What temple do you have joy in?
Points of this blog: 1) The seedlines from which Christ came 2) Date of Conception 3) Date of Birth
4) Biblical discription of the Feast of Dedication ("Christmas" Dedication)
Today the only knowledge the masses have of Christmas is based off of hearsay and traditions of men and few seem to know the biblical bases. It's rather disturbing that those who seek to relate Christmas to earthly rituals haven't done a deeper study of God's Word. The WORD not only gives the dates of Conception (Dec.) and Birth (Sept.) but also shows that there was much anticipation of the (1st) coming of Messiah and that his birth was celibrated by angels, as well as others drawn of the Father.
Today the only knowledge the masses have of Christmas is based off of hearsay and traditions of men and few seem to know the biblical bases. It's rather disturbing that those who seek to relate Christmas to earthly rituals haven't done a deeper study of God's Word. The WORD not only gives the dates of Conception (Dec.) and Birth (Sept.) but also shows that there was much anticipation of the (1st) coming of Messiah and that his birth was celibrated by angels, as well as others drawn of the Father.
______Lk.1______(outline and quotes) LUKE 1:1-31
vs.1-4/ Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
- vs.1-4 Intro unto the "Theophilus" - Beloved of God (Body of Christ)
5/ THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. *** This verse gives us a date. Abia is of the 24 courses of the Levitical Priesthood. A Levitical priest was to marry a Full Levite (Lev.21:10-15). So Elizabeth (Mary's "cousin" Lk.1:36) and Zacharias (The parents of John the Baptist) were Levites (Lk.1:5). (Levitical Marriage)
We see relation to Juda both in Mary's line (Lk 3) and Yoseph's line (Matt 1).
To be physically considered of the congregation by birth, your mother is required to be a descendant of Jacob yet any tribal identification is made through the Father's side. We don't associate Yeshua as a Levite for this reason. So while Mary's line had relation to both Levi and Judah Yahoshua was of the tribe of Judah.
Heb.7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood..... Yeshua's realtion to the priesthood preceeds and trumps that of the Levitical priesthood as mentioned in Heb.7 (Melchisedec).
Melchisedec
No one fulfills the role of priest and king like Messiah (Zec.6:13, Ps.110). David himself testified of this. Matt.22:41-42 Yeshua asks the Pharisees "What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he? They say unto him, the son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord saying, THE LORD SAID UNTO MY LORD SIT THOU ON MY RIGHT HAND TILL I MAKE THINE ENEMIES THY FOOTSTOOL?" Abia has two courses in a year. Study it for yourself. The dates of this particular year (5 b.c.) and particular priestLY COURSE would have been June 13th - 19th. 12th-18th Sivan( I suggest Appendix 179 of the Companion (KJV) Bible for deeper study)
6/ And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
- vs.6 The legal and spiritual requirements and standards were met in them.
7/ And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
8-10/ 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.
11-12/ And 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.
13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
14-16/ 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 he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
- vs.14-16 John was a Nazerite 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, 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.
- vs.17 He shall prepare many for the Lord, In the power of Elijah he shall bring forth the message of repentance. Elijah is the forerunner of Messiah. (Mal.4:5 He wasn't Elijah - he came in the spirit of Elijah. Matt.11:14 "if you will recieve it" they didn't receive him he was beheaded. Matt.14:10)
18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
- vs.18 And Zacharias communicates doubt of the Words of the messenger "Gabriel"..
19 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 shew thee these glad tidings.
- "Gabriel"- man of El
23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
- vs. 23 June 20th (converted to solar calendar) he left at the completion of his course and returned home. (30+ miles away /time for travel/ add in the sabbath day) 24And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself *five months, saying,
- vs. 24 "And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived" June 23-24th / add 5 months/ Nov. 24th
25Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. 26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
(John the Baptist was conceived 6 months before the conception of Yeshua)
- vs. 26 "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth," (vs 36 clarifies that this is the sixth month Elizabeth is pregnate rather than the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar just as vs 24 said five months in relation to being pregnate) (add another month which brings you to the 6th month. 6th month from the date we started out with! Not the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar which would be Elul Aug.- sept. but rather adding a month to Nov.24th brings us to the exact date of Dec.25th/ Conception !( When we add 9 months we come to the time of Sukkot. What better time for the Birth of Messiah (Sept 29th) than around Sukkot (dwelling)?/Tevet/ (This is when Christ first came to dwell with man in the flesh. This is NOT the day of Birth. According to Luke ("The Light bringer") This is the date of Conception!)
