In the Spotlight: 5 Beautiful Blogging Poets

Snow, Today and Me

Today, on this day

of the very first snow,

I walk and I walk,

with nowhere to go.

I'm so full inside

of the crispness of air,

of the snow on my lashes

and white everywhere.

Maybe when I am grown

this won't seem so new,

this firstness of white,

this winter-white stew.

Maybe then I won't feel

like I'm bursting inside

with this wintery fullness

I'm sure I can't hide.

Maybe then I'll just grumble

about the snow and the cold.

Maybe that's how I'll know

that I've finally grown old.

By Linda Flashinski. Via Jana at Later... I'm Blogging

Poetry: From A.A. to Seuss

Poetry has been given a bad rap, don't you think?
As children, we skate through all sorts of verse—from A.A. Milne to Dr. Seuss. However, as adults poetry is relegated to the mud room of our lives. Either it's too sing-songy and full of rhymes—does anyone really talk like that?—or it seems chilly and laced with sorrow.

Poetry in the Bible

I think poetry is lovely. It warms our hearts. It's the perfect vehicle for expressing tenderness, humor, a fleeting impression, and yes, even clever rhymes. Many passages in the New Testament are expressed in verse, and the Old Testament Scriptures are full of Hebrew poetry, riddles, and surprising word plays. The Song of Songs is an entire poem unto itself.

Friday Fave Five

Maybe you've met some poets in the blogosphere this year. I'd like to share my finds with you before 2009 slips away. Visit, enjoy, and remember to say thanks by leaving a friendly comment...

1. Nice A at Nice Thoughts & Thrills lives in Thailand. She blogs about her family & marriage; fitness & food; career, education, literature & global issues; travel, adventure; and anything that thrills her.

Click here for two of Nice A's Haiku poems.

2. Jaime at Ditchin' the Kitchen is a former teacher turned housewife/SAHM whose weblog is almost 100% verse.

Click to read "Christ's Love = True Love."

3. Kim at Scattered Stones is the Director of Children's Ministries at her church in Michigan. Kim's 11-year-old son, Jeremiah has written three short poems, and two have serious "Jesus" content. Don't miss these, and don't forget to encourage your own kids to write about our Lord and Savior.

Click here for "A Proud Mother Sharing Memories"

4. Tami B. at The Next Step is a musical mama of four married to a Worship Arts Pastor. Her poetry is sprinkled across her blog like jewels. Here's a poem she wrote as a contribution to our Marriage Monday meme.

Click to enjoy "Living the Miracle"

5. Got poetry?

If you posted a great poem some time in 2009 (written by you OR by others) please leave your permalink in MckLinky below. I'll be right over to read it and comment!

Related: Make some new bloggy friends! Visit Susanne's Friday Fave Five blog carnival at Living to Tell the Story.

Photos: Nice A, Jaime, Kim & Tammy's avatars. Pinn & VivaAntartica (Flickr).




Up Next—Winter Giveaway & Marriage Monday Poll

Did you leave your link to a poem?

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Family Life: Like Father Like Son

Word-Filled-Wednesday

Posted by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

“Point your kids in the right direction—when they're old they won't be lost. (Prov 22:6 TMSG)

Join Amydeanne and the lovely WFW bloggers for more of God's Word at The 160 Acre Woods. For Wordless Wednesday visit Five Minutes for Mom.
Photo of "Tommy" via Hazel Chua at Zoe Grapho.

Related: "Classic Books for Kids: 100 Books Every Child Should Read"

I wonder what that little guy is reading? What are your children reading right now?

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Bible Trivia: 13 Random Questions

Test Your Scripture Knowledge*

Posted by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

1. Which Old Testament prophet married a prostitute because God told him to?

2. Which two animals talked with human speech?

3. What was the name of the champion that came out of the camp of the Philistines, to fight the men of Israel?

4. What was the first plague placed on Egypt by God?

5. Where was the Lord Jesus before He was conceived in Mary?

6. How many loaves did Jesus use in his feeding of the 5,000?

7. What does the name Emmanuel mean?

8. What was the name of the missing twelve year old boy, who was found in the Temple?

9. How many days was Saul blind while in Damascus?

10. To whom did Jesus say, "Get thee behind me, Satan"?

11. What did Noah see in the sky?

12. After the Israelites had slaughtered the Passover lambs, according to Moses' instructions, what were they to do with the lambs' blood?

13. Besides the laws for the use of certain animals as sacrifices, what general rule applied to all animals offered to God by the high priest?

