Hanukkah, or Chanukah (Festival of Lights or Feast of Dedication) – Dec 18th-26th 2022

It never fails, each year I always end up hearing some “Christian” explaining/complaining that we shouldn’t be celebrating this holiday.  Normally the argument is that it was originally a pagan holiday, and we should not be participating in it. This year however, I actually heard something different.  This guy I was listening to was saying that we, as Christians, shouldn’t be celebrating any holiday/celebration that Yahweh didn’t institute.  I was a little intrigued, so I continued to listen, sometimes it’s good to listen, sometimes it’s not, just be careful.

So, his argument was, the Lord set up all the celebrations that He wanted, and we should only be honoring and celebrating them, speaking specifically to the Jewish Festivals.  If you don’t know these, go back and read what I have written this year. What he said got me to thinking.  The celebration of Hanukkah is right now, and when we look at the history of Hanukkah, it blows this guy’s argument to pieces, IMHO.  If you don’t know that last part, go grab a Millennial or a Gen Z.  I’m trying to be hip.  

The interesting thing about Hanukah, God never instituted this festival.  This festival started in the year 139 BC.  If you are looking for it in the Bible, its right in the middle of the space between the book of Malachi and Matthew.  You know, that 400 year gap of history that isn’t in scripture, also called the silent years since the Lord didn’t speak to His people.  This is the reason the Jews refer to this festival as The Silent Holiday.

Back in second century BC, the Holy land was ruled by the Syrian/Greeks, and they were trying to force everyone to accept the Greek culture and beliefs.  There was a small band of faithful Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, who would not accept this forced blasphemous worship and they went against and defeated one of the mightiest armies, and drove the Greeks from the land and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and they rededicated it back to God.  Hanukah is a commemoration of this re-dedication of the Temple.

The main piece of this festival is the nightly menorah lighting, for eight straight nights, and this is done in every household, synagogues, and in some public places.  Also, during this time, special blessings are recited, and traditional songs are sung.

So where does the Menorah and eight days of celebration come from?  Glad you asked.  When they retook the Temple, there was only enough olive oil in there to last them one day.  They lit the Menorah anyway and miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, until the new oil could be ritually prepared.

In addition to the lighting of the menorah and the blessings, the food prepared during this time is often fried in olive oil, and the Hanukah game “dreidel” is played.

OK, so I covered the history, how does this all come together with how I started? Look up John 10:22-42.  It mentions the Feast of Dedication, this is Hanukah.  Hanukah means dedication in Hebrew.  So here we have Jesus walking in the temple courts during this feast, the exact same temple the Maccabees rededicated back a few generations before. It’s easy to confer that Jesus was there celebrating it or observing it at the least.  This feast is not part of the original feasts listed in Leviticus 23.  Jesus didn’t say anything negative about observing this feast either, and if He was going to, this probably would have been the time.

We can see that the guy’s argument doesn’t stand up to the test if you ask me.  Celebrate Christmas without any guilt, but like many things not mentioned in scripture, if the Lord has convicted you to not celebrate, then that is between you and the Lord, and you need to obey.  I prefer to set this time aside and focus on the fact that THE GOD, the one that spoke everything into existence, that one that holds everything in the palm of His hand, stepped out of heaven and became man specifically for you and me.  What an amazing thing to celebrate.

I hope you enjoyed the Jewish Festival writings.  I am now deciding on what next to write about, so stay tuned.

Feast of Tabernacles/Booths/SukkotObserved: 15th of the Hebrew month Tishri (7th month on the calendar)7th and Final Feast Instituted by God

Alright, before you say anything, I know I’m a little late with this one.  This one was celebrated back in October from the 9th through the 16th.  While Rebecca and I were in Israel, we started to see all the tabernacles being built around the city.  They were built on balconies of apartments, in the restaurants,  and many other places.  There isn’t much to these tent structures, a wood frame and some fabric wrapping it on three sides and the top must be made from natural material, often palm branches, so you could see the night sky.  

