MAGI FIND JESUS IN NAZARETH

Matt 2:9-12   And when they 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. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 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 opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

The wise men, as they are departing from Herod, see the star they had, “saw in the east.” And “when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”   The wise men are rejoicing, “with exceeding great joy,” since they had not seen the star since it had originally been seen by them in Babylon. They had journeyed to Jerusalem in faith and when they arrived in Jerusalem they had to ask ,”Where Is He that is born King of the Jews? They did not follow the star from Babylon to Jerusalem which probably took them well over six months since the distance was 1700 miles, since the star only reappeared after they departed from Herod.

The wise men are now able to follow the star which now, “went before them.”  And the star leads them to the house where, “the young child was.”Matthew tells us “the young child.”(a pais) is no longer a “baby”(a brephos) nor is He lying in a manger. Mary and Joseph had brought Jesus home from Jerusalem to Nazareth. The Magi now presented “unto Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Jesus was no longer poor. He was wealthy. One can only imagine the value of the gifts that the Magi had travelled over 1700 miles to deliver to Jesus.

In verse twelve we are told that the Magi were warned by God, ^“in a dream, not to return to Herod,” hence they left Nazareth, and returned to Babylon without returning to Jerusalem or Herod. But why did our Heavenly Father’s Perfect Plan require the Magi to travel from Babylon to Jerusalem, to present Jesus with “gifts”? Matthew provides us with the answer to that question in his next few verses.

                        JOSEPH, MARY AND JESUS FLEE TO EGYPT

Matt 2:13-15 And when they were departed, behold the angel of the lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the young child and His mother, and flee into Egypt and be thou there until I bring thee word. For Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him. When he arose, he took the young child and His mother by night and departed into Egypt. And was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt have I called My Son.”

No sooner have the Magi departed, than an Angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, telling him to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt. We now understand why God had the Magi bring, “gifts of gold, frankincense and Myrrh”. Herod “will seek the young child to destroy Him”. Joseph is directed to take Mary and our Lord and “flee into Egypt”. Joseph and family were to remain in Egypt until, “the angel of the Lord bring thee word.” That trip had to be financed. Mary and Joseph, were poor. The Magi provided the financial wherewith all for the journey to and residence in Egypt.

Jesus was conceived in Mary’s womb at Christ-mass time. Although tradition has Him being birthed on December 25th, He entered into Mary’s womb at that time. This IS the cause for great celebration. Life begins at conception, not nine months later. Selah!

JOHN ANNOUNCES JESUS’COMING INTO THE WORLD

John 1:10-14   He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.   He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.   But as many as received Him, to them gave  He power to become the Sons of God, to them that believe in His name.  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.

Although John does not detail the actual birth of our Lord, he does bless us with incredible rhetoric regarding the spiritual significance of Jesus coming into the world and its impact on God’s creation. John is telling us that God, the “Word”, was now physically, “In the world”. He was in the world that “was made by Him,” but “the world knew Him not.” “He came unto His own,” – primarily the tribe of Judah – “and His own received Him not.”  Other than Matthew and Judas Escariot (who betrayed Him) the other ten disciples were of the tribe of Benjamin and were from Galilee.    Those who would receive Jesus, “gave He power to become Sons of God. ”John tells us that those who would “believe in His name”, who would believe that He was “the only begotten of the Father”, that would believe that He was God, “the word made flesh” – they would be “born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. “One of the most revealing and profound scriptural statements in the Bible.

THE BABY JESUS IS CIRCUMCISED AND IS PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE

Luke 2:21-24And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcision of the child, His name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb.  And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Him to Jerusalem, to present to the Lord.  (As it is written in the law of the Lord, every male that openeth the womb shall be called Holy to the Lord.)   And to offer a sacrifice according to that which Is said in the law of the Lord.  A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons.

Our Lord was born without sin. It was Mary and Joseph’s responsibility to ensure that our Lord, complied with the law. His circumcision was no exception.  The law states that, “In the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.” (Lev:12:3)and the child is named at the same time the male was circumcised, as we noted at the circumcision of John the Baptist. Our Lord was also “Called Jesus,”  the day of His circumcision.

