First Fruits – the Real Celebration of Resurrection

Yah/God set apart specifically appointed time to celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. He put them in place thousands of years ahead of time, as signs, foreshadowings, of what was to come. They have been set aside for counterfeit man made traditions.

Jesus most likely rose at twilight Saturday night. During the in between time just before the first day of the week, Sunday, started. If he had remained in the tomb through the night, it would have been four nights in the tomb instead of three.

First Fruits (Bikkurim, Firstfruits, Harvest)
Surrender All to Jesus

Become a Disciple: As we observe this appointed time, we are to remember what Jesus has done for us. Without him going first, and making the way, we would not be able to follow. He was offered up first so the rest of the harvest that follows can also be accepted. As his disciples we surrender our lives and walk in his ways. On this day we remember his resurrection – the original Easter.

• God called the Israelite and whoever to bring a sheaf of the first grain harvested (faith/obey) in the promised land to the priest.
  • The priest waved the sheaf before God (on Sunday) so it would be accepted on the communities behalf.
  • A lamb without defect and a hin of wine were also offered.
• God appointed the Feast of First Fruits for whoever.
  • Three days after the Passover, a sheaf of the first fruits of the barley and the wheat harvest are brought on the first day of the week (Sunday).
    • The sheaf is representative of the whole harvest to come.
    • The concept of presenting the first to God, like the first born, appears all throughout the Scriptures.
  • No bread could be eaten until the sheaves had been offered to God.
  • If the first fruits were not accepted, the whole harvest was not. Everyone brought the best of the crops.
  • This was fulfilled when Jesus resurrected on the third day.
• God gave the Table of Showbread in the Temple on which were placed the Bread of Presence and a pitcher for drink offerings (wine).
  • There were 12 loaves, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, God’s chosen first fruits of people.
  • Each Weekly Sabbath (Saturday), the old would be removed and consumed by the priest and new put out.
  • In the Ark of the Testimony (we’ll talk more about it later) was a bowl of Manna.
    • The Manna represented the Bread of Life
    • They had to learn to trust and reply on God who provided manna on their journey into the promised land for six days during the week. The seventh day was a rest day, so none was given, nor collected on that day.
• God gave his son as a First Fruit. Jesus resurrected on the Feast of First Fruits as the first fruit offering accepted of the harvest to come.
  • Whoever died with him will also be accepted and rise with him in eternal life.
  • He has paved the way for all those who have faith in him.
• Revelation 14:4 These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been redeemed from among mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb.

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5.7 The Weekly Sabbath)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Weekly Sabbath Day (Shabbat)
Have Faith and Obey

Testing in Resting: The weekly Sabbath is a day to rest and reflect. It’s a time to remember God has provided all we need. He sent his son, Jesus to become our sacrifice and our high priest – all we have to do is have faith in him and he will do the rest. Our reconciliation is promised through our faith. However, Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my Torah.” He specifically talks about the “Torah” and keeping the smallest marks in it. As we seek to understand more fully, we learn there are laws to keep, ordinances dependent on circumstances, recommendations for getting the best out of life, and right-rulings for making judgements. We don’t keep them because we have to, we keep them because we want to obey. All throughout God Sabbaths/appointed times has referenced or alluded to having faith and obeying him – the original day of worship.

• God called the Seventh Day Holy and rested well before any covenant.
  • It was first observed by God in Genesis, he blessed the day and made it holy and rested on the seventh day.
  • It is a sign between Gods people and Him that He is their God.
  • God gave manna in the wilderness and told the whoevers to gather a day’s portion each day, but on the sixth day gather enough for the next day. He said he did this as a test to find out whether they would walk according to his ways or not (faith/obey).
• God appointed the Weekly Sabbath Day as a test and a sign
  • It is about learning to rest and rely on God – to show you what is good and bad, trusting he knows what is best.
  • God used the manna to test if they would follow his instructions by collecting twice as much on the sixth day and resting on the seventh.
  • All of God’s Sabbaths are a sign that he is God, who makes you holy.
  • God says it is a delight (Isaiah 58)
  • God pours out wrath when his Sabbaths are not kept.
  • Jesus and all in the Bible who were righteous kept the Sabbath day.
    • All of Jesus’s disciples and the women rested, they did not prepare the body because they observed the Sabbath day.
  • Jesus said he was the Lord of the Sabbath.
    • Much of the contention between Jesus and the religion leaders of the day was centered around the Sabbath day rules.
    • The rules he contested were man made rules – not God made rules.
    • Jesus said his yoke is easy and his burden is light.
• God gave the Cloud in the Tabernacle so the people would know he was dwelling among them.
  • A cloud covered the tent of the meeting (tabernacle) and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
  • A cloud of smoke by day and of fire by night
  • It was in the sight of all the camp during all their travels. The people kept watch on the cloud in anticipation of what God would do. When the cloud would lift, the people would set out. If it did not lift, they stayed.
• God gave Jesus rest on the weekly Sabbath. His resurrections was on the Feast of First Fruit which is always the first day of the week (Sunday).
• Revelation 22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
• Genesis 2 “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their array.”

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5.6 Feast of Tabernacles)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot, Booths, Ingathering, Feast of the Lord)
Complete Unity

All are One: During this time we remember, Jesus said a prayer for those who have faith in him. He said, “Just as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You, so also may they be one in Us, so the world may believe that You sent Me.” God tabernacled among his people in a temporary dwelling place. And Jesus temporarily tabernacled among us in flesh. And now our body is a tabernacle to the Holy Spirit. Jesus has went to prepare our forever home and one day, we will once again be with Immanuel – God with Us when he returns to reign forever and ever. ““Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – the original Christmas

• God called the whoevers to live in temporary shelters during their 40 years in the Wilderness.
  • The mix multitude lived in temporary shelters and relied on God
  • He brought them out of bondage and provided for them (faith/obey).
• God appointed the Feast of Tabernacles as a time of celebration of the fall harvest and remember God’s protection and provision.
  • Five days after Day of Atonement and lasts for seven days
  • First and Eighth day are days of sacred assembly and no work.
  • Take branches from trees and rejoice before God.
  • Celebrate at the place God chooses.
  • All NATIVE-BORN ISRAELITES are to live in temporary shelters for seven days.
  • This will not be fully fulfilled until Jesus returns to take those who follow him to a permeant dwelling place.
• God gave the Ark of the Testimony in the Tabernacle in the Holy of Holies where he took up temporary shelter
  • Now called the Ark of the Covenant
  • This is where God would meet and give his commands
  • Held the signs of the Testimony/Covenant
    • Tables of the Testimony – Now called Ten Commandments
    • A bowl of Manna
    • Aaron’s staff which budded
• Jesus temporarily dwelled among us.
  • Many believe Jesus was born on this feast.
  • His name was called Immanuel – “God with us.”
  • Jesus told his disciples there were many dwelling places and he was going to prepare a place.
• Revelation 21:3 “See, the Booth of Elohim is with men, and He shall dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and Elohim Himself shall be with them and be their Elohim.

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5.5 Day of Atonement)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
Seek Forgiveness

Forgive as You are Forgiven: During the time between Trumpets and Day of Atonement is a time to consider our ways and make correction as needed. Just as the priests were ordained and consecrated by the atonement sacrifice, so Jesus has been our atoning sacrifice. We are the one who deserves death but instead we will be set free because Jesus takes our place. Forgive others, just as Jesus forgave those who persecuted him. The original Ash Wednesday/Lent.

• God called Moses to make an offering as atonement for Aaron and his sons for their priestly ordination and consecration.
  • It took seven days to ordain them.
  • It took seven days to make atonement for the altar, then it was most holy.
• God appointed the Day of Atonement as a time to assemble and deny oneself.
  • Ten days after the Feast of Trumpets, reflection is made on each of the ten days.
  • Do no work. Deny = the general consensus seems to be fasting as well as recognizing lawlessness (sin), confession, and recognizing the need for Jesus.
  • The High Priest took two goats,
    • One was the sacrifice and one was a scapegoat.
    • At the door of the tent, they would cast lots to see which would be presented as the offering and which would be let go.
  • It will not be fully fulfilled until after Jesus’s second coming.
    • Jesus was offered once to bear the sins of the community and will appear a second time to bring deliverance.
    • He became a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, making atonement for the sins of the people.
• God gave the Lid of the Atonement in the Tabernacle where he is said to have rested.
  • Typically called the Mercy Seat.
  • It was the actual Lid to the Ark of the Testimony
  • Once a year – the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies, and sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice to cover the unknown sins of the community for another year.
• There was a shadowing of the Day of Atonement when Pilate offered the choice between Jesus and Jesus Barabbas.
  • One became the offering, the other the scapegoat.
• Revelation 12:10 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. 11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5.4 Feast of Trumpets)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Feast of Trumpets (Yom Truach, Day of Blasting)
Be the Light of the World

Become One Who Disciples: On this day we remember while Jesus was in this world he was the light, whoever follows him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light in them. Jesus said his disciples are the light of the world and should not be hidden. We remember when we walk in his ways and let our light shine we have fellowship together. Shout for joy because Jesus has destroyed death, brought life and immortality to light through the good news. One day he is returning and will reign forever and ever! A day to remember to keep watch for one day he is returning – the original Advent.

