Every year, we sing songs such as “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” in which we refer to angels singing at the birth of Jesus. But did they actually sing?
In the story of the birth of Jesus, the Bible states that the angels said, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people…” It also records, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”
Nowhere in the Christmas story does it record an angel singing. Actually nowhere in the Bible does it ever record that any angels sang. I believe that this is one of the things that set us as humans apart from the angels.
December 30, 2011
December 29, 2011
Day 4 - The “3” Wise Men
Now I’ve grown up watching plays and manger scenes which all have 3 Magi or Wise men. I’ve sung the song “We Three Kings.” Yet, the Bible does not tell us how many Wise Men came to see Jesus.
We know, from Matthew 2:11 that they came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Common sense, and tradition, would then suggest that there were 3, each bearing a gift. However, there could have been 2 (with one bearing 2 gifts) or more than 3 (with a couple bearing the same gift, or a couple bearing no gift).
Though tradition says there were 3, let’s not be too insistent on this point.
We know, from Matthew 2:11 that they came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Common sense, and tradition, would then suggest that there were 3, each bearing a gift. However, there could have been 2 (with one bearing 2 gifts) or more than 3 (with a couple bearing the same gift, or a couple bearing no gift).
Though tradition says there were 3, let’s not be too insistent on this point.
December 28, 2011
Day 3 - Magi in a Manger Scene
We usually don’t put the Magi in our manger scene at home when we put it out. One year, I actually set the Magi in the kitchen with the rest of the manger scene in the Living Room. Why? Because the Magi actually were not at the manger at Christ’s birth.
I know, I know, we always picture the manger scene with Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Shepherds, Cattle, etc., and the Magi. Yet, what does the Scripture say?
Luke chapter 2 tells about Christ’s birth and the visit of the shepherds. It continues with His circumcision (on the 8th day), Mary’s purification (40 days), and their sacrifice at the Temple.
Matthew chapter 2 tells us that after Jesus was born, the Magi went to Herod to find out where Jesus was. Herod refers to Jesus as the young child (not baby). The Bible records that the Magi entered a house not a manger, stable, or Inn. Later, the Bible says that after the Magi departed, Joseph was told to go to Egypt and so he went.
Since Joseph was told to go to Egypt right after the Magi left, and so he did, that most likely took place after Mary’s 40 days of purification. By this point, too, they would have been in a house. Also, since Herod wanted all children under 2 killed, Jesus could have been up to 2 years old by the time the Magi visited Him, and would not have been at the manger at that time.
I know, I know, we always picture the manger scene with Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Shepherds, Cattle, etc., and the Magi. Yet, what does the Scripture say?
Luke chapter 2 tells about Christ’s birth and the visit of the shepherds. It continues with His circumcision (on the 8th day), Mary’s purification (40 days), and their sacrifice at the Temple.
Matthew chapter 2 tells us that after Jesus was born, the Magi went to Herod to find out where Jesus was. Herod refers to Jesus as the young child (not baby). The Bible records that the Magi entered a house not a manger, stable, or Inn. Later, the Bible says that after the Magi departed, Joseph was told to go to Egypt and so he went.
Since Joseph was told to go to Egypt right after the Magi left, and so he did, that most likely took place after Mary’s 40 days of purification. By this point, too, they would have been in a house. Also, since Herod wanted all children under 2 killed, Jesus could have been up to 2 years old by the time the Magi visited Him, and would not have been at the manger at that time.
December 27, 2011
Day 2 - Epiphany
Another thing that we sometimes don’t understand is the Epiphany.
We may see it on a calendar and think, “ok, what is that?” Or we think, “Doesn’t epiphany mean a sudden realization of truth?”
On January 6, many churches celebrate the Epiphany, which is the traditional day on which the Magi visited the baby Jesus. Here’s part of the Wikipedia article about it:
“The observance had its origins in the Eastern Christian Churches and was a general celebration of the manifestation of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. It included the commemoration of his birth; the visit of the Magi (‘Wise Men’, as Magi were Persian priests) to Bethlehem; all of Jesus's childhood events, up to and including his baptism in the Jordan by John the Baptist; and even the miracle at the Wedding of Cana in Galilee. It seems fairly clear that the Baptism was the primary event being commemorated.