Many Biblical Scholars believe our Lord was born on the first day of Tabernacles and circumcised on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, commonly referred to in Scripture as the “Great Eighth Day.”Jesus was born in Bethlehem which is 6 miles from Jerusalem and to be lawful Joseph and Mary had to attend the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem,  It would be very much in keeping with the Perfect Plan of our Heavenly Father, to have His Only Begotten Son, circumcised on the “Great Eighth Day”, at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.  .

The law Luke is referring to, regarding Mary’s “purification,” is found In Leviticus, Chapter 12, verses 2 through 8, which states, “If a woman has born a man child, she shall be unclean seven days, and shall continue in the blood of her purifying, three and thirty days, (a total of forty days) and when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, she shall bring a Iamb of the first year for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or turtle dove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the Tabernacle (Temple). If she be not able to bring a Iamb, then she shall bring two turtle doves or two pigeons, and the priest shall make an atonement for her and she shall be clean.”

By law, Mary’s days of purification have been completed and Jesus must be presented to the Lord, in the Temple, together with the requisite sacrifice. The reason the law states, “If she be not able to bring a Iamb, then she shall bring two turtle doves,”  is to allow those who could not afford a lamb, to offer two turtle doves in place of the Iamb, which would have been a fraction of the cost, and still comply with the law, and be declared clean and have her male child found acceptable when presented to God, as per the law of the firstborn.

Luke is telling us that Mary and Joseph were poor. They were complying with the law, but were clearly showing that their financial state was such, that they could only afford the minimal sacrifice. Luke, by telling us their “sacrifice” was ^“a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons”, also provides us with the understanding that the “Wise Men”, who were bringing presents of Frankincense, Myrrh and Gold, had not yet arrived, for if they had, Mary and Joseph would never have offered the minimum sacrifice, for the Son of God.

SIMEON’S REVELATION AND PROPHESY OVER JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

Luke 2:25-35   And behold there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Ghost was upon him.  And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  And he came by the spirit into the Temple, and when the parents brought In the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law,  Then he took Him up into his arms, and blessed God, and said,  Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word, For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.  Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all the people.  A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary His mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against. (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

The Holy Ghost had told Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah.  Simeon is then led to the Temple, by the Holy Ghost, to bear witness that Jesus has been presented in the Temple, ^“after the custom of the law.” It is not generally understood by readers of God’s Holy Word, how critically important it is in God’s eyes, that “in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established.”  Simeon Is clearly one of the witnesses.  God has preserved him and the Holy Spirit has brought Simeon to the Temple to witness that Jesus has been circumcised, Mary has completed her purification, the sacrifice has been made and Jesus is presented to God.

Simeon now prophesy’s that not only will Jesus be the “Glory of the people, Israel,” but He will also be “a light to lighten the Gentiles”. This statement is directly in keeping with the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah, but was not disclosed by our Lord to His disciples until the very latter part of His Ministry. Simeon’s prophecy over our Lord was profoundly accurate. The Greek word translated, “set”, is “kelmai^” which means “destined”.  Jesus is destined, ^t‘for the fall and rising again of many in Israel.”Simeon is prophesying specifically to not only our Lord’s death and resurrection, but to the death and resurrection of many true believers In Israel.

Simeon, also tells Mary that “a sword shall pierce,” Jesus, but it will also pierce (the Greek word translated as “sword shall pierce” is “rhomphiai” which actually means “extreme anguish”),”through” her “own soul also”. The impact on Mary of that prophecy must have been heart rending. Mary would of course visually see that prophecy fulfilled when the Roman soldier “pierced” our Lord, following His death on the cross.

ANNA PROPHECY’S OVER BABY JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

Luke 2:36-39And there was now Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe ofAsher. She was of great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity.  And she a widow of about four score and four years, which departed not from the Temple, but served with fasting and prayers, night and day. And she coming in that instant, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.  And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.

The Holy Spirit now brings a second witness to view and vouches of our Lord ^t s compliance to the Mosaic laws. Anna was a prophetess, who was, “of the tribe of Asher,” and was well over 100 years old.  That statement is very significant, and its importance very rarely understood. Anna was of the tribe of Asher and as such was an Israelite. Simeon on the other hand was a Judahite. Therefore, Jesus’ presentation In the Temple was witnessed by members of both the House of Israel and the House of Judah. Having “performed all things according to the law,” and having them witnessed by Simeon and Anna, Mary, Joseph and Jesus return from Bethlehem to their home in Nazareth.

