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

Christmas

Gentle Reader,

With lights stretched from high to low, ornaments scattered in hopeless array, and the smell of apple cider boiling somewhere near, the timely event of winter decoration sets the tone of our December. Until the house is fully lit up, somehow it just doesn't seem quite like the season has started. Like a Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie or a birthday without candles, some of our most precious traditions can be the simplest pleasures of a momentary occasion soon to pass. At the center of our common tradition are the Christmas trees that find themselves adorned with silver, laced with tinsel, covered in lights, and crowned with a star. During the late 13th Century, Thomas de Hales wrote a lengthy poem in Old English called A Luve Ron (A Love Song). During one of the stanzas, he referred to a "treowe king" by which he meant, "a true king." The word treowe took two different directions from the time of Hales to later scholars like Wycliffe and Tyndale (16th Century). Over a period of just 300 years, treowe became closely associated with both "true" and "tree" because in either case, it continued to mean someone or something that would not fall. A tree firmly rooted will never tumble unless broken by the axe. Greeks referred to their trees as xylon (think of the "wood" sound of a xylophone) while the Romans referred to them as arbor in Latin (think "Arbor Day" and the tradition of planting seeds). Trees have always symbolized a practical and essential part of sturdy construction, but the fir and pine trees are uniquely mentioned during the Scripture of Isaiah 60:13. "The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious." Although we find that many planters now grow the fir and pine on a farm, the natural pine grows on the mountainside. In fact, it is the fir and evergreen tree that adorns the forest of these "beautified" mountains. And when the snow comes falling, every needle and every cone is covered in white by the decoration of God's design. The history of our modern Christmas tree can be traced back to the hills of Germany and the hero of the reformation. At various times during the winter, Martin Luther was known to take a small spruce tree and decorate it with candles as a symbol of the sparkling stars in heaven above. When German immigration began to increase on American soil in the 1830s (more than 300 years after Luther), English Protestants were initially frightened by what they perceived to be a very pagan tradition among professing Christians. But by 1838, just 32 years before President Grant declared Christmas to be a national holiday, the word "Christmas tree" had already become commonplace. Some of you will share legitimate concern for the practice and decoration of trees (Jeremiah 10:2-4) while others will view it as a harmless activity in the age of God's grace. Whether you enjoy the smell of fresh pine in your living room or prefer to avoid it altogether, may you find that the season is no less inviting for the family you love and the fires that you build.

A tale or two

Gentle Reader,

Here are two tales one true one a story can you tell the difference?

The Story of

 PANETTONE

Once, in a little village in the hills above Milan, there was a baker named Antonio and a very good baker he was too. He made bread for all the people in the village. Good coarse country bread that kept the villagers from going hungry when they worked in the fields, ploughing and tending the grapes.

Now the baker was a widower and he had one daughter a beautiful girl, but spoilt. Because her father was so very fond of her, he wouldn’t let her do any work. Not in the bakery or anywhere else. He wouldn’t even allow her to help with the housework. All poor Seraphina had to do each day was sit in her window and watch the world go by.

She spent most of her time looking out into the street and the market square - and eating sweets! So she wasn’t only spoilt and bored, if truth were told, she was getting sadly fat!

One day in November, not long before Christmas, there was great excitement as a group of young huntsmen rode into the village looking for something to eat and drink. As Seraphina leaned out of her window, her eyes met those of one of the young men and 'pouf!' it was love at first sight!

Luckily it was love at first sight for the young man as well and he gave her a big wink! He then sat down to talk to the old ladies who are always to be found in Italian village squares. He wanted to find out about the lovely lady in the window. They in their turn were eager to know who he was. Tt turned out the young man was called Angelo. He was the son of the Duke of Milan and a very important person. Between them, Angelo and the old ladies hatched a plot so that Seraphina and Angelo could meet.

Angelo called for ink and paper and wrote two letters, one to Antonio and one to his daughter Seraphina. This is what they said. To Seraphina he wrote,

"Dear Seraphina, I love you. Soon we will meet and I will hold you in my arms".

To Antonio he wrote,

"Dear Antonio, I like your bread. Please meet me at the Market Square after Mass tomorrow. I have a plan that will make you rich and famous!"

He asked the old ladies to deliver the letters. Next day they all met and Angelo told Antonio of his plan to set him up in a bakery in Milan and for him to marry Seraphina. Both Seraphina and Antonio thought that this was a good idea and the next day they left for Milan.