This feasat was set up as a reminder for how God was their provider during the Exodus of Egypt and how the Lord was their cover and protection during the years they were wondering in the dessert.

There were three times a year where the Isrealites were to make the trek to Jerusalem, this was the one in the fall and they were to bring their offerings to God.  The people were instructed by God to make a temporary shelter to camp out in for a week.  The shear act of building a shelter would provoke thoughts with the younger generation, giving them a reason to share the story of how God intervened for them in the past.  God provided these instructions in three different places, Leviticus 23, Numbers 29, and Deuteronomy 16.

During this week, the Israelites were to eat, and even sleep in them if they felt up to it.  It’s traditionally a fun family activity.  It’s also tradition to invite guests each night of the feast to share and enjoy this time together. Hospitality, friendship, story telling, and giving thanks to God for His provision and also give back to Him are some of the things this event represents.

Now, how does Jesus fit into this feast?  Glad you asked.

First off, let’s remind ourselves of when Jesus stepped off the Glory Seat of Heaven and came to Earth.  It wasn't December 25th, its been calculated that it was actually in September, and some will say the exact date was September 11th.  With that said, the Feast of Tabernacles takes places sometime in September or October.  Some believe that Jesus was born during the Feast of Tabernacles.  I can not confirm or deny this, but it would be kind of cool if He did.  God Himself was coming down to tabernacle with his people for a short time.  That is pretty awesome, and not unlike God.

Also, it’s no coincidence that it is the last feast that the Lord instituted.  You see, the last thing we read in Revelation is when God brings the New Jerusalem down to earth for what reason?  To live with His people, to tabernacle with us.  You see, this feast is not just something to look back on and remember where God moved, buts also a reminder that He is our provider and protector while here on this earth and that we will live in God’s presence in the future.  As Christians, we have not arrived to our Promised Land, we are wandering in the wilderness right now.  We will arrive in our Promised Land at some point.  Awesome stuff.

Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement – “The Sabbath of all Sabbaths”

 

I know this is late, but you know I have good excuse.  This holy day took place on Tuesday, Oct 4th this year.

 

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year for Jews.  This day was started back when the people of Israel were wandering the desert and when Moses went up to Mount Sinai to meet with God and pray for forgiveness for worshiping a golden calf.  Moses descended the mountain on the 10th of Tishrei, now known as Tom Kippur or Day of Atonement.

 

Forty days before Yom Kippur, they begin by blowing the shofar every morning and reciting Psalm 27.  The week before, known as 10 Days of Repentance, there are some additions made to their prayers.

 

The day before Yom Kippur is set aside for eating and preparing for this holy day. Some of these preparations include the following:

·       They request and receive a piece of honey cake, as a symbol of being blessed with a sweet year

·       Two festival meals are eaten, one in early afternoon and another right before the commencement of the fast.

·       Some will immerse themselves in a mikvah, which is a pool of water

·       Extra giving is done as well

 

At the beginning of this day, a service is held known as Kol Nidrei.  In this service, two witnesses come in holding Torahs to simulate a Jewish court scene.  The prayer leader recites an old Aramaic prayer releasing the people from any vows that they may fail to fulfill in the upcoming year. Yom Kippur is dedicated to introspection, prayer and asking God for forgiveness as a collective unit (forgive the sins we committed, etc.) and individually (forgive the sins I commit). This event seals their fate for the upcoming year.

 

During Yom Kippur, no work is done starting sunset on the 9th until the stars come out in the evening of the next day.  While Rebecca and I were there, we were leaving Jerusalem as this day was starting.  The guide told us that even flights in and out of the city stop.  Absolutely no work is done.  

 

Starting on sunset on the 9th, the following actions are also avoided:

·       Eating or drinking

·       Wearing leather shoes

·       Applying lotions

·       Washing or bathing

·       And no sex

 

When finished, the shofar is blown again and the congregation declares; “Next year in Jerusalem” having the faith that they are sealed in the Book of Life for the coming year.