THE WISE MEN SEEK OUR LORD Matt 2:1-8   Now when Jesus was born In Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.  Saying, ”Where Is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.  When Herod the king heard, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.  And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of then where Christ should be born.  And they said unto him, “In Bethlehem of Judea.”  For thus it is written by the prophet. And thou Bethlehem, In the land of Judah, art not least among the princes of Judah, for out of thee shall come a governor that shall rule my people Israel.”  Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently, what time the star appeared.  And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child, and when you have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also.

Matthew is the only Gospel writer to provide us with Scripture regarding the, “wise men from the east.” However, Matthew does not provide us with the number of ^“Wise Men,” involved nor does he tell us they went to or found “the young child,” in Bethlehem.

Matthew does tell us that the wise men have “seen His star in the east”. Matthew does not tell us they followed the “star in the east,” to Jerusalem. Who were these, “Wise Men from the east?” The Greek word translated wise men is “Magi,” which refers specifically to astrologers, primarily from Babylon. Without doubt, these “Magi” were descendants of the Israelites who were taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar, over 500 years earlier, and had maintained the Jewish religion and traditions of the prophet Daniel. These Magi knew and studied the Old Testament Scriptures and looked for “His star,” the star that heralded the birth of Jesus. That’s why they came to Jerusalem, believing that the “Jews” would know where the “Christ” was – He that was born, ^“King of the Jews.”

There Is no mention in Scripture as to the number of “Magi’ that came to Jerusalem, but since they were coming to “worship^” their new born king, and were bringing extremely expensive gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, we can rest assured that there were substantially more than three “wise men,” in their entourage. These Magi were travelling from Babylon, one of the major cities in the Parthian Empire, to Jerusalem, a distance of over 1700 miles.

From an historical perspective, the Roman and Parthian Empires were at peace with each other at the time of the birth of our Lord.  However, for emissaries from either empire to travel in small groups in the other’s territory was unheard of. The Magi had to be accompanied by a very large contingent of supporting personnel including a significant number of armed men. Otherwise, why would Herod, “and all Jerusalem with him, be troubled,” How could a few wise men from the east be granted an audience with Herod himself, if their only credentials were the fact that they were looking for, “He who was born King of the Jews”?

Matthew, in verses 4 and 5 tells us that Herod did not know where the “Christ” was to be born, and had to call upon, “the chief priests and scribes.”From them Herod learned that our Lord was to be born In Bethlehem. Once Herod had that piece of information, he then called the wise men to him, ^“privily^”– in other words, Herod had a private audience with the “Magi”, because he wanted to glean one very important piece of information from them –”what time did the star appear.”Herod knew the appearance of the star heralded the birth of Jesus. Therefore, with this piece of information, Herod would have been able to establish the current age of Jesus.

Herod then told the Magi to go to Bethlehem, “he sent them to Bethlehem” and asked the Magi, ^“when they found Him^”, to bring him, Herod, word in order that he could, “worship Him also.” With that, the Magi departed from Herod.

Joe from Northern Ireland blessed us with this song:

          MARY’S SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD

Luke 1:46-56   And Mary said, ^“My soul doth magnify the Lord.” And my spirit hath rejoiced in God, my Savior. For he hath regarded the low estate of this handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done me great things, and Holy is His Name. And His mercy Is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. He hath shewed great strength with His arm. He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put the almighty down from their seats and exalted them of low degree.  He hath filled the hungry with good things and the rich He hath sent empty away.  He hath helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy.  As He spake to our fathers, to Abraham and his seed forever.  And Mary abode with her (Elizabeth), about three months, and returned to her own house.

Mary recognizes that her very ”soul,” is being used as the vessel in which the “Spirit”, the very essence of our Heavenly Father, is being, ^“magnified,” and manifested In her womb, and as a result her “spirit” is rejoicing in ”God”.

Luke also tells us that Mary remained with Elizabeth, ”about three months,” and then returned to her own house. Scripture makes it clear that Mary left Elizabeth’s house prior to the birth of John and returned to her home in Nazareth. Mary and Joseph were not as yet living together, and of course, when Mary left her home to go and visit Elizabeth it would not have been known that she was with child. Now, three months later, the fact that she was pregnant, would have become rather more obvious.

