December 2009 Archives
If you want a helpful introduction to the issue of when Jesus was born (and when other events in his life happened), download Paul Maier's article, "The Date of the Nativity and the Chronology of Jesus' Life" at Between Two Worlds.
Maier argues that Jesus was born in the latter half of 5 B.C. (perhaps November), and that he died on Friday, April 3, A.D. 33.
From Daniel Wallace's devotional on historical aspects of the birth of Jesus.
Shortly after the birth of the Messiah, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem and inquired of king Herod where the real king of the Jews was to be born. The theologians of Herod's court knew the Scriptures well--in 'Bethlehem' they recited. Ironically, though they knew the Scriptures, they did not believe them! They did not even bother to travel the five or six miles to Bethlehem to see their Messiah.
But Herod believed the Scriptures! That is why he sent a corps of butchers to Bethlehem to slaughter innocent children, in hopes of destroying this rival to his throne. But he was too late. The magi had come and gone and Jesus was by now safe in Egypt.
And the magi believed the Scriptures. They had traveled several hundred miles to worship this Babe. They were guided to Bethlehem by a supernatural celestial phenomenon--and by the Scriptures. Apparently, their ancestors had been instructed by Daniel the prophet about the coming Messiah. . . When they saw the child, they fell down and worshiped him. This was God in the flesh. They could do no other.
The theologians of Herod's court did not believe the Scriptures. They were fools. Herod believed, but disobeyed. He was a madman. The simple shepherds and the majestic magi believed in this infant Savior--and it was reckoned to them as righteousness. May we follow in their train.
This Christmas we are working with our Spanish congregation to help the children at an orphanage in Rocky Point, Mexico.
Our job is to provide one twin-size (or larger) blanket for each of the 42 children at Esperanza para los Ninos.
You can do more if you like. Click here for a list of the other items they need.
We need the blankets and any other items you want to donate at the church building on or before December 20.
Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle encourages fathers to make the most of the holidays this year.
'Tis the season for Dad to drop the holiday ball, stress out as the money is being spent for presents, and miss yet another providential opportunity to lovingly lead his family. So, this blog is intended to help dads not fall into the same old rut of holiday humdrum, sitting on the couch watching football and eating carbs, but rather intentionally plan out the upcoming holiday season. Our children grow quickly and if we miss the sacred moments God opens up for us to connect with and bless our families, everyone suffers and we set in motion generations of missed opportunity.
#1 - Dad needs a plan for the holidays to ensure his family is loved and memories are made. Dad, what's your plan?
#4 - Dad needs to not let the stress of the holidays, including money, cause him to be grumpy with Mom or the kids. Dad, how's your joy?
#15 - Dad needs to read about Jesus and pray over his kids. Dad, how's your pastoral work going with each of your kids?
Read all 16 here.
Click here to read the latest newsletter from Leo and Meri Ruiz, pastors we support in Ecuador.