Once in Milan, Antonio and Seraphina spent the day going round the bakeries of the great city. They tasted Torte, Pane and Biscotti and found them delicious. The biscuits were sweet and crisp and the bread soft and white, and scattered with wonderful seeds.

While they walked and nibbled at the bread, Antonio became more and more sad. At the end of the day he went to Angelo and said, "I cannot make bread here, my bread is good bread but it is bread for the workers in the hills. Your friends would not buy my bread". "Oh", said Seraphina, "if only you could make bread as sweet and rich as these dried fruits and candies". "Yes", said Angelo, "and as rich and sweet as this punch fortified with eggs and milk and honey". "THAT’S IT!" said Antonio, "I'll make a bread that tastes like all of these things!". And soon Seraphina and her father departed back to their village with wagonloads of the biggest eggs the sweetest honey and the plumpest raisins and fruit.

All the next day Antonio experimented and muttered to himself in his bakery and at the end of the afternoon, he put all the dough into bowls to rise overnight. The next day he filled every baking tray and tin in the bakery with the dough. There was still some dough left over so he put what was left into clean flowerpots and baked it in them.

Soon the whole village was filled with the delicious smell of baking bread. Antonio, Seraphina and the people of the village, plus Angelo (who had ridden up from Milan), could hardly wait for the bread to be cool enough to be cut and tasted. At last Antonio took his first bite and everyone waited with bated breath, "YES!" he shouted, and soon everyone was munching and laughing. And then Angelo loaded up the cart and took what was left back to Milan.

Everyone in the village waited and within the week, a cartload of new supplies came up from Angelo with a note, "My friends loved your bread and please can you make lots more? Also, make it all in flowerpot shapes because my friends liked that best. Bring it to Milan as soon as possible and Seraphina and I will be married the next day".

As soon as he could, Antonio with Seraphina set off for Milan with lots of the new bread. As they approached the gates of the city, Antonio could hear the bells ringing and he thought it was because it was Christmas Eve, but as he came nearer, he could hear cheers and the people calling "Toni, Tonio we love your bread, 'Pane', Panne, Panettone".

And that’s why the Italians always eat Panettone, 'Tony’s Bread', at Christmas and why the best Panettone comes from Milan.

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
In Him dwells the fullness of the GODHEAD BODILY.

THE STORY OF CHANUKKAH (Part 2)
Antiochus enacted a series of harsh decrees against the Jews. Jewish worship was forbidden; the SCROLLS OF THE LAW were confiscated and burned. Sabbath rest, circumcision and the dietary laws were prohibited under penalty of death. Even one of the respected elders of that generation, Rabbi Eliezer, a man of 90, was ordered by the servants of Antiochus to eat pork so that others would do the same. When he refused they suggested to him that he pick up the meat to his lips to appear to be eating. But Rabbi Eliezer refused to do even that and was put to death.

There were thousands of others who likewise sacrificed their lives. The famous story of Hannah and her seven son’s courage happened at that time. They were arrested and compelled to eat swine’s flesh and thereby assent to the pagan sacrifice. One by one, when they refused to yield, they were tortured.

The First Son had his extremities cut off, was scalped, had his tongue cut out, and still refused to eat pig. Finally he was boiled alive.

The Second Son had the skin stripped from his head, and still refused to eat pig. He exclaimed to Antiochus, "In-human fiend, you may discharge us from this present life, but the KING OF THE WORLD will raise us up, since it is for HIS Laws that we die, to live again forever."

The Third Son held out his arms for dismemberment saying, "It was the GOD OF HEAVEN that gave me these limbs; for the sake of HIS Laws I disdain them; from HIM I hope to receive them again."

When the third son died, the Fourth Son was tortured. He cried, "Ours is the better choice, to meet death at men's hands, yet relying on ELOHIYM'S promise that we shall be raised up by HIM; whereas for you there can be no resurrection, no new life."

As they tortured the Fifth Son, he said, "Do not think that our race has been deserted by YEHOWAH. Only wait, and you shall see in your turn how HIS mighty power will torment you and your race."

The Sixth Son died with the words, "We are suffering like this through our own fault, having sinned against ELOHEY, but do not think you yourself will go unpunished for attempting to make war on YEHOWAH."

Finally the Seventh Son died with the following words: "Our brothers already, after enduring their brief pain, now drink of ever-flowing life, by virtue of YEHOWAH'S covenant, while you, by YEHOWAH'S judgment, will have to pay the just penalty for your arrogance. I too, like my brothers, surrender my body and life for the Laws of my ancestors, calling upon ELOHEY to show HIS kindness to our nation, and that soon."

