#Jesus – Page 2 – I and Thou Reflections

The Miraculous Transformation from Saturnalia to Christmas

Prepare Ye The Way

Let’s continue to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Shall we?

Our journey will take us to Christmas, where we will find hope and redemption to renew our faith, whatever that faith may be.

In the previous post, we knawed on the prophetic words that predicted Jesus’ birth.

Today, we will reveal…

How Christmas Really Began

The Roots of Christmas

Remember that Christianity didn’t really spread until the 300-400s when Constantine declared Christianity as Rome’s religion. Before that time, there were other religions involving many gods and goddesses.

The Roman Catholic Church is believed to have chosen December 25 to celebrate Christ’s birth due to its ties with the winter solstice and the festival of Saturnalia, a time of feasting and gift-giving. Adapting these existing celebrations facilitated the transition to Christianity.

*https://www.sott.net/article/309632-Io-Saturnalia-The-Roman-roots-of-Christmas*

Ever wonder why December 25th is Christmas?

The winter solstice symbolized the sun’s “rebirth,” which aligns directly with the theme of Jesus, the “Light of the World.” Doesn’t it?

This strategy helped convert pagans by integrating already established traditions into Christian practices. Pretty straightforward.

Does It Really Matter?

Ultimately, the significance of Jesus’ birth is to celebrate the Son of God taking on human form. This miraculous event is one of the cornerstones of Christianity. And giving gifts honors the age-old story of the wise men bringing gifts to baby Jesus. So, does it really matter that it is December 25?

No, it doesn’t matter at all. What matters is that a Savior was born, and He is Christ the King.

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, remember we are on a transformative journey from darkness into light, from prophecy to fulfillment.

In our next post, we will dig deeper into the gifts the wise men presented to baby Jesus.

#Jesus #Isaiah #Prophecy #Hope&Redemption #12DaysofIsaiah #Christmas #Comfort #ComfortOneAnother #IandThouReflections

Summer: Time to Rest in Creation

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.
George Washington Carver

Our last post discussed the imperative need to rest and recharge. Today, we will explore the concept of finding rest in nature.

Camping as a Kid

When I was a kid, my family went camping every summer. It was something my dad looked forward to each year. Me, not so much. But, when you are a kid, you learn to grin and bear it.

My dad worked in an environment where noise prevented him from hearing others speak. The air was filled with dust, metal shavings, and oil substances. Gears churned within the walls, and motors whistled, so it was no wonder he wanted to escape to the woods.It was his happy place.

*Image Source: publicdomainpictures dot net*

As much as I didn’t like camping, I remember nature’s sounds: the potatoes wrapped in foil crackling in the fire, the crickets chirping, and the owls hooting at night. And then the stars. I remember looking up at the vast sky and seeing millions of stars I had never seen before—or perhaps didn’t choose to stop and appreciate at home. One thing I learned while camping was the closeness I felt to God. I saw God everywhere.

Reflect on Your Past

To better understand your relationship with nature, consider the following:

Did your childhood teach you how to connect with nature?
Were you able to explore the outdoors on your own or in groups?
How did your parents feel about nature?

Action: Spend a few minutes reflecting on your past experiences with nature. Write down one memorable experience and how it made you feel. Use this reflection to connect with your current relationship with the outdoors.

The Gift of Creation

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
Genesis 2:2-3

Nature reflects God’s beauty and provides a sanctuary for rest. Signs of nature are everywhere, from the tiny tadpoles near a stream to the crabs crawling on a beach. If you choose to notice.

Action: Promise yourself to spend time outdoors. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike, or simply sitting on your patio, go be in nature. Quiet yourself as you hear the birds and experience the nature around you. Start with short, mindful moments of rest. Rest for your mental and physical well-being. Gradually increase your time spent outdoors.

Connecting with nature opens up the opportunity to connect with Spirit, which allows you to communicate with the Creator of all nature. In God, rest and rejuvenation are found. Like the woman at the well in the Gospel of John 4:10, God offers each one of us living water. It is this water that brings us eternal rest.

