Bible Study: The Truth About Ghosts & Hauntings

A Timely Excerpt from GotQuestions.org

Question: "What does the Bible say about ghosts / hauntings?"

Answer: Is there such a thing as ghosts? The answer to this question depends on what precisely is meant by the term “ghosts.” If the term means “spirit beings,” the answer is a qualified “yes.” If the term means “spirits of people who have died,” the answer is “no.” The Bible makes it abundantly clear that there are spirit beings, both good and evil. But the Bible negates the idea that the spirits of deceased human beings can remain on earth and “haunt” the living.

Hebrews 9:27 declares, “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” That is what happens to a person’s soul-spirit after death—judgment. The result of this judgment is heaven for the believer (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23) and hell for the unbeliever (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:22-24). There is no in-between. There is no possibility of remaining on earth in spirit form as a “ghost.” If there are such things as ghosts, according to the Bible, they absolutely cannot be the disembodied spirits of deceased human beings.

If there are such things as ghosts, according to the Bible, they absolutely cannot be the disembodied spirits of deceased human beings.

The Bible teaches very clearly that there are indeed spirit beings who can connect with and appear in our physical world. The Bible identifies these beings as angels and demons. Angels are spirit beings who are faithful in serving God. Angels are righteous, good, and holy. Demons are fallen angels, angels who rebelled against God. Demons are evil, deceptive, and destructive. According to 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, demons masquerade as “angels of light” and as “servants of righteousness.” Appearing as a “ghost” and impersonating a deceased human being definitely seem to be within the power and abilities that demons possess.

The closest biblical example of a “haunting” is found in Mark 5:1-20. A legion of demons possessed a man and used the man to haunt a graveyard. There were no ghosts involved. It was a case of a normal person being controlled by demons to terrorize the people of that area. Demons only seek to “kill, steal, and destroy” (John 10:10). They will do anything within their power to deceive people, to lead people away from God. This is very likely the explanation of “ghostly” activity today. Whether it is called a ghost, a ghoul, or a poltergeist, if there is genuine evil spiritual activity occurring, it is the work of demons ...

Please take a moment to read the final two paragraphs of this important article, "What Does the Bible Say About Ghosts / Hauntings"
at GotQuestions.org.

Related: Can a Christian be Demon-Possessed?

Linked at BarbaraH's "thinkful" meme The Week in Words at Stray Thoughts.

Photos: MattTaylor (Flickr)



Do you agree or disagree?

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Family: The Pumpkin Patch Parable

A Powerful Picture of Salvation

Halloween definitely has its dark side! Thankfully, author Liz Curtis Higgs is a creative Mom who has brought the light of Christ back to this enormously popular secular holiday. Let's listen to this video narration of Liz's delightful children's picture book, The Pumpkin Patch Parable.

A powerful object lesson, I never tire of hearing the Gospel story read aloud, do you?

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:14-16)

Related Reader Favorites

• Thinking "Christianly" About Halloween
• Classic Books for Kids: 100 Books Every Child Should Read



Linked at the Carnival of Homeschooling



Up Next—The Truth About Ghosts & Hauntings

How are you planning to spend Halloween?

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10 Books I Should Read ...

But Haven't (Part 2)

But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out. (Ecc 12:12 NLT)

Sadly, like the five titles listed in Part 1, these volumes have been scanned, but not properly digested. I'm looking forward to giving them my focused attention any day now!

6. Between Two Worlds: The Inner Lives of Children of Divorce
by Elisabeth Marquardt

“There's no such thing as a ‘good divorce,’ argues Marquardt, a scholar with the Institute for American Values. Divorce harms children for the rest of their lives, she says; it turns them into "little adults" who anxiously protect their fragile parents, instead of being protected, the way they are in ‘intact’ families. Divorce forces children to guard parental secrets—protecting Mom by not telling Dad, or vice versa. … ‘children of divorce’ may also feel alienated from organized religion, although Marquardt's survey finds them more likely to feel their spirituality strengthened by adversity.”

7. Buried Treasure: Hidden Wisdom from the Hebrew Language
by Rabbi Daniel Lapin

“Did you know the Hebrew letters for ‘man’ and ‘woman’ combine as mathematical symbols to produce the two words ‘God’ and ‘fire’? Support this equation with the letters representing God's name, and you stabilize the passion between the sexes in an enduring spiritual union. Popular author Rabbi Daniel Lapin digs into the ‘holy’ Hebrew language—which not only conveys data but, as linguists know, also contains it. On a fascinating treasure hunt, his book decodes eternal wisdom embedded in the ancient tongue on relationships, human pleasure, life's meaning, and more … A practical, easy read which will fascinate, entertain, and instruct us in the awesomeness of the Lord's language.”

