Crazy Theological Thoughts

Why Not just Celebrate Christmas? Over the years every Church has developed their own Christmas Traditions. They celebrate these traditions and practices as part of the Season. The time of year becomes a worship of trees and candles some even worship Nativity scenes. It is amazing how many Protestants become more Catholic at Christmas time. With the reverence to Tradition being the foremost example, but the real thing is the Reverence of Mary. All the World whether they believe in the perpetual Virginity of Mary or not celebrate the Holy Virgin during their various Christmas Celebrations. It is the one season throughout the Year that seems to avoid the Cross. Epiphany is the teachings of Christ pointing to his power to save. Lent, Easter and Pentecost all seem to keep us focused on the Cross of Christ. But Advent looks to end times and Christmas has an infant which would be seen as an abomination to put this infant on a cross. Christmas time becomes the one time of the year; yo...

The Christ Child is born for one purpose. The plan of Salvation goes through the Christmas Season. Salvation History starts at the Creation. Through the Fall and the calling of Abraham the plan moves forward. The Plan continues with the transformation from a Theocracy to a Monarchy. The Line of David and the King of Judah now provides a lineage for the Chosen one. Christ then is Born after Israel has fallen away from God. Throughout the Old Testament the people are promised a remnant that will remain. Jesus becomes the lat Remnant of Israel. He is the Child that becomes the entire Nation. He is the One Body in which all people are joined together. Therefore, even from his Birth he has one purpose to Save his people. Jesus is named such because he will save the people. This Child is born in the City of David and yet others are forced immediately (within 2 years) to die for him. Some talk about the first blood being at the circumcision but the first Sacrifice was made by thos...

The LORD comes to his people. Jesus comes to dwell with his People. Again the LORD goes back to the God who delivered his people from the Land of Egypt. This LORD is made flesh and goes from Bethlehem to Egypt and returns to dwell with the People of Israel. These Jews, one would hope, are all true beleivers in God. But this is not the only point to make. God comes in the flesh to be around his people. But God dwelling with His people is not just Christ's birth. The LORD travels with Abraham. The LORD looks after his people even in their time of Slavery in Egypt. The LORD tabernacles with his people following the time of Sinai. The LORD's presence in the Ark of the Covenant lead them across the River Jordan. The LORD continues to dwell with is people even after they request a King like the Nations. The LORD is seen by Ezekiel to leave the temple (Chapter 10). This happens before the Temple is destroyed. When the people come back the LORD is still with them but not i...

The name of God is given to Moses from a burning bush. God reveals who he is by means of 10 Plagues and saving his people from slavery in Egypt. God shows he is the Savior of his people. Therefore, when the LORD appears in the Old Testament, you can recall the God who delivered his people from Egypt. This LORD then becomes Incarnate or made flesh in the Christ Child. Here is the fulfillment of God Tabernacling with his people. God delivers people from the Land of Egypt. At Sinai God instructs Moses to build the Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting. This Tent was where Moses would meet with God. This Tabernacle was a tent that could be taken down and set up as the Israelites traveled through the Wilderness. Here was a place were they could have God traveling with them. This same idea was seen by the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark of the Covenant was considered by some the Throne of God. The top of the Ark of the Covenant is called the Mercy seat. This was used during the Journey of I...

Christmas is traditionally the time when people are called upon to celebrate the Incarnation. There have been many heresies with regard to the Second person of the Trinity, many of which concern misconceptions about the Incarnation. Therefore, Modern people seem to avoid detail and proclaiming the good news of the Incarnation. This makes the Incarnation a subject that can not be fully celebrated. Christmas seems to spend more time talking about Mary and Joseph having a baby. They talk about the humanity of Christ and the Natural Birth of Christ Jesus. Christmas has become a day that does not celebrate the Incarnation like it should. Discussions about Light, Wise Men, Angels, Journeys, and Mary are the focus of the season. Some of these may point us to this being the Son of God but when you celebrate other things the Incarnation takes a back seat. The Incarnation shows us that this is the LORD our God. This child is the Word made flesh. The Christ humbles himself to be born und...

Advent is a season of waiting for the coming of the Christ. The First Advent of the Holy One is considered at the Birth of our Lord and through his life on earth. The Second Advent of the Holy One is considered to come on the final day of Judgment. But one should also remember that Christ has never left his holy people. God came to his beloved Job and came to Abraham those who believed in him. God came to his people while they were in the Land of Egypt and sent them a great prophet and leader Moses to mediate for him. God then used his judges to mediate to the people his divine reign over them. When they rejected his reign and rule he allowed them to have a King like other Nations. There God placed his beloved on the Throne, namely King David. God reigned along with the Kings over the people. But finally he would bring the reign of David which would last forever with his own reign in his beloved Son Jesus Christ. Christmas is a Celebration of the coming of the Holy One of God....