(Bonus) 14. Who was the first high priest of the Old Testament Hebrews?

*Answers: You'll find them hidden in the comment box.

Moms, try these questions on your kids! (Or use this as a parlor game at your next family event.) Via Inspiration Korner

Related: 20 Random Trivia Questions: Think You're Bible Smart?

Join the friendly Thursday Thirteen crowd here.

Photos: paraflyer (Flickr)

Did you score well?

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Merry Christmas!

Photos: photoplasia, gailf548b & J. Star (Flickr)

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Word-Filled-Wednesday: Rom 8:22-23

For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. (Rom 8:22-23 NIV)

Many lovely blogging sisters are participating in Amydeane's popular WFW today. You can find them at Susan's blog, Forever His this week.

Reflection: Why Christmas Isn't All Fun & Fa-La-La-La
Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

In some ways, this wintry Advent season is a time of groaning and longing. It's a time when spiritually, we quietly sink inward, as we wait patiently for Christmas day to come.

The current season on God's calendar for bringing about his plan for redemption is similar. In fact, when talking about the Lord's timeline for establishing the Kingdom of God on earth, some theologians use the phrase, "already/not yet."

In other words, we already lay claim to some of the promises, but we have not yet laid hold of all of them. According to the verse above, believers now enjoy the "first fruits" of the Spirit, but we know by faith that there is still more to come. Paul says we "groan within ourselves," waiting eagerly for our bodily resurrection, and our adoption as a son or daughter of God.

Sometimes I've wondered why Christmas isn't exactly all it's billed to be. Even in a rare year when everything comes together nearly perfectly, I feel disappointed. Each Christmas e-Dad and I put up the most beautiful lighted tree, sing like angels in church, listen to meaningful Advent readings, we're surrounded by our happy family, we prepare delicious food and enjoy a few carefully chosen gifts. Yet, it's never quite what we've longed for or waited for. Listen to Matthew Woodley's poignant explanation for why this might be so.

Throughout Advent we catch glimpses of a better world. And as we catch glimpses of this Messiah-healed world, we long for its coming now. All of the best Advent hymns capture this spirit of groaning and longing for Messiah's better world. When we sing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," with its dark unresolved melody, it cracks our hearts open with longing's wound. And yet, we know Messiah has come, even as we wait for him to come again. Advent is a deliciously painful mix of joy and anguish.

This Advent-like longing is at the heart of Christian spirituality... C.S. Lewis claimed that in this life the Advent-like stab of longing serves as a spiritual homing device, placed deep in our heart by God to lead us back to him.

Advent trains us to ache again. Of all the seasons of the church year, Advent is the time to acknowledge, feel, and even embrace the joyful anguish of longing for Messiah's birth and the world's rebirth. So we sing our aching songs while we light candles and festoon the church with greenery.

That is Advent longing . . .

Quote via Tami Boesiger's blog, The Next Step.

Related

• Theology: The Kingdom of God. "Already But Not Yet"

Photo: Muffet (Flickr)

How are things going this Christmas?
May I pray for you?

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Relationships: 10 Conversation Starters for Your Christmas Event

How to Turn Small Talk Into God Talk

Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

Many of us will be invited to attend gatherings of all kinds over the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Family events are usually predictable and comfortable affairs, with a little misbehavior from the usual suspects. However office parties, neighborhood open-houses, and other seasonal social events are usually overflowing with spouses, friends of friends, and strangers we know little or nothing about.

This nameless crowd tends to pose some conversation difficulty for even the most perky, people-loving party-goer. As Christians, we usually want to take advantage of the special opportunities provided by the holiday season to share our faith.

Following is a list of questions that will help you get the talk going at almost any Christmas gathering. You can also use them to take your dialogue to a deeper level, as the Spirit leads. It's a good idea to pray beforehand. Ask God to schedule "divine appointments," and to give you the specific words He wants to to speak.

1. What was your most memorable Christmas as a child?

2. Describe your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day family traditions.

3. What is your favorite Christmas carol? Do you remember the words?

4. How do you feel about the commercial side of Christmas?

5. What's the most meaningful gift you've ever received?

6. Who was most surprised and delighted by a gift you gave?

7. What was the strangest gift you've ever received?

8. Why do you think Christmas is celebrated around the world?

9. Do you try to keep a spiritual focus on Christmas?
If so, how?

10. Why do you think Jesus Christ was born?

Related: 13 Conversation Starters: Questions You Can Use to Move to Spiritual Things. Inspiration for this post via BiblicalSpirituality.org.