8. The 100 Most Important Events in Christian History by A. Kenneth Curits, J. Stephen Lang, & Randy Petersen

“This compelling book traces two thousand years of church history in one concise volume. Packed with information and told in a readable journalistic style, it is certain to breathe new life into church history. The book is a valuable resource for pastors, teachers ... and all who are interested in learning about the origins of the church doctrines and traditions. From Nero's burning of Rome to the 20th Century charismatic renewal, this book highlights the major people ... and ideas that have shaped the long history of Christianity.”

9. Spiritual Classics edited by Richard Foster & Emilie Griffin

“St. Augustine, Thomas Merton, Fredrick Buechner, Evelyn Underhill, A.W. Tozer, G.K. Chesterton, Thomas More, Martin Luther King, Jr., Amy Carmichael, Simone Weil, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Hildegard of Bingen, John Milton, Dorothy Day, Leo Tolstoy, Gerard Manley Hopkins, and more. From nearly two thousand years of Christian writing comes Spiritual Classics, fifty-two selections complete with a profile of each author, meditations for group and individual use, discussion questions and exercises, and a personal reflection by Richard Foster on each selection.”

10. Encore Provence by Peter Mayle

“After a four-year leave, Mayle is back in the region he described in his bestselling A Year in Provence and Toujours Provence and the British author's fans will be pleased that he decided to return to his adopted homeland, for his writing is as charming and witty as ever. In the first chapter, 'Second Impressions,' Mayle explains that he and his wife quit the convenient, efficient life in America for the 'smell of thyme in the fields' and 'the swirl and jostle of Sunday-morning markets' of Provence… The author then assists future tourists by naming his favorite markets, vineyards, bakeries, chambres d'hotes, even places to go for the best olive oil or honey.”

Photo: Bitzcelt (Flickr)



Up Next—Family Life: The Pumpkin Patch Parable

Do any of these titles appeal to you?

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10 Books I Should Read ...

But Haven't (Part 1)

"And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations." (Rev 2:22)

When we moved from Washington state to sunny Arizona this summer, I donated a truckload of unwanted books. These ten volumes are too valuable to retire from service. I've leafed through them, but they've not been properly and thoroughly digested yet.

1. Courageous by Randy Alcorn

“In Courageous—the novelization by Randy Alcorn of the screenplay Courageous by Alex and Stephen Kendrick—the theme of family leadership is examined from a biblical perspective as applied to a 21st century environment. What happens to a fatherless home? Police officers Alex, Nathan, Shane, and David continually deal with gang crime in Albany, Georgia. They see firsthand the pain and brokenness that result when fathers are absent. By clinging to God’s truth, these four men learn that it takes more than having children to be a father. It takes courage.”

2. Bringing Up Girls by James Dobson

“Tell her she is pretty every chance you get… Hug her. Compliment her admirable traits. Build her confidence by giving her your time and attention. Defend her when she is struggling. And let her know that she has a place in your heart that is reserved only for her. She will never forget it.”





3. Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson

“Boys are different! But with pressure to be ‘gender neutral,’ many try to mold children into a one-size-fits-all model. Dr. Dobson explains why boys are the way they are, how to understand their emotional and physical development, and the best way to motivate them to become godly men.”





4. Sex and the Supremacy of Christ by John Piper & Justin Taylor

“The contributors to this unique volume invite you to both celebrate sex for what God made it to be and fight what sin has turned it into. This book has something for all: men and women, married and single. Contributors include John Piper, C. J. and Carolyn Mahaney, Mark Dever, Al Mohler, and Carolyn McCulley.”





5. The Purity Principle by Randy Alcorn

“Some people have given up on purity. Some have never tried. Bestselling author Randy Alcorn shows us why, in this culture of impurity, the stakes are so high—and what we can do to experience the freedom of purity. Impurity will always destroy us; purity always leads to higher pleasures! Choose wisely. Let the insights of this amazing book—written for old and young, married and single—help you gain your footing on the path to truly lasting joy.”


Click here for Part 2.