The Birth of the King is a great time of Celebration. The King of the Jews is proclaimed as such at her birth and the death of the Kings of the Jews. This is one of the great theological emphasis of the Genealogy at the birth of Christ. Jesus is the Son of David the Son of Abraham. There are recorded 14 generations before the birth of the King. Then 14 generations after the Babylonian exile until the Birth of the King. This reminds us that we are celebrating the birth of the King of the Jews. The magi come to Jerusalem in search of this child. The Child is born in the City of David as the Son of David. This is the Return of the King. There again is the King reigning over the people of Israel. But now comes further questions about the reign of the King. Samuel questions God about allowing the people to have a King over them like the nations. "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being kin...

The Season of Advent is the Season of preparation for the Christmas Season. Advent starts on the Sunday closest to St Andrew's Day and lasts for Four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The Season of Advent ends on the Christmas Eve Eve because Christmas finally starts on Christmas Eve Day. Advent comes from the Latin word meaning Coming or arrival. This could be connected with the Parousia of Christ. The Season of Advent is used to prepare us not only for the Birth of a Child some 2000 years ago but also for the Coming of Christ on Resurrection Day. Advent therefore has a strong connection with Lent. These are both preparation season. They both also prepare us for a Resurrection from the Dead. Lent prepares us for the Death and Resurrection of our LORD Jesus Christ. But Advent prepares us for our own Resurrection. Advent often times gets consumed by the Christmas Celebration. Advent becomes not a time of Celebration but a way to continue the season. It can be very interest...

King Herod gives us the historic time frame for the Infant Narratives of Jesus. King Herod ruled when Zechariah was in the Temple and told that Elizabeth was pregnant. Herod's Death closes the other end when Jesus returns to Nazareth. King Herod was appointed by the Roman Senate in 40 BC over Judea. King Herod likely died around 1 BC which gives us a time frame for the Infant Narative. King Herod was a ruthless King. King Herod as I recall killed many people within his own Family. The King wanted to protect his throne from any threat. He would therefore kill his children which might have threatened his rule. This kept his Kingdom in complete fear of him. Herod the Great would never have sat by and let anyone talk about him publicly like John the Baptist with his Son. Herod the Great would see anyone who might be called King of the Jews as a threat. Therefore, when the Magi come to see the New Born King, the Infant would be a threat to the Kings rule. While this child wa...

Many people die for what they believe in. Some die for righteous people. But these chosen few die on behalf of the one who will save us all. These children have all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. But these children die on account of the Christ Child. Many people have been martyred because they confessed the faith. These children did not stand or even get a chance to stand. They were cut down because they were seen as the threat to King Herod. Rachael mourns for her children. Rachael died giving life to Benjamin near Bethlehem. Rachael now weeps as all the children of this town are slaughtered. But just as Rachael died giving birth to life. These children die to protect the Christ Child who left the town and will die to give all of us life. St Peter once said that he would not allow Christ to go to the cross. St Peter drew his sword in the garden to die for Christ. But only these Children truly give their life for Jesus Christ to live. Their sacrifice should b...

The general thought is that all the Magi come from the same location. Just like the Shepherds in the field are thought to come from the same field. But it is possible that the Magi come from several towns gathering together to make the journey. These Magi could have possibly come from a long line of the lost tribes of Israel. These tribes were taken into exile and yet it was only the Levites and Judeans who return. These other tribes have been thought to be lost. But this is a very unlikely possibility. These Magi are Gentiles. They come from foreign countries. They represent the Magicians of Egypt. They represent the surtraps of Babylon. They represent the wise men interpreting dreams. They represent scientist of the modern age. They also represent all non-Jews as well as all the Nations of the World. The Magi are interesting in this way. They are a bunch of strange guys who follow a star. They do not even follow the star to the proper location. The Magi go to Jerusalem ...

There are generally thought to be three gifts given to this New Born King of the Jews. Gold is given as a precious stone. Incense is something used to make places smell better. Myrrh is a perfume used to make people smell better. Luther states: "Myrrh is a symbol of the Word, but frankincense is a symbol of prayer." (AE 15:231). A 1st Century lesson on hygiene would teach us people did not bath regularly. Mosaic Law required more bathing or ritual cleansing then other places but people still did not bath on a regular basis. These purity rules or Laws also were generally only practiced by those going to the Temple rather than those around town. This meant that the rich would spend great wealth to smell nice. They would use all kinds of perfumes and fragrances to make them and their houses smell nice. Now think of the New Born King laying in a feeding trough. This may not have been the case when the Magi arrived but you can just imagine how bad it must have smelled. A ...

Star of Wonder Star of Glory. This is a very popular song at Christmas time (but it makes my skin crawl). But this song is not biblical. The true Light of Wonder or Light of Glory is lying in a manger. That is the least of this songs problems, it encompasses more Tradition than Fact. First, "We" should not be used to indicate we come to see the Christ Child. We know that he has died and is risen from the Dead. This feast of Christmas is for the celebration of his Holy Incarnation. The Feast of Epiphany is also used to celebrate the Light of Christ not his coming. But this may be splitting heirs. Second, there is no place in scripture that indicates there are "Three Wise Men." These men are thought to bring 3 gifts. Therefore, tradition has given them 3 names. But even this part of the text could read "Presented him with gifts: gold and incense and myrrh" or "Presented him with gifts, gold, incense, and myrrh." The second reading indica...