• God rested on Mt. Sinai on this day
  • There was thundering, lighting, a thick cloud,
  • “The blast of the exceedingly loud shofar”. The sound of the shofar grew louder and louder.
  • Moses spoke, and God answered him with a thunderous sound.
  • All the people saw and heard, and they trembled.
• God appointed the Feast of Trumpets for whoever to have a day to sound the trumpets/shofar and have a day of rest.
  • The Feast of Trumpets falls on the start of the civil year. God appointed Passover as the first of a year.
  • It is a call to preparation for the Day of Atonement
  • This feast has not been fulfilled. It will be fulfilled at Jesus’s second coming.
    • Jesus said he will be as lightning from one part of the sky to the other. 
    • The Lord will descend with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God.
    • Many believe Jesus will return during the Feast of Trumpets.
• God gave the Lampstand in the Tabernacle
  • The Lampstand was a sign of God’s presences.
    • It was the only source of light in otherwise complete darkness. It was kept lite continuously and never went out.
    • It resembled almond branches, the Hebrew root word means “to hasten”. And the flowers were like open almond flowers.
  • In the Ark of the Witness was Aaron’s staff which budded
    • The staff was made out of a piece of almond wood.
    • It symbolized God’s choice as to who should serve as Priests.
    • It was a sign to the rebellious to put an end to their grumbling against God.
• God gave the Light of the World, Jesus, whoever follows him will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.
  • Some believe Jesus was born during the Feast of Trumpet.
• Revelation 11:15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
• Revelation 21:23 And the city has no need for the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God lights it up, and its lamp is the Lamb.

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5.3 Pentecost)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Pentecost (Feast of Weeks, Shavuot)
Testify and Be Baptized

Receive Jesus’s Testimony and Baptism: On this day we remember the free gift given to both Jew and Gentile. The Holy Spirit is Jesus’s baptism_{^{(Acts 2:38)}} and his witness testifying to the whole earth. The Spirit writes his commands on our hearts. The Spirit baptizes in the Name (the essence) of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – the original Pentecost.

• God called the Israelite and whoever to bring an offering of new grain in two loaves, with yeast, as a wave offering of first fruits fifty days (7 weeks) after the First Fruits offering.
  • A burnt offering, drink offering, and fellowship offering were also brought.
  • A day of sacred assembly and no work.
  • When reaping, leave the edges for the poor and foreigners (faith/obey).
• God appointed the Feast of Weeks as a time to rejoice at the place he chooses as a dwelling for his Name.
  • Name in Hebrew refers to the essence of someone, not their title or “name” given to them.
  • Celebrate at the place God chooses.
  • This was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)
• God gave the Golden Incense Altar in the Tabernacle which was placed just outside the curtain into the Holy of Holies.
  • Spices were burned as a continuous offering, a sweet aroma. The incense represents the prayers of the people.
    • Prayers are a line of communication directly with God to offer thanksgiving, praises, and adoration for his provision. They can also be used to confess, express repentance, petition and make requests.
  • In the Ark of the Testimony the Two Tablets of The Testimony were placed.
    • The tablets are now referred to as the Ten Commandments
    • Originally given on the day of Pentecost.
    • On the two tablets were the covenant law God provided to them.
    • God said, keeping these are a sign we are willing to offer up our own ways and follow God’s ways
• God gave his Holy Spirit fifty days after Jesus was resurrected.
  • His followers were gathered in observant of Pentecost.
  • The Holy Spirit came down, represented by fire and was Jesus’s Baptism.
  • Received by all – both Jew and Gentile, the two loaves, were waved as an offering to God through the Holy Spirit.
  • The Holy Spirit was given to write the Tablets of the Testimony on the hearts of his people.
• Revelation 8:3 (TLV) 3 Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden incense burner.[b] He was given much incense to offer up along with the prayers of all the kedoshim upon the golden altar before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the kedoshim,[c] rose before God from the angel’s hand. ⁵ Then the angel took the incense burner and filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there were clashes of thunder and rumblings and flashes of lightning and earthquakes.^[d]

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5.2 First Fruits)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

First Fruits (Bikkurim, Firstfruits, Harvest)
Surrender All to Jesus

Become a Disciple: As we observe this appointed time, we are to remember what Jesus has done for us. Without him going first, and making the way, we would not be able to follow. He was offered up first so the rest of the harvest that follows can also be accepted. As his disciples we surrender our lives and walk in his ways. On this day we remember his resurrection – the original Easter.

• God called the Israelite and whoever to bring a sheaf of the first grain harvested (faith/obey) in the promised land to the priest.
  • The priest waved the sheaf before God (on Sunday) so it would be accepted on the communities behalf.
  • A lamb without defect and a hin of wine were also offered.
• God appointed the Feast of First Fruits for whoever.
  • Three days after the Passover, a sheaf of the first fruits of the barley and the wheat harvest are brought on the first day of the week (Sunday).
    • The sheaf is representative of the whole harvest to come.
    • The concept of presenting the first to God, like the first born, appears all throughout the Scriptures.
  • No bread could be eaten until the sheaves had been offered to God.
  • If the first fruits were not accepted, the whole harvest was not. Everyone brought the best of the crops.
  • This was fulfilled when Jesus resurrected on the third day.
• God gave the Table of Showbread in the Temple on which were placed the Bread of Presence and a pitcher for drink offerings (wine).
  • There were 12 loaves, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, God’s chosen first fruits of people.
  • Each Weekly Sabbath (Saturday), the old would be removed and consumed by the priest and new put out.
  • In the Ark of the Testimony (we’ll talk more about it later) was a bowl of Manna.
    • The Manna represented the Bread of Life
    • They had to learn to trust and reply on God who provided manna on their journey into the promised land for six days during the week. The seventh day was a rest day, so none was given, nor collected on that day.
• God gave his son as a First Fruit. Jesus resurrected on the Feast of First Fruits as the first fruit offering accepted of the harvest to come.
  • Whoever died with him will also be accepted and rise with him in eternal life.
  • He has paved the way for all those who have faith in him.
• Revelation 14:4 These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been redeemed from among mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb.

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5.1 Passover and Unleavened Bread)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Passover (Pesach)*
Accept Jesus’s Sacrifice

Called Out of Captivity: As we observe this appointed time of YHWH/God’s, we are to remember we were once captives to lawlessness (sin), separated from God, just like the Israelites were in the land of Egypt. In order to get back in right relationship with God, there must be a sacrifice made because the law of sin requires a death. We are to remember he chose to bring us out of captivity through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus and set us free from lawlessness (sin). On this day, we remember his crucifixion, the original Good Friday.

*Passover and Unleavened Bread are one appointed time

• God called the captives out of slavery and bondage.
  • The Hebrews and whoever trusted in him (faith), put the blood of an unblemished lamb over the doorposts (obey).
  • Those who had faith and obeyed, He passed over (even the non Hebrews) because he saw the blood of the lamb.
  • Those without the blood, had their first born son killed.

• God appointed Passover for whoever in all generations, to remember he had brought them out of bondage and set them free.
  • God gave this as the first month of each year.
  • This was fulfilled when Jesus became the Passover Lamb.
• God gave the Brazen Altar in the Tabernacle for offerings of repentance.
  • When whoever realized they were walking in lawlessness (sin), they would repent and bring a sacrifice. This would put them back in right relationship with God and the people.
  • The people brought their sacrifices day after day, but did not change their ways. The sacrifices became meaningless to them and God could not bear it any more.
• God gave his Son, Jesus to take the place of the sacrifices. Jesus, was The Anointed One who serves as the unblemished, Passover Lamb.
  • Jesus and his followers were observing the appointed time of Passover when he took the cup and offered it as his blood, to be poured out for forgiveness of lawlessness (sins) for whoever put their faith in him and obeyed.
  • Following the Passover Meal, Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified. He offered himself up as the once for all unblemished, sacrifice for lawlessness (sin).
  • He was sacrificed on Passover at the very same time all the other Passover Lambs were being sacrificed in the Temple.
• God will again, Passover on Judgement day, whoever has faith, brings the blood of the Passover Lamb (Jesus), and obeys.
• Revelation 12:11: They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives even in the face of death.