Linked at Barbara’s "thinkful" meme The Week in Words at Stray Thoughts. Also linked at Amanda's carnival Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda and What's on Your Nightstand at 5 Minutes for Books.

Photo: ElFotopakismo (Flickr)



Up Next—10 Books I Should Read ... But Haven't Yet (Part 2)

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Bible Study: Chiasm in Noah's Flood

Exploring The X Factor

Caving, also known as spelunking in the United States, is the recreational sport of underground cave exploration. Our journey today is a lot like spelunking. We’re going to descend into one of the literary structures found in Scripture known chiasmus or chiasm. These words derive from the Greek verb meaning “to mark with two lines crossing like an ‘X.’” (X is pronounced “chi.” It’s the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet.)

Searching for Buried Treasure

Flashlight ready? As readers, we’re accustomed to reading Scripture as if it were written in modern times. Bible publishers such as Zondervan (NIV Kindle) use conventional devices like punctuation, paragraphs, chapters, subheadings, and enumeration to establish the boundaries of a thought unit. However, in ancient culture things like words, sentences, paragraphs, and episodes were not separated but instead, ran together. For the ancient author, a literary device like a chiasmus framed the writing and signaled the beginning and end of each thought unit. Here’s a simple example from Matt 7:6.

A Do not give what is holy to dogs,
_____B and do not throw your pearls before swine,
_____B’ lest they trample them under their feet,
A’ and turn and tear you to pieces.

In this example, the statements A and B are reflected like a reversed mirror image in the statements B’ and A.’ Identifying the chiastic structure helps us to make better sense of this verse. It seems logical that dogs (A) tear to pieces (A’), while the swine (B) trample underfoot (B').

X Marks the Spot

William Ramey, the author of Chiasmus Studies says, “A fundamental principle when dealing with chiasmus is not to think linear, but concentric.” We’re accustomed to outlining a passage that progresses from I, II, III, A, B, C etc. However, we rarely stop to ask if this form of Western outlining actually does justice to a passage, chapter, or book which was written in a very different language and over two millennia ago.

Fundamentally, chiasmus involves two elements: inversion and balance which produce a third climactic centrality (X). Strictly speaking, Matt 7:6 (above) represents an inverted parallelism rather than a chiasmus. The key element that distinguishes the chiastic structure lies in its focus on a pivotal central theme (X). The author uses other statements in the literary unit (A B A’ B’) to flank and develop X through comparison and/or contrast. A classic example of a true chiasm is found in
1 John 3:9.

A whoever is born of God
______B does not sin
____________X for his seed remains in him
_______B’ and he cannot sin
A’ because he has been born of God

“KIYE-az-uhm” in The Flood Story

There are numerous chiastic patterns in Scripture—both in poetry and prose, Hebrew and Greek. One of the most impressive is the chiastic structure found in the Genesis 6-9. Here the author uses repetition to make his central point (X) more clearly. Despite the world devolving into horrendous evil so wicked that His only recourse is destruction, "God remembers Noah." The seed of the woman (Gen 3:15) will not be completely annihilated, an event that would render God’s promise of a Savior completely void.

A Noah (6:10a)
__B Shem, Ham, and Japheth (10b)
___C Ark to be built (14-16)
____D Flood announced (17)
_____E Covenant with Noah (18-20)
______F Food in the ark (21)
_______G Command to enter the ark (7:1-3)
________H 7 days waiting for flood (4-5)
_________I 7 days waiting for flood (7-10)
__________J Entry to ark (11-15)
___________K YHWH shuts Noah in (16)
____________L 40 days flood (17a)
_____________M Waters increase (17b-18)
______________N Mountains covered (19-20)
_______________O 150 days water prevail (21-24)

________________P GOD REMEMBERS NOAH (8:1)

_______________O’ 150 days waters abate (3)
______________N’ Mountain tops visible (4-5)
_____________M’ Waters abate (5)
____________L’ 40 days (end of) (6a)
___________K’ Noah opens window of ark (6b)
__________J’ Raven and dove leave ark (7-9)
_________I’ 7 days waiting for waters to subside (10-11)
________H’ 7 days waiting for waters to subside (12-13)
_______G’ Command to leave ark (15-17 [22])
______F’ Food outside ark (9:1-4)
_____E’ Covenant with all flesh (8-10)
____D’ No flood in the future (11-17)
___C’ Ark (18a)
__B’ Shem, Ham and Japheth (18b)
A’ Noah (19)

I’m indebted to Chiasmus Studies and examiner.com for this information.