Most people are not able to Remember a time when Christmas did not celebrate these men. But along time ago in a not so far away place these men were celebrated on another Great High Feast of the Church. This High Feast day is Epiphany. Epiphany is the day when the Light of the World came to the Nations. The Magi indicate this coming of the Star to the Nations. In the Early Church or so I have been told they did not celebrate Christmas but Epiphany. This was celebrated as the LORD coming to the entire Earth. The Light of the World come for the World. This would have the Angel cry Peace and Good will to all mankind. Now this may not be totally true. Most of the Church as I understand has celebrated Christmas and Epiphany, but the Feast of Epiphany was seen more important than Christmas. This makes sense because as Gentile Christians, they would care more about the Child being worshiped by non-Jews. The Magi are not Jews. There is no real description of where exactly they come f...

Anna's Song must have sounded exactly like Simeon's Song and that is why it is not recorded. The Evangelist St Luke does not record any words. But while I was never told to ask a woman her age, the Evangelist tells us she was 84. She was married but her husband died after seven years of marriage. Since she no longer had a husband apparently she could spend night and day in prayer and fasting not departing from the Temple. Anna does not sing a song but she does give thanks and praise to God. She is a prophetess. She recognizes the Holy Family. She also starts telling others throughout the city of Jerusalem. There were many in the town who were waiting for their redemption. Jesus Christ came for this divine purpose. The finally thing to make sure we do is recognize that Anna is a part of the story. Anna the prophetess has more stated about her person than Simeon yet because she does not actually have a song she is pushed to the back burner. Hopefully, people can see th...

The Virgin Mary and the Christ Child are brought to the temple for their presentation. They follow the Law of Moses. LORD spoke to Moses, "Then she shall continue for thirty-three days in the blood of her purifying. She shall not touch anything holy, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying are completed. … and when the days of her purifying are completed, whether for a son or for a daughter, she shall bring to the priest at the entrance of the tent of meeting a lamb a year old for a burnt offering, and a pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering, and he shall offer it before the LORD and make atonement for her. Then she shall be clean from the flow of her blood. This is the law for her who bears a child, either male or female. And if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean (Leviticus 12)....

The Circumcision of our LORD is done in accordance with the Law. It takes place on the eighth day, when the child has his foreskin removed. This was fulfilling the covenant made with Abraham. Abraham was forced to cut off his own foreskin along with his entire household. Isaac is circumcised on the eighth day as the LORD commanded. Jesus not only fulfills scripture but he also is obedient to the Law or command of God. There is no description of what took place at this event. There is only the account of the event taking place in accordance with the Law. There is no location given as to where the child is circumcised, but one could assume it took place in Bethlehem. It could have also taken place in Jerusalem but they would not be able to go up to the Temple until the time of the Presentation of our LORD. But the location and conversations are not as important as celebrating that it happened. This text should also not be used to force all children or adults to be circumcised. ...

Is his name Christ Jesus or Jesus Christ? The Holy Family is told to name the child Jesus or Yeshua because he will save his people. Jesus means he saves. He is also called Christ or Messiah because he is the anointed one. Kings and Priests were anointed. Both Mary and Joseph are told to name the Child Jesus. Mary is told by the Angel Gabriel what the Child's name should be. Joseph is told in a dream what the Child's name should be. Both are told the same name for this Child; Jesus. Most parents pick names for their children before they are born. The parents will pick both male and female names unless they are certain of the gender before the Child is born. It is strange that they generally do not call the child by name until they are born. Jesus was called several names before he was born. But upon his conception the Angel Gabriel named the Child. Then eight days after the birth of the child he was officially given the name Jesus. Isaiah tells us his name is Imman...

The Song of Simeon is most notably referred to as Nunc Dimintis because of Simeon's immanent Death. Simeon was kept alive until he would see the birth of the Messiah. He would come to the Temple to await the presentation of the Christ Child and upon the presentation of the Christ Child Simeon sings for great Joy. Simeon steals this child from the child's parents. He lifts the child up as an offering and blesses God. He offers the child to God as an offering of thanksgiving. This child is the Simeon's Salvation. He has come to his people. The Child is the light to reveal the truth to all the earth. This Child is glory of his own people Israel. Simeon Sings this song of praise and glory for the people Israel. People today sing this song as a reminder that they have seen the real presence of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar. Simeon thanks God for this great gift that he would be able to recognize the LORD's Messiah. He now can depart this world in peace know...