27 "To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary." Mary (meaning tear) was both of the tribe of Judah and of the tribe of Levi which we have already documented (the only way a virgin and concieve and bring forth a child is be devine intervent /Son of God). What is important to note here is that their are Two Legal lines here. Joseph was not the physical father of Yeshua. He had nothing to do with the conception. Joseph was only Father to Christ by Law. Spiritually and physically Christ is the son of YHVH and Mary. (Mary's line / genealogy of Christ through Mary/ Luke 3:23-38/ Notice No use of the term begat in Lk3 unlike all other lines in the Word cause it's "as was suppposed" rather than Joseph being phy father we are listing Mary's line through the males using Joseph's name for Mary.) Heli being Mary's Father / Luke 3:23(of Judah). Joseph's line (father by law/ adoption) Matt.1:1-16 (Joseph's father being named Jacob) Matt.1:1-16) More on this in side comments below)
(More on the seedlines) 28 And the angel came in unto her (*Mary), and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS
("Jesus" here is a translation of a translation. Translations are needed to bring the Living Word to the peoples of the nations. When one says Yeshua they are saying Jesus. Christ was not called Jesus in his day. Some would make this a point of division out of ignorance because they learn that Jesus is a later translation. So what is being said here? A "name" within Hebrew (Shem) and Greek (onoma) carry with it "Character"........ It all depends on what you know Yeshua to mean. Yeshua- Salvation of Yah. So Yeshua will be the Salvation that Yah supplies - Atonement. Within Matt.1 Jesus is called both Yeshua (Matt.1:25/ Salvation of Yah) and Emmanuel (Matt.1:23/ God with us).
- vs.1-4 Intro unto the "Theophilus" - Beloved of God (Body of Christ)
5/ THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. *** This verse gives us a date. Abia is of the 24 courses of the Levitical Priesthood. A Levitical priest was to marry a Full Levite (Lev.21:10-15). So Elizabeth (Mary's "cousin" Lk.1:36) and Zacharias (The parents of John the Baptist) were Levites (Lk.1:5). (Levitical Marriage)
We see relation to Juda both in Mary's line (Lk 3) and Yoseph's line (Matt 1).
To be physically considered of the congregation by birth, your mother is required to be a descendant of Jacob yet any tribal identification is made through the Father's side. We don't associate Yeshua as a Levite for this reason. So while Mary's line had relation to both Levi and Judah Yahoshua was of the tribe of Judah.
Heb.7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood..... Yeshua's realtion to the priesthood preceeds and trumps that of the Levitical priesthood as mentioned in Heb.7 (Melchisedec).
Melchisedec
No one fulfills the role of priest and king like Messiah (Zec.6:13, Ps.110). David himself testified of this. Matt.22:41-42 Yeshua asks the Pharisees "What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he? They say unto him, the son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord saying, THE LORD SAID UNTO MY LORD SIT THOU ON MY RIGHT HAND TILL I MAKE THINE ENEMIES THY FOOTSTOOL?" Abia has two courses in a year. Study it for yourself. The dates of this particular year (5 b.c.) and particular priestLY COURSE would have been June 13th - 19th. 12th-18th Sivan( I suggest Appendix 179 of the Companion (KJV) Bible for deeper study)
6/ And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
- vs.6 The legal and spiritual requirements and standards were met in them.
7/ And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
8-10/ 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.
11-12/ And 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.
13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
14-16/ 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 he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
- vs.14-16 John was a Nazerite 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, 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.
- vs.17 He shall prepare many for the Lord, In the power of Elijah he shall bring forth the message of repentance. Elijah is the forerunner of Messiah. (Mal.4:5 He wasn't Elijah - he came in the spirit of Elijah. Matt.11:14 "if you will recieve it" they didn't receive him he was beheaded. Matt.14:10)
18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
- vs.18 And Zacharias communicates doubt of the Words of the messenger "Gabriel"..