 

Rosh Hashanah aka Feast of Trumpets (Sept 25th – 27th)/Yom Kippur aka Day of Atonement

Scripture References: Leviticus 23:23-25; 27-28, Numbers 29:1

Well, it’s that time again.  Time for another post on the next Jewish holiday.  And right in time for our trip.  Not sure if this is a good thing or not.  I will let you know.  

This is the first of the Fall Feasts.  Rosh Hashanah, which means “head of the year, is one of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar.  It’s their New Year celebration.  This is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve.  This is a time of both celebration and serious introspection, a time to celebrate the completion of another year and reflecting on your own life for the next.  It’s a time to ask God for forgiveness of the sins committed the previous year and commit to not repeat them in the coming year.

Rosh Hashanah is filled with mitzvahs (commandment/good deeds), special food, and traditions. Good deeds are done, and charity is given in the hopes that God will seal their names in the “Book of Life,” which brings the promise of a happy year to come.  More to come on this.

It is customary to have a big feast on both nights of Rosh Hashanah and attend a High Holy Day service where the shofar, the rams horn, is blown. During the feast many sweet foods are eaten, and bread and fruits are dipped in honey, to symbolize the hope of a sweet new year. A popular tradition with this holiday is when the people throw crumbs or pieces of bread, which represent their sins, into flowing water.

Regarding the shofar, in scripture, the shofar represents a trumpet blast that is sounded at a king’s coronation, serves as a call to repentance, and it recalls the binding of Isaac (which happened on Rosh Hashanah), as a reminder of the covenant between God and the people of Israel.

In the Old Testament times, the Israelites were also commanded to offer a burnt offering consisting of a young bull, a ram, and seven lambs.  A kid goat was also sacrificed as a sin offering. These were all in addition to the required daily sacrifices. This all stopped in AD70 when their Temple of destroyed.

Next, there are 10 days that separate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, known as “The Days of Awe”.  It’s believed that God reviews the books of judgement on Rosh Hashanah and then delivers judgement on Yom Kippur.  These 10 days are considered the last chance for a person to repent before God’s judgement falls, possibly resulting in death in the upcoming year.  It’s also believed that three books are opened, and everyone’s name is written in one of the books.  The three books include:

·      Book of Life for the wicked – if name is here, judgement is final and that person’s life will be cut short in the coming year.

·      Book of Life for the righteous – if name is here, granted another year of life and prosperity

·      Book of Life for the in-between – if name is here, their lives are hanging in the balance.  If they sincerely repent during “The Days of Awe”, God will grant them life until the following Yom Kippur.  

Yom Kippur, aka Day of Atonement, is the most solemn religious fast of the Jewish year.  More on this in the next post.

Backing up a bit, I previously posted about Isreal’s Spring Feasts (Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits and Pentecost).  Each of these have all been fulfilled in the first coming of the Messiah, Jesus in case you weren’t aware.

The three fall feasts (Rosh Hashanah, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles) will all be fulfilled at the Messiah’s second coming.  If we take the above information about Rosh Hashanah, it will be a very dark day for Israel.  Rosh Hashanah occurs at the new moon, when the sky is at its darkest.  Israel’s priests warned of a coming judgement day for the nation (Amos 5:18-20, Zeph 1:14-16, Joel 2:31) and it will be a day when the Lord turns off the heavenly lights, pours out His wrath on the wicked, and bring Israel to repentance and into the new covenant.  

Ancient tradition is that the resurrection of the dead would occur on Rosh Hashanah, on a blast of the shofar. Another reason for the blowing of the shofar/trumpet, is to gather an assembly before the Lord.  

 More to Come – Stay Tuned.

If you look at a Catholic Bible or even an early copy of scripture, like the Septuagint, one of the things you are likely to notice first is that there are additional books/letters in there.  So, one might ponder, “Why are there other books included there and not in mine?”, “Why are there other books mentioned in scripture that aren’t in the Bible?”.  Those are some great questions.  Let’s try to explore that a bit without boring us on all the detail.

As a side note, this has been debated and changed for centuries.  What I am going to share is why don’t view these books as canon.  And when I say “canon” I am saying, “considered to be the authoritative scriptures”.  