The Account of Simeon is found only in the Gospel according to St Luke. He recounts for us about the presentation of our LORD. The Holy Family goes up to the Temple. Baby Jesus is taken by a stranger and lifted up as sings some strange song. He then returns the child and tells his mother that the Child is destined for the rising and falling of people in Israel. This Child will be able to reveal other people's thoughts. This stranger seems to know more about the Christ Child than his own parents. This is just one of the many accounts where the Holy Family treasures these events in their heart to recall them later. Simeon's story is not completely unique though. Anna the prophetess also comes to give thanks and praise for the Christ Child. There were many people "who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem." These people will be able to hear the report of this event. The word will spread throughout Judea. Anna and Simeon are a select few who are recalled...

There are many (maybe many is too much) times when Angels gather to sing. You find Angelic Hosts singing in Isaiah Chapter 6. You find Angels as well as the entire gathering of Heaven in Revelation. Is this "heavenly host" the entire company of heaven or just a band of Holy Angels? Here it may not be that important to distinguish between the two. But to distinguish between truth and hope people visualize this event. Some times we see just a great light across the sky. Other times there is a heavenly Choir. Yet, sometimes we lose this idea all together and just have Gabriel saying this. (More people can make the words less clear.) But what words do they truly say? "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to …" Is peace given to all mankind, God desires all to be saved? Is peace given to his elect only, those on whom his favor rests? Is peace only given to few chosen or to the many that are called? Now comes another idea to ponder does it only off...

Angels are simply messengers. The messengers of God are sent to his people to communicate with them. The LORD talks to Prophets directly but at times when the LORD speaks he speaks through his messengers. These messengers can take on many forms. Sometimes this can be a burning bush, a pot and torch, even a donkey, and his human servants. In Revelation some think the 7 angels of the 7 churches were the Elders or Pastors. The messengers also could be simple children. The messengers of the Christmas account should include St John reminding us he is from the beginning. Should also include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, and Micah the great prophets of who proclaim for us special words concerning the Birth of the Christ Child. Even the many Psalmist that proclaim the message about this Child. The Evangelists Matthew and Luke give us Infant Narratives concerning this Child. All these are Holy messengers of God. These names should be placed along side of Gabriel and the Angelic Host. They ...

The ArchAngel Gabriel is the voice of God to as all on Christmas Day. The Angel of the LORD that appears to Zechariah tells him "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news." The Angel of the LORD appears to Joseph in a dream but does not give him a name. Many discussions have come about who the Angels of the LORD is or are? It is thought by some in the Pentateuch the Angel of the LORD is Jesus the Second person of the Trinity. It is thought by others that the Angel of the LORD here in Matthew is Gabriel but Gabriel is only named in the Gospel according to St Luke. The Angel of the LORD also appears to Mary the Mother of our LORD. This Angel is identified by St Luke the Evangelist as Gabriel. The Arch Angel Gabriel therefore plays a prominent roll in proclaiming the Birth of the Christ. Gabriel is the one to comfort Mary when she is to conceive Jesus. Gabriel teaches Zechariah and Mary both that all ...

You see Angels every where at Christmas Time. (Maybe I should say leading up to Christmas Time.) The Angel people put upon their Christmas Tree. The Angel they place around their houses. The Angelic Host people sing about are all the celebration of Christmas. People love Angels. People love to think of some special saint or Angel watching over them. This is not to say there are not Angels among us, but they are not the focal of our Celebration. People are lead astray to worship saints and Angels rather than God. All these holy messengers come to point us to the one who is born on Christmas day. They do not point to one another. They do not ask to be sung about or praised. They only stand as a sign post pointing us and the Shepherds in the Right direction. Christmas is a Celebration of Angels who point us to Christ. The Christ Child laying in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes. These Angels are just the Holy messengers which hopefully always point to the truth and no to t...

Shepherds would need to tend their flocks at night fall. They would protect their sheep from wild animals and wolves. The shepherds tended their flocks every night. But what makes this night different from other nights. This night the Christ is born. The Shepherds have the Angel of the LORD appear to all or many of them. The Angel of the LORD probably appeared high in the sky. He shone himself to these shepherds at a great distance. The People are quite terrified by the appearance of Angels. The Angel will first tell people, "Fear Not." The people need to be able to pay attention to what the Angel has to say. The Angel tells these Shepherds where they will find the Christ Child. The Angel gives them a sign to find a Mother and child lying in a feeding trough. The Angel is then joined by a heavenly host to praise God. There could have been a host of Angels proclaiming to small groups of Shepherds and now are joining together. This heavenly host and one might even a...

Christmas can be a celebration for the Birth of our Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd is used to reflect a true Shepherd. Sheep follow the Voice of their shepherd. A Good Shepherd takes care of his people at all times. He comes in through the gate. The Good Shepherd is born to the People of Israel. He is born to his people in the City of David. He is born to lead his people. The Good Shepherd is the focal of the Worship of the Shepherds. He also becomes the focal for all his sheep. The Sheep of Israel have been lost without a Shepherd since the fall of the lines of the Kings. Since the Kings were not good Shepherds. The People were led into Exile. The Sheep of Israel appear as Sheep without a Shepherd. Jesus comes to be their shepherd and carry them on forever. The Good Shepherd is also Born the New King of Israel. The one to sit upon David's Throne and Guide his people. The Shepherd takes care of his people and will ultimately lay down his life for the Sheep. This is...