19 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 shew thee these glad tidings.
- "Gabriel"- man of El
20 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.
21-22 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled 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.23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
- vs. 23 June 20th (converted to solar calendar) he left at the completion of his course and returned home. (30+ miles away /time for travel/ add in the sabbath day) 24And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself *five months, saying,
- vs. 24 "And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived" June 23-24th / add 5 months/ Nov. 24th
25Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. 26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
(John the Baptist was conceived 6 months before the conception of Yeshua)
- vs. 26 "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth," (vs 36 clarifies that this is the sixth month Elizabeth is pregnate rather than the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar just as vs 24 said five months in relation to being pregnate) (add another month which brings you to the 6th month. 6th month from the date we started out with! Not the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar which would be Elul Aug.- sept. but rather adding a month to Nov.24th brings us to the exact date of Dec.25th/ Conception !( When we add 9 months we come to the time of Sukkot. What better time for the Birth of Messiah (Sept 29th) than around Sukkot (dwelling)?/Tevet/ (This is when Christ first came to dwell with man in the flesh. This is NOT the day of Birth. According to Luke ("The Light bringer") This is the date of Conception!)
27 "To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary." Mary (meaning tear) was both of the tribe of Judah and of the tribe of Levi which we have already documented (the only way a virgin and concieve and bring forth a child is be devine intervent /Son of God). What is important to note here is that their are Two Legal lines here. Joseph was not the physical father of Yeshua. He had nothing to do with the conception. Joseph was only Father to Christ by Law. Spiritually and physically Christ is the son of YHVH and Mary. (Mary's line / genealogy of Christ through Mary/ Luke 3:23-38/ Notice No use of the term begat in Lk3 unlike all other lines in the Word cause it's "as was suppposed" rather than Joseph being phy father we are listing Mary's line through the males using Joseph's name for Mary.) Heli being Mary's Father / Luke 3:23(of Judah). Joseph's line (father by law/ adoption) Matt.1:1-16 (Joseph's father being named Jacob) Matt.1:1-16) More on this in side comments below)
(More on the seedlines) 28 And the angel came in unto her (*Mary), and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS
("Jesus" here is a translation of a translation. Translations are needed to bring the Living Word to the peoples of the nations. When one says Yeshua they are saying Jesus. Christ was not called Jesus in his day. Some would make this a point of division out of ignorance because they learn that Jesus is a later translation. So what is being said here? A "name" within Hebrew (Shem) and Greek (onoma) carry with it "Character"........ It all depends on what you know Yeshua to mean. Yeshua- Salvation of Yah. So Yeshua will be the Salvation that Yah supplies - Atonement. Within Matt.1 Jesus is called both Yeshua (Matt.1:25/ Salvation of Yah) and Emmanuel (Matt.1:23/ God with us).
32He shall 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: 33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35And 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 which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37For with God nothing shall be impossible.
- vs.32 Yeshua (aka Jesus) shall be the son of God. (Ben/Son one who carries the character of His Father and builder of the house, King to God's people) - vs.33 Forever after the order of Melchisedec (King of the Righteous). - vs.34 Mary exspresses that she is a virgin and wonders how this will come about. (Not doubting) - vs.35 By the will of YHVH - vs.36 Elisabeth also conceived a son in her old age (Elizabeth 6 months pregnate)
- vs. 37 "For with God nothing shall be impossible. " (He who's will shall be done. Is.7:14) Some ignorant people claim Dec.25th can only relate to seasonal pagon rituals. Others who are unlearned would say its the birthday of Christ. Those who Luke 1 is revealed to see it as the date of CONCEPTION.
38 "And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her." 39And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; 40And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
- vs.39-40 Mary went to be with Elizabeth.
- vs.41 When Mary came near to Elizabeth, John lept and she was filled with the Holy Spirit./ (later John and Christ would fellowship in the Jordan river were Christ supported the message of repentance before witnesses and accepted and fulfilled the fact that One in the wildreness would make way for the annointed one of whom would be The Good shepherd.) 42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. 46And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
- vs.42 The Holy Spirit speaks through Elizabeth and blesses Mary. - vs.43 Elizabeth humbles herself before the Lord. - vs.44 John leaped with joy! - vs.45 Blessing for emphasis - vs.46-47 Mary shows Praise to Adonai her Salvation. (El Shaddai) - vs.48 Mary exspresses that her child shall touch all generations. - vs.49 Praise be to YHVH
Conception of John
Jewish month - 23rd Sivan
English month - June 23rd or 24th
...
