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A MOTHER’S DAY NOTE
Can I simply get an Amen for all the moms out there? They work in an environment that sometimes makes them feel like they are in a losing battle. They literally have to be everything to everybody and sometimes it is not enough.
Today we celebrate the strength, the courage and the beauty of “Mom.” During this holiday many pastors want to show you the Proverbs 31 woman, but moms to me are so much more than that.
It is my prayer that we will honor these heroes not for picking up our dirty laundry but for the strength they have shown us in spite of circumstances. What they have done for us can not be measured on a scale of 1-10. They have loved us, shaped us, and protected us when we deserved anything but protection. They carried us for nine months and gave us life. The strength in that task alone should…
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Magen — The Protector
Historians regale us with the exploits of mighty men and women from days long past. Across time, tales of the accomplishments of a few encourage us all to reach loftier heights. However, in the shadow of history, common folk live and love and exist. Exciting descriptions of leaders forming nations and saving the people often omit the details of those lives hidden beyond the bright light of famous legends.
The lives of shadow dwellers are woven within the minutia of historical events. We never know their names. The details of their days are only recalled, if at all, where their paths cross a famous junction in time.
I am a shadow dweller and this is my story. The story of a commoner caught up in the mist of world changing times.
Where a story starts matters. I could start with “I was born,” but in reality this tale does not start with my birth or my being named Chaya. I considered starting by telling you about the night my life was destroyed, but that is a different tale. Or maybe I could explain the complicated details of how I became maGen protector of the baby boys of Goshen, but that is not where this story starts.
This particular tale begins the day the stranger came to town.
Church: Have It Your Way
A friends blog recently put a germ of a thought in my head. She discussed types of church and which was best.
This got me thinking, I know scary. First, I searched the verses and wonder what God said about the churches. Then, my focus changed to what do I like in a church.
1) Bible Studies (I love bible studies)
2) I prefer a teaching preacher to fire and brimstone preacher
3) A church should have outreach
4) A church should love
Then, God convicted my heart. What if it’s not about me? At least not what I get out of the church.
At one time, I belonged to a church that was falling apart. The preacher had a nervous breakdown, the music leader left, the youth leader left, the children’s minister left. I was a Sunday School teacher and we were moving in a few months. I…
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Epiphany: Wise men, Baptism, Wine
The word Epiphany means the manifestation of divine power.
Epiphany celebrates the day the Wise men arrive to worship Jesus
Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
The Baptism of the Lord
Luke 3;21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon…
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12 Day of Christmas Eve of Epiphany
Should have gone up last night.
Today is Epiphany in some traditions.
Time for the tree to be cleared of all its treasures.
The red symbolic of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden; the white the salvation of Christ.
Take the star off of the top. Tomorrow we celebrate the wise men reaching the baby. They followed a star.
Place the Angels back in a secure spot. And think about the Angel’s Hymn
Put the stockings in a box. But never forget the example of St Nicholas and his concern for the well being of others. And if you have a plate for cookies think about St Lucia and the traditions associated with this woman’s saint day.
Place the nativity scene in its container wrapping each piece in tissue. The shepherds who were in the fields watching over the lambs that would become the passover sacrifice. These shepherds who were the ones to hear the Angels announce the Messiah…
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What Are They Which Are But Twelve?
What are they which are but twelve?
Twelve are attending on God’s son;
Twelve make our creed. The Dial’s done:
Eleventh Day of Christmas The Gift of Myrrh
Luke 23:52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Strange verses to list in regard to the Christmas gifts. Probably so, but Myrrh was a common spice used in preparing for a body for burial. The last gift symbolized Jesus purpose in being born. He would be the Lamb of God sacrificed for the Sins of Man. Jesus was born to die.
The Myrrh cost…
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Tenth Day of Christmas The Second Gift for the Baby
This is my favorite of the gifts. They presented Him with a gift suitable for a High Priest.
Hebrews 4:
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
The sages brought Frankincense to the infant. Priests utilize this the incense when burning a sacrifice. The sweet odor rose to God in heaven.
Exodus 30:
6 And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.
7 And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the…
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Nine Days of Christmas The Gifts for the Baby
matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Gold symbolizes power. Gold represents the perfect gift for a king. And the sages made clear the star was the star of a mighty king. Jesus, a descendent of King David, will one day take His earthly throne in Israel. We read the end of the book and we know Jesus is the King of Kings.
Revelation 19:
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he…
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Fourth Day Adventures 