Shepherd language appears many different places in scripture. Ezekiel points to Shepherds leading the people of Israel. Abel was a Shepherd. Abraham and Lot were shepherds at least part of the time. Jacob tends Laban's flocks until acquiring his own. David was a Shepherd boy tending to his father's sheep. Shepherds also are found tending their flocks in the fields at the point of Christ's birth. The Angel of the LORD appears to the Shepherds and sends them to find the child in Bethlehem. They found the child lying in a manger. The Shepherds are seen as the first ones to come and worship Christ the New Born King. Jesus, this child is also a Shepherd. He will Shepherd his people and lead them. Jesus tells us, "I am the Good Shepherd." He is the Shepherd that all of the Shepherds desire to be compared to. Other Shepherds lead sheep but Christ leads his people. Jesus even sees the crowds at the feding of the 5,000 as "Sheep without a Shepherd." ...

The Holy Family strangely returns home. The first journey to Nazareth comes by the Angel Gabriel who tells the Virgin she will give birth to a son which helps to note this is the Holy families home. Yet, after their journey to Bethlehem, they will return to Nazareth. The Journey to Nazareth also comes after the Death of those seeking the Child's Life. The reason for this Journey is still puzzling. One can celebrate the Angel Gabriel being sent to Nazareth. God sends him to Mary the mother of our Lord. This mission is one to call those God has chosen and found favor upon. This journey reminds us also that good can be found in Nazareth unlike Nathaniel thinks. Mary will leave Nazareth to visit Elizabeth in the Hill country of Judea. When Mary returns home after 3 months, she Journeys to Nazareth. The question Historically would be that at this point Mary would be noticed to be with Child. But this of course can not be proven. Then the Holy Family is forced to leave Nazaret...

The Holy Family flees to Egypt to safe guard the Boy Jesus. This event is used to fulfill Hosea 11:1. But Hosea seems to be making connect the flight of Christ to Egypt with Jacob or Israel himself going down to Egypt. Hosea refers to the Nation as the Son of God. This connection reveals to us that the Nation of Israel can be directly correlated to Jesus himself. The Holy Family goes to Egypt as Israel Journeys to Egypt. The Holy Family leaves Egypt as in the Exodus minus the 10 plagues. The Holy Family also journeys back to Israel as Joshua leads the people in the conquest of the Land. The Journey to Egypt may not be the best way to Celebrate Christmas. But this Journey to Egypt might be a great way to celebrate Epiphany. The Journey comes at the time of the Death of the Holy Innocents. The journey to Egypt is a Journey of Salvation. Note the Journey to Egypt is of the entire Holy Family. Joseph awakes from sleep and takes the boy and is mother to Egypt. He rescues the ent...

The Holy Family is found to Journey to Jerusalem several times. There is no account they stopped in Jerusalem before Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem. This would not be totally out of Bounds but is not recorded. But what is recorded is that the Family goes to Jerusalem to the Temple. This is for the purification and then later on the Feast of the Passover. These Journeys take place later after the Birth of the Child Leviticus 12 outlines different lengths of time, 7 days of uncleanness, and 33 days for purifying after a male son. I had generally assumed 8 days for circumcision in the Temple. But most likely 33 days after the birth of Christ. Then again the Holy Family Journeys to Jerusalem for the Passover when Jesus is Twelve. They lose Jesus in the town because he spends more time in the Temple. This Journey of course we call all recognize happens twelve years after the Birth of Christ. These are just a few of the Journeys to Jerusalem. One of the other groups that Journey ...

There are many who make the trip to Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary make the trip to Bethlehem because of a census by the Roman Emperor. This means that not only Mary and Joseph would be there but all their extended families. It is quite possible that the entire House of David and potentials for the Son of David or the Christ were in attendance. Joseph and Mary Journey to Bethlehem in order to fulfill the birth place of the Son of David. Jesus will make many Journeys in his life but only two are really important this one in his mother's womb and when he sets his face toward Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph do not have a place in the house because they are late and the rest of the family has already arrived. This is why the Birth takes place in stables of the House. It is not far from the City in some feed lot but it is in the City. The City would need its own stables for protection but each family may also need a stable house. This would be able to hold the animals which the entire fa...

There are many different journeys that are taken during the Christmas Season. People travel back home to visit their relatives. Joseph and Mary travel to visit their relatives also. People celebrate Journeys to Bethlehem or even a Visit from Mary to see Elizabeth. Zechariah's journey to Jerusalem and back home after his vision in the temple can also be Celebrated. Most Christmas Pageants will include Mary and Joseph journeying to Bethlehem. They will have them stop off at several different inns before they find a place to stay. But the real celebration is they come to visit their family. The entire family would gather together in the City of David for the Census. There was not enough room in the family house so the young couple was forced to stay in the stables. At Christmas time there are others who are traveling. You may not want to go to the Airports or to the Train Stations because of all the people trying to get home. People travel through the world in order to come ...