#Summer #SpiritualRest #Rest #Renew #Vacation #Self-Care #Reflection #Relationships #MentalHealth #Nature #Creation

Finding the Sacredness in Tragedy – Part 2: Cain & Abel

*Image Found: haelantherapies.com (Source Unknown)*

When adversity strikes, the wounds can be deep.

Today, we will examine the questions we might ask ourselves when tragedy attacks.

In the face of such pain, people find themselves grappling with profound questions such as:

“Where was God?” and “Why did this have to happen?”

Every day, lives and dreams disappear in the twinkling of an eye. In Part 1, we saw how they disappeared the moment the O-rings failed following the launch of the Challenger space shuttle.

Life is truly short.

We turn now to the Old Testament.

The Story of Cain and Abel

Two brothers.
One jealous.
One not.
One life.
One death.

In the fourth chapter of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, we learn of the tragic tale of Adam and Eve’s family. They have two sons, Cain and Abel. Then, one day, in a fit of jealousy, Cain kills his brother Abel.

Let’s read a few verses.

In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.
The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.
So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.
Genesis 4:3-5

“Where was God?” and “Why did this have to happen?”

We really don’t know. Cain may have felt God’s absence, which may have fueled the fire. Yet, there is no doubt that Cain was angry. But we don’t know how furious he was or what type of anger management issues he may have had.

Which brings us more questions than answers.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”
“I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.”
Genesis 4:9-10

After God asks Cain what he has done, Cain lies. God banishes Cain from his presence and makes him a wanderer. And that is the end of the story.

So, these questions remain:

Where was God when Cain killed Abel?
Why did God let this happen?
Where is the sacredness in this story?

Like in all tragedy, God is there. Right? I tend to think, yes. Yet, many people may feel that God is no where to be found during difficult times. This theme will be woven throughout this series. In this Story of Cain and Abel, God was in the midst. Smack in the middle! As we see in the dialogue between God and Cain.

Another compelling question to consider, not listed above, in the Cain and Abel story is: “What made one offering more acceptable to God than the other?” This question might get at the heart of the matter, “Why did God let this happen?” Perhaps God’s favoritism toward Abel was the trigger for his murder.

Favoritism

If you ask siblings if their parents had a favorite, I’m pretty sure most of the time, a sibling would be able to “name” the favorite. It could be the oldest, the youngest, or the one who was the most “obedient” child. But let’s flip this a bit. How would you feel if you weren’t the favorite? Pause and think about it.

Before we leave the hot topic of “favorites,” consider this: How would you feel if God favored someone over you? This situation seems to take it up a notch, doesn’t it? And, in a roundabout way, it brings us back to one of the initial questions.

A Tricky Question

“Why did God let this happen?” A tricky question, for sure. Why does God let any tragedy happen? Cain could have been pissed off at God. He didn’t have to kill his brother, did he? It’s complicated. Clearly, we don’t have all the facts.

In the next few posts, we will continue to search for the sacredness that is either in or emerges from tragedy. Hang in there, dear reader, Part 3 will shed more light. I promise.

#Cain&Abel #Sacredness #WhereWasGod #Tragedy #LifeQuestions

A Christmas Miracle – Part 7

Image Source: clipart-library.com
Found on Pineterest

There are several slightly different accounts of the nativity story in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Jesus’ birth is not included in the Gospels of Mark and John. Each of those books begins with Jesus as an adult.

The Miracle of the Angel

In Matthew, the first Angel appears to Joseph in a dream.

The angel Gabriel visits Mary first to announce her favor and pregnancy in Luke. Then, this same Angel appears to Joseph in a dream.

When Jesus was born, an Angel appeared to shepherds in a field nearby.

At first, they were startled by the bright light.

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
An Angel

The Angel delivered the message of Jesus’s birth.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
An Angel (Luke 2:11-12)

Then, in Luke 2:13-14,

*Image Source: Unknown* https://www.pinterest.com/pin/507358714281820304/

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the Angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the Highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

The Angel announced Jesus’ birth.