The Old Testament (OT) books were selected by Jewish scribes, mainly because they were written by Prophets of God, who heard and followed God.  Another requirement was that it had to be written in Hebrew, which was the language of the time.  If a letter was written by a prophet that didn’t hear from God or had false prophesy, the letter was immediately thrown into the fire, along with the prophet that wrote it.  I think they were serious about authorship.  Actually, that was a command from God, and this action helped to keep false prophets away.

There is much more detail to the story, and if you want to know more, spend some time researching it. You can find a ton of info online, just make sure they are legitimate sources. You can start by following the link below.  This is how we ended up with our OT books.

CLICK HERE

 

As for the New Testament (NT), there were several criteria used to make a book/letter considered canon.

1.      Must have been written by an Apostle, those whom Jesus personally sent out to preach the Good News, or someone associated with a recognized Apostle?

2.     Was it 100% truthful, not contradictory with another book(s)?

3.     Were the books circulated and used by the churches, were the churches edified by them?

Regarding the additional books in the Catholic Bible, follow the link below.

CLICK HERE

In class this past Sunday, I mentioned another book, the Book of Enoch.

Just by mentioning this, some would scream “HERETIC”.  The Jewish community threw this book out because it was not fully written in Hebrew.  Also, there is debate on the actual origin and when it was written.  I say they threw it out, but they knew it, they just didn’t consider it part of the Torah. A copy of the Book of Enoch was actually found with the Dead Sea Scrolls, but still, the majority of the letter was written in Greek, not Hebrew.   Some claim that there are errors in this book, but I cannot confirm nor deny it since I have not done extensive search on this.

Now, there are some great historical truths that can be gathered from reading Enoch and some of the other books, but I will throw out a word of caution.   Don’t consider it all to be truthful.  These books are not meant for us to use as doctrine and position our lives around.  Your only guide for this, is the Word of God, the Holy Bible.  I believe that God has preserved what He wanted us to use to get to know Him.  It’s dangerous to look outside of it for truths about God.

I know this isn’t on the major calendar of Jewish holidays, but it’s hard not to mention it. Starting on the 16th, the Jewish nation enters into a time of mourning.  Why are they mourning for three weeks?  Let me tell you why.

For us to understand this time of mourning, we need to understand their view of their Holy Temple.  You may have a decent understanding of what the Temple in Jerusalem meant to the Jewish people.  We will never fully understand it though.  You see, it served as the connection between heaven and earth for over 800 years.  It was THE place that connected man and God.  Many of their holidays required them to visit this Temple to celebrate.  It was the place where God’s presence manifested more than any other, making it the holiest site in the world.

The first Temple was built by King Solomon, and it was known as Solomon’s Temple. It held the Ark of the Covenant and was the place to worship and bring your offerings to God. This Temple was destroyed in 586BC by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon.

The second Temple started to be reconstructed in 538BC by Zerubbabel, the leader of the tribe of Judah, and Joshua, the high priest.  It was finally finished in 515BC.  This is the Temple we read about in the Gospels.  This Temple, and much of Jerusalem, was destroyed in 70AD by Rome, and has yet to be rebuilt.

The place where the Temple was originally built is on the site we call, the Temple Mount.  Today, the Dome of the Rock shrine, a Muslim shrine, is on the Temple Mount, which is why the Jews and Muslims fight over that place.

Now, getting back to the mourning time.  This three weeks is designated as time of mourning over the destruction of the second Holy Temple and the physical exile and spiritual displacement they are still experiencing.  During this time, they are not allowed to conduct weddings, play musical instruments, listen to music, wear new clothing, get a haircut, or shave.

During this time, they spend extra time examining the state of the world and what are some things they can do to improve it, through good deeds and kindness.  They spend more time reading the Torah, giving to charity, and fasting.

Take a little time and think about this.  For almost 2000 years, the Jewish nation has been mourning over the loss of a building.  A building that was once important but was never meant to stay that way. They misinterpreted their scripture and are now focused on the wrong thing until His second coming.