Photo: avpjack (Flickr)

Up Next—Word-Filled-Wednesday

What was the strangest Christmas gift you've ever received?

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Video: "One Has Come"

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

This short video will make you laugh and cry! Written and produced by an extraordinary American missionary family in Haiti, the Livesays, the clip includes seven of their children.

In a touching dramatization of the Nativity story, you'll recognize a tired Mary and tender Joseph. Live animals add believability, and the clear, sweet voice of the Livesay's young daughter Hope (the angel) is truly memorable.

Take a minute to watch. (And to read all 79 comments.) You'll want to play it one more time. And again, please... 7:18 mins.

NOTE: I have posted the song lyrics in the comment box.

Via The Livesay [Haiti] Weblog

Up Next—Ten Conversation Starters for Your Christmas Event

What did you think of the video?

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Ring The Christ Bell

Word-Filled-Wednesday

Posted by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10) I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are?

Related: My Personal Christmas Greetings

This is my Christmas card for all of you COOL commenters. I would like to thank you for participating on this blog over the past year—a warm Merry Christmas to you my sweet friends! I do appreciate your thoughtful remarks and your encouragement. You're da best! Keep this bell ringing... Pass it on.

If you're a new reader here, welcome. If you leave me a comment, I promise I'll hurry on over to your blog to get acquainted. After we get to know each other, I'll add you to the Chrysalis blogroll in my sidebar. (Short on time? "Silent readers" are always welcome here too.)

Many lovely blogging sisters are participating in Amydeane's popular WFW today. You can find them at Christy's blog, Critty Joy this week.

This amazing Christ Bell is via elementary historyteacher at Got Bible?

Coming Soon—In the Spotlight: 5 Beautiful Blogging Poets

Did you read the Christ bell from top to bottom?

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What if the First Christmas Never Happened?

Jesus’ Birth Changed Virtually Every Aspect
of Human Life
Posted by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

"The greatest tragedy of the Christmas holiday each year is not so much its commercialization, but its trivialization. People have forgotten Him to whom they owe so very much” says the late Dr. D. James Kennedy of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Kennedy continues: "Much of what we take for granted finds its roots in Christ and His teachings. And yet Christianity is ridiculed as an impediment to progress, a bane, and remains today the one safe target of contempt and prejudice. And while the church has strayed badly at times from Christ’s teaching—for example, during the Crusades, the Inquisition and the blight of anti-Semitism—the overwhelming impact of Christ on earth has been for good."

Dr. Kennedy points out five areas where Jesus Christ has had a profound influence.

1. Respect For Life

"In classical Rome or Greece, it was dangerous to conceive a baby. Abortion was rampant and abandonment of infants commonplace. Infirm or unwanted babies were often taken out into the forest or the mountainside and left to be consumed by wild animals or to starve or for others to pick them up for their own perverted ends.

Then Jesus came. He did not disdain His conception in a virgin’s womb but humbled himself to be found in fashion as a baby. Since that time, and because of Jesus’ care for the poor and the infirm, Christians have cherished life as sacred, even the life of the unborn. In ancient Rome, Christians saved many abandoned babies and brought them up in the faith. Other believers started foundling homes, orphanages and nurseries. These new practices, based on this higher view of life, created a foundation for Western civilization’s ethic of human life—although it is under severe attack."

2. Status of Women

"Women, too, have immensely benefited from Christ’s influence. In ancient cultures, the wife was the property of her husband. In India, China, Rome and Greece, men believed that women were not able or competent to be independent.
Prior to Christian influences in India, widows were voluntarily or involuntarily burned on their husbands’ funeral pyres. And female infanticide was common. These centuries-old practices ended in the early 19th century through missionary intervention with the British authorities."

3. Family

"As Christians grew in number, they introduced family values to a world riddled with sexual immorality. In A.D. 125, Aristides, an Athenian philosopher, wrote a defense of the Christian faith to Emperor Hadrian. Regarding sexual matters he said:

"They do not commit adultery or immorality. ...Their wives, O king, are as pure as virgins, and their daughters are modest. Their men abstain from all unlawful sexual contact and from impurity, in the hopes of recompense that is to come in another world."

Christianity has helped preserve the family as the basic unit of society. It has protected millions of people from sexually transmitted diseases."

4. Science

"Some of the greatest pioneers of science were Christians. Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) coined the phrase 'thinking God’s thoughts after Him' for his study of nature. Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) not only made innovations in mathematics and probability science and helped pave the way for the computer, but was also a devout Christian. And Isaac Newton (1642-1727), though sometimes classified as a Unitarian, professed to believe in Christ and in the message of salvation. 'This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets,' he wrote, 'could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.'"