More Chiasms For Avid Bible Spelunkers

• The Lord’s Covenant With Abraham (Gen 17:1-25)
• Beloved Son Hated Brother (Gen 37:1-11)
• Paul and the Book of Romans

Related: 1. The Markan Sandwich 2. Bible Poetry
3. How to Find a Chiasmus 4. Noah's Ark Replica

Photos: jonny_t & lasombraenlapared (Flickr) Noah’s Ark at Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles CA



Up Next—10 Books I Want to Read, But Haven't Yet

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FAQ: Who Runs the Universe?

“ ... at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:10-11 ESV)

13 Names of Jesus

1. Jesus
2. Iesous
3. Joshua
4. Yeshua
5. Wonderful
6. Counselor
7. Prince of Peace
8. Everlasting Savior
9. Christ
10. Xristos
11. Messiah
12. Mashiach
13. Anointed One

Related

Did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month? Let's remember our pastor's wives too: "25 Ways to Care for the Lady Who Loves."

Linky Parties: Word-Filled-Wednesday, Women in the Word Wednesdays, and Thursday 13.

Photos: loswl (Flickr)



Your thoughts or reflections?

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Moving Past the Pain of Infertility

Welcome to Marriage Monday

How Marriage Works:
21 Secrets Every Couple Needs to Know

Secret #6: Moving Past the Pain of Infertility

Q. Up till now, we have not been able to conceive a child. I think that for us, the hardest thing is the “unknown” part of God's plan. Do we wait around for his “perfect timing” or do we do everything in our power to make it happen?

“I am going to be 38 in December and Rob will be 42 in November… I am still having to work since Rob is finishing a degree and we need the extra income. My life's desire (my Psalm 37:4) is to stay at home and answer to no one but God and my husband (no more corporate life). However, we are still reliant on that income and the stress of my job feels as if it's consuming me (healthcare administration/management). I also feel that the stress may be the contributing factor that we haven't conceived yet.

In all of this, we both love the Lord more than anything. He is our first love. We know that He is God and God alone. We know that He has a divine plan that is better than anything that our fleshly imaginations can conceive. But, it has really been hard to be ‘in the waiting’. The unknown has been overwhelming to both of us, sometimes to the point that it has caused arguments. However, the Lord always gently reminds us that He is in control. I know (and so does he) that we will be blessed for the waiting.”—Wife of Rob at A Pair of Bartletts

A. Ouch. I've heard that waiting to conceive a child is very difficult. Your attitude is SO faith-filled and no doubt gets you through some rough days. There are lots of options for couples who can't conceive a child. Perhaps you're praying about adoption or other medical treatments for infertility. God bless you!

Many Women Suffer in Silence

Would-be parents who have tried unsuccessfully to conceive a child (or who have miscarried) can scarcely get their minds around the idea that someone would choose to abort their unborn fetus. Even non-abortive birth control methods can seem unnatural to parents who long to have a baby.

Many infertile women grieve in silence, and feel cheated out of one of life’s so-called “givens.” Bearing children seems as much a part of our DNA as breathing. Unfortunately, marriages can suffer severe damage, and when one partner blames the other, divorce can ensue. Don’t let that happen to you!

Biblical Examples of Infertility

Have you ever noticed that many of the Old Testament matriarchs were barren before miraculously conceiving a child? The roster of infertile couples is long: recall Abraham’s wife Sarah, and Samuel’s mother Hannah. So you are not alone. In the OT it was a considered a disgrace to be childless, but in the NT God places a higher value on producing spiritual offspring.
(Gal 4:24-32)

Through fervent prayer, our Lord is certainly capable of producing a miracle in your life, as he did in the lives of many biblical figures. But He may choose instead to delay conception for his own good purposes—as he did with Hannah. (1 Sam 1:6-24)

Our Family Planning

I admit, I'm not the best candidate to speak from personal experience on this topic. My husband and I married right after college and we chose to wait five years before starting a family. Shortly after my super-natural healing from cancer, we made our decision to start trying, and it was a “go” right away. Our daughter was born in June, and then—precisely three years later—I gave birth to our son.

In fact, our family plan was so tightly scheduled, that my obstetrician gave me the exact same due date for both babies! Fortunately, our daughter arrived a little early, so our kids don’t share the same birthday. But every year, early summer has been a busy season of celebration in our household. And we give God all the glory.