They are so focused on that building that they have been remaking items that was once in there so they can go in there again when it is rebuilt, if it is ever rebuilt.

We too can get caught in this trap if we aren’t careful.  If we aren’t focused on the right thing (aka Jesus), other things will become more important to us.  How long has it been since you examined your life and what’s important to you?  Is there anything that you hold higher, or more dear, than Jesus?  If so, correct it now!

Scripture References: Deuteronomy 16:9-10, Leviticus 23:15, Acts 2:1-31

I know yesterday we celebrated/recognized Pentecost, or better known to the Jews as Shavuot. Technically speaking I’m not late getting this email out. You see, Shavuot is a two day holiday and this year it started on the nightfall of June 4th and ends on the nightfall of June 6th.

So what is Shavuot? Shavuot means “weeks”, and also means “oaths”. It celebrates the seven-week period between Passover and Shavuot, 49 days, and Shavuot is on the 50th day. After the original Passover event, the Jewish people left Egypt and were walking in the desert of Sinai. During this time, they were under divine protection from Yahweh. They were completely reliant upon Him. They needed His guidance, they needed His protection from the elements and enemies, they needed their food(manna) and water from Him. Each day their faith grew more and more on Him. They eventually came to Mt Sinai, which is where Moses went up and received the Torah.

We celebrate it as well, but we call it Pentecost. Much like Shavuot, we celebrate/recognize it 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection. Our celebration isn’t much different than the Jewish meaning. We remember Passover/Easter as the time Jesus gave His life for our sins, the ultimate sacrificial lamb, and then was resurrected three days later. Then 50 days later, the Holy Spirit came upon the 120 followers of Jesus and set up a new law, a new system. This is the day the “Church” was born. God knew that man could never fulfil the Law, this was the plan all along, for Jesus to be the Passover Lamb, and the Holy Spirit to come and dwell with His people. Since the fall of man, God has been setting the stage to restore the relationship He once had with His creation. It will be finalized one day.

What is interesting is that during the 40 days between Easter and Pentecost, Jesus was around walking and talking with people. He was confirming with His people that He was alive, that He was real, that He was with them. He was settling their fears, reminding them of His promises. He was also teaching them and preparing them for the task that was at hand. He was also putting an exclamation point on His teachings. I see the correlation between God’s Shekinah Glory with the Jewish people and Jesus’ walking with His people. Again, its almost like God had a plan in all this.

I don’t think we give The Holy Spirit enough credit for what He did on that day. The third person of the Trinity came that day and set up residence with us, He is tabernacling with us. He is our helper, our guide, our councilor, or intermediary, He convicts us of our sins, He is our teacher, He is the source of revelation and wisdom, He gives us spiritual gifts, He is the seal that God the Father gave us to call us His children. Remember, the Holy Spirit is God.

That day was/is very important, let’s not just look and go, oh yea today is Pentecost.

Pray and thank God for sending the Holy Spirit. Thank the Holy Spirit for all He does for us on a daily basis.

Scripture: Leviticus 23:9-14

This past Sunday was Feast of First Fruits. This feast was originally celebrated when the Israelite's entered their land, on the day after the Sabbath (the first day of the week).

The feast commemorates God as their supplier and is done during the barley harvest in the land of Israel. Barley was the first crop reaped from the winter sowing. The first portion of the harvest was brought to the Temple as an offering before the Lord. It was then given to the priest who would then wave it before the Lord. They would also bring an unblemished lamb, a grain offering with oil and a drink offering of wine. The people were forbidden to eat of the crops until the “First Fruits” were celebrated.

First Fruits marks the start of Israel’s grain offering and the beginning of the count for the Feast of Weeks, which is Pentecost (Lev 23:15-16). I will get into this on my next email.

This was a thanks offering, giving thanks to the Lord for the harvest to come. Get this, they were giving thanks to God for something that hadn’t fully taken place yet.

