I'll see you on the other side!

 

The birth of Jesus Christ is in direct fulfillment of many Bible prophecies, Isaiah 7:14 of the virgin birth; Gen 3:15 that he was born of the seed of woman, Isaiah 11:1 that he would descend from the line of Jesse (king David); Micah 5:2 that he would be born in Bethlehem; Matthew 2:18 + Jeremiah 31:15 that Herod would slaughter all the children in an attempt for the Devil to kill the Christ child. All these prophecies were made at least 500 years before Jesus was born. They stand as an irrefutable monument to the inspiration of the Bible and prove that God revealed himself through his messiah, Jesus of Nazareth.

Here is a strictly Biblical chronology of the birth of Christ. Jesus was born in the manger of an inn because there was no room for Mary and Joseph to stay in a room, in Bethlehem (Matthew 1:25 & Luke 2:1-7).

That same night, angels announced to the shepherds that Christ was born and they visited the newborn Christ at the manger (Luke 2:8-20). In this way, all shepherds, who as a class had a very low social status, would take a keen and early interest in the Chief Shepherd (Jn 10:11; 1 Pet 5:4). Jesus is the "lamb ... who will be their shepherd" in Rev 7:17. It was fitting for many reasons that God designed that shepherds be the first to hear the gospel. All the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob etc., were shepherds. King David was a shepherd, and was not originally even considered a candidate as king. Jesus was the "good shepherd" (Jn 10:1ff). The office of overseers of the local churches (1 Tim 3; Tit 1) uses two other interchangeable words to describe the single office: Elders and Shepherds. (Acts 20:17,28; 1 Peter 5:1-2).

Jesus was circumcised when He was eight days old (Luke 2:21). Jesus was then presented in the temple 33 days later after the "days of purification" were competed, which is the 40th day after Jesus was born. (Leviticus 12:2-6 & Luke 2:22-3 .

Contrary to popular myth, the "star of Bethlehem" is merely referred to as "his star" which the Magi saw. Further, there is no Biblical evidence that the star hovered over the stable where Jesus was born. Rather the star hovered over the house (See Matthew 2:11) of Jesus some time after his birth. Matthew 2:1-2,7,9 says "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him. ... Then Herod secretly called the magi, and ascertained from them the time the star appeared ... the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was" The Magi first saw the star at the time of Christ’s Birth, then they saw the star long after Jesus was born and arrived at the house of Jesus, probably when Jesus was about one. (see below) There is no evidence that the Magi were led to Jesus by a bright low hovering star. Such a star would have been quite noticeable by many people. The fact that Herod had to ask the Magi when the star first appeared, proves that the star was not out of the ordinary to the untrained eye. Only the Magi, who studied the stars, would notice it. Hence the idea of a very bright low hovering star shining over the stable where Jesus is born is wrong. On the other hand, the star the Magi were attracted by, has no acceptable natural celestial explanation and it is clearly a special miracle to attract the Magi.

After Joseph and Mary returned home from their journey, an unknown number of wise men (Magi), visited Jesus at his house (Matthew 2:1-12). The angel warns Joseph to flee to Egypt because of the impending slaughter of all the male children under the age of two (Matthew 2:13-15). King Herod kills all the male children out of fear that Jesus would supplant him as king (Matthew 2:16-1 . After the death of King Herod, Joseph returns to Nazareth with Mary and Jesus (Luke 2:39 & Matthew 2:19-23). Jesus grows up in Nazareth.

There are several mistakes made when telling the story of the birth of Jesus that many believe to be true.

First, there were shepherds at the manger (Luke 2:8-10), but not the wise men. We also have no idea as to how many wise men there are. It could be 2 or 20! The Bible says that the wise men brought three gifts, gold frankincense and myrrh. It is more likely that since these were common currency items of value that each wise man, regardless of the actual number, brought a little of all three. We are not saying that there wasn't three, just that to say so is going beyond what is written.