Unleavened Bread (Festival of Matzot)*
Confess, Repent, and Be Baptized

Called into Righteousness: As we observe this appointed time of God’s, we are to remember God provides for us. We are to clean out all the lawlessness (sin) in our houses. Just as he prepared a way through the wilderness into the promised land for the Israelites, he has prepared a way into righteousness and the Holy Place through his son, Jesus. Jesus has paid the ransom for those have faith in him and obey. On this day we remember his triumphant descent – the original Holy Saturday.

*Passover and Unleavened Bread are one appointed time

• God called the Hebrews and whoevers to clean out all the yeast from their houses and they did not have time to prepare food for themselves before they left.
  • Whoever did not put the yeast out (faith), was put out of the community (obey).
  • They carried their unfermented dough and their kneading-troughs as they left. The bread they made from the dough became known as ‘the bread of affliction’.
  • God provided them with manna from heaven. He sustained them throughout their journey to the promised land.
• God appointed the festival of Unleavened Bread for whoever in all generations, to remember this is the day whoevers were brought out of bondage.
  • Celebrate at the place God chooses.
  • This was fulfilled when Jesus was buried.
• God gave the Bronze Laver in the Tabernacle to wash clean their hands and feet.
  • Being in right relationship and clean, they were now prepared to enter into the Holy Place.
  • There was a veil between the Outer Courts and the Holy Place, only a Priest could pass through into the Holy Place.
• God provided a way.
  • Before Jesus, one came preparing a way, he was called John the Baptizer.
    • John called people to an immersion in the river as a baptism of repentance from sin, marking a turning away from lawlessness (sin). This is referred to as John’s Baptism.
  • At the Passover Meal, Jesus, as the Bread of Life, offered the unleavened bread as his body, in memory of himself.
    • The bread representing dying to lawlessness (sin). Jesus was buried on the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
    • They had always eaten the unleavened bread at the Passover Meal, but Jesus changed why, he said to eat it at the Passover Meal in remembrance of him.
    • At his death, the veil between the Outer Courts and the Holy Place was torn from top to bottom, into two pieces, he had prepared the way for whoever into the Holy Place.
• God provided those who eat of the Bread of Life (Jesus), a way to live forever, free from leaven (sin).
  • He sacrificed his fleshly body and died to sin, once and for all. Those trusting (faith) and obeying him, have also crucified their body and are no longer captive to lawlessness (sin).
• John 6:51 I am the living bread, which came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. This bread is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

Celebrating the Birth Of A God in December (Part 3)

Part 3 – When Did Things Change? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

NEXT UP: Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

COMING SOON: Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

When Did Things Change?

The only god listed in Part 1, who has had major changes in how and when his followers celebrate him is the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (YHWH), and his Son, Yeshua/Jesus. There is no contention that Jesus was not born in December. The only doubt surrounding when he was born is the debate about which of YHWH/God’s Sabbaths he was born on.

Ever hear of the Penalty for Keeping Christmas Law? Yeah, me neither. But in Massachusetts Bay Colony there was such a thing in 1659. They felt it was a “great dishonor of God and offence of others.” If that were in effect today – we’d be paying almost $50 bucks per violation! It was removed in 1681. Of course, in Massachusetts’s they also arrested “witches” (1692-1693) as well! Many held the line, and Christmas did not become a publicly accepted holiday until 1856. In 1870, Christmas was declared a national holiday.

How about an ordinance in England banning Christmas and Easter? Yep, there was one there too. Passed by Parliament in 1647. They had fines there too! Ended up causing riots. They removed it in 1660 because it was too hard to enforce.

Exactly when it all changed? No one really knows, it has been lost in time. We know during the time of Constantine, many Christians switched the date and traditions. And then it seems sometime between the late fourth century and the sixteenth century, Christians pushed back against Christmas altogether. And then in 1870, December 25th and all the traditions with it, became a USA National Holiday.

There isn’t even any contention the early church did not celebrated his birth in December. Nor is there any contention about the early followers observing YHWH/God’s Sabbaths. And we know Jesus and the disciples observed the Sabbaths of YHWH/God.

So here we are in modern times with a tension once again between whether Christians should be celebrating Christmas or not. And whether Christians and Messianic Jews should observe the Sabbaths.

YHWH set up his Dwelling place with elements representing his Sabbaths. He is the only god who uniquely designed his Sabbaths to remained relevant to each generation who kept them. They were meant to be rehearsals, preparing us for what is to come.

• For the initial generation (13th century BC) they were a reminder that he was their God and brought them out of bondage. They had been in slavery for over 400 years in Egypt a land with many gods.
• For the next several generations they were both a reminder of what God had done as well as a foreshadowing of an Anointed One/Messiah to come.
• For the generation who walked with the Anointed One/Messiah, Jesus (4 BC-30 AD) they were for a sign and prophecy being fulfilled.
• For all the generations after Jesus’s resurrection they are a reminder of what Jesus did in his first coming, a foreshadowing of his second coming and what is to come in the new heaven/earth.

Jesus’s birth, death, and resurrection all line up with one of God’s Sabbaths. There is some leaning to his birth being during Passover in the Spring. However, the strongest evidence is for his birth being during one of the fall Sabbaths which would be either Feast of Trumpets or Feast of Tabernacles. We read about one of them, the Feast of Tabernacles, in John 7.

The Tabernacle was where YHWH/God’s temporary dwelling place was among the people during the Exodus out of Egypt. There are scripture which can bridge Jesus to the other Feasts, but here are some bridging the Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot to Jesus:

• Isaiah 7:14: A sign – virgin giving birth and calling him Immanuel
• Matthew 1:23 – Immanuel means God with us
• Leviticus 23 – they Dwelled/Sukkah in temporary shelters to remember being brought out of Egypt
• John 1:14 – The Word became flesh and made his dwelling/sukkah, his tabernacle/mishkan among us
• Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell/mishkan in you
• 2 Corinthians 5:1-3 For in this mishkaneinu/tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling/sukkah
• Nehemiah 8-9 – restoration started with observing the Feast of Sukkot
• Acts 7:44 – the covenant law was housed in the Tabernacle
• Ephesians 2:22 – In him you also are being built together into a dwelling/miskan place for God by the Spirit
• Ezekiel 37:27 / 2 Corinthians 6 – My dwelling/mishkan place shall be with them, and I will be their God,
• Revelation 21:3 Behold the dwelling/mishkan place of God is with man. He will dwell/tabernacle with them

There is a Hebrew scripture in Zechariah 14 talking about the day of the Lord. It fits very well with Jesus’s first coming. Starting in Verse 16 is a foreshadowing of the Millennial Reign of Jesus – and the Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot is being kept by all, with a consequence if people choose not to.

Isaiah talks about the new heaven and new earth and the observant of one Shabbat to another.

²² “For just as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, will endure before Me”—it is a declaration of Adonai—“so your descendants and your name will endure.”

²³ “And it will come to pass,
that from one New Moon to another,
    and from one Shabbat to another,
all flesh will come to bow down before Me,”
says Adonai.

Isaiah 66

God said it was a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. However, for the Christians this is no longer the case. Because of this it may surprise some Christians, the same Good News message told in the New Testament was also given to the people in the Old Testament. We’ll look at that next time.

¹⁹ I am the Lord your God; walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances and observe them. ²⁰ Sanctify My Sabbaths and keep them holy; and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that you may know [without any doubt] that I am the Lord your God.’ ²¹ Yet the children rebelled against Me; they did not walk in My statutes, nor were they careful to observe My ordinances, which, if a man keeps, he will live; they profaned My Sabbaths. Then I decided to pour out My wrath on them and finish My anger against them in the wilderness.

Ezekiel 20 AMP

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 5)

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

The most accurate and quick answer would be: Because YHWH/God said to. God said to be set-apart. He said he doesn’t want what is given to other gods. He gave us ways of celebrating and worshipping him.

Sometimes the most appropriate question doesn’t start with can or could, but instead starts with should. Can I rob a bank? Yes. Should? No. Can I drink pop all day long? Yes. Should? Probably not. Can Christians celebrate Easter and Christmas? Yes. Should? Isn’t that the question? Do Christians have to learn about God’s Sabbaths? No. Should? Probably should. Jesus did, the disciples did, Paul did, the early church father’s did, the church did up until at least the late fourth century.

So why not? Why would Christians want to be the only god worshippers who are willing to change how they celebrate YHWH and Jesus because the government and a bishop said to? Why would Christians want to be the only ones who changed their date, abandon YHWH’s ways, and adopt those of other god worshippers? Do they fear their gods more than Christians fear theirs?