Here are the details of this celebration back in the day. The priest had their own field to harvest, and each year they would set aside a portion of their field to be sheaved for First Fruits. Three members of the Sanhedrin would come to the field with three sickles and three baskets. However, they would not be the ones to do the cutting, the bundles of barley would have already been prepared. They would gather them and bring them to the Temple. I know, you are going to ask why would they bring the sickles if they weren’t going to use it? I don’t know, maybe they were lazy, maybe they were too good to actually do the work, maybe that was just the custom, I am not sure. Let’s move on.

When the barley was brought to the Temple, it was then to be threshed with rods to separate the grain from the rest of the plant. It was then parched (cooked by dry roasting) and winnowed in the wind to remove the chaff. The barley was then milled and sifted until it was very fine. A small portion was then mixed with olive oil and frankincense. The priest would wave this before the Lord, and then burn some and give the rest to the Levite's for their portion.

First Fruits requires the Temple, and since the Temple is no longer here, it is not celebrated. Instead, the counting of the omer is what’s celebrated.

Regarding Jesus and First Fruits, read Matthew 28:1-10. Pay close attention to verse 1. Stop here, and read that verse, don’t go on if you haven’t read it. Did you catch it? The two Mary’s went to the tomb, “after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week.”. This was the day First Fruits was supposed to be observed. Jesus was resurrected on First Fruits. Now read 1 Corinthians 15:20-23. The original Feast of First Fruits anticipated the full harvest to come, the resurrection of Jesus anticipates the full resurrection of His people. Now read Job 19:25-27, this whole thing was foretold and promised there.

You can’t make this stuff up.

FYI, Leviticus wasn’t the first time First Fruits was introduced; do you know when that actually was? The first time we see this offering is actually in Genesis when Cain and Able were bringing their harvest to the Lord. (Gen 4:2-7)

Scripture References: Exodus 6:6-7, Jeremiah 31:31-34

If we are to get a good understanding of something in the Bible, it’s very important to do some research and find out where else that something is used throughout God’s Word. Where was the first time it was used? Where else is it talked about and why? Are there different meanings to that said something? Today, that said something is “cup”.

When we look at what a “cup” represents/symbolizes in scripture, we get a wide range of meanings. For example, the cup is often used as a symbol of God’s judgement/wrath, cup of fury, cup of judgement, cup of trembling, etc... Then, when we look at some other passages, it’s called the cup of salvation, so the cup can represent wrath, redemption, judgement, and blessing.

Regarding Passover, you know what’s interesting, a cup is never mentioned regarding Passover in the Old Testament. However, at some point in history, cups were introduced to the Passover Meal, and it completely makes sense. During the Passover, God poured out His judgement over the Egyptians and spared/delivered the Israelite's.

The only time we hear of cups being used during a Passover Meal is in the New Testament, when Jesus and the Disciples were having their Passover meal. The only thing we do know about the cups being introduced, is that it was instituted prior to Jesus, and He followed/kept the tradition.

As mentioned in a previous email, there are four cups of wine during a Seder meal. These are very important because they set the flow for the meal. For the Jew, the four cups of wine remind them of the four promises, the four “I will” statements, the Lord made with them in Exodus 6:6-7. During the meal, red wine is used to symbolize the blood of the Passover lamb. There are several names for the cups and I tried to put them all down below.

As a reminder, here are the four cups:

The Cup of Sanctification – “I will bring you out from under the burden of the Egyptians.”

The Cup of Plagues/Judgement/Deliverance – “I will rescue you from their bondage.”

The Cup of Redemption/Blessing – “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm.”

The Cup of Praise/Elijah – “I will take you as My people.”

For us, these cups also represent our deliverance. Jesus fulfilled these four cups during His ministry.

Sanctification – John 17:19

Deliverance – John 8:32

Redemption – Galatians 4:4-5 (This is the cup we drink during communion)

Praise – John 15:11

When we look at the Passover Meal, in the Gospels, we only see two cups (Luke 22:17,20). Jesus raised a cup two times, and both were to make an important statement about Himself. One of the cups mentioned “the cup taken after the supper”, which traditionally is the third cup. Jesus called this cup “the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you”. Jesus doesn’t just say things because He thinks it sounds good. He was referencing a promise made back in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The original Passover, wasn’t complete, it was actually broken (vs 32). Jesus was saying that this new covenant would be poured from the cup of salvation in His blood. The “cup of Redemption” stood for way more than the escape out of Egypt, what the Jews consider as a reminder of the past, God was using as a plan/purpose for ages to come.