Ultimately, the Mother was also put to death. All steadfastly refused deliverance in hope of the resurrection.

THE MACCABEES: In a little village 15 miles NW of Jerusalem, a priest named Mattathias and his 5 sons rebelled. Before his death, Mattityahu called his sons together and urged them to continue to fight in defense of GOD’S TORAH. He asked them to follow the counsel of their brother Shimon-the-Wise. In waging warfare, he said, their leader should be Yehuda-the-Strong. Yehuda was called "Maccabee" (means: Hammer), a word composed of the initial letters of the four Hebrew words "Mi Komocho Bo’eilim ha’Shem" - "Who is like unto You, O God."

Under the leadership of the oldest son, Judah Maccabee, they launched a guerrilla-style war against Antiochus Epiphanies and his army. Its purpose was to force the Syrians out of Israel and restore worship to YEHOWAH. Mattathias killed all the traitors and then killed the Syrian commissioners. After a 3 year struggle, the Jews drove the Syrian army out of the Promised Land. Their rallying cry from Matthias was "Let everyone who has a fervor for the Law take his stand on the Covenant and come out and follow me. Let us fight unto death in defense of our souls and our Temple!" [1 Maccabees 2. 27 – 28] In other words, "return and obey the voice of the LORD your GOD, and do all HIS commandments. For the LORD your GOD is a COMPASSIONATE GOD; HE will not fail you nor will HE let you perish; HE will not forget the covenant which HE made on oath with your fathers." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 29 - 31 Tanakh, Torah]

Exactly 3 years to the very date after the Temple was desecrated, the 24th of Kislev, the triumphant Jews made their entrance into the TEMPLE OF GOD and re-dedicated it to the service of YEHOWAH ELOHEY.

In the LORD’S TEMPLE, the priests were to leave a light burning in obedience to the command of GOD MOST HIGH, "Command the children of Israel to bring you pure beaten olive oil for the light, to cause the lamp TO BURN CONTINUALLY. In the Tabernacle of Meeting, outside the veil, which is before the Ark OF THE Covenant, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening until morning before YEHOWAH. It shall be a decree forever to their generations on behalf of the children of Israel throughout the ages." [Exodus (Shemot) 27. 20 - 21 Tanakh, Torah] When the Maccabees prepared to rekindle the Menorah to re-dedicate the Temple of ELOHEY which had been spoiled by the enemy, they discovered only one single jar of olive oil buried beneath the ruins with the seal of the High Priest still intact on its lid. This was tragic because the Jewish people could not carry out YEHOWAH's command as there was only enough oil to burn one day.

For olive oil to be dedicated for use in the Lamp, it was to be made by the High Priest and sealed with his seal after being sanctified (set apart) for 7-days; then on the 8th day it was "HOLY TO THE LORD." [Exodus/Shemot 29. 37; Leviticus/Vayikra 12. 3; Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 43. 26 – 27; 2 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Bet 29. 17] According to the Jewish tradition, "nes gadol haya shem" ("A Great Miracle Happened THERE") . . .the small flask of oil lasted for a full EIGHT DAYS! {In Jerusalem, they say: "nes gadol haya po" - - "A Great Miracle Happened HERE (Jerusalem)."}

 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of the World  !
Happy Chanukkah! The Second Light is the LIGHT of Torah. Israel's Book of Law has brought learning and truth to all of the world.
"Have a Joyous Christ-filled Day! With warmest thoughts and heartfelt thanks for all you've done and all you've given to us. May the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL bless you as you bless others and serve our WONDERFUL LORD every day.

To be continued...

Ham for Chanukah

 This is what American education is all about!

 

 

Gentle reader,

 You need a laugh and I can't improve on the real news so read this first and then below a wee bit of education?

Oy vey! Pork for Chanukah?

The Greenwich Village gourmet grocery store, Balducci's, has become the butt of the Jewish holiday by advertising its boneless hams as "Delicious for Chanukah."

Manhattan novelist Nancy Kay Shapiro, 46, spotted the kosher faux pas while browsing the meat section Saturday at the chain's outpost at Eighth Ave. and W. 14th St.

When Shapiro went back Sunday, she took photos of the unorthodox display promoting boneless spiral-cut hams for $8.99 a pound, petite smoked hams for $6.99 a pound and boneless smoked hams for $6.29 a pound.

Instead of pointing out the mistake to management, she posted the snapshots on her blog to "amuse others."