“Christians fixed the date of the feast on January 6 quite early in their history. Ancient liturgies noted Illuminatio, Manifestatio, Declaratio (Illumination, Manifestation, Declaration); cf. Matthew 3:13–17; Luke 3:22; and John 2:1–11; where the Baptism and the Marriage at Cana were dwelt upon. Western Christians have traditionally emphasized the ‘Revelation to the Gentiles’ mentioned in Luke, where the term Gentile means all non-Jewish peoples. The Biblical Magi, who represented the non-Jewish peoples of the world, paid homage to the infant Jesus in stark contrast to Herod the Great (King of Judea), who sought to kill him. In this event, Christian writers also inferred a revelation to the Children of Israel. Saint John Chrysostom identified the significance of the meeting between the Magi and Herod's court: ‘The star had been hidden from them so that, on finding themselves without their guide, they would have no alternative but to consult the Jews. In this way the birth of Jesus would be made known to all.’.”
We may see it on a calendar and think, “ok, what is that?” Or we think, “Doesn’t epiphany mean a sudden realization of truth?”
On January 6, many churches celebrate the Epiphany, which is the traditional day on which the Magi visited the baby Jesus. Here’s part of the Wikipedia article about it:
“The observance had its origins in the Eastern Christian Churches and was a general celebration of the manifestation of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. It included the commemoration of his birth; the visit of the Magi (‘Wise Men’, as Magi were Persian priests) to Bethlehem; all of Jesus's childhood events, up to and including his baptism in the Jordan by John the Baptist; and even the miracle at the Wedding of Cana in Galilee. It seems fairly clear that the Baptism was the primary event being commemorated.
“Christians fixed the date of the feast on January 6 quite early in their history. Ancient liturgies noted Illuminatio, Manifestatio, Declaratio (Illumination, Manifestation, Declaration); cf. Matthew 3:13–17; Luke 3:22; and John 2:1–11; where the Baptism and the Marriage at Cana were dwelt upon. Western Christians have traditionally emphasized the ‘Revelation to the Gentiles’ mentioned in Luke, where the term Gentile means all non-Jewish peoples. The Biblical Magi, who represented the non-Jewish peoples of the world, paid homage to the infant Jesus in stark contrast to Herod the Great (King of Judea), who sought to kill him. In this event, Christian writers also inferred a revelation to the Children of Israel. Saint John Chrysostom identified the significance of the meeting between the Magi and Herod's court: ‘The star had been hidden from them so that, on finding themselves without their guide, they would have no alternative but to consult the Jews. In this way the birth of Jesus would be made known to all.’.”
December 26, 2011
Day 1 - The Twelve Days of Christmas
The first thing that we sometimes get wrong at Christmas is the concept of the 12 Days of Christmas.
When I was younger, I seem to recall people using the concept of the 12 days of Christmas as a countdown to Christmas. This seemed to progress to the 25 days of Christmas, as a countdown to Christmas day.
The 12 days of Christmas actually refer to Christmas Day and the 11 days after Christmas, leading up to the Epiphany (January 6). Here’s part of the Wikipedia article about it:
“The Twelve Days of Christmas are the festive days beginning Christmas Day (25 December). This period is also known as Christmastide and Twelvetide. The Twelfth Night of Christmas is always on the evening of 5 January, but the Twelfth Day can either precede or follow the Twelfth Night according to which Christian tradition is followed. Twelfth Night is followed by the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January. In some traditions, the first day of Epiphany (6 January) and the twelfth day of Christmas overlap.”
When I was younger, I seem to recall people using the concept of the 12 days of Christmas as a countdown to Christmas. This seemed to progress to the 25 days of Christmas, as a countdown to Christmas day.