Birth of John
Jewish month - 7th Nisan
English month - March 28th or 29th
Begetting of Christ
Jewish month - 1st Tebeth
English month - December 25th (Conception)
Nativity or birth of Christ
Jewish month - 15th Tisri
English month - September 29th
_________Luke 3____
vs.23 "And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son (in law) of Heli," Joseph was the (legal) father of Jesus (father in law) Not only was Joseph of Juda but Marys Father (Heli) was of Juda as well (full blood Jew) just as Joseph was of the house of David.
There is notable symbolizim within these dates!
Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles/ Fall Fellowship) is 1 of 3 Jewish pilgramage festivals/ Sukkah is to mention booth or dwelling. During this Jewish observance one is to dwell in temporary tents. Its only natural that Emmanuel (God with us) would be born during this observance. Its also notable that Mary and Joseph dwelled in a temporary dwelling on Christ's birthday. (1) This set aside observance is a reminder of Israel wondering the wilderness under the guidance of YHVH. (2) It also prepares God's people for the tribulation to come in which they will be the few set apart ones who dwell in the presence of The LORD.
-Hebrew # 2583 chanah - to pitch a tent, dwell, encamp, rest stop- prime root #2603 chanan /(bow, have mercy on, mericful, gracious,to show pity .....) from which comes : -Hebrew # 2580 Chen Can/ khane - grace, favour, well favored.... Heb.2:14/ Jn 3:16 - When we reverance YHVH and embrace his mercy through the Passover sacrifice(Yeshua Christ), then we shall enter into rest (eturnal Peace) by grace (unmerited favor).
Man by his own works can not achieve salvation for all have sinned and blood must be shed. Our good works are but filthy rags before YHVH. A voice in the wilderness stressed the need for repentance. So Emmanuel came so that we may live. Baptized in the waters (for the people/ waters) showing the beauty of the oneness of the Body of Christ / Church/ Spiritual Israel/ Elohim. He came to baptize with the Holy Spirit! Just as Christ calmed the waters and the storm for his disciples, The Holy Spirit is one of Comfort!
One of the characteristic words of the gospel of John was "meno" in the Greek. (Remember Sukkot - dwelling).
--> Meno <--(powerful verses) is rendered (in John): Abide 22 times, Dwell 5, Remain 5, Continue 3, Endure 1, Abide still 1, Tarry 3, be Present 1/ these verses are on how to have a relationship with YHVH! Examples: Jn.1:33,38 / Jn 6:56/ Jn.8:31 (Jn.8:34-36)/ Jn.14:10,16,17/ Jn.15:4,5
"Hanukkah" ??? Observances (rituals) of lighting a 9 (8) branched menorah are not based on scripture but rather rabbinic traditions. "Hanukkah" means dedication and the modern observances are in reflection of the Last feast of dedication of the (2nd) temple. The (Feast of) Dedication was an observance of dedication of the "temple" by the priests unto the LORD (and vice versa). This was a sacrid observance of the priesthood and took place as commanded whenever a Temple to the Lord was raised. The temple itself is a symbol of The Shekinah (God dwells here) Glory and was to be the center of the priesthood. The Hannakah story is a story of a Spacific Feast of Dedication and the Temple dedication it observes is one of a temple (the 2nd temple), that has since fallen (been destroyed- as a sign of Messiah Ben Yoseph coming)!
The story and mainstream "Hanukkah" rituals have claimed the observance of The Feast of Dedication. The only place "The Feast of Dedication" is mentioned in scripture is in the *N.T. Jn.10:22, where the focuss is Jesus (The LIGHT) in the temple (hieron)! Very interesting that Christ was concieved during this time of the year. /"Hanukkah" is also called the "festival of lights", Christ is The Light and temple (Jn.1:4; 8:12; 9:5; 12:35-36; 14:6)! Each Temple was (to be) properly constructed and Dedicated (Ex.31/40) according to the commands given to Moses. Once these standards were met YHVH was known to show His Pleasure with the Temple/ Priesthood/Yisrael.