What is the Good News God Gave?

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. ² For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.

Hebrews 4 NIV (Emphasis added)

“Faith and obeyed.” This implies there was an expected action in addition to having faith.

This may take a bit to digest, don’t try and take it all in at once. Take it section by section, look at each element separately. God designed this so through the Holy Spirit, it would be easy to understand and comprehend. Scripture references are left off in most cases – test everything – look them up. Enough of the words are used you can easily google them and find the scriptures. You may be surprised at other treasures you will turn up, if you are seeking knowledge and wisdom, your mind will be blown at least once!

God tells the good news of Jesus through observance of his Sabbaths (appointed times). He also tells it through his Tabernacle which was a copy and shadow of what is in heaven (where God is). He designed them as a testimony for his followers to live out and be set apart from the rest of the world. Don’t skip over this scripture we all think we know, take time to read it.

¹⁰ Yeshua answered him, “You’re a teacher of Israel and you do not understand these things? ¹¹ Amen, amen I tell you, We speak about what We know and testify about what We have seen. Yet you all do not receive Our testimony! ¹² If you do not believe the earthly things I told you, how will you believe when I tell you about heavenly things? ¹³ No one has gone up into heaven except the One who came down from heaven—the Son of Man. ¹⁴ Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,^[c] so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life!

¹⁶ “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. ¹⁸ The one who believes in Him is not condemned; but whoever does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not put his trust in the name of the one and only Ben-Elohim.

¹⁹ “Now this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world and men loved the darkness instead of the light,^[d] because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, so that their deeds will not be exposed. ²¹ But whoever practices the truth comes to the light, so that it may be made known that his deeds have been accomplished in God.”

John 3 (TLV)

Passover (Pesach)*
Accept Jesus’s Sacrifice

Called Out of Captivity: As we observe this appointed time of YHWH/God’s, we are to remember we were once captives to lawlessness (sin), separated from God, just like the Israelites were in the land of Egypt. In order to get back in right relationship with God, there must be a sacrifice made because the law of sin requires a death. We are to remember he chose to bring us out of captivity through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus and set us free from lawlessness (sin). On this day, we remember his crucifixion, the original Good Friday.

Unleavened Bread (Festival of Matzot)*
Confess, Repent, and Be Baptized

Called into Righteousness: As we observe this appointed time of God’s, we are to remember God provides for us. We are to clean out all the lawlessness (sin) in our houses. Just as he prepared a way through the wilderness into the promised land for the Israelites, he has prepared a way into righteousness and the Holy Place through his son, Jesus. Jesus has paid the ransom for those have faith in him and obey. On this day we remember his triumphant descent – the original Holy Saturday.

*Passover and Unleavened Bread are one appointed time

See the detailed testimony of God through Passover and Unleavened bread here …

First Fruits (Bikkurim, Firstfruits, Harvest)
Surrender All to Jesus

Become a Disciple: As we observe this appointed time, we are to remember what Jesus has done for us. Without him going first, and making the way, we would not be able to follow. He was offered up first so the rest of the harvest that follows can also be accepted. As his disciples we surrender our lives and walk in his ways. On this day we remember his resurrection – the original Easter.

See the detailed testimony of God through First Fruits here …

Pentecost (Feast of Weeks, Shavuot)
Testify and Be Baptized

Receive Jesus’s Testimony and Baptism: On this day we remember the free gift given to both Jew and Gentile. The Holy Spirit is Jesus’s baptism_{^{(Acts 2:38)}} and his witness testifying to the whole earth. The Spirit writes his commands on our hearts. The Spirit baptizes in the Name (the essence) of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – the original Pentecost.

See the detailed testimony of God through Pentecost here …

Feast of Trumpets (Yom Truach, Day of Blasting)
Be the Light of the World

Become One Who Disciples: On this day we remember while Jesus was in this world he was the light, whoever follows him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light in them. Jesus said his disciples are the light of the world and should not be hidden. We remember when we walk in his ways and let our light shine we have fellowship together. Shout for joy because Jesus has destroyed death, brought life and immortality to light through the good news. One day he is returning and will reign forever and ever! A day to remember to keep watch for one day he is returning – the original Advent.

See the detailed testimony of God through the Feast of Trumpets here …

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
Seek Forgiveness

Forgive as You are Forgiven: During the time between Trumpets and Day of Atonement is a time to consider our ways and make correction as needed. Just as the priests were ordained and consecrated by the atonement sacrifice, so Jesus has been our atoning sacrifice. We are the one who deserves death but instead we will be set free because Jesus takes our place. Forgive others, just as Jesus forgave those who persecuted him. The original Ash Wednesday/Lent.

See the detailed testimony of God through the Day of Atonement here …

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot, Booths, Ingathering, Feast of the Lord)
Complete Unity

All are One: During this time we remember, Jesus said a prayer for those who have faith in him. He said, “Just as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You, so also may they be one in Us, so the world may believe that You sent Me.” God tabernacled among his people in a temporary dwelling place. And Jesus temporarily tabernacled among us in flesh. And now our body is a tabernacle to the Holy Spirit. Jesus has went to prepare our forever home and one day, we will once again be with Immanuel – God with Us when he returns to reign forever and ever. ““Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – the original Christmas

See detailed testimony of God through the Feast of Tabernacles here …

Weekly Sabbath Day (Shabbat)
Have Faith and Obey

Testing in Resting: The weekly Sabbath is a day to rest and reflect. It’s a time to remember God has provided all we need. He sent his son, Jesus to become our sacrifice and our high priest – all we have to do is have faith in him and he will do the rest. Our reconciliation is promised through our faith. However, Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my Torah.” He specifically talks about the “Torah” and keeping the smallest marks in it. As we seek to understand more fully, we learn there are laws to keep, ordinances dependent on circumstances, recommendations for getting the best out of life, and right-rulings for making judgements. We don’t keep them because we have to, we keep them because we want to obey. All throughout God Sabbaths/appointed times has referenced or alluded to having faith and obeying him – the original day of worship.

See the detailed testimony of God through the Weekly Sabbath here …

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10“Because this is the covenant that I shall make with the house of Yisra’ĕl after those days, says יהוה, giving My laws in their mind, and I shall write them on their hearts, and I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people.

11“And they shall by no means teach each one his neighbour, and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know יהוה,’ because they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.

12“Because I shall forgive their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawlessnesses I shall no longer remember.”

13By saying, ‘renewed,’ He has made the first old. Now what becomes old and growing aged is near disappearing.

Hebrews 8 TS2009

Celebrating the Birth of A God in December (Part 4)

Part 4 – Where is the Good News in the Old Testament? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

NEXT UP: Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

The Good News in the Old Testament?

You won’t find the good news or gospel in the Hebrew Scriptures (OT) in the manner in which most Christians have become accustom to sharing it. But the good news is there, outside of the prophesies, if you know what to look for. We are told over and over in the New Testament the good news was proclaimed in the Old Testament.

Just as they did – the Israelites had the good news proclaimed to them – but some did not have faith and did not obey.

¹¹ For the Scripture says, “Whoever trusts in Him will not be put to shame.” ^[g] 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all… As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim good news of good things!” ^[i] 16 But not all heeded the Good News. For Isaiah says, “Adonai, who has believed our report?” ^[j] 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Messiah.

Romans 10 TLV (Emphasis added)

If we look backward at this reference, this is what we find:

Behold, upon the mountains
are the feet^[a] of him bringing good news,^[b]
    proclaiming shalom.
O Judah, celebrate your festivals!
Fulfill your vows!
For never again will Belial pass through you.
He has been utterly cut off.

Nahum 1/2 TLV

YHWH/God gave the good news – thousands of years before it was fulfilled. He gave the good news as an ordinance to be followed throughout the generations. Generations of who? His followers. It was not for the Israelites, it was not for the Jews, it was for anyone who wanted to follow Him. God says over and over in the Hebrew Scriptures (OT) “same law for the foreigner and the native-born. I am the Lord your God.”

Even in the Old Testament, it was for “whosoever,” but over time, it became exclusive to the Jewish religion. It is part of what Jesus came to refurbish, restore back to its former glory. (In a previous blog we learned the meaning behind the word ‘new’, as in New Covenant was refurbish, restore).

In Nahum – Judah had been held captive and was not allowed to keep the appointed times of their God, YHWH. God is bringing them back to the good news, to the peace/shalom. He is freeing them to once again celebrate the Shabbats, also called festivals, feasts, or appointed times.

The way God laid out the Good News, thousands of years in advance, makes it an ever lasting good news. He gave it in such a way it was a rehearsal for all generations, for whosoever wanted to be his follower. It proclaims I AM WHO I AM!