The birth of Christ the King!

Today, let’s celebrate the Miracle of Christ on Christmas!

Wishing you all awe and wonder of the holiday season!

MERRY CHRISTMAS
& HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!

#Christmas #Miracles #Angel #Jesus #Messiah

A Christmas Miracle – Part 6

A What?

The other day, I had a conversation with a long-time friend. She told me she had been looking to purchase a manger for her Christmas Nativity Set. The salespeople she asked didn’t know what a manger was, let alone how it fit into Christmas!

As I write this post, even Grammarly doesn’t recognize the word manger! How sad is that?

*Image Source: http://www.tillsonburgalliance.com*

A Manger

A manger is a place to feed animals. Quite an unlikely place for Jesus to be born. Or was it?

A manger.
It is not pretty.
Under the shelter of a roof, a piece of wood lies in a barn or stable.
It may or may not have raised legs and is filled with hay or slop.
In the wintertime, back in the day, it was common for people to bunk in with their animals to stay safe and warm, like a giant slumber party with your furry friends.

manger

ˈmān-jər

NOUN
a trough (see trough sense 1a) or open box in a stable designed to hold feed or fodder for livestock.
Merriam Webster Dictionary

A Baby in a Manger

Can you imagine a baby in a manger?

It would be utterly appalling to some to see a newborn in an unsterilized, dirty, filthy trough used to feed animals. Yet, some might see this scene as a sign of great awe and wonder.

Think about this.

The God of the Universe chose a stable filled with animal creatures to welcome his Son. This was the ultimate sacrifice and message of love and humility. God sent his Son for…

Every. Single. Person. On. This. Planet. Rich. Or. Poor.

Scripture isn’t clear whether animals were or were not present at the birth of Christ. Let’s imagine for a moment that they were. What would it have been like for the animals witnessing the birth of Jesus? Sure, they had seen cows, horses, and pigs give birth, but a human? How divine! Just like God saved the animals from dying in the Great Flood, God blessed the animals as witnesses of this most sacred event.

The Miracle of the Manger

The true meaning of Christmas may have evaporated from some of the fabric of our society. Yet, some of us know, this “living water,” was a miracle.

The most perfect baby in the world was born in a lowly manger. Jesus, born in a manger. The same Jesus who fed 5,000. The same Jesus who feeds our soul. This Jesus, was born in a manger made with the purpose of feeding animals, can feed you, too!

His name was, is, and will be forever, Jesus.

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

Author (attributed to): Martin Luther; Author (st. 1-2): Anonymous (1885); Author (v. 3, attr.): John T. McFarland (1892)

A Christmas Miracle – Part 3

In the last post, we talked about Elizabeth’s backstory. How Elizabeth and Mary were cousins pregnant at the same time.

The Miracle of Birth – The Backstory of Mary

The story begins with Mary, a young girl, and her fiancé, Joseph.

Mary and Joseph were engaged.

Mary was a virgin, until the Holy Spirit visited and impregnated her, causing confusion for the pair. Not to mention family and friends as well. Theoretically, Mary was still a virgin.

**Artist:* Stephen B. Whatley: *Mary and The Holy Baby Jesus – St Stephen’s Day 2012* www.stephenbwhatley.com

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”
Angel Gabriel

Of course, Joseph was quite angry that his betrothed was “with child.” And he knew it wasn’t his!

Anger led to the Angel.

In a dream, an Angel visited Joseph and told him to care for Mary.

“Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Angel Gabriel

And so it was. Joseph and Mary were a couple, and they were destined to become parents. Parents of the long-awaited Messiah.

Pillars of Faith

Elizabeth and Mary were pillars of faith and obedience to God. And so were their respective partners, Zechariah and Joseph. Although Elizabeth was well beyond her childbearing years, it was miraculous for her to conceive. It was her pregnancy that served as a precursor to Mary’s virgin birth. Mary’s conception was even more miraculous because it symbolized the divine nature of the birth of the Christ-child that transcended all logical and biological thoughts and constructs.