JOHN IS BORN AND NAMED AND ZACHARIAS’ SPEECH RETURNS

Luke 1:57-66   Now Elizabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered, and she brought forth a son.  And her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.  And his mother answered and said, “Not so, but he shall be called John.”  And they said unto her, “There is none of thy kindred that Is called by this name.”  And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.  And he asked for a writing table, and wrote saying, “His name is John.”And they marveled all.  And his mouth was opened Immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.  And fear came upon all that dwelt round about them, and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What manner of child this be!” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

John the Baptist is born and on the day he Is circumcised, they called him, “Zacharias, after the name of his father.” Clearly, this was not the name Gabriel had told Zacharias he was to be called. Zacharias, John’s father, knew full well that he had been directed to name the child, John. The instant he complied, and wrote, “saying, His name is John”, his ability to speak returned.   As a result, everyone knew that “John” was a very special child.

                                 THE PROPHECY OF ZACHARIAS

Luke 1:67-80   And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied, saying, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and redeemed his people. ^“And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David. As He spake by the mouth of His Holy prophets which have been since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us. To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His Holy Covenant. The oath which He sware to our father Abraham. That He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear. In holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life. And thou child shall be called the prophet of the Highest for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways. To give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins. Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us. To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.  And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of His shewing unto Israel.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit, Zacharias begins to prophesy about the plan that God has for both our Lord and John the Baptist. These fourteen verses in the Gospel of Luke provide us with an underlying understanding of why God is bringing about the births of Our Lord and John the Baptist. First of all, God will “visit and redeem His people.”God will do it in the form of His Only Begotten Son, as He becomes the “horn” or power of “salvation,” in the lineage of the “house of His servant David”.

John the Baptist “shall be called the prophet of the Highest“, and John’s responsibility will be to go in advance ^“of the Lord to prepare His ways.” John will lead the people to understand that they may have “salvation” by “the remission of their sins”. In order to accomplish this, they must repent and be baptized, in the name of He who is to come, Jesus Christ. In so doing, John would prepare the way for Jesus, who would, ^“give light” to those who “sit in darkness and in the shadow of death”, with no hope of salvation, and life eternal. Finally, in verse eighty, Luke tells us that John “grew and waxed strong in spirit”, obviously in the Incredibly powerful “spirit of Elijah,” and he lived in the deserts and the wilderness until God called him to prepare the way for Jesus.

THE ANGEL OF THE LORD TELLS JOSEPH OF MARY’S “IMMACULATE CONCEPTION”

Matt 1:18-25  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was in this wise. When His mother, Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph, her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee, Mary for thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.”Now, all this was done, that It might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophets, saying, Behold a virgin shall bear a child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which, being interpreted, Is God with us.Then Joseph, being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden and took unto him his wife. And knew her not until she had brought forth her firstborn son and he called his name Jesus

In order to keep the sequence of events In the Bible in chronological order, we now move to the Gospel of Matthew. Mary has returned home to Nazareth and Joseph, much to his dismay, discovers that Mary is with child. The Angel of the Lord comes to Joseph in a dream, explains that what Mary is carrying in her womb is not of man, but is of God, through the Holy Spirit, that It was prophesied that ^“Emmanuel”(God with us) would be born of a virgin, and as a result, Joseph took Mary as his wife,” but knew her not.”  He did not consummate the marriage “until” after Jesus was born.

                            THE ACTUAL BIRTH OF OUR LORD

Luke 2:1-7   And It came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and the lineage of David.)  To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.  And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him In a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 

Luke Is telling us that Caesar Augustus, the adopted son and successor of Julius Caesar, who came to power in 29 B.C. and reigned for 43 years – until 14 A.D. – had ordered every person living In the Roman Empire, to be taxed.   Caesar’s order demanded that each person be registered for the tax, in the city where they were born. In Joseph’s case, since he was born In Bethlehem, “his own city,” both he and Mary had to travel over 80 miles – from Nazareth to Bethlehem -in the final days of Mary’s pregnancy – an arduous journey.  Moreover, prophecy had to be fulfilled which mandated that our Lord be born In Bethlehem.