God’s Good News in the Old Testament

God laid the Good News out in his Tabernacle and his “moedim”.

Moedim – it means appointed time, place or meeting. In our English translations we might read Sabbaths, feast, festivals, season, set apart time, appointed sign, and a few others. In addition, some of these times have two and three names. This can make it difficult to follow the theme the whole way through the Bible from beginning to end. It takes quite a bit of study. Even when you think you have it all figured out, he drops another truth to blow your mind.

Today, we can easily forget there are other gods and they have followers. But throughout the Bible times, everyone was well aware of the other gods. Their temples lined the streets. God gave his people a way to be set apart from all the followers of all the other gods. He gave his moedim/Sabbaths as a sign between his followers and him that he was their God (Exodus 31, Ezekiel 20).

Set Apart Throughout the Year

If all Christians and Messianic Jews kept the Appointed Times, they would be a witness to everyone around them throughout the year, not just two times a year. It would also make YHWH/God set apart from all the commercialization of the current holidays. He gave them as a way to remember the good news – we were once in bondage but he set us free. Next, we will walk through the Good News God gave us – his testimony about Jesus.

Maybe it is time we test ourselves and hold to what is true?

¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son^[d] from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1 ESV

⁵ But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) ⁶ Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? ⁷ Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?” ⁸ Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is just!

Romans 3 – NIV

Celebrating the Birth Of A God in December (Part 2)

Part 2 – What are the Traditions? This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

NEXT UP: Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

COMING SOON: Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

COMING SOON: Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

What are the Traditions?

While many simply decorate because its the thing to do for the season. Others are decorating as a celebration of their god and many of the traditions originated as rituals used in worship gatherings. Regardless of their origin, the meanings attached to them have become the same, irrelevant of the god being celebrated. It is interesting to look at the various sites explaining why they believe their symbol means what it means – not even realizing, all the other god worshipers are saying pretty much the same thing, here are just a few:

• Trees decorated with lights and trinkets representing everlasting life and eternal light in darkness. Initially, these trees were decorated outside, it wasn’t until later they were brought inside the home.
• Decorating with greenery representing abundant life.
• Holly and Mistletoe the colors of the season. Green representing life everlasting. Red the color of sacrifice.
• Wassailing and Caroling spreading cheer and joy from house to house.
• Small figurines depicting their god. The most popular places of display are under the tree, on a mantle, or table top.
• Candle light gatherings singing songs of worship, praise, and prayers to the god.
• Gift giving representing either something the god has given or something given to the god.

If someone took a snapshot of all the homes on a city block, it would be difficult to tell the pagans, witches, wiccans, Christians, and non believers from one another. Even the fruit cakes could get involved. *read with slight sarcasm…Raisin/Grape cakes were used in Ashtoreth worship (Hosea 3:1)*

One of the main reasons everyone is celebrating in the same way – if you read the last blog you already know what is going to be said – has to do with the Roman Emperor Constantine. He and the bishops of the Roman Catholic church “Christianized” all the celebrations. Basically, they didn’t change anything. They mashed all the gods, believers, and traditions together. So even though they remained separate in what god they worshipped, the details of when and how merged together.

All Worshipped the Same Way?

All the gods, except Jesus, have been honored for 2,500-3,000+ years with at least one day in December to remember their birth and their miraculous feats.

It is highly unlikely Jesus’s birth was celebrated by any of the disciples, nor the early church fathers, as it was not their custom at that time. There is no contention the early church observed YHWH/God’s Sabbaths well into the fourth century. In observing the Sabbaths they would have indirectly celebrated Jesus, as his birth was foretold thousands of years ahead of time through the Sabbaths.

The tradition of observing God’s Sabbaths eventually changed after Constantine began persecuting anyone observing anything which had to do with the Jews. As the Christians distance themselves from the Jews they began assimilating the Sabbat traditions of the pagans, witches, and wiccans into their celebration of YHWH and his son, Jesus. Eventually it became more and more difficult to tell the celebration of a god born in December apart. As time went on, the Christians began believing they did not have to nor should they keep the Sabbaths of the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (YHWH), seeing them as strictly for the Jews. The fact YHWH built the message of Jesus into his Sabbaths, spanning thousands of years before his birth, is now completely lost to the Christians.

Constantine was successful in merging all the traditions. Celebration of Jesus became the same day as all the other gods, as well as the same traditions in honoring him.

At some point after Constantine, certain denominations of Christians and Messianic Jews began to recognize the pagan ways of the celebrations and refused to continue their observance well into the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. They found observing Christmas as dishonoring to the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – YHWH and Jesus. They may have measured these traditions against what YHWH/God said in Deuteronomy.

Some modern day Christians are again, foregoing traditions they believe are rooted in pagan ways and turning back to the Sabbaths of YHWH/God. Many site Jeremiah 10, as a reason to not have a Christmas tree, however, as much as this text sounds exactly like our modern Christmas tree, it was talking about the figurines they would whittle out of the wood (or stone), paint them, and put them together with nails and set them under a tree. The tree was called an Asherah pole, a tree or pole in the shape of a tree, used in worship to the goddess Asherah. These trees/poles are spoken of 32 times in the Hebrew Bible (OT), each time the followers are being told to cut them down and burn them and the figurines under them. Asherah (also known as Ishtar/Easter) is a sun goddess referred to several times, along with Baal, two gods YHWH/God had the most contention with. She was the lover of Nimrod/Tammuz also being celebrated on December 25th.

However, today, main stream Christianity continue with their celebration of God and Jesus with the date and traditions developed during the era of Emperor Constantine. They are no longer concerned with the pagan origins as they focus on what is in their hearts: celebrating the birth of Jesus as the reason for the season and the traditions which bring families together.

The Nativity

One thing that is very different is Christians are the only ones with a tradition, at this time of the year, including a Nativity Scene. Nativity literally means occasion of a birth. The Nativity Scene of Jesus is publicly displayed all around towns and the country side. Entire plays and dramatizations are centered around this scene. Although there are figurines, shapes, and art depicting other gods, none are typically used as a nativity/birth scene, nor are they publicly displayed during their celebrations in December.

The Smithsonian says the first Nativity Scene was set up in 1223 by a Franciscan monk (Roman Catholic) – St. Francis of Assisi. There is a story out there going something like this, he set up a scene, and invited everyone to come and see. While they were looking, he preached about Jesus – no wait – “the babe of Bethlehem,” because he was so overcome with emotion, he just couldn’t say Jesus.

Side track note: What is up with that? Not saying this is pertaining to this instance, but there is a verse about someone who does not say Jesus came in flesh.

The scene we typically see today, at least in America, includes:

• Luke 2:4 = Joseph
  • The non-biological father of Jesus
• Luke 2:5 = Mary
  • The virgin who gave birth to Jesus
• Luke 2:6 = Jesus as a baby
• Luke 2:12 = Jesus wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger
• Luke 2:7 = A Manger
  • Usually the manger is a wooden one but that is not a true representation.
  • Managers at that time were typically made of a hewn out boulder or a cement type mixture of straw and clay.
• Luke 2:6 = Shepherds
  • Once they heard about the birth, they went and found Mary and Joseph.
  • The number is unknown.
• Matthew 2:1 =Tree Wise Men or Kings
  • It is recorded in Scripture “Magi” visited.
  • They were not what we would call “wise men” nor were they kings. They were astrologers or government representatives. This word appears 6 times in scripture. Four in Matthew 2, and the same word is translated as sorcerer twice in Acts 13:6-8.
  • No biblical scholars believe they were at the birth, they believe they came closer to when Jesus was two because of Matthew 2:16. But when they visited is not recorded in scripture.
• Scripture = A Star
  • No scripture specifically places the star at the Nativity.
  • Matthew 2:2 The star is mentioned in the story of the Magi, but when they visited is not recorded in scripture.
  • Matthew 2:9 The star “stopped over the place where the child was” when the Magi were looking for him. But when they visited is not recorded in scripture.
  • Matthew 2:16 Herod killed all the boys two years old and under – in accordance with the time he learned from the Magi.
  • Some connect the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:17 to this star.
• No Scripture = Barn animals
  • Typically includes any number of donkeys, cattle, sheep and maybe a camel or two.
  • There is no way of knowing if animals were there. Some surmise they would have been kept out because of all the people who were most likely occupying the same place because of the town being crowded. In addition to the fact a baby had just been born there.
• No Scripture = An Angel
  • No specific scripture places any angels at the Nativity.
  • Messengers announced the birth to the Shepherds.
  • The Messenger of the Lord appeared to Joseph after the Magi left.
• No Scripture = A Stable
  • The Stable was inserted into the scene because of the mention of a manger.
  • Based on historical information, it is highly unlikely the scene took place in what we typically see in a Nativity Scene. They were most likely in the bottom floor of a house where animals could be feed indoors.
  • Check out Genesis 33:17 for an interesting twist.