"I just thought it was funny," Shapiro, a self-described "unobservant Jew," said. "I wasn't offended in any way. I just thought, here's somebody who knows nothing about what Jews eat."

Shapiro said that when she went back to the store Tuesday, the first night of Chanukah, the signs had vanished.

A Balducci's official was so verklempt about the error he didn't want to speak on the record. He fessed up that "it was a mistake," blaming it on a stock clerk who normally doesn't work the meat department.

He referred all other questions to the company's marketing department in Connecticut.

Now then about this holiday that is called the festival of lights:

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
It is easier for one to raise a myriad of olive trees in Galilee than to bring up one child in the Land of Israel. [Midrash Raba]

THE STORY OF CHANUKKAH (Part 1)
Chanukkah means dedication. It is the Jewish Festival celebrating the Maccabees' victory over the Syrian army in 165 BCE (Before Common Era/BC - Before CHRIST).

Alexander the Great once conquered all the countries around the Mediterranean Sea, creating a vast Greek Empire. At the age of 33, he died broken-hearted, feeling that he had conquered all that was worth conquering. Wherever the Greek army went, Greek culture, language and religion were forced upon the population known as Hellenism.

After Alexander died, the Greek Empire was divided among his generals: Antigonus received Asia; Ptolemy received Egypt; Seleucus got Babylon; Lysimachus received Hellespont; and Cassander received Mascedonia. There were wars back and forth continually for years.

At the time of the Maccabees, Antiochus Epiphanies (means: "the deified god") ruled Syria and Ptolemy ruled Egypt. These two warred over the holy land. Antiochus launched a military campaign against Egypt in order to bring all of Israel under Syrian dominion. They imposed Hellenistic culture and religion on all they conquered with a vengeance. The Syrians were incredibly barbaric, even the Greek language was imposed upon the people they conquered. It was forbidden to observe Shabbat, study TORAH, use the Hebrew language or perform circumcision. Circumcised baby boys were killed and the mothers were forced to carry the dead infants hanging from their necks. Jews were given the choice to give up Judaism or die, often by torture; pagan temples were built throughout Israel. Then they plundered and desecrated the Temple of ELOHEY on the 24th of Kislev 168 BCE.

The soldiers even sacrificed a swine on the Temple Altar, the HOLY TORAH was spattered with pig blood and cut into pieces, then burned. Then Antiochus committed the ultimate offense - - on the birthday of Zeus, which is the month of Kislev (December) 24. Antiochus had his soldiers erect an idol of Zeus Olympus, the Greek’s supreme deity, in the Holy of Holies of the Temple of GOD. Not surprisingly, the idol bore the face of Antiochus himself. He demanded that the people bow down to worship his idol god. [As described in Daniel/Danyel 9. 27; 11. 30 - 31; Matthew 24. 15 - 17] Many Jews would not give allegiance to a heathen deity, and as many as 80,000 people chose to die rather than commit idolatry.

. . . to be continued

Thanks for all who congratulated me on the award.

Denis

CHANUKKAH

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
It is easier for one to raise a myriad of olive trees in Galilee than to bring up one child in the Land of Israel. [Midrash Raba]

THE STORY OF CHANUKKAH (Part 1)
Chanukkah means dedication. It is the Jewish Festival celebrating the Maccabees' victory over the Syrian army in 165 BCE (Before Common Era/BC - Before CHRIST).

Alexander the Great once conquered all the countries around the Mediterranean Sea, creating a vast Greek Empire. At the age of 33, he died broken-hearted, feeling that he had conquered all that was worth conquering. Wherever the Greek army went, Greek culture, language and religion were forced upon the population known as Hellenism.

After Alexander died, the Greek Empire was divided among his generals: Antigonus received Asia; Ptolemy received Egypt; Seleucus got Babylon; Lysimachus received Hellespont; and Cassander received Mascedonia. There were wars back and forth continually for years.

At the time of the Maccabees, Antiochus Epiphanies (means: "the deified god") ruled Syria and Ptolemy ruled Egypt. These two warred over the holy land. Antiochus launched a military campaign against Egypt in order to bring all of Israel under Syrian dominion. They imposed Hellenistic culture and religion on all they conquered with a vengeance. The Syrians were incredibly barbaric, even the Greek language was imposed upon the people they conquered. It was forbidden to observe Shabbat, study TORAH, use the Hebrew language or perform circumcision. Circumcised baby boys were killed and the mothers were forced to carry the dead infants hanging from their necks. Jews were given the choice to give up Judaism or die, often by torture; pagan temples were built throughout Israel. Then they plundered and desecrated the Temple of ELOHEY on the 24th of Kislev 168 BCE.