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Dedications Approved (=Shechinah Glory/ Presence of G-d):
* Tabernacle during the exodus Ex.40:34,38 (shechinah glory)
* 1st (Solomon's) Temple 1 Kings 8:10/ 2 Chron.5:13-14
-destroyed 586 B.C.
NOTE: Hashem showed his pleasure with the temple (and priesthood) with a cloud of His presence/ (The Shechinah Glory) in responce to the dedication of the tabernacle and the 1st temple!
* 2nd (Herod's/Zerubbabel's) Temple
Dedication: Ezra 6:16-18
Discription of approval of 2nd temple is DIFFERENT than that of the tabernacle and the 1st temple. (The traditional "Hanukkah" story (of the 2nd temple) isnt biblical!). Why didnt YHVH show His pleasure with the 2nd temple in the way He had been known to do??? YHVH showed his pleasure of Both the tabernacle & 1st temple, by a cloud of his presence (The Shechinah Glory). This isnt noted following the dedication of the 2nd temple. Rather this time the approval within scripture was described as a feeling of Joy within the people, and Israel's enemies now showing favor to them.
The discription of G-d's favor (The Shechinah Glory) isnt mentioned again until we get to the baptisim Of Yeshua (Jesus our High Priest) Matt.17:5/ Mk.9:7/ Lk.9:34! This marked the beginning of his ministry (priesthood). We also had the smoke in the temple at Zecharias (John the baptist's dad) recieveing message of birth of John the baptist (forerunner of Messiah).
Sadly, At the fall of the 2nd temple Joy was replaced with dispair and the enemies of Israel were given victory. During the time of this 2nd temple messiah refered to his body as the Temple Jn.2:19-21! (Yoma 39 records G-ds displeasure with the temple and priesthood following the crusifixtion and leading up to the destruction of the temple.)
-destoryed 70 A.D. (Golden Gate)
This Hanukkah which temple will you be thankful for a destroyed man made temple or a raised again temple of Messiah?
(1 Kings 6:1-38/ Lev.24:1-4/ Jn.2:12-22/ Yoma 39)
Compare traditions of men to prophacy: Ps.118:8
Believers in Yeshua see his body as the Temple (Jn.2:19/ Matt.26:61;27:40...1 Cor.6:19) which was raised by God. While the menorah story of hanukkah is often shared, Jews are not known to share the later menorah story found in Yomah 39 of the Talmud with Christians. Yoma 39 listed many miracles that ceased immediatly following the crusifixtion and showed the LORD's displeasure in the Temple, priesthood and Israel. One such miracle was the fact that the Temple menorah would no longer stay properly lit and this along with the many other ceased miracles continued until the destruction of the temple. The absence of the many temple miracles caused the priests enough concern that they recorded the historical records in the Talmud.
While this showed God's displeasure with Israel, the priesthood and the temple, the whole purpose of dedication of the temple was that God's pleasure would be confirmed with The temple, the priesthood and Israel all of which was exspressed in the coming of Yeshua (Jesus) at conception, birth, (baptizim), and fulfilling the passover (crusifixtion)! So rabbinical Judaism is observing a feast of dedication to a spacific temple that fell which Christians Praise YHVH for the fulfillments of Messiah as the temple, the high priest, and the way in which Spiritual Israel recieves grace (favor).
Most are ignorant of The Biblical Christmas Story and only point to pagon perversions and traditions of men in condemnation of the set aside observance of the 1st advent. Sadly such people are among those who continue to mix pagon traditions with Christ-Mas and many of them claim to do so in Yeshua's name. Anytime embraceing the Messiah is time well spent (weather its to celibrate conception, birth, the sacrifice, ....)