Five Ways to Be Proactive, Even as You Wait on God

Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Phil 2:12b-13 NIV)

We must remember that in God’s economy, the spiritual always trumps the physical. If you are experiencing a season of infertility in your life, keep in mind that:

1. You can cooperate with God today, by bringing a harvest of new believers into the kingdom through your faithful witness. Your spiritual offspring can be as numerous as the stars in the sky. If you do bear physical children in time, remember that God will hold you accountable for their spiritual development (Mal 2:15).

2. You can pray. Assemble a team of dedicated prayer warriors. Not all Christians are called to intercede for needs like yours, but there are many people who do want to support you. Find them. Let them know you want to add their faith to yours.

3. You may need to forgive someone. Bear in mind that our physical health and our fertility is directly connected to our spiritual state. Ask the Lord to reveal how you’ve been sinned against and then buried your bitterness. We are not responsible FOR our injuries, but we are responsible TO them. According to Scripture, we must take positive steps to offer (and receive) forgiveness for our offenses.

4. There are countless orphans waiting to be adopted around the globe. And foster parents are needed everywhere. (Remember, you don’t have to be perfect, just available!) Consider whether you and your husband are willing to take on the challenge of providing a loving home for a needy child. "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress." (James 1:27 NIV)

5. You can seek appropriate and effective medical care. Study and learn as much as you can about the medical causes and treatments of infertility. Also, seek alternative treatments that are in line with your Christian values.

I challenge you to put any two of these five steps into practice immediately. Will you?

Incidentally, did you know that November 6, 2011 is Orphan Sunday? For information about Christian adoption, visit Cry of the Orphan
(a collaboration between Focus on the Family, FamilyLife, and Show Hope).

This post is linked at Julie's Blog Hop, Marriage Mondays at Come Have Peace




It’s Marriage Monday. Please Join Us!

• Group Topic: Infertility. If you would like to link a post today, take a minute to read the introduction to our topic. What advice would you offer to a married couple who want children to have but can't conceive? Do you have any special insights that you would like to pass on to others?

• Test Your Link. You’re welcome to add your link any time up until eleven PM (PDT) on Wednesday. Please include a text link back to Chrysalis, or you can use one of these graphic buttons instead. Remember to try your link to make sure it works correctly. And don't forget to leave me a comment!

• If you're new at Chrysalis, welcome! Please accept my invitation to join our Marriage Monday community. You might want to read an introduction to this Blog Hop and find out how to join the Marriage Monday Blog List. Thanks for linking at Chrysalis today, sweet sister.

Photos: pantagrapher, JoelAbroad, artcrimes (Flickr)



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Marriage Monday is Coming!

Our Topic: Infertility

The last time we met, we joyfully reflected on the topic of our children. And it’s been all smiles, gurgles, and warm cuddly skin in our family since the birth of our first grandson two weeks ago. Babies have definitely been on the brain around here.

However, I don't want to forget the pain of so many lovely Christian wives who—for whatever reason—have been unable to conceive a child. No doubt, there’s someone in your circle who has made the choice to seek medical help, adopt internationally, or remain childless.

Perhaps you’re the one still waiting to enlarge your family, and you’ve surrendered yourself to God’s perfect timing.

Moving Past the Pain

Whatever the case, on Monday Oct. 17 2011, let’s share what we’ve learned about moving past the pain of infertility. My hope is that other Marriage Monday participants struggling through a season of childlessness can benefit from your wisdom and experience. Please join us.

7 Writing Prompts

Should you need a few writing prompts, here are a few questions to help you formulate your blog post.

1. Were you adopted by a childless couple?
2. Were you an older bride, waiting “forever” to start a family?
3. Did you suffer any miscarriages or have difficulty conceiving?
4. Did you seek medical or alternative treatments for infertility?
5. Did you seek special counseling or prayer support?
6. Have you chosen to adopt?
7. Have decided to remain childless, free to “mother” the wider world?

As always, you’re encouraged to be creative. Prose, verse, photos, a video—you name it—all are welcome.

“Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, ‘Because I asked the LORD for him.’”
(I Sam 1:19-20)

See you on Monday!






Up Next—Marriage Monday: Infertility

Will you have time to join us on Monday?