By telling us that Jesus was “laid in a manger,” uke speaks volumes, since the Greek word translated ^“manger,” is “phatne” which means ,^“ a feeding trough.”  The fact that Jesus was lying in a feeding trough, is stated by Luke three times, in this chapter.  Its spiritual meaning is clearly evident. The “Word” has now been made flesh.  The “Word” is the “Bread of Life.”  Jesus tells us In the Gospel of John, Chapter six, verse fifty four, “Whoso eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood hath eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day, for My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink Indeed.” Right from the beginning, the Holy Spirit sees to it, through the Gospel of Luke, that our Lord is Introduced to us as “lying in a manger,” in order that we have, from the outset, the understanding, that our Lord Is the food that we are to eat, for, “he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me, and shall live forever. “We can rest assured that our Heavenly Father made certain that ”there was no room for them at the inn”, for if our Lord had been born at the ”Inn”, He would not have been, “laid in a manger”.

THE LORD’S ANGEL ANNOUNCES JESUS’BIRTH TO THE SHEPHERDS

Luke 2:8-14   And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And lo the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, ^“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy for all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which Is Christ the Lord.  For this is a sign unto you.   You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying In a manger.”  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, good will toward men.”

Once again, Luke witnesses in his Gospel that the Angel of the Lord told the shepherds that they would find our Lord “lying in a manger.”In addition, we learn that the shepherds were watching over their flocks, “in the field, by night”. In so doing Luke Is telling us that our Lord was definitely not born in December. Shepherds never kept flocks in the open, in the winter. Hebrew custom was to only put the sheep out to pasture, with shepherds tending them, from the middle of March, until the middle of October.

Bethlehem itself is 6 miles south of Jerusalem, sitting atop the same ridge of the mountains that Jerusalem Is built upon, at approximately 2500 feet above sea level. As a result, it gets quite cold, and in our Lord’s time, quite wet, in the winter time. It is highly doubtful that our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, would have subjected either Mary or His infant Son, to the inclement weather of Bethlehem in December.

                             THE SHEPHERDS BEAR WITNESS TO THE BABY JESUS

Luke 2:15-20   And it came to pass as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which Is come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us.  And they came in haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen, they made known abroad the saying which was told than concerning this child.  And all they that heard, wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

No sooner has the Heavenly host departed, than the shepherds leave their flocks and go Into Bethlehem and find Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.  The shepherds have born witness to the birth of the Lord and make, “known abroad,” what the Angel of the Lord and the Heavenly host have told them “concerning this child.”They are bearing witness that our Lord was born, as prophesied, in Bethlehem of Judea.  Luke also tells us that Mary ^“kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”Mary knew, from the Arch Angel Gabriel, that her firstborn was the Son of God. However, she finds herself, giving birth to the Son of God, in a stable. Has she misunderstood the words of Gabriel?  Has God forgotten her?  Suddenly the shepherds appear, telling Mary of the visitation of the Angel of the Lord and the Heavenly host.  Is it any wonder that Mary,” pondered these things in her heart?”

Generally, it is all about the love of money, thus follow the money and you will see what the adversary is up to. FATHER knows where the “skeletons” are and HE will continue to expose them. The following article is simply another example of what the god of this world is doing. However, we need to move on toward our Spiritual maturity and not be moved by such articles. They are secondary and not meant to become our primary focus. These articles are intended to open the eyes of those people who have previously trusted in and relied on man’s alternatives to the Kingdom of GOD. We stand on The Truth!

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THE ARCH ANGEL GABRIEL VISITS THE VIRGIN MARY

Luke1:26-33 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.  And the angel came unto her and said, “Hail thou that art highly favored and the Lord is with thee.  Blessed art thou among women.”  And when she saw him she was troubled at his saying and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.  And the angel said unto her, “Fear not Mary, for thou hast found favor with God.”  And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a Son, and shalt call His name Jesus.  And he shalt be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever and of His Kingdom, there shall be no end.

Sixth months have passed since Gabriel’s meeting with Zacharias In the Temple. God now sends Gabriel to meet with a young virgin who is living in Nazareth, is espoused to Joseph but the marriage has not been “consummated”, to seek her permission to “bring forth a son” who shall be called “the Son of the Highest”. Mary is “troubled” by Gabriel’s words. Mary is very young – a teenager, and here she is being told that not only is she “highly favored” but “the Lord is with her”. Gabriel also tells Mary that she has “found favor with God,” and as a result, she will “bring forth a son”, named Jesus and her son will ”reign over the house of Jacob, forever.”

MARY AGREES TO BECOME THE MOTHER OF OUR LORD

Luke 1:34-38  Then Mary said to the angel, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man”?And the angel answered and said unto her, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee. Therefore, also, that Holy Thing that shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God, nothing Is impossible. And Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it unto me according to thy word,” and the angel departed from her.