During the winter seasons there is no food for sheep in the fields. The shepherds weren't in the field in Dec.. __Appendix 179__Companion Bible (KJV)_____ http://www.biblestudysite.com/179.htm
Christmas trees? Within The Word, God is liked unto a tree (evergreen/ and or tree of life)/Hosea 14:1-8/Gen.3:22 , however symbols are just that symbols and Never to be worshiped.I won't be making a suggestion for or against Christmas trees. I like the focuss to be The Word rather than pagon influences and or perversions, however i would like to note a pagon ritual that involved trees. Heathens have been known to worship trees/ To cut a tree down out of the forest to fasten it down to stay in place and to deck it as an idol of worship. * Jer.10:2-5 / This of course goes against the commandments of God. This very image (discription) is often the focuss of modern observances during the time of Christmas as well as shopping, santa clause, .... Where is the focuss? on materialistic value, and unscriptural traditions and rituals? or The LORD and His priceless gift to the World?
A Great Documentary on The Star Of Bethlehem
Amazing walk through the true events within the heavens during time of Emmanuel!
"Star of Bethlehem" documentary
Links--> Pt.1, Pt.2, Pt.3, Pt.4, Pt.5, Pt.6, Pt.7!
(Their offical website )
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Lk.2:9-14
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, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye 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.
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Again: The Bible states Mary's Father is Heli (of Judah) Lk.3.
In the Apocrypha (books: The Protoevangelium of James, The Gospel of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, and The Book of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary) her father is called Joachim and her Mother Anne. Joachim used interchangeably with Joakim and Eliakim in 2 Kings 23:34 and 2 Chron.36:4
Over time, it is probable that the name Eliakim was shortened to Eli (Hebrew) or Heli (Greek).
This post is not my way of endorsing all the content found in the Apocrypha. Just thought it maybe of interest to others in study. (layout i chose to exspres this info resembles that of one: "Bob Stanley")
Mary (almah/ virgin!) Gen.3:15
Heb.1:6 And again, when He bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, He saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
(Gen.3:15/ Is.7:14/ Is.9:6-7/ Micah 5:2-3/ Zech. 2:10/ Zech.12:10/ opening of Matt. Luke and Jn/ Gal.4:4/...)
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Jn.10:22-42 / N.T. mention of the feast of Dedication ("hanukkah")!
"And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication (hanukkah), and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly....."
The above posts documents Christ being The Light. Also remember the "hanukkah story" isNT biblical nor is the ritual of a liighting the nine branched menorah. These unbiblical rituals have overcome Jewish observances of the feast of dedication.
Sure its an interesting story with rituals. I do find the symbolizim educational and agree that it was God's will that the temple was standing during the time of Yeshua/ Christ. In No way am i encouraging one to take up the ritual. (Personally I embrace Christ-Mass, and see the biblical Christmas story as a message of Joy.)
TRADITIONAL hanukkah story: After the Maccabees regained authority of the temple there was only found enough pure oil to keep the menorah lit for one day yet the menorah burned for 8 (meaning new beginnings) days which was the time period it took to produce more oil. This was seen as an act of God in favor of the Temple being reinstated. It was symbolic that God was the light thereof.
I will leave it up to the individual to decide what they do or dont take from such a traditional story.
http://youtu.be/Gv-7WdpB72o - Matisyahu - "Miracle"
-Israel was choosen to bring forth the WORD in more than one way (Written, Oral, and Messiah)!
-Israel was choosen to serve as an example unto the nations of how to have a relationship with The Almighty. (In current times a Jew is one from within /Rom.2:28-29/ and when it comes to Spiritual Israel /Gal.3:24-29/ there is neither Jew nor Greek /Col.3:11/Rom.10:12/.)
So with the concept of the Light of the Temple of God I would like to share:
Is.60:1-3
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Is.62:1-2
For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.
The opening verses of Is.61 are of the Messiah!
Christ (the Messiah) read this portion in the synagogue on the Sabbath in Lk.4:18 (Lk.4:16-22)! He closed the book (scroll)within the middle of the discription of the Messiah and said "this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." This showed the revelation that Messiah was to come in Two advents. The responce of some of the witnesses was "Is not this Joseph's son?".
Its interesting to note that in Judaism there are Two Postive Messianic figures . (Messiah Ben Yoseph and Messiah Ben David) Again this shows one with spiritual eyes that Messiah was to come in Two advents.
(Christ concieved of The holy Spirit Jer.31:21-31/ Matt. 1:20/ Lk.1:35(Jn.5:30; 6:39,44)