The Gospel According to St Luke should be called the Christmas Gospel. But it also includes the Nativity story of John the Baptist. It recalls Zechariah in the temple and Elizabeth's visit with Mary and finally the naming of John. All these do not occur on Christmas Day but are a part of the Birth Narrative of Christ. John the Baptist leaps in his mother's womb at the presence of Jesus. The confirmation of the conception of the Son of God is very valuable. John the Baptist as the Last Great Prophet should have a little more history than John chapter one gives us. This Nativity story also helps to give us Zechariah's Prophecy. Zechariah tells us exactly who John will grow up to be. It is not just one random Passage in Isaiah that John the Baptist fulfills. This Nativity is a Part of the Lord's Birth Narrative. John is the cousin of Jesus and their Childhoods are connected. But this is not as important as remembering how and for what John dies verses for what Je...

There have been many stories surrounding the History of St Nicolas. The one I prefer is from the toy maker in Eastern Europe. But no matter how many historical accounts you may find the true St Nicolas of the Modern age is still Jolly Ole St Nick. This man is also called Santa Clause. You will see him on every street corner. But this is not the whole of the magical story. Once the toy maker moves into traveling around the world, one man can not be able to make that many toys. Thus, he needs his magic little and old helpers. This brings us to the account of the Elves. All this still comes from the Love of Neighbor and providing toys for Children. Once the historical person moves into Legend the story can then be changed. Therefore, Santa Clause gets Reindeer and Elves. St Nick does not just provide toys for one village but for the entire world. He enters houses through the chimney because all the doors are locked. He flies so that he can more around faster. But even all of ...

When I was a child I wondered but did not ask, "why do we give presents on Christmas?" Now, you never look a gift horse in the mouth. If I would have vocalized this question the presents would have went bye, bye. But what do gifts have to do with Christmas. The wise men brought Jesus gifts but the wise men will be dealt with later. These gifts were thought to go to a King or Prince. Shepherds brought only their praise. The Bible does not tell us about a drummer boy bringing Music. But all of us offer our praise and sung to Christ upon his Birthday. But how about this birthday Party, You bring gifts for each other? The history of gift giving goes back to some shoemaker. The shoe maker or toy maker felt sorry for the Children in his Village and made shoes or toys for the winter Children. These gifts moved to getting children to behave themselves. The Naughty and the Nice are made distinct, I like the German tradition of putting your shoes outside your door and you wi...

The beginning of the story should come to December 25th. This is the Ancient celebration of the Sun. This goes back to the celebration of Light but this is still a random or not some random day picked. This day has been said to be picked for many reasons. December 25th was the date of one of the major festivals in Rome. This holiday was also the celebration of Winter and thought to be a season of Death. Therefore, they would celebrate Light in the time of Darkness. The date has great history. December 25th is also thought to draw the connection of March 25th. This quite possibly could be related to his death. Historically there is some connection between dying on the same date of your Birth. Therefore, people moved the conception date to a time connected to his death and Passover. These dates move while a Birth date does not move. December 25th is not a moving date but a stationary one. This is like other people's birth dates in that way. The time could move by being ba...

People have looked to the world but not to Christ. The World has taught us many things about Christmas. The World gives us Christmas cards and large dinners. The World can't be all that bad though. Jesus is the Light of the World. The Light shines in a world of Darkness. The many Lights go back to the one verses many Lights of the World. Jesus is the Light of the World. He has come into the World to overcome the Darkness. Again as a theme for Christmas it finds some strange things. Lights are found all over in Christmas. But they serve a mis-step. The Light of the World should be moved to Epiphany. These themes do not belong in Christmas but they should find themselves in Easter. This is one of the problems though these themes can be found anywhere. The Lights of Christmas still come back but drowned out the real point. Christ is born. This child comes to the world and can not be overcome. The Light of the World is shown into the World on Christmas Morning. This th...

Stars does not mean from the Many Christmas Movies. But rather stars become a symbol from the Heavens. Stars have been thought to represent the Heavenly Hosts. Lights have come to reflect the Light of the Child. This comes again from many years of dealing with Star worship. Lights of Christmas can point back to the Candles in the previous section as well as the Christmas Lights. This becomes a more popular theme when you connect it with stars. The Great Star of Course that the Magi follow is thought to appear immediately, but again remember the Magi must have taken two years to travel. Now these Magi most likely did track stars but could have still been following a star for some two years. The other possibility is the Star appears later. Some picture the Heavenly host that sings related to the stars. This would fill the Night sky. Christmas celebrates these lights from Heaven. The Heaven Lights have also been thought to display spirits or ancestors Look to the Lion King. No...