The soldiers even sacrificed a swine on the Temple Altar, the HOLY TORAH was spattered with pig blood and cut into pieces, then burned. Then Antiochus committed the ultimate offense - - on the birthday of Zeus, which is the month of Kislev (December) 24. Antiochus had his soldiers erect an idol of Zeus Olympus, the Greek’s supreme deity, in the Holy of Holies of the Temple of GOD. Not surprisingly, the idol bore the face of Antiochus himself. He demanded that the people bow down to worship his idol god. [As described in Daniel/Danyel 9. 27; 11. 30 - 31; Matthew 24. 15 - 17] Many Jews would not give allegiance to a heathen deity, and as many as 80,000 people chose to die rather than commit idolatry.

. . . to be continued
Blessing for Chanukkah


Barukh atah Adonai, Elohaynu, melekh ha-olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, king of the universe


she-asah neeseem la-avotaynu ba-yameem ha-heim ba-z'man ha-zeh
who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time


(Amein)
(Amen)

Called ID

With every ringtone and vibration of our cell phones and home phones, we each have the same knee-jerk reaction. Almost without thinking anymore, we look down to the Caller ID. If it's someone we want to talk to, we answer. If it's someone we don't want to talk to, we let it keep buzzing. We make thousands of decisions about how we want to spend our time and any number of calls can take us into any number of conversations. The first chapter of Proverbs allowed us to get a foretaste of who wants our attention. Wisdom is the voice on the other end of the line, but she can be intimidating, humbling, and even complicated (1:1-6). Given the chance, wisdom will warn you of the dangers you didn't see coming (1:7-19). Ignored, wisdom will laugh at you, mock you, and even leave you lonely (1:20-30). But heard long enough, wisdom will provide nourishment, comfort, and peace (1:31-33). You've seen the ID, now answer the call. Wisdom is about to begin a conversation and we all need to be on the receiving end.

Tis the season

Or not!

Can you say shopping daze?

Gentle Reader,

Every year at this time I try to write something that you can carry through the holiday season. This year will be no different except that I want you to think about your place in the world in which you live and whether or not you have a responsibility to not only your own needs but other around you. Those at work those with whom you share common interest and what about those half way around the world. Remember my blog about the "Butterfly effect"? If not dust off my archives and reread that little gem.

What We see around us is aischrolatry {that is worship of filth, dirt, or smut } and when you play in the dirt you get dirty don't you. Remember "Pigpen" of Charlie Brown fame?

Whoa now Denis, how are you going to connect Christians , the butterfly effect,Christimas together?

Very carefully Gentle reader, the only persons who won't get my blog are those that I call infrequent visitors (those who drop in thinking this is where you get pictures of Paris Hilton.

Christians are by far (in the opinion of most non-Christians) just plain naive. Well those individuals may be right. I mean We believe in Christmas with all the trimmings, gifts, good will and some Christians even believe in trying to carry over that good will, you are trying to cram into 30 days, throughout the year. But it's hard Gentle Reader, when we are deluged every day buy the worship of Aischrolatry, as well as autolatry { self-worship} Ever heard of the "Me Generation"?

The intelligent person (can you say christian) will tell you that December 25 is not the Birth of Christ {who Christians call the Son of The Most High God}. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called WONDERFUL, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. {Isaiah 9} However if for one season we can be a little kinder to not only family but friends and dare I say Strangers? Then all the better. So for now lets all just bask in the glow of the season and wish every one Merry Christmas, happy holidays, or happy Chanukkah festival of lights. whatever your chosen belief system and be kind to one another... Try it you may grow to like that feeling.

Well maybe just for a (as you say a wee bit) I'll try to be kind but just to get you off my back Denis!

To be continued...



Denis

Time after time

Through the sands of the hour glass so are the days of our lives





Gentle Reader,

I'm back!

after being spammed so bad that my website was overrun by those who you wouldn't want to marry your daughter. But it gave me time to enjoy the comedy of American politics. I still say that you need to write your representative and tell them they need to straighten up or come home. I would like to tell you that by book "Which Church" is coming along. But I am still doing research. I was voted in the the British Centre for Science Education and Also Associates in Biblical Archaeology.

But enough about me what have you been doing?

I'm going to write a series on Christians, Christmas and the rest of the world Called "Fact, fiction, and foolocracy.

See more after we eat a wee something.

Love,

Denis