5. Education

"The roots of education for the masses go back to the Reformation... The Reformers believed that the only way the Protestant Reformation would hold would be if lay people could read the Bible for themselves. Christ himself encouraged learning. He was an avid student as a young boy and teacher as an adult. ["Was Jesus an Educated Man?"]

The greatest universities were started by Christians for Christian purposes. Indeed, most of the first 123 colleges and universities in the United States have Christian origins.”

These excerpts have been quoted from the article, "What if Christmas Never Happened?" by Dr. D. James Kennedy. Read the reviews of Kennedy and Newcombe’s corresponding book, "What if Jesus Had Never Been Born?"

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3: 16 NIV)

Related: Discover Christianity FAST

Are you a Bible newcomer? "Christian Cram Course: The Bible in Less Than a Day" might be of interest to you. Also, this video clip, "Father’s Love Letter" is a rich expression of God’s love for you and it's straight from the pages of the Bible.

Photos: William Couch (Flickr) Poll: Twiigs


Up Next—Christmas Greetings & WFW

Thank you for taking the quick poll below.

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Free Gift Ideas for Christmas

13 Gifts That Don't Cost a Cent
Posted by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

"Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade." (Jn 10:22-24)

Most certainly, Jesus understood the significance of the eight-day Jewish celebration of Hanukkah which today includes gift-giving, dreidel spinning, and special foods like latkes. This year Hanukkah, or the Feast of Dedication begins at sundown on Friday Dec. 12, 2009. You can read the history of this delightful Jewish winter festival here.

At Christmas, we’re accustomed to receiving a pile of gifts on a single day. Imagine the fun of spreading your gift-wrapped frenzy over a whole week like the Jews do during Hanukkah. (Maybe you’d like to try it!)

Since we’re all living more frugally these days, here are 13 gift ideas that won’t cost you a cent.


1. The Gift of Listening
But you must REALLY listen. No interruption, no day dreaming no planning your response. Just listening.

2. The Gift of Affection
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

3. The Gift of Laughter
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you."

4. The Gift of a Written Note
It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

5. The Gift of a Compliment
A simple and sincere, “You look great in red", “You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal” can make someone's day.

6. The Gift of a Favor
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

7. The Gift of Solitude
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

8. The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank you.

9. The Gift of a Phone Call
Pick up the phone and call (or e-mail) an elderly relative that you suspect might be lonely.

10. The Gift of Gratitude
Notice and appreciate the loving gestures of even the youngest in your circle.

11. The Gift of Tickling
Most of us won't admit it, be don't we love the special attention that comes with tickling? Initiate a ticklefest with your kids on the floor in your living room.

12. The Gift of Song
Sing (or whistle) a few bars of your spouse's favorite song.

13. The Gift of Story
Watch for big smiles as you relive a family outing by telling a short descriptive story of that memorable event.

Via this post. Feeling social? Check in with the friendly Thursday Thirteen bloggers here. This article is also linked at Mama Buzz and the Carnival of Family Life
(final edition).

Photos: Christine & Eric (Flickr)

Up Next—What if the First Christmas Never Happened?

Do you have a creative idea to add
to this list?

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Word-Filled-Wednesday: Daniel 9:25

“Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble.
(Daniel 9:25 NIV)

Word-Filled-Wednesday is hosted by our lovely Amydeanne at The 160 Acre Woods. This week, please join us for God's Word at Lori's blog, All You Have to Give.

Reflection: Prophesy & The Birth of Christ

A Reading For Christmas by Ed Rickard

Paul writes in Galatians, "When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son." To most of us these words suggest only that Jesus Christ came at the time chosen in the secret counsels of eternity. But many in the first century would have taken the meaning further. They would have understood it as an allusion to Daniel's wonderful prophecy of the exact time when the Messiah would come.

In Daniel 9:25 the prophet states that from the going forth of the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince would be sixty-nine weeks. The context of the prophecy shows that these are not ordinary weeks. Rather, each is a period of seven years, and the whole sixty-nine span 483 years.

When did the weeks begin? After the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC, the city lay in ruins until the Persians authorized its reconstruction. The principal effort to restore the gates and walls followed an edict of King Artaxerxes. If we assume that prophecy views this edict as the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem, the sixty-nine weeks began in the middle of the fifth century BC.

What then is the date closing the sixty-nine weeks? Adding 483 years to a date in the fifth century BC yields a date in the first century AD.