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Family: Celebrating a Special Birth

Welcoming our First Grandchild on
Rosh Hashanah

Were you aware that this year (2011) Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, was celebrated from sundown on Sept. 28 to nightfall on Sept. 30?
(Also known as the Feast of Trumpets.)

If so, you might not have known that at 9:00 PM on the eve of Sept. 28,
I arrived in our pregnant daughter’s living room in D.C. after an eight-hour flight across the country. Her birth pains had begun earlier in the day, and labor was now full on. I literally dropped my suitcases, tore off my watch, and started timing her contractions.

Within an hour, my daughter’s mother-in-law and I agreed it was time to drive her to the nearby birthing center. There we two grandmas-to-be sat in the waiting room listening to my daughter and her “doula” breathe and exercise together through each excruciating contraction. My daughter's back labor was very difficult, but to our great relief, all went quiet when she slipped into a special birthing Jacuzzi tub.

By 2:00 AM my daughter's labor had stalled. Her cervix had stopped dilating, and the baby’s heartbeat was decelerating between contractions. The midwife swiftly called an aid car, medics strapped on an oxygen mask, and my daughter was rushed to a nearby hospital. Following closely behind that screaming ambulance, we offered silent up prayers for her comfort and safety. What a nail biter!

...in Jewish oral tradition, Rosh Hashanah marks the completion of the creation of the world when the first man, Adam was formed from the dust of the earth. What fun to think that God timed our grandson's entrance into the world to coincide with Adam's birthday!

Once again, we two grandmas parked ourselves in the waiting room. To keep our spirits up, we began sharing and giggling over our funny "bad Mom" stories. Then, finally the good news arrived. Shortly after 3:15 AM on Sept 29—on the Jewish New Year—our midwife emerged. We were informed that our daughter had given birth by C-section to a healthy baby boy—and a whopping big one at that!

Our little grandson was born weighing 9 lbs 6 oz, and he arrived sporting a full head of thick dark hair. After a brief recovery period, at about 4:30 AM we got our first glimpse of our little grand babe. The swaddled infant remained wide awake and alert for the next two hours, and we all had a wonderful time holding and passing him around my daughter’s hospital room until dawn.

Our daughter's mother-in-law climbed into her airport shuttle around 11:00 AM that morning, and then I finally fell into bed, a relieved and happy grandma.

Unable to be present for the birth, our son-in-law arrived home from his U.S. Navy officer training two days later. He spent the weekend in the hospital bonding with his little family. While my daughter napped, I witnessed some very special moments as this brand new father gazed in silent wonder at every precious detail of his infant son.

I spent the next 10 days helping my daughter adjust to her "new normal" at home. During my stay, we celebrated the Jewish New Year with apples and honey, a pomegranate, plus a loaf round raisin challah—typical foods eaten on Rosh Hashanah. These food traditions express the continuing cycle of life, and the desire for sweetness in the coming year.

Personally, I was quite tickled by the timing of the baby's birth, considering that our daughter’s first name literally means "sweet as honey." Also in Jewish oral tradition, Rosh Hashanah marks the completion of the creation of the world when the first man, Adam was formed from the dust of the earth. What fun to think that God timed our grandson's entrance into the world to coincide with Adam's birthday!

Like the Virgin Mary, I am “treasuring all these things” in my heart (Luke 2:19). Please enjoy these birth photos of our little "Rosh Hashanah" grandson.




Factoid: Did You Know?

"It should be remembered that the Hebrews had a two-sided Calendar year; the Sacred and the Civil. The Sacred year began in Abib or Nissan, the first month, with the Feast of Passover and it concluded in Tishri or Ethanim, the seventh month, the Feast of Tabernacles.

The Civil year began in the seventh month with Rosh Hashanah and finished twelve months later in the month of Ebul. Hence the first month of the Sacred year became the seventh month of the Civil year, while the first month of the Civil year was also the seventh month of the Sacred year. Thus it was both an end and a new beginning; closing off the old and bringing in the new year.

The spiritual truth conveyed here to the church is that God's endings are also new beginnings. He closes off the old to bring us into the new beginning. He Himself is 'the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Ending' and the Finisher of our faith (Rev 1:8, 11; Isaiah 41:4; Hebrews 12:1-4)."—Kevin J. Conner, The Feasts of Israel

Top Photo: Special KRB (Flickr)



Up Next—Marriage Monday Reminder. Group Topic: Infertility

Do you remember any vivid details of your first experience giving birth?

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