Going back to the Last Supper, in Matthew 26:25, Jesus makes the following statement: “Truly I tell you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.” Some claim that He was referring to the fourth cup of the Seder Meal, being the Cup of Praise. Some will say that this particular cup has not been fulfilled since He will drink this cup with us at the marriage supper. I think it is very interesting idea and I can see why they think it. However, be careful adding in things if we don’t really know for sure. All Jesus said is that He wasn’t going to drink wine again until He drinks it anew in the Kingdom of God.

Before I wrap up, I want to talk about one more cup that Jesus mentioned. Any idea which one I am referring too? (Luke 22:42). While Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, He cried out to His Father, “take this cup from me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”. Jesus, in His humanity, was wishing that this cup of judgment, which EVERYONE deserved, except Him, since EVERYONE has broken God’s covenant, would pass over Him. But He knew, the fourth cup, the Cup of Blessing, could not be poured, unless He drank from the cup of Judgement for all Humanity.

Scripture: Exodus 12, Deuteronomy 16:3,

As mentioned in a previous email, the Seder is the traditional Passover meal held on the first night of Passover, and in some cases, the second night. This tradition for the Jewish community has been a grounding event for them through all these years.

As we go through the meal again, and in more detail, there are some very strong symbols of Jesus. Some are lot more pronounced than others, but still point to Him.

I am going to start with an obvious one, and a very interesting one.

In my previous email, I mentioned the matzah(matzoh), the flat bread with no yeast, the unleavened bread. This bread represents/reminds them when their ancestors in Egypt were in such a hurry, that God commanded them to make bread without yeast since there was no time to wait for it to rise. During the Seder, there is a bag called an echad, which means “one” in Hebrew. This bag has three chambers in it. One piece of matzah is placed in each chamber. This is where it gets interesting.

The matzah in the first chamber, once inserted in the chamber, is never touched, used, eaten, or seen. The matzah in the second chamber is actually broken in half at the beginning of the Seder, one piece of the broken matzah is placed back in the chamber, the other is wrapped in a linen cloth. The matzah in the third chamber is the one used to eat during the meal.

The non-Messianic Jews, the Jews who don’t believe Jesus was the Messiah, see the three pieces of matzah, and the three chambers, as representing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But they cannot explain why they would break Isaac. However, if we look at this through a different perspective, we get a completely different picture, and it starts with the bag. There are three chambers in this one bag, and the bag is literally called “one”, three in one. The first chamber represents The Father. The last chamber represents the Holy Spirit who lives inside us. The middle chamber then represents Jesus, who was broken for us, read 1 Corinthians 11:23-24, John 6:32-35. Pretty interesting that He is placed in the middle chamber. We typically say, The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit. Jesus was also on the middle cross on Calvary where He was broken.

Let’s come back to the piece wrapped in linen cloth, after Jesus was broken and removed from the cross, He was wrapped in linen cloth. During the Seder meal, the piece of matzah wrapped in linen cloth is hidden somewhere in the house. After the dinner is over, the children are sent to go look for it. Once it is found, it is brought back, broken, and then shared for everyone to eat. To the believers in Jesus, this hiding and then finding, represents the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. To the Jews, this broken bread represents the affliction the Jews were under while leaving Egypt.

This is the first piece of the meal that symbolizes Jesus. There are more to come.

Shabbat Hagadol – Sabbath before Passover “The Great Sabbath”


Passage: Exodus 12:1-20


First celebrated in Egypt on the 10th of Nissan, which was a Sabbath day, five days before they were leaving. It was on this day that God gave them a command (Exodus 12:3-5), each home was to take an unblemished lamb and care for it until the 14th of Nissan when it will be sacrificed.