Jesus calls himself the Light of the World. He is the Light no darkness can overcome. Christmas Pageants often show Joseph and Mary at Night and the Bright Star as Jesus Shines like the Sun. This contrast though is from the beginning of John's Gospel. This is how John introduces Jesus to us. Christmas has its candle light services which remind us of Matthew 5:14 calling all believers the Light of the World. Now John 8:12 Jesus is the Light in the Darkness. Darkness surrounds every Candle. Jesus comes to the World of Darkness. He is the bright shining star. These are all reasons why Christmas is a season of Light. It is also a nightly celebration which shows more and more this contrast. Even as Jesus starts his ministry he is the great Light that comes to the Land of Zebulun and the Land of Naphtali. The Light shines on the people dwelling in darkness. This theme helps us at different times of the year. We look especially to the theme of Light in Epiphany the season of L...

You may note from before there are some confusions of the seasons of the Church year. The Season of Light should not be Christmas but Epiphany. The Light of the World does shine in us as Christ dwells with us. But this is the time of Epiphany. One should with joy and pleasure celebrate not just two days of the year but the many seasons of the Year. Now we look to the Lord during the season of Epiphany. The Light of the World has come to give us his light and to shine in our hearts. As the Christ candle is lit on Christmas let it remain the Light of our World until the days of Lent. Then again as his light is raised from the dead on Easter may it shine for us. The Light of the world is dwelling with his people.

Excuse me again to talk more about John the Baptist. At Christmas time we look to the coming of Christ and even at times to his cousin. John the Baptist yet is the true Elijah. In the Old Testament Elijah is the great Prophet. He calls forth the true Word of God. He stands to defend the true faith even when all stand against him. The return of the Prophet Elijah is longed for during modern Passover celebrations. I would even urge us all to celebrate the coming of Elijah. This does not mean the coming again of one who is taken up into heaven. Yet, he is seen during the transfiguration. All of this is good to celebrate and glorify God for his servants. All those who proclaim our Christ should be remembered. The Elijah does come as Jesus says while John the Baptist claims not to be Elijah nor claims any glory for himself. We should celebrate the great wisdom of John the Baptist. He truly is the voice calling in the desert but also the Return of Elijah. This is always something...

Isaiah reminds the people of Israel that God prepares the way for his servant. The Voice of a servant reminds the people of what is right. John the Baptist comes from the Wilderness. He points to the one whose sandals he can not untie. John points the people to a man who stands ready to bring Judgment upon the people. Isaiah and the prophets have always pointed to the coming Servant. This servant of God would both bring salvation and Judgment against the people. This all becomes a celebration of the coming of Christ. Our Lord prepares the way not for his birth but for his ministry. We struggle with the distinction between his birth at Christmas and his entrance into Ministry. This voice of one calling in the wilderness reflects the prophecies of the Old Testament. God is always placing people in the World to proclaim the presence of Christ. Now we call them pastors or Priests. Before they were called by names like Evangelists, Prophets, Apostles, and Teachers, there are many...

Previously I believe we talked about the conception of Christ. Now we also have to think about the conception of John the Baptist. Mary was a Young woman or girl while Elizabeth was old. Elizabeth reminds me of Sarah laughing about the idea of having a child. But it is hard to laugh at a man who can't talk because he already laughed at the Angel. Now the real point to make here is that Elizabeth and Zechariah have already come together. The Bible does not describe how active of a sex life these two had. The Bible does indicate that they are still having relations. You could always ask some of the technical questions but I only know what the Bible tells me. Elizabeth is pregnant in her old age and this is a miracle from God. Mary comes to see Elizabeth because all things are possible with God. Mary may have questioned the Angel. She may even have left the Angel still doubting. But once she sees Elizabeth and her six plus months pregnant no more doubts. Now Mary may still...

Our Christmas programs and church celebrations may not include John the Baptist. So here is the real problem. During December we consider this to be the Christmas Season rather than the Season of Christmas starting on December 24th. Before Christmas Eve and After Thanksgiving (USA) is the Season of Advent. It is difficult to really say Christmas itself. But we do find John the Baptist at the bookends of Christmas. Think about the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth which is connected with Mary's visit. Mary comes to see Elizabeth and we get to hear the first prophecy of John the Baptist. John leaps in his mother's womb pointing out the Mother of our LORD. The other bookend comes After the Day of Epiphany. Here John the Baptist points to the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of world. He Baptizes the LORD at the Jordan River. You can see the Bookends. This is truly something to celebrate. God sends us one last Prophet to point to his coming. Now I should also poi...

There are two genealogies in the bible that are very important to the Son of David. They are in Matthew Chapter One and Luke Chapter Three. Matthew we find "Jacob the father of Joseph husband of Mary of whom Jesus was born." Luke reads, "being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli." Do not ask me to explain who Joseph's father is. [Heli and Jocaob may be two different names or pronunciations for Jesus supposed Grand Father.] My point here is that these lineages come from Joseph. Thus, Joseph was the reason the Family traveled to Bethlehem, the City of David. Here again we find the Beauty of Christmas. Joseph is Jesus' Guardian or supposed Father. Joseph is not Jesus' actual Father. Thus, his lineage back to David does not mean a whole lot. And if you ask some Jewish people today whether they are Jewish it is generally referenced from the Mother's side. This could be to counter act Christian claims of Jesus to be the Messiah. ...