Another glaring error in all the nativity scenes is that the wise men were certainly not at the manger of the inn the night Jesus was born. It says that the wise men came to Jesus' house! It seems clear that the wise men came just prior to the time Herod issued his decree to slaughter all the children under two years. The star first appeared to the wise men when Jesus was born, but it led the wise men to Jesus' house. (Matthew 2:11 "And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother")

The Bible doesn't say the star shone over the manger. This was a sign only the wise men could discern. The average person would miss it. The star appeared for the purpose of leading the wise men to Jesus home. The wise men started their journey when the star first appeared (at birth). Being from the "east" most likely Persian or Mesopotamia (Modern Iraq) , they completed a journey of at least 500 miles. We can get a general idea as to how old Jesus was when the wise men visited by approximating the time it would take to make such a trip at that time in history. To travel 500 miles, would take 25 days is about the earliest they could have arrived under perfect conditions.

The exact date of Jesus' birth is a mystery. About the best we can do is to narrow it down to seasons. The Bible does give us one clue. The shepherds were in the fields with their flocks at night when Jesus was born. This clearly indicates that Jesus was born during the warmer seasons. During the coldest months like December or January, the shepherds didn't sleep in the fields but would bring their flocks into corals. There is virtual agreement among scholars that December 25 is not the birth date, not even the month that Jesus was born.

However some suggest that the whole idea that the flocks where brought into corals during the coldest months, implying the shepherds were not out in the fields, is rejected by some who say the flocks stayed in the fields year round.

"And yet Jewish tradition may here prove both illustrative and helpful. That the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, was a settled conviction. Equally so, was the belief , that He was to be revealed from Migdal Eder, 'the tower of the flock.' This Migdal Eder was not the watchtower for the ordinary flocks which pastured on the barren sheepground beyond Bethlehem, but lay close to the town, on the road to Jerusalem. A passage in the Mishnah leads to the conclusion, that the flocks, which pastured there, were destined for Temple-sacrifices, and, accordingly, that the shepherds, who watched over them, were not ordinary shepherds. The latter were under the ban of Rabbinism, on account of their necessary isolation from religious ordinances, and their manner of life, which rendered strict legal observance unlikely, if not absolutely impossible. The same Mishnaic passage also leads us to infer, that these flocks lay out all the year round, since they are spoken of as in the fields thirty days before the Passover -- that is, in the month of February, when in Palestine the average rainfall is nearly greatest. Thus, Jewish tradition in some dim manner apprehended the first revelation of the Messiah from that Migdal Eder, where shepherds watched the Temple-flocks all the year round. Of the deep symbolic significance of such a coincidence, it is needless to speak". (Afred Edersheim in The Life and Times of Jesus The Messiah, p186-187)

The "lambing season" for sheep is in February in Palestine. Could it be an interesting suggestion that Jesus, being the "lamb of the world" was born at exactly the same time the literal lambs were born. If so then Jesus was born when the lambs were born and he died when the Passover lamb was slaughtered on Nissan 14. Of course this is purely speculative.

Another speculative argument is that the census that Caesar Augustus took in Luke 2:1, would not have been done during the coldest harshest season. Such a census would require mass migration of large numbers of the population. Unless Augustus deliberately wanted to make life difficult, he would take such a census during the warmer months and certainly not in December.

The Bible is absolutely silent about the celebration of Christ's birthday. The scriptures do not tell us to celebrate the birth of Christ but His death... and not once a year at "Easter" but every Sunday through the Lord’s Supper. (Acts 20:7) Any encyclopedia will give you the basic details of where and how the celebration of Christmas developed. What is important is that Christ’s birth did fulfill many important prophecies. The event brought about great joy to the world when mankind's King and Saviour, "God with us", was born into the world.

Well! have you had enough of reality let me give you one more dose! There will be many millions of people homeless this year and we need to reach deep into our pockets to find compassion for those who have less than the great things you will place under your Hanukkah bush this year. Why not start a new tradition and give something you can not afford- Yourself! Give yourself to others who can not give back anything. "For God so loved the world..." He gave His very best will you this year?

I'm just saying

 Denis

 

Help the helpless this Christmas

Merry Christmas?”

“What if there were no Merry Christmas?”

Dear Gentle Reader,
I have been thinking recently (yes, I do think once in a while, not all the time but just enough, to keep certain people guessing) !

What if all the people who try and remove prayer in school and those who hate the words Merry Christmas, and want to think that we evolved from the slime of the earth and hate Christians, Because “Christians are, as my Grandfather use to say ‘If someone hates you it’s because you’re a reproach to their conscience or a challenge to their ego’”
What if they had their way?