Gabriel explains to Mary that in order for her to become Impregnated, the “Holy Ghost”, must first “come upon” her. The Greek word translated “come upon,” is “eperchomai,” which means to supervene or enter into Mary, prior to “the power of the Highest,” over shadowing her. Our Lord had to be born without sin. He could not be conceived in an egg from the seed line of Adam. The Adamic seed line carries sin in it. As David stated in Psalms 51:5: “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. ”Mary’s egg also had sin. The “Holy Spirit,” had to intervene and superimpose itself and cleanse and purge Mary’ s egg of any and all sin, prior to the “Power of the Highest”, our Lord God Almighty, writing His perfect DNA into Mary’s “perfect” egg. In so doing, the Immaculate conception of our Lord, in the Virgin Mary would be complete. Gabriel also tells Mary that her “cousin” Elizabeth has “also conceived a son.” and is now completing the sixth month of her pregnancy. The Holy Spirit is providing us with the precise timing of the conception of our Lord, in the Virgin Mary.

Zacharias completed his duties in “the course of Abia,” in the third week of June, and then returned to his home in the hills of Judah and Elizabeth conceived in the latter part of the month of June. Six months later, Mary would conceive in the latter part of the month of December. Is Scripture telling us the day we celebrate our Lord’s birthday, December 25th, is the actual date He was conceived? It would be just like our Heavenly Father to have us celebrate the birth of His Only Begotten Son on the exact day He was actually conceived. If our understanding of these dates is correct, then our Lord would have been born, some nine months later, in the latter part of the month of September, which would be during the Feast of Tabernacles, the last great feast of the year.

As the Bible repeatedly shows us, God does everything In His Perfect Time. Jesus died at the time of the first feast of the year – the Feast of Passover. What could be more appropriate then His being born at the time of the last great feast of the year — the Feast of Tabernacles.

In verse 38 Mary responds to Gabriel, “Be it according to thy word.”As soon as Mary makes that statement, the “angel departed from her.” Our Heavenly Father is a lawful God. Mary had to give her consent, before her impregnation could take place. Mary agreed to becoming our Lord’s mother, knowing full well that she would be subject to man’s law, which could very well result in her being stoned when she was found to be with child and Joseph was not the father. Regardless, Mary agreed and Gabriel departed. The covenant was now complete. The Son of God would be born as the Son of man, out of the womb of the Virgin Mary.

          MARY CONCEIVES AND GOES TO STAY WITH ELIZABETH

Luke 1:39-45 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah. And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elizabeth. And It came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. And she spake out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb”. And whence is this to me, that the mother of our Lord should come to me?  For lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed, for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Immediately Mary Is Impregnated she goes “with haste” to the house of Elizabeth.  This is a relatively long journey, from Nazareth to the city in the hills of Judah – more than 100 miles.  When Mary greeted Elizabeth, “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost”. Since the “babe,” John the Baptist was in her womb, he too was filled with the Holy Ghost, precisely as Gabriel had prophesied when he met with Zacharias in the Temple and told him that John, “shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.” These two women, Mary and Elizabeth, one a teenager and the other in her later years, were both carrying *’babes” impacted by the Holy Ghost – one filled with the Holy Ghost and the other cleansed through the Holy Ghost.

Is It any wonder that Elizabeth, being filled with the Holy Ghost, instantly recognizes Mary is to be “the mother of our Lord”, and knows that the “fruit” Mary Is carrying In her womb, Is “blessed.”Elizabeth also bears witness to Mary that all the “things which were told her from the Lord,” by the Arch Angel Gabriel, will come to pass, “there shall be a performance of those “things.”The faith levels of these two women is impeccable. They both love our Heavenly Father and their desire to serve Him in all things is wonderfully apparent.

The following series provides us Scriptural detail of when Jesus was birthed. My Beloved Brother Arthur was given the task by The Holy Spirit to write “The Combined Gospels” and the following are excerpts of his work. We are actually celebrating the physical arrival of Jesus onto the earth but it is not what the vast majority think timewise. When does physical life start? At conception, not 280 days later.