We’ve covered who is celebrating, who is being celebrated, and what traditions there are. Generally, the pagans, witches, wiccans, and even the Jews have stayed true to their time honored traditions in celebration of their gods for thousands of years. The Christians and the Messianic Jews however have made major changes in the last 1,600 years, some in just the last 300+ years. We’ll take a look at just when did things change for them next.

Micah is a book written around 700 years before Jesus’s birth. The Prophet speaks about the coming birth of a Messiah, Jesus, and the millennial kingdom to come. Nimrod/Tammuz, Asherah, and several other gods are spoken of throughout Micah.

As you read scripture such as Micah, consider, what could the things he refers to be a symbol or representation of in our time? For example, obviously, we no longer have chariots – what might those represent?

The final verses of Chapter 5, :

¹⁰ “In that day,” declares the Lord,

“I will destroy your horses from among you
    and demolish your chariots.
¹¹ I will destroy the cities of your land
    and tear down all your strongholds.
¹² I will destroy your witchcraft
    and you will no longer cast spells.
¹³ I will destroy your idols
    and your sacred stones from among you;
you will no longer bow down
    to the work of your hands.
¹⁴ I will uproot from among you your Asherah poles^[e]
    when I demolish your cities.
¹⁵ I will take vengeance in anger and wrath
    on the nations that have not obeyed me.”

Micah 5 TLV (emphasis added)

Celebrating the Birth Of A God in December (Part 1)

We are wrapping up (pun intended) The Holiday Season of Christmas as well as the Sabbats of the Winter Solstice, Yule, and Saturnalia.

This is a five part series looking at the Celebrations of the Birth of a God in December.

Part 1 – Who is Celebrating? Who is being Celebrated?

UP NEXT: Part 2 – What are the Traditions?

COMING SOON: Part 3 – When Did Things Change?

COMING SOON: Part 4 – Where is The Good News in the Old Testament?

COMING SOON: Part 5 – Why Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Differently?

Who is Celebrating?

The pagans, witches, and wiccans refer to their set aside times of celebrations as Sabbats. There are typically eight, and the celebrations usually last several days. In December, the dates range from the 20th-28th depending on how things fall. The dates are driven by the shortest and longest days of the year. It is a time to celebrate the return of light. They are celebrating their gods and mother earth.

The Jewish religion has Shabbats which may or may not be the same word as Sabbats used by the pagans, witches, and wiccan – there is much debate on this. The Jews celebrate seven appointed times by the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (YHWH), none of which occur in December. However, they do celebrate Chanukah/Hanukkah for eight days sometime between November and December – with the dates changing each year. They are celebrating their god, the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They do not celebrate the birth of Jesus.

There are also some Christians and Messianic Jews who have Sabbats and celebrates the appointed times of YHWH. However, most Christians who celebrate Christmas do not celebrate Sabbats. Different Denominations have different Holy Days. Generally, in the month of December, there are a few celebrations centered around their god, the same god as the Jews – the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (YHWH), and his son called Yeshua/Jesus:

• Epiphany – January 6th or the first Sunday of January. The celebration of the visit of the Magi, Jesus’s baptism, and the wedding at Cana. It originated in the Roman Empire, sometime in the third or fourth century. The date was eventually changed to December 25th. The difference between December 25th and January 6th has become known as The 12 Days of Christmas.
• Christmas Eve (24th) and Christmas Day or The Nativity of the Lord (25th) – Many attend church services on at least one of those days. Emperor Constantine and the Roman Catholic Church set the dates in the fourth century.
• Advent – a period of preparation for Christmas. A Roman Catholic Bishop gave a directive in the fifth century and it evolved from there. It is celebrated from November to December starting on various days from year to year.

People who have no religion or god, generally celebrate the Christmas Season which can start anytime after Thanksgiving and ends around New Years. They typically gather with family and friends on either Christmas Eve (24th) or Christmas Day (25th).

Who is Being Celebrated?

Other gods are accepted and worshipped among many religions. Even the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (YWHW) is accepted in them. However, the acceptance of his son, Jesus, is not always the case.

Christians do not tend to think about there being other gods. Yet, other gods are referred to throughout the Bible and is frequently a contention between YHWH and his people/followers. YHWH/God is referred to as being a “great God and great King above all gods,” “presides in the great assembly,” rendering “judgment among the gods”. 

• There are several births being celebrated in December. The following are those referred to as a ‘god of light’:
  • 2600-23334 BC – Nimrod/Tammuz
    • Mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures – Ezekiel 8:14
  • 600 BC – Mithra
    • Mithra was worshipped weekly on Sunday – the day named after the unconquered sun
    • Mithredath is named in the Hebrew Scriptures of Ezra 1:8 and Ezra 4:7. The name means, “Given by Mithra, or dedicated to Mithra” – Easton’s Bible Dictionary
    • Mithra is believed by some to also be Sol Invictus. The festival of Saturnalia was celebrated by the Romans.
  • 600 BC – Saturn
    • Alluded to in the Hebrew Scriptures – Amos 5:26
  • 5 BC-3 AD – Jesus, son of YHWH
    • Most Biblical scholars agree Jesus was most likely born during one of the Sabbaths of YHWH. At this writing few believe he was born in December.
    • Until the 300s, Jesus and YHWH were generally worshipped on the Sabbath of YHWH – Shabbat – the seventh day
    • After the 300s, Jesus and YHWH were generally worshiped on Sunday
    • The Canonize Bible centers around Jesus

Why Celebrate on December 25?

“It was a custom of the pagans to celebrate on the same Dec. 25 the birthday of the sun, at which they kindled lights in token of festivity …Accordingly, when the church authorities perceived that the Christians had a leaning to this festival, they took counsel and resolved that the true Nativity should be solemnized.

An unknown 4th-century scribe, Scriptus Syrus (The validity of this statement is debated, some see it as authentic, some do not.)

The actual birth date of all of those listed above is generally unknown. There are lots of stories about how each of the births came to be recognized in December. However, one of the main reason everyone is celebrating on December 25th and worshipped weekly on Sunday, has to do with the Roman Emperor Constantine. You can explore the vast amount of information about Constantine and his conversion on your own. But once he chose Christianity as the religion he wanted to follow, he and the bishops of the Roman Catholic church sought to “Christianized” all the celebrations.

Based on my research my opinion became he didn’t want to leave anyone out but he wanted it all to be called Christianity. They basically wanted to merge everything under the title of Christianity because that’s the one he chose. His biggest competition in making this change were the Jews so he outlawed Judaizing. They did things like replace the word Sun – as in sun god to the word Son – as in Son of God. And outlawed worship services on Saturday and made everyone switch to Sunday. Prior to that the Jews and the Christians worshiped on Saturday. And most of the pagans worshiped on Sunday. Eventually this took hold and became the norm for most of the world.

Because of the changes Constantine made, the traditions and origins of the dates and the celebrations have become so entwined, there’s plenty of debate on who started what first. Whether it started with the pagans, witches, wiccan, Christianity, or even the Jews can be highly debated and left unreconciled. We’ll take a look at the traditions next.

¹In the sight of Elohim and the Master יהושע Messiah, who shall judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His reign, I earnestly charge you: ²Proclaim the Word! Be urgent in season, out of season. Convict, warn, appeal, with all patience and teaching. ³For there shall be a time when they shall not bear sound teaching, but according to their own desires, they shall heap up for themselves teachers tickling the ear, ⁴and they shall indeed turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to myths. ⁵But you be sober in all matters, suffer hardships, do the work of an evangelist, accomplish your service completely.

2 Timothy 4 TS2009

Not the Typical Nativity – Day 547

A Mother’s Thoughts – Day 547

We had some interesting visitors today. I had Jesus outside playing when the strange looking men came up, bowed down in front of Jesus and started worshiping him. They didn’t say hi or anything, they just bowed down and worshiped Jesus.

After a few moments they got up and went to their treasures and presented Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Once again, I found myself in awe and wonder. They were gone as quickly as they had come.

So strange. Joseph and I wondered if these were those spoke of by Isaiah. He said, “And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.” He also said, ““The islands and coastlands will confidently wait for Me; And the ships of Tarshish will come first, To bring your sons from far away, Their silver and gold with them, For the name of the Lord your God, For the Holy One of Israel because He has glorified you.”

We also talked about the Psalm we recite that says, “The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring offerings; The kings of Sheba and Seba will offer gifts. Yes, all kings will bow down before him, All nations will serve him.”