Transcending All Logic

Faith transcends logic. To the logical mind, we must see proof before something can be believed. Yet, as people of faith, we don’t have to see evidence. We believe because we “feel” the Spirit of God within us. After all, we were made in the image of God. It sure is awesome to “feel” God’s presence. Yet, many of us feel dry. Unheard. Empty. We ask, “Where are you, God.” And the answer is silence.

Is it possible to have faith when you don’t “feel” God’s presence. Faith is a choice. Choosing to believe regardless of your feelings will reap rewards whether you “feel” them or not.

We Are The Clay

There hasn’t been a time in my life when God was absent. Of course, there were times when I thought he abandoned me. Like when I was bullied in junior high school. Or during my first marriage. Or during the divorce. But, I realized that God was walking me through the darkness. So I could come out the other side. Like a piece of fine pottery after being in the kiln’s heat.

Sometimes, we must surrender logic to fully feel the Holy Spirit in us. If you feel lost, perhaps try to talk to God? Ask God to reveal his image to you. To feel his presence. To walk with you on your life journey. God is the peace that passeth all understanding.

A Christmas Miracle – Part 4, will discuss the Miracle of Emotions During Pregnancy.

#Birth #Christmas #Motherhood #Mary #Elizabeth #Faith #Nativity #Logic #Faith #Miracles

*Used by permission

A Christmas Miracle – Part 2

There is no doubt that Christmas time is a time of wonder and awe.

And what possibly could be more miraculous and wondrous than the Miracle of Birth? Today’s post begins with two special ladies from the New Testament who give birth to two extraordinary baby boys.

Elizabeth and Mary. Both mothers conceive according to God’s divine plan. We will explore each one separately.

The Miracle of Birth – The Backstory of Elizabeth

Let me set the stage.

Artist Credit: Of Knowledge Painting by Kd Neeley

Mary and Elizabeth are cousins and are pregnant at the same time. Elizabeth is an older, more mature woman married to Zechariah, a priest. Elizabeth was barren, and she and her husband longed for a child, yet they knew time was running out.

Why were children so important in Biblical Times?

At that time, children were a sign of God’s favor. Since Zechariah was a priest, it is easy to imagine people talking behind their backs about them being childless. How could a priest not have children? They must have been the talk of the town. Until…

Gabriel.

The Angel who pays a visit to Zechariah.

Elizabeth & Son, John the Baptist

Gabriel not only tells Zechariah that Elizabeth will bear a child, but his name will be John, and that the baby would grow to be a man who would prepare the way for the Lord.

Just like Sarah laughed in disbelief when God told her she would have a baby in her old age, Zechariah doubted this message from God. Because Zechariah doubted, he could not talk until the baby was born. God silenced him.

Little did Zechariah know at the time that John would be the voice calling in the wilderness.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Matthew 3:2

The Voice of God

Have you ever heard a voice calling in the wilderness? Or God speak to you directly? Or witness a profound moment in which it felt God intervened on your behalf?

Once, I was in my car heading west on Route 1 from Hoboken to Maplewood, NJ. There was traffic, and a car stopped abruptly in front of me. There was no time to react. Yet, I felt an unnatural force stop my car from hitting the car in front of me. I remember thanking my guardian angel to this day.

Similarly, once, I was traveling from Hoboken to Stamford, CT. It was in a blizzard. As I was rounding a corner in Tarrytown, several cars spun out and collided. My car spun out, too. But my car landed in a small ditch. Sure, I was rattled. But I was safe. My car was safe. And I was able to drive the rest of the way home. Once again, my guardian angel was watching over me.

God and his army of angels tend to show up when you least expect them. I’d love to hear about your experiences with God.

In the next post, we will continue this theme of The Miracle of Birth. We will further explore the mothers who gave birth to two religious leaders who changed the world.

#Christmas #Birth #Motherhood #Mary #Elizabeth #Faith #Nativity #Emotions #Miracles