Joseph is not mentioned very much in the Gospels. Some may think this is because he was older than Mary and died. Some have speculated that he could not live with a woman that would not have sex (More comedians say this one). But Joseph is found in Luke when he talks about Jesus' parents leaving the twelve year old behind. Jesus must have been a handful at times. Joseph knowing what he does from the dream still takes care of the child. He flees with him down to Egypt. He looks for him when he is lost. He must have really loved Jesus reminding him who his real father was. Joseph still takes on the guardian roll. He provides food for his family. He works as a carpenter. Some may find it interesting that Joseph was he carpenter. Joseph plays the role that was given to him by God (a good example of Vocation). He is the same just man after the Dream. He does his vocation as best as possible. Don't forget Joseph also had other children some may think not with Mary. Jose...

First when you read the Holy Scriptures there are two dreams. Joseph has the first dream concerning Mary and the second concerning Herod the Great. One of these you will note happens well after the birth of our LORD. The other happens a little before the Birth of Christ but after the Incarnation. Thus, for this part I will address the picture of the First Dream. Joseph is a righteous person. You may even look at him like Job always desiring to do the Will of God. He finds himself in a troubling situation. He is betrothed or already married to Mary. They have not yet consummated the Marriage by sexual intercourse. They are in a covenant relationship together. Now Mary is noticed to be with Child. You do not have a declared time frame here to tell us how they found out. Maybe they did a pregnancy test and she found a little plus sign. Most likely they noticed she missed her period or was actually starting to show. One would hope that if Mary was such a saint she would have t...

Our next figure that we Celebrate a little too much is Joseph. Now some of you maybe thinking what does Joseph, and his trip to Egypt, have to do with Christmas. Wait maybe that does not explain everything are we talking about Joseph the son of Jacob or Joseph the son of Jacob husband to Mary. Joseph the Guardian of our LORD should be celebrated. But is this what Christmas is all about. We hear the Story of Joseph and him not giving up on Mary. Mary has her beloved husband, the righteous man who should have divorced her and allowed this child to die in her womb. But he is called upon by God to do the more Holy thing. He turns his back on the written LAW and proclaims the Mercy of God. Joseph the Son of Jacob the patriarch also has a great story but I do not really know how to connect that to Christmas and if you think there is a way then you may want to read up on the Magi. Joseph and Mary are very much celebrated on Christmas. Mary maybe celebrated more than Joseph but that in...

There are two Christmas Visitations. Mary is visited by the Angel Gabriel. This makes for a really good story, but we talked about the Gabriel visit with the Holy Rape. There is also the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. Here we also find John the Baptist. These two children find themselves even in their Mother's Wombs. John will thus recognize the Lamb of God anywhere. The First Visitation is a blessing from God that tells us the Holy Child has come. The Angel Gabriel tells Mary that the promise of God is being fulfilled. It no longer has to do with Mary but the Miracle of God. God is coming into creation and dwelling among us. The Second Visitation gives us a truly blessed spiritual level. Elizabeth hears the Voice Mary and the child in her womb jumps. This word was not of great significance. The presence of another living being, John the Baptist in the womb of Elizabeth jumps for joy at the presence of Jesus in his Mother's womb. We celebrate this joyful celebrat...

How can the sinful give birth to the sinless? Mary must be without sin in order to give birth to the selfless child. The Child does not cry. The child that purely trusts would only come from the perfect Mother. This is our Mother the theotokos (Bearer of God). But in order for her to be blessed she must also be forgiven. She like Eve must be freed from her sin. Mary is the Virgin without sin. Mary is the one who brings forth our spotless lamb. This all makes sense but at the same time Jesus needs to be born under the Law. Jesus must be born like the rest of us. The Bible does not tell us if he had a full 9 month gestation or how much he wieghed. These are not important but it is important to know Christ put on our flesh. Christ was conceived, born, and died. Oh, he also rose. Mary gives birth to Jesus like all her other children. The miracle of the incarnation is great. Not only does Jesus' purity or Holiness over come the sins of life but original sin which Mary and...

Mary seems to have one sexual partner her entire life. Now that could be God or it could be Joseph. Mary never had sex with Joseph in order to be a perpetual Virgin. This does not explain a lot of things. You must struggle with Jesus' brothers and sisters. Also if Joseph never has sexual relations with Mary are they truly Married. First let us dwell on the concept of Mary only having God conceive the Christ in her womb. Mary would be blessed for her Virginity but why would she need to be married. Joseph is told to become Jesus and Mary's Guardian. Joseph takes Jesus and Mary down to Egypt. He provides them with a way of life. The scriptures tell us Joseph did not know her {Mary} until she had given birth to a son. Joseph after her purification then would have known Mary in the Biblical sense. Joseph would have then consummated the Marriage. Thus, Mary was not a perpetual Virgin. The next problem becomes the brothers and sisters of Jesus. Note these are only half-br...