Maybe one day we will know. All I know is these gifts are usually given to honor kings, so they must have known who Jesus is. They must have come a great distance.

Off to prepare our meal before calling it a night. What an eventful day. Much to ponder once again.

This is written from a Mother’s Perspective – specifically from Mary’s. I did a lot of research into what it would have been like, but this is STRICTLY my imagination, there is no guarantee any of this really happened or really were her thoughts. I do use scripture through out. However, it’s mostly how I think I might have thought if I were her.

Scripture Survey (Video): Christian Winter Holidays

Let’s take a look into Scripture to see what we can find related to the Christian Winter Holidays:

• Christmas or Nativity of Christ
• Epiphany
• Presentation of Christ (Candlemas)
• Nativity of the Theotokos
• Exaltation of the Cross
• Feast of the Entrance

Youtube: https://youtu.be/P0SDT18ydcQ

Rumble: https://rumble.com/v42165t-scripture-survey-video-christian-winter-holidays.html

Not the Typical Nativity – Day 42

A Mother’s Thoughts – Day 42

We took Jesus to his Redemption of the Son (pidyon ha-ben). It was a very unique experience. We saw a man there, his name was Simeon. When we took Jesus into the Temple Courts, Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God. He said, ““Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” He truly was a man with the Spirit upon him. How else would he know who Jesus was? Joseph and I were in awe and just stood there and stared. 

Simeon then turned to us and blessed us. I will never forget, he looked at me and said, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” My heart sank and my breath was caught right out of my lungs. 

We found out later it had been revealed to  this Simeon, by the Holy Spirit, that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. We are still in awe and wonderment.

We also met a prophet named Anna, she was very old and was a widow. Many people told us she never left the temple, she was there worshiping night and day. She fasted and prayed. She came up to us and gave thanks to God. She continued to speak of Jesus to all who were looking for the redemption and deliverance of Jerusalem.

Joseph and I finished everything we were required to do according to the Law and then left Jerusalem. On our long journey to Galilee, we talked over and over about the day and all the events and people we spoke too. What a crazy day, it will be etched in our minds for a long time.

Joseph talked about the phrase Simeon said about being a light and how it sounded very similar to something Isaiah had said,

“Listen to me, O coastlands,
and give attention, you peoples from afar.
The Lord called me from the womb,
from the body of my mother he named my name. He made my mouth like a sharp sword;
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow;
in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” …  “And now the Lord says,
he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him;
and that Israel might be gathered to him—
for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord,
and my God has become my strength—
he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Gentiles? I can’t even imagine. And sometimes it is so surreal to think of how I was spoke of so many years ago. “Called from the womb, from the body of my mother,” That is me! It can be so overwhelming at times.

As young women, we dream of our children, and what they will become, what kind of life they will have. And here I am, the mother of a child who was spoke of some 700 years ago.  The prophets spoke of him and the path laid out before him. His mission and it’s ending have already been foretold. Simeon is right, a sword will pierce my heart, I can almost feel it now.

Too much to think about, too much to feel. But I must remember, as Isaiah spoke, “my God has been my strength.” He is my strength, my comfort.

It’s been a long journey. I am going to try to rest now. My mind will settle and my heart find peace with just one look at his face. His small hands and feet … his smile as he looks at me … his eyes with a light that seems will shine forever … yes, he is a light, a light unto the world.

We will let tomorrow take care of tomorrow, what can we gain by worrying about it anyway, we will let tomorrow worry about itself.

This is written from a Mother’s Perspective – specifically from Mary’s. I did a lot of research into what it would have been like, but this is STRICTLY my imagination, there is no guarantee any of this really happened or really were her thoughts. I do use scripture through out. However, it’s mostly how I think I might have thought if I were her.

Not the Typical Nativity – Day 28

A Mother’s Thoughts – Day 28

He’s almost a month old today, how quickly time flies. We are getting ready to travel to Jersulem for Jesus’s pidyon haben. It will be as God commanded in consecrate Jesus, our firstborn male. As He said, “the first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.” I’m really not sure what to bring, it is my first journey with Jesus. It’s only a 5 mile journey, but who knows what it will be like with a new born.

We aren’t a wealthy family, but are very blessed. Joseph is going to get “a pair of doves or two young pigeons” for Jesus’s atonement. I am thankful for Josephs willingness to embrace this even though Jesus is not his son.

I have preparations to make so this will be a short entry. Seems my time has been cut in half since becoming a mother. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Hmmm, funny thought just came to mind. I wouldn’t trade it for the world … and yet, Jesus will be traded for the world. And here we are preparing for his redemption, yet he will BE our redemption. Makes me recall a holy scripture from our Prophet Isaiah, “The Redeemer will come to Zion.” He has come, and yet few know. Wow, I think I will ponder on this all day long as we prepare.

This is written from a Mother’s Perspective – specifically from Mary’s. I did a lot of research into what it would have been like, but this is STRICTLY my imagination, there is no guarantee any of this really happened or really were her thoughts. I do use scripture through out. However, it’s mostly how I think I might have thought if I were her.

Not the Typical Nativity – Day 8

A Mothers Thoughts – Day 8

Jesus was circumcised today. I’ve been to Circumcision Rituals before, but today, well, today was a hard one as no mother wants to hear her child in pain. But it is something that needs to be done. Something we very much wanted to do. It is an honor to obey our God. I will never forget this day.

Jesus was welcomed by everyone as they said, “Blessed be he that comes”. The Sephardim sang a piyyut. I brought him to his godmother who handed him over at the door of the room to his godfather who, gave him to the mohel. He was placed, just for a moment on the Chair of Elijah. It was at that moment, I remembered something the angel had said to Zachariah, the angel was talking about John and he said, “He will herald God’s arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he’ll get the people ready for God.” (Luke 1) In the style and strength of Elijah … It made me also think about one of the things that Malachi prophesied, “I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. …” (Malachi 4), I wonder, was he speaking about John? 

After this they placed Jesus on a pillow on the knees of the holder, who held his legs firmly. The mohel got a firm grip of the foreskin with his left hand, and with a knife in the right hand took one sweep. Oh, my heart sank at that point. With his thumbnail and index finger, the mohel firmly grasped the edge of the disclosed mucous membrane tore it down the center as far as the corona. My mind drifted, recalling a prophesy of Zechariah, “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.” (Zechariah 12) Pierced … my mind began to sing a Psalm (22) of David’s, 

Many bulls surround me;  strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. I am poured out like water, and all  my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. 

Pierced … Will this be what my baby boy, my son, Jesus will endure? What lies ahead for him? I will trust in the Lord my God to be my strength and be with me and Jesus, regardless of what lies ahead. He is our Shepherd and He will guide and comfort us. As I drifted out of my own thoughts the mohel had already sucked the blood from the area, applied a dressing, and wrapped Jesus up. Joseph was reciting the benediction “Who hast hallowed us by Thy commandments and hast commanded us to make our sons enter into the covenant of Abraham our father.” The She-Heheyanu benediction was given and the guests replied “Even as this child has entered into the covenant so may he enter into the Torah, the nuptial canopy, and into good deeds.”

Jesus was handed to Joseph. The mohel, holding a goblet of wine, recited the benediction for wine and a second benediction praising God who established a covenant with His people Israel. Followed by a prayer for Jesus’ welfare, his name was announced. As this was happening, it hit me, both Joseph and I are from the line of David … both of us. Both the prophets Samuel (2nd 7) and Isaiah (9) prophesied that the Messiah would come from the line of David. We are also from the line Abraham, Issac, Jacob, and Judah! (Genesis 12, 17, 21, 22, and 49; Numbers 24) It is amazing how God has brought this all to being. I am honored to have been His vessel in this which He is about to bring about.

We had a festive meal and sang special hymns. During the grace after meals blessings were recited for Joseph and I, the sandak and the mohel. I’m sure those with me today are completely unaware of who this little baby boy really is and what he will do one day. What he will do for THEM one day, the blessing which he really is.

What a day, what a glorious day!

This is written from a Mother’s Perspective – specifically from Mary’s. I did a lot of research into what it would have been like, but this is STRICTLY my imagination, there is no guarantee any of this really happened or really where her thoughts. I do use scripture through out. However, it’s mostly how I think I might have thought if I were her. 

Not the Typical Nativity – Day 7

A Mother’s Thoughts – Day 7

I’ve been so busy with our new baby and getting ready for tomorrow I haven’t had time to write. I am so excited and nervous about tomorrow. Tomorrow He will be circumcised according to the Law of Moses (Exodus 13:2, 22:29 and Leviticus 12).  Eight days old, hard to believe it’s been a week since I gave birth.