The 12 days of Christmas actually refer to Christmas Day and the 11 days after Christmas, leading up to the Epiphany (January 6). Here’s part of the Wikipedia article about it:
“The Twelve Days of Christmas are the festive days beginning Christmas Day (25 December). This period is also known as Christmastide and Twelvetide. The Twelfth Night of Christmas is always on the evening of 5 January, but the Twelfth Day can either precede or follow the Twelfth Night according to which Christian tradition is followed. Twelfth Night is followed by the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January. In some traditions, the first day of Epiphany (6 January) and the twelfth day of Christmas overlap.”
November 8, 2011
My thoughts on the Jobs Bill
I am all for a plan or a way to get folks back to work. I recently discovered, through a CBS report on our small town of Robbins, NC, that we are at 36% unemployment. Also, according to the 2000 census, our population is about 1200 people. (This means that 432 people are unemployed). With these figures in mind, here’s how I see things.
The president is calling for a jobs bill to get America back to work.
The president’s plan will lower the unemployment rate across America.
The jobs bill seems to focus its attention on 1st responders (police, fire, etc), teachers, and road construction jobs.
The jobs bill cuts taxes.
That’s my 2 cents.
The president is calling for a jobs bill to get America back to work.
- I can support that.
The president’s plan will lower the unemployment rate across America.
- I can support that.
The jobs bill seems to focus its attention on 1st responders (police, fire, etc), teachers, and road construction jobs.
- Ok, that’s a good start, but what about the rest of my town’s unemployed?
- Most of those who are unemployed here are unemployed due to mills, factories, and chicken houses closing up. These are the types of jobs we need.
- Besides, do you really think we could employ 50-100 new 1st responders, 50-100 new teachers, and 200 road construction workers?
The jobs bill cuts taxes.
- I can support tax cuts for the middle class, as they seem to be some of the ones hurting in this economy.
- I don’t know about the tax break for companies who employ veterans who’ve been unemployed for over 6 months.
- While I support our military and veterans, I don’t believe companies should favor them over others if the others are more qualified for a position.
- Doesn’t that lend itself to a sort of discrimination, or reverse discrimination?
That’s my 2 cents.
November 4, 2011
Halloween, ghosts, and demons??
Since Halloween was Monday, I had posted on facebook the story about the Sceva House that was made up by the Skit Guys (Christian Comedians) as a way of starting the dialogue this time of year about the role of the supernatural and how Christians should handle the topic.
This caused one person to respond with questions about Christians:
Well, since I believe that Christians shouldn’t be afraid to address these types of questions, let’s get to them.
Let me start out by saying that some of the Christian views about these topics may go completely against the non-Christian’s views. Please hear me out and afterwards I will try to explain how I believe the differences came about.
Do Christians believe in the supernatural?
Why shouldn’t we? Webster’s gives a couple definitions for supernatural:
Doesn’t the supernatural contradict most of the heaven and hell beliefs?
No. We believe that God has created hell as the final resting place of Satan, Satan’s angels (which are called demons), and those who reject God. So, it seems that hell exists for supernatural beings.
Now for the statement: She also stated that none of the Christians [she has] known have believed in ghosts and such, because they did not like the idea of having your soul 'trapped' on earth.
Well, here’s where we will have differing views.
First, let me share what happened in 1 Samuel 28. In this chapter, King Saul seeks out a medium to bring Samuel’s spirit up so he can ask him a question. Well, the witch did bring up his spirit. There are varying views on what happened. Either Samuel’s spirit appeared or it was an angel (or demon) representing Samuel. Either way, there is a medium that got in touch with something supernatural (Samuel’s spirit or an angel/demon).
Second, let’s remember that angels (and demons) were created by God before the world began, so they’ve been around forever, basically. The Bible also tells us that there are some in Heaven and some on Earth. We find them appearing as men and interacting with several people in the Old Testament. We even find some interacting with man in the New Testament as well. Even Jesus exercised demons out of people.