It is sad that the Jews understood Scripture well enough to deduce the time of the Messiah's coming, but not well enough to recognize the validating marks of the Messiah in the character and ministry of Jesus.

This result is so obvious that it did not escape readers in ancient times. A rough estimate of the terminal date must have prepared the wise men to understand the meaning of the star that led them to the newborn king of the Jews. Among the Jews themselves, there were many who understood Daniel's prophecy. And so it was that as the first century wore on, an agitated belief that the Messiah would soon come and right all injustices swept through the Jewish nation. The climate of expectancy was stormy and unstable. The Roman historians Tacitus and Suetonius say that feverish Messianic hopes fed by an ancient oracle were a primary cause of the disastrous Jewish rebellion against Rome in AD 66, which led to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The oracle provoking the unrest was undoubtedly Daniel 9:25, for both historians say that the Jews were looking for the Messiah to come at a certain time.

It is sad that the Jews understood Scripture well enough to deduce the time of the Messiah's coming, but not well enough to recognize the validating marks of the Messiah in the character and ministry of Jesus. They wanted a celebrity from the mold of their own aspirations, a hero to conquer their enemies, a leader with supernatural power to build a material paradise. They did not expect a humble carpenter who would offer Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

For more Bible studies about the birth of Jesus, visit
The Moorings.

Related

1. A thorough study of The Prophesies of the Birth of Christ can be found at Bible.org.

2. Here's my review of the amazing DVD, The Star of Bethlehem. It's a credible outreach tool for unbelievers, and the perfect gift at Christmas. I highly recommend this DVD for every family. You'll watch it over and over!

Photos: roddh & WonderSighter (Flickr)

Up Next—13 Gifts That Don't Cost a Cent

Why do you think the first century Jews missed the Messiah?

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Family Life: The Genealogy of Christ

Jesus’ Remarkable Family Tree
Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

Some people love to travel around the world. Others consider themselves armchair travelers, crisscrossing the globe through the pages of a well-written book. Maybe you’re a “time traveler” enjoying stories about families who lived during previous historical periods.

This article is about time travel and history. During the month of December, many Christians participate in Advent activities to prepare for the birth of our Savior. Although most of us glaze over when the subject of Biblical genealogy comes up (e.g. who begat whom?) it’s particularly relevant to study Jesus’ family tree during the Advent season. In fact, this topic is pertinent to our faith at any time of year, since one of the foundational doctrines among Christians of all denominations is a belief in the Virgin birth. This essential doctrine always raises important questions about Jesus’ family tree.

Luke's Gospel: Mary's Family Line

There are two passages in the NT which mention the genealogy of Christ. The first is the familiar Christmas passage found in Luke 3:23-38. Written primarily for a Gentile audience, Luke tells the Nativity story from the viewpoint of Mary. His genealogy starts with Jesus and traces his biological line backward to Adam, father to the whole human race. This procedure enables him to end with “the son of God,” and underscore his universal salvation message. There are 77 generations mentioned in total.

Luke… wanted to show his Gentile-Christian readers that Jesus was the fulfillment of the hopes of humanity.—Robert Stein, Jesus the Messiah

Matthew's Gospel: Joseph's Family Line

The second passage which mentions Jesus’ genealogy is found in Matthew 1:2-16. Here, we’re introduced to Jesus’ legal lineage. Writing primarily to a Jewish audience, Matthew tells his Nativity story from the standpoint of Joseph. In contrast to Luke and Greco-Roman genealogies, he records the names beginning with the oldest and moving forward to the most recent.

Since the Messiah was to be a descendent (son) of David, Matthew reminds his readers that Jesus is Jewish. Thus, he starts with Abraham (father of the Jewish people) and lists his descendants all the way down to Jesus. There are 41 generations in total, divided into 3 sections containing 14 generations including King David. (See Matt 1:17.)

Joseph’s naming of Jesus indicates an acceptance of Jesus as his legally adopted son (Matt 1:18-25). Therefore, because of Joseph’s decent from King David, Jesus is born into a Davidic family. He is considered legally qualified to inherit David’s throne as the Jewish Messiah.

Matthew wanted to show his Jewish-Christian readers that Jesus was the fulfillment of all the Jewish hopes and promises.—Robert Stein, Jesus the Messiah

I’m indebted to A Survey of the New Testament by Robert H. Gundry and New Testament Survey by Merrill C. Tenney for the information above. Along with Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ, these were textbooks in theology night classes I took at Northwest University. I highly recommend these books for your Christian library.