I am so nervous. I am sure this circumcision is a painful thing for a baby boy. My heart aches for Him and what he will go through tomorrow. But it is something we must do. God has commanded us and it is our Abrahamic covenant with God. It will mark Yeshua/Jesus as being a part of this covenant.

I am excited as well as He will officially be given the name of Yeshua/Jesus. This is when we would have named Him normally, but since the angel had already given us His name, we knew it ahead of time. Jesus … what a sweet sounding name. I’m sure Joseph will proudly stand by Jesus. He has been so understanding with all of this.

Of course, he wasn’t so understanding when I first told him I was pregnant. He was still a kind man at that point, as he was going to quietly and secretly divorce me to spare me the public shame and disgrace. But an angel came to him in a dream. The angel told Joseph not to be afraid, that I had conceived this child by the Holy Spirit. The angel told Joseph to call him Jesus, for he would save His people from their sins. Joseph took me as His wife immediately and let me remain a virgin. Oh how I treasure this man.

Yes, I am sure he will be proud to stand up and call Jesus his son, even if Jesus is not bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh. God has called him to a high office, allowing Joseph to be Jesus’s earthly father. I’m sure that Joseph will walk in the way of our God. His first duty being tomorrow.

There are many preparations to be made, so I’m off. I’m sure I will need to tend to Jesus as he heals from his circumcision, not sure when I’ll have a chance to write again. So excite for what God has planned for this little one’s life!

This is written from a Mother’s Perspective – specifically from Mary’s. I did a lot of research into what it would have been like, but this is STRICTLY my imagination, there is no guarantee any of this really happened or really where her thoughts. I do use scripture through out. However, it’s mostly how I think I might have thought if I were her. 

Not the Typical Nativity – Day 3

A Mothers Thoughts – Day 3

As I was playing with him today, goo gooing and gah gahing, I thought back to when I first was told I would be giving birth to him. The angel that visited me had told me my relative, Elizabeth, had also conceived a son. I was floored!! Elizabeth was old and barren! Yet she was already six months pregnant? I just had to see for myself and I headed right off to Judah and my relatives, Zachariah and Elizabeth’s.

It was a little bit odd, yet awesome when I first arrived. As soon as Elizabeth’s baby heard my voice, it leap in her womb! Then Elizabeth cried out in a loud cry and exclaimed something about me being blessed and the fruit of my womb being blessed. Then she really blew me away, she said, and I will never forget this, she called me, “the mother of my Lord.” How would she know this except by God! I hadn’t told anyone! At that I couldn’t help but magnify the Lord our God!

I left them just before their son, John, was born. I have to say, it was nice to have someone else who could relate to my experiences. An angel had told them of their upcoming son and his name as well. I didn’t feel quite as alone on this journey God has placed me on.

Maybe John and Jesus will be able to relate to each other in some way as well. I wonder if John will know Jesus as soon as he sees Him, just as he knew my voice from in Elizabeth’s womb. I vaguely remember something Isaiah said (Isaiah 40:3) about a voice calling out of the wilderness making a way for our God. I wonder if that could have meant John? Zachariah was told by the angel John would go before and prepare the way for Jesus.

Oh, how I wish I could talk to Elizabeth right now. John would be about 6 months old. I wonder if she feels any pressure raising the man who will prepare the way for the Messiah? I wonder if she thinks of me? I miss her and the kindred spirit I felt when I was with her. It seems so long ago. Maybe we’ll see each other again soon.

Well, he’s fussing a little, going to go see what he needs. He really is a peaceful baby. I am very blessed, just as Elisabeth said, very blessed indeed.

This is written from a Mother’s Perspective – specifically from Mary’s. I did a lot of research into what it would have been like, but this is STRICTLY my imagination, there is no guarantee any of this really happened or really where her thoughts. I do use scripture through out. However, it’s mostly how I think I might have thought if I were her. 

Not the Typical Nativity – Day 2

A Mother’s Thoughts – Day 2

As I nursed him tonight, I am considering some of the things I learned at Temple about the Messiah that was to come. I thought of the reading from what the prophet Isaiah declared (Isaiah 7:13-14), saying the Lord Himself will give a sign, and that sign would be a virgin being with child, bearing a son … it hit me … I am that virgin! Me … it’s unbelievable to me. I know it will be hard for those around me to believe I was a virgin … well, I still AM a virgin. There is no way for me to prove it to them, but let them think what they want, I know what is true of myself. And tonight I realized, I am the virgin Isaiah spoke of so very long ago. I had to catch my breath when it hit me.

Then I looked down at the child, and the realization hit me. THIS is our Messiah. Oh, I’ve known it all along, but I really didn’t KNOW it until tonight. This child I birthed, this baby I nurse, this little boy in my arms is literally God with us – Immanuel! He is God with us in the flesh!

Then I though about what Micah said (Micah 5:2-3) about Bethlehem. Six months ago I would not have known I would give birth in Bethlehem of all places. And yet, here I am. It amazes me how God has brought us here.

How will I ever be able to raise this child, the one Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6-7) called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace? How will I prepare him to shoulder a government? The one which Isaiah said the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end? How? I am just a young woman? Oh wait, as I recall the rest of the prophesy, it said, “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” It won’t be up to me, this young virgin, to carry the weight of all this. My God will.

Well, it seems He needs another diaper changed. How could such a divine being smell so bad? haha! I will remember to remind him of this when he grows up. I’ll say, “Listen here young man, you may be the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, but I’ve changed your stinky diaper and don’t you forget it!”

Immanuel … wow …

This is written from a Mother’s Perspective – specifically from Mary’s. I did a lot of research into what it would have been like, but this is STRICTLY my imagination, there is no guarantee any of this really happened or really where her thoughts. I do use scripture through out. However, it’s mostly how I think I might have thought if I were her. 

Not the Typical Nativity – Day 1

A Mother’s Thoughts – Day 1

Four days of travel, 9 months pregnant, I would not recommend to anyone. I guess Caesar Augustus would have no idea what that would be like now would he! Yet, we reached Bethlehem, safe and sound,  just to find everyone else had gotten here before us. If you had seen Joseph’s face when I told him I was about to give birth, lol, priceless. He is such a good man, he looked around and didn’t know what to do. So many had gotten here before us, there wasn’t any room for us in the main area of the guest chambers, but thankfully we were able to find some room, even if it wasn’t in the inn. There are many others with us who were either late arrivals, or couldn’t afford a normal guest room. We made do quite nicely though, this little area we are in provides a little privacy. One advantage is all the hay provides a nice resting spot. When Joseph looked around, I think his thought was, “Here, in THIS place, the child of God is going to be born?”

And right here he was born. He’s asleep over there in the manger. As a carpenter and stone mason, Joseph can be so industrious. He brought it over, threw some hay in it and made a perfect bed for our little bundle of joy. We even had visitors last night. Can’t imagine why anyone would want to come here, especially without being forced to by the government. Such a heavily crowded place. But they did, just the same. They were shepherds who were far off in the fields. They said they were visited by an angel and told of our baby’s birth. The shepherds were here all night. Joseph is over there talking with them now as I catch a little rest.

I remember when I was visited by an angel and told I would be the mother of this child. I was troubled, disturbed, and confused. But the angel said the same thing to me as he said to the shepherd’s, “Do not be afraid.” A peace came over me, but when he told me the Holy Spirit was going to come upon me and I would become pregnant, I have to admit, I was afraid. Yet, I knew YHWH/God was with me, and I said, “I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said.”

The angel told me his name, Yehoshua (Iēsous, Jesus). He told me that Yehoshua would “be great (eminent) and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David and reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages; and of His reign there will be no end.”

I just can’t even imagine that right now. He is just a baby. He does what all baby’s do. Honestly, he doesn’t seem any different, not special in any significant way. Oh, he is special to me, because he is my son, but just a normal little baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, laying in a feeding trough, in the back of the guest quarters, where the poor people and even animals have stayed. It just doesn’t seem like the way a child of God would be born. But such are the ways of God.

The shepherds told us there was a multitude of angels praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. What does all this mean for my little boy? How can he ever reign with no end yet there be peace on earth? No one ever reigns in peace. And what does good will toward men mean? Oh, I pray I am given what I need to bring this little boy up in such a way that he is prepared for what God has in store for him.

Well, he is stirring. He has such a peace and joy about him. He only cries when he needs something. I love him so much, I am so thankful God has chosen me to care for him.

PLEASE NOTE: This is written from a Mother’s Perspective – specifically from Mary’s. I did a lot of research into what it would have been like, but this is STRICTLY my imagination, there is no guarantee any of this really happened or really were her thoughts. I do use scripture through out. However, it’s mostly how I think I might have thought if I were her. Enjoy!