Also, I do not believe the Bible teaches that our souls are trapped here. I believe the Bible teaches that if we are saved, after we die we’ll be in God’s presence. Those who are not saved will be in a hell (which is basically a waiting cell for final judgment and final sentencing to the Lake of Fire).
Also, where did man get the notion that “ghosts” are people’s souls that are trapped here on earth? I hear that a lot. I believe that if you deny the God of the Bible and the Biblical view of Heaven and Hell, then you are left with the following logical reasoning: Someone sees a “ghost.” Since you don’t believe in angels and it looks human, the only logical conclusion would be that it is a person’s soul.
In summary: God created angels (and demons). The supernatural is comprised of God and the angels. “Ghosts” that people see are either angels or demons.
Let’s use this truth to share with others that those angels who rejected God won’t have a second chance to be with Him. They’ve sealed their fate. However, we humans have unlimited chances this side of the grave to accept God. But since it’ll be too late when we die, and we don’t know when that will be, we should accept God today.
This caused one person to respond with questions about Christians:
- Do Christians believe in the supernatural?
- Doesn’t the supernatural contradict most of the heaven and hell beliefs?
- She also stated that none of the Christians [she has] known have believed in ghosts and such, because they did not like the idea of having your soul 'trapped' on earth.
Well, since I believe that Christians shouldn’t be afraid to address these types of questions, let’s get to them.
Let me start out by saying that some of the Christian views about these topics may go completely against the non-Christian’s views. Please hear me out and afterwards I will try to explain how I believe the differences came about.
Do Christians believe in the supernatural?
Why shouldn’t we? Webster’s gives a couple definitions for supernatural:
- “of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe; especially : of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil”
Christians believe in God, angels, demons (those angels who rejected God), and the Devil. So, yes, we believe that definition. - “departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature”
Christians who take the Bible literally know that God has done things outside of the laws of nature: He split the Red Sea; He made water gush from a rock; He caused the Plagues; He raised the dead; He caused a virgin to become pregnant, etc. So, yes, we believe that definition.
Doesn’t the supernatural contradict most of the heaven and hell beliefs?
No. We believe that God has created hell as the final resting place of Satan, Satan’s angels (which are called demons), and those who reject God. So, it seems that hell exists for supernatural beings.
Now for the statement: She also stated that none of the Christians [she has] known have believed in ghosts and such, because they did not like the idea of having your soul 'trapped' on earth.
Well, here’s where we will have differing views.
First, let me share what happened in 1 Samuel 28. In this chapter, King Saul seeks out a medium to bring Samuel’s spirit up so he can ask him a question. Well, the witch did bring up his spirit. There are varying views on what happened. Either Samuel’s spirit appeared or it was an angel (or demon) representing Samuel. Either way, there is a medium that got in touch with something supernatural (Samuel’s spirit or an angel/demon).
Second, let’s remember that angels (and demons) were created by God before the world began, so they’ve been around forever, basically. The Bible also tells us that there are some in Heaven and some on Earth. We find them appearing as men and interacting with several people in the Old Testament. We even find some interacting with man in the New Testament as well. Even Jesus exercised demons out of people.
Also, I do not believe the Bible teaches that our souls are trapped here. I believe the Bible teaches that if we are saved, after we die we’ll be in God’s presence. Those who are not saved will be in a hell (which is basically a waiting cell for final judgment and final sentencing to the Lake of Fire).
Also, where did man get the notion that “ghosts” are people’s souls that are trapped here on earth? I hear that a lot. I believe that if you deny the God of the Bible and the Biblical view of Heaven and Hell, then you are left with the following logical reasoning: Someone sees a “ghost.” Since you don’t believe in angels and it looks human, the only logical conclusion would be that it is a person’s soul.
In summary: God created angels (and demons). The supernatural is comprised of God and the angels. “Ghosts” that people see are either angels or demons.
Let’s use this truth to share with others that those angels who rejected God won’t have a second chance to be with Him. They’ve sealed their fate. However, we humans have unlimited chances this side of the grave to accept God. But since it’ll be too late when we die, and we don’t know when that will be, we should accept God today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)