What’s So Special About Bible Genealogies Anyway?

Let’s listen to The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament...

"Genealogies reminded Jewish people of God’s sovereignty in arranging marriages and providing offspring. Sometimes they explained why a person behaved in a particular way (e.g., Moses’ descent from lawbreakers like Reuben, Simeon and Levi helps explain some of his own weaknesses in Exodus 6:12-30). Most important, they were essential to document a person’s proper lineage as a pure Israelite… a member of the priesthood or royalty.

Genealogies could also be used as unifying links between major figures in history; Genesis links Adam, Noah and Abraham in this way (Gen 5, 11). Matthew connects Jesus with the Old Testament narrative about the patriarchs, the Davidic kingly line and the exile."

"Women did not need to be recorded in ancient genealogies, but Matthew includes four women
(1:3, 5-6), three of them Gentiles (Gen 38:6; Josh 2:1; Ruth 1:4) and the other [Bathsheba] also a Gentile or at least the wife of a Gentile (2 Sam 11:3)—even though he omits the matriarchs prominent in Jewish tradition: Sarah, Rebekah, Leah and Rachel. Thus he hints from the Old Testament that God has always planned missions to all peoples (Mt 28:19)."

Related

1. Short overview: “Why are Jesus' genealogies in Matthew and Luke so different?”
by Got Questions.org

2. In-depth study: “The Genealogy of Jesus Christ” by The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

3. See also Complete-Bible-Genealogy.com

4. Join the good folk at the Carnival of Family Life

Photos: mmmcrafts & rick (Flickr)

Up Next—Word-Filled-Wednesday

Tell me something about your family tree.
Is it complicated?

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Book: The Real Twelve Days of Christmas

The Story Behind "A Partridge in a Pear Tree"

Perhaps you’re like me. Nothing warms my heart more than a great Christmas story! Our family library of Christmas classics includes A Christmas Carol (naturellement), Santa’s Favorite Story, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, and The Huron Carol.

One of our children’s favorite picture books, The Real 12 Days of Christmas tells the legend behind the famous carol about the Partridge in a Pear Tree. Written by Helen Haidle, this book is beautifully illustrated, easy for kids to follow, and suggests a deeper meaning than what's apparent on the surface. I highly recommend it for your family.

History of this Famous Song

Who among us hasn’t labored to keep up with the relentless pace of these famous lyrics: “Twelve drummers drumming, eleven maids-a-milking, ten lords a leaping… and so on.” It makes me giddy!

But did you know why and when the song became popular?

In the sixteenth century, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. For the next three centuries, those who refused to join the Church of England used this carol as a catechism song to teach young Catholics the basics of their faith.

Two levels of meaning can be assigned to the verses: the obvious surface meaning we’re all familiar with, plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the church.

Twelve Biblical Truths Written in Code

Each element in the carol (partridge, dove, hen, bird etc.) was intended to be a code word for a biblical truth that Catholic children could remember easily. De-coded, they are as follows:

1. The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
(The tree is the cross.)

2. Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

3. Three French hens stood for gold, frankincense and myrrh (gifts of the Magi); faith, hope, and love; or the Holy Trinity.

4. The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

5. The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law of Moses, the first five books of the Old Testament.

6. Six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

7. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy
(Rom 12:6-8).

8. The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes (Matt 5-7).

9. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruit of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control (Gal 5:22-23).

10. The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20).

11. The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

12. The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

Fact or Urban Legend?

Some researchers have argued that the history behind this carol is false. One writer connects it to another similar song that contained an open catechism, "In Those Twelve Days." She says,

"What I discovered after a year's worth of investigation, was that there is no evidence that this particular song was even old enough to be used as a catechism during Catholic restrictions… I concluded that the 12 Days of Christmas was not a secret catechism, but can be used as a summary of faith, giving a contemporary meaning to the days… In addition, the story also reminds us of how songs were often used to convey articles or truths of the faith in societies that learned more from the spoken (or sung) word than the written."—Gretchen Passantino

I have to agree. If you read the lyrics to "In Those Twelve Days," you'll see the remarkable correspondence between the two songs. Still, I think it’s valuable to teach our children another level meaning to a Christmas carol that might otherwise be a fun but rather frivolous song like Jingle Bells.

Related

• A Brief Overview of the Feast of Epiphany (Also called “Three King’s Day,” “Twelfth Day,” and “Twelfth Night.”)

• Biblical Symbolism of the Magi's Gifts

Photos: Google Images

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