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE FORTELLS THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Luke1:5-10  There was in the days of Herod, the King of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron and her name was Elizabeth.  And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.  And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren and they both were now stricken with years.   And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went Into the Temple of the Lord.  And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

Luke introduces the parents of John the Baptist, Zacharias and Elizabeth, and provides us with an understanding of their lineage and why they were chosen to be the parents of the prophet whom Jesus said, “Among them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.” (Matt:11:11)

We know from Luke that Zacharias was serving “the course of Abia” in the Temple, which provides us with very precise timing as to the month of the year this event took place. The “course of Abia” normally took place in the third week of the month of June. From this single piece of information, some of the most respected Biblical Scholars have been able to ascertain that the “course of Abia,^” took place, at this time, during the week of June 13-19. To many, this detail may appear insignificant. However, bearing in mind that John the Baptist would be conceived, shortly thereafter, and that our Lord’s immaculate conception would take place six months after that, this tiny piece of information, in and of itself, speaks volumes, as to the actual date of birth of our Lord and Savior.

Luke also tells us John the Baptist’s mother, Elizabeth was a direct descendent of Moses brother, Aaron, and that both Elizabeth and her husband Zacharias were also, “both righteous before God.” That Is an incredible statement in that we are clearly given to understand that both of John the Baptist’s parents, besides having an Impeccable pedigree, walked, “In all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless.”

By declaring that Zacharias and Elizabeth “were both righteous before God”, Luke has placed them, in God’s eyes, in precisely the same category as Abraham and Sarah, the parents of Isaac. In the Epistle of James, the brother of Jesus, James tells us that “Abraham believed God, and it was Imputed unto him for righteousness, and he was called the friend of God.” (James:2:23).Not only are Abraham and Sarah, and Zacharias and Elizabeth, declared righteous, but both Sarah and Elizabeth were “barren“. Neither of them had been able to bear a child. In addition, like Abraham and Sarah, both Zacharias and Elizabeth were “stricken with years”. They had both passed the “child bearing years”. For Elizabeth to conceive at this time in her life was not plausible.

THE ARCH ANGEL GABRIEL APPEARS TO ZACHARIAS, IN THE TEMPLE  

Luke1:11-17And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of Incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, “Fear not Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard, and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness, and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink and shall be filled with the Holy Ghost even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Zacharias, as part of his function in “the course of Abia” is burning Incense, upon the altar of Incense, in the Holy Place, In Herod’s Temple, when the Arch Angel Gabriel appears. One can only imagine Zacharias’ “fear”, when the Arch Angel Gabriel manifested himself before him. Gabriel immediately tries to put Zacharias at ease, by telling him not to be afraid, and to give him understanding that the reason he has been sent, is to tell Zacharias that his “prayer” has been heard by God, and his wife Elizabeth will “bear” his son.

Luke also, in these verses, reveals the profound attributes that God will invest In John the Baptist – he will be a Nazarite as was Samuel and Samson, (no strong drink), he will “be filled with the Holy Ghost,” in Elizabeth’s womb, he will have “the spirit” and “power” of the prophet “Elijah” and will cause, ^“many of the children of Israel”, to “turn to the Lord their God”. Most importantly John will “make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Jesus Christ).   John the Baptist is being predestined to prepare the people of Israel to receive Jesus.  

ZACHARIAS “DOUBTS” GABRIEL, IS MADE “DUMB” AND ELIZABETH CONCEIVES

Luke1:18-25And Zacharias said unto the angel, ^“Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.” And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand In the presence of God and am sent to speak unto thee and to show thee these glad tidings And behold, thou shalt be dumb and not able to speak until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias and marveled that he tarried so long in the Temple. And when he came out he could not speak unto them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision In the Temple, for he beckoned unto them and remained speechless. And It came to pass that as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own home. And after these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

Zacharias Is doubting Gabriel.  He is asking Gabriel how he expects him to believe this for he and his wife are old and well beyond child bearing years.  Gabriel’s response Is very specific. He, Gabriel, “Stands In the presence of God” and was sent by God to speak to Zacharias and tell him “these glad tidings.”   Because of Zacharias’ disbelief Gabriel is affronted and pronounces judgment on Zacharias by telling him that “thou shalt be dumb” until the day John Is born.

Zacharias, in spite of the fact that he has been struck dumb, completes his week’s duties in the “course of Abia” and afterward, returns to his home in a city in the hill country of Judah. Shortly thereafter, “after these days”, Elizabeth conceived and promptly hid herself for the next “five months.” Elizabeth “hid herself” since she knew John was to be a Nazarite, and therefore she could eat no unclean food,  drink wine or in any way partake of or do anything that would break the NazarIte vow that had been ordained for the child that she carried In her womb.