Well there would be no ACLU to fight for there would be no Christians to stand up and say “Abortion is wrong, or we want prayer in schools, or murder is against the Golden rule... Wait a minute I should start at the beginning shouldn’t I?
Well, if those who want to kick God out of their world. Then there would have been no Israel to rescue from slavery (you know Moses, the Red Sea, forty years would have been taken off the Calender (the wandering in the wilderness). In Fact there would have been no nation of Israel at all! No Nation to save. Rome would have ruled the world (which means you would have had to learn Latin). If the were no Jews then Hitler would have conquered the world and (you would have to learn German) There would have been no Pearl Harbor because America would not exist! No Christmas?
No thanksgiving, (what would we give thanks for ? Slime?) No Toys, No Children (Remember the Pro-choice platform? My body my choice! (Really?)
The winter would be darker, no morality, everybody would live anyway they wanted Murder, crime, violence, hatred, maleficent evil everywhere..... No goodness, no kindness, no compassion no recognition of beauty, no art, no music to stir the soul (Oh, that’s right no soul) just brutish animalistic creatures feeding off the weaker ... until nothing!

Aren’t you glad Gentle reader, that we can celebrate Christmas each year? That Mary wasn’t pro-choice, that there is a God who loves us and that whatever race, color or creed you may be wherever you may live whatever your situation. There is a still small voice that speaks so loud that no matter who ever they are that can scream at the top of the lungs “Be Bright”!
But I hear the Almighty Creator of the universe whispering gently “I love you”.
And you know what Gentle Reader, I love you too!
Denis
Nollaig Shona Duit agus Slainte. Until next time.

Light

"It is better to light one candle than curse the darkness"

 Gentle Reader,

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
There is no distance between people of like precious faith.

THE STORY OF CHANUKKAH (Part 4)
The lights of Chanukkah was not an ancient celebration pointing to Messiah; they were added after HIS death to point back to the ONE WHO alone is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD. HIS light lasts forever, whereas the lights of Chanukkah only shine for a few days each year.

In John 10. 22-23, the MESSIAH was at the Temple where the Feast of Dedication (Chanukkah) was being observed. HE had said of Himself, "I AM the LIGHT OF THE WORLD, he that follows ME shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the LIGHT OF LIFE." [John 8. 12] "As long as I AM in the world, I AM the LIGHT OF THE WORLD." [John 9. 5] "Are there not 12 hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbles not, because he sees the Light." [John 11. 9] "Yet a little while is the Light with you, walk while you have the Light, lest darkness come upon you." [John 12. 35]

The GLORY OF GOD shone out of the Temple - - the GLORY OF GOD shone out of the FLESHLY TEMPLE OF KING MESSIAH JESUS WHO is the "Ner Tormid" the "EVERLASTING LIGHT." HIS light defeats darkness. So, even when we go to the grave, we will experience an even greater light because we will be with GOD. As it is written, "GOD is LIGHT, and in HIM is no darkness at all." [1 John 1. 5] We should not worship before the candles of the Chanukkah Menorah, but only before ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF, the ONE WHO was the LIGHT, then performed the miracle of the lights. "YAH is my LIGHT and my SALVATION" [Psalms (Tehillym) 27. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim], and "I will also make you (Israel) for a light, an agent of good fortune, to the nations, that MY salvation may reach unto the end of the earth." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 49. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The Jewish Festival of Chanukkah is celebrated on the eve of Kislev 24. The month of Kislev is the same as the month of December. The significance that MESSIAH YESHUA gave to Chanukkah, is perhaps the reason the church chose December 25 for CHRISTMAS. It is the Day to testify of the fact that in the birth of the MESSIAH YESHUA; DEITY WAS dwelling in a HUMAN TEMPLE and shining out to give LIGHT in the midst of darkness. The birth of our BLESSED REDEEMER, is the dedication of the TRUE TEMPLE which is the body of JESUS. MESSIAH told us that we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth; which is true as the HOLY SPIRIT reveals CHRIST as LORD GOD through our lives.

Chanukkah tells us that as believers, we are to be in the world, but not part of it. We can live as more than conquerors. We can be separated in holiness and dedication. We are to be lights to the world as a testimony to our MIRACLE-WORKING HOLY GOD. Amen

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel and the World !
"The LIGHT OF ISRAEL will be fire and HIS HOLY ONE a flame."
HAPPY CHANUKKAH! The Fourth Light is the LIGHT of Mercy. Cruelty hardens the heart and destroys friendship. Love, Denis