Elizabeth knew that her conception was identical to the conception that Sarah was blessed with, when her son Isaac was conceived. Both conceptions were miracles. Both women were too old to conceive and they knew it. Elizabeth would do nothing to jeopardize her pregnancy with John, and she truly believed God had “taken away” her “reproach among men,” by allowing her to be with child.

Luke’s Gospel is the only Gospel that addresses the conception and birth of John the Baptist. It Is very apparent from the verbiage Luke uses, that he was privy to Elizabeth’s own personal understanding of what took place in the events surrounding her impregnation with the child who would become known to us as John the Baptist. Clearly Luke obtained that information from Mary, the mother of Jesus, who Scripture tells us spent the last three months of Elizabeth’s pregnancy at Elizabeth’s side.

You and I are the Treasures of Our Heavenly Father and it is HIS Divine Intent that we be successful in everything we are called to do here on earth.  Let’s not fight this revelation.  It only serves to restrain our angels from assisting us in walking in total jubilee.  They have read our individual books.  It is time for us to fully agree with the directives of The Holy Spirit and allow the angels to do their appointed tasks.

Jesus explained in Matthew chapter 13:

23  “But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

This person was the only one who produced fruit for the Kingdom.  No one else produced fruit.  Jesus gave us the keys to jubilee in this parable.  It is all about the preparation of the heart (aka soil).

Reasons given for hindrance to success include: lack of understanding, tribulation or persecution due to no root in The Word, the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches. 

I have just described the playbook of the adversary. 

Hearing and understanding are the requirements for fruitfulness.  I will accentuate the aspect of understanding by including another related Truth, “retaining The Word by renewing your mind.”  When you are fully committed, your manifested value to the Kingdom increases.  FATHER has placed treasures inside of each of us that require us to hear AND understand, especially the Words of Jesus and the writings of Paul who testified and wrote what he heard Jesus and The Holy Spirit say to him for our benefit.  When Paul defended himself in Acts chapter 26, he affirmed that Jesus would direct his ministry with multiple encounters.

Those deposits in us were determined to be the best place to invest HIS resources.  Consider how important it is for THE CREATOR of the universe to focus on you and me.  We are truly valuable and special in HIS Eyes.  HE has an army of angels awaiting orders to assist us in achieving jubilee.  As the Old Testament tells us, one angel was sufficient to take out an army.  FATHER will deploy whatever it takes once we embrace and walk in the revelation of being HIS special treasures.

Moses wrote by The Holy Spirit in Deuteronomy chapter 15:

4 “There should be no poor among you, for the LORD your God will greatly bless you in the land he is giving you as a special possession. 5 You will receive this blessing if you are careful to obey all the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. 6 The LORD your God will bless you as He has promised. You will lend money to many nations but will never need to borrow. You will rule many nations, but they will not rule over you.

7 “But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. 8 Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. 9 Do not be mean-spirited and refuse someone a loan because the year for canceling debts is close at hand. If you refuse to make the loan and the needy person cries out to the LORD, you will be considered guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do. 11 There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need.

FATHER expressed HIS Divine Intent in the above passage and HE has not changed HIS Mind.  These Truths are still in effect for us as well so we should expect the same results no matter how the current environment looks. 

If you don’t accept this Truth, it does not make it any less true.  It just means that you will not participate.  Isn’t time that we fully accept these unchanging Truths from Our Unchanging Father?  Isn’t it time to unlock the treasures deposited in us?  It does take commitment and discipline to walk accordingly.  We must protect our minds from the influences of the world and not let “the world” get back inside of us once we get it totally out.

This year, we provided about 75 kids in need with Christmas presents based on their desired list.  Instead of just one present per child, we funded their entire list of each student.  The Student Council and teachers purchased the gifts and distributed them on Friday.  Additionally, we included food cards for each child so their parent(s) could purchase food during the Christmas break.  Thank you for your continued financial support of helping the kids in need.

PS We will continue to distribute assistance once they return to school in January.  Their needs will still be there and they will not be forgotten. It’s all about Love!

PSS The kids on the Student Council are also being ministered to by our support. They are participating in acts of Unconditional Love and kindness.