Let’s stop here and take in this whole picture. Israelite's are currently slaves in the land of Egypt. One of the main Egyptian gods is Amun, the ram god. So the Israelite's were commanded by God to go and take a lamb, which is highly worshiped in Egypt, for the whole purpose of sacrificing it, ultimately humiliating their deity.

During these four days of caring for it, they would tie this lamb to a bed post. According to stories passed down, the Egyptians would come around and ask the Israelite's, “What’s up with the lamb tied to the bedpost?”. They would then respond, “Oh, glad you asked, we are planning to sacrifice these lambs because the Lord commanded us too. You see, the Lord is going to kill all the firstborn in Egypt.” The Egyptian firstborns heard this, put two and two together based on the previous plagues, and pleaded with their leaders to let the Israelite's free. This dispute led to a battle which is called the “Battle of the Firstborn”. The Israelite's see this a huge miracle that nothing happened to them during these four days.


Here are some other interesting things that happened on the 10th of Nisan.

A special offering and gifts were brought by the tribe of Dan for the inauguration of the Tabernacle
Miriam, sister of Moses and Aaron, died – 39 years after the Exodus
Joshua led the people of Israel across the Jordan River into the Promised Land
Jesus entered Jerusalem, the day the Israelite's were selecting their Passover lamb.

Adults With and Without Children

Shabbat Hachodesh – Sabbath of the Month

Reading: Exodus 12:1-20

This Shabbat/Sabbath is celebrated on the Sabbath before the month of Passover begins. I was supposed to send this out last Saturday but was out of town and forgot to get it together. So this week you will receive a double portion of Sabbath info. : )

The passage above is what is read during this time, and it is the sanctification of the New Moon. The New Moon of Nisan is the most significant “new moons” on the Jewish Calendar since it is the first month of the Biblical calendar. So, it represents the Biblical “New Year’s Day”. This season symbolizes a renewal, spring and rebirth, not only for nature but for the Jewish people themselves. This renewal is also a time of re-commitment where they are recommitting themselves for the whole year.

As a side note, the Jewish calendar is set by the cycle of the moon, most other calendars are set by the cycle of the sun. I was reading an article the other day about the stages of the moon and the Jewish people. I am going to paraphrase it here. Unlike the sun, the moon has different stages to its cycle. The way the Jewish calendar is set, the moon shines the brightest on the 14th and 15th day of the month. This article then shared that if you start with Abraham, when the light of the first Jew began, and go 14 generations after Abraham, you come to the time of King David, when the Jewish nation peaked at their brightness. Then you have the 15th generation with Solomon, who built God’s Temple in Jerusalem where the light then really spread.

As a side side note, do you know how many generations it was from David to the deportation to Babylon? 14 generations. Do you know how many generations is was from the deportation to Babylon to Jesus’ coming? 14

It almost seems like God had a purpose in everything He created and did. : )

Today 3/26/22 – Shabbat Parah

There are three special Shabbats (Sabbaths), leading up to Passover. They kind of set the mood, get the people ready, for the upcoming festival. In each of these special Sabbaths, they have special readings that either take the place of the normal daily reading, or they just add to the daily reading. This special reading is known as the haftarah, which is a prophetic reading, a reading from a book of the prophets.

Ending today is the Shabbat Parah, or the Sabbath of the Red Heifer. On this Sabbath, they traditionally read Numbers 19:1-22, which contains the red heifer whose ashes were combines with water and used to purify anyone who had been in contact with a dead person. People who were considered unclean could not partake on Passover. In ancient times, they would do a public announcement reminding anyone that had become impure to purify themselves before they make their way to Jerusalem for Passover.

The haftarah reading during this Sabbath is Ezekiel 36:16-38 which also speaks on being cleansed from contamination/impurity. Ezekiel takes it a step further though and the impurity symbolizes human sinfulness. Just like a physical impurity a spiritual impurity can cleansed as well. I think it is astounding that they chose this section in Ezekiel. Verse 25 specifically speaks of a coming time when God would give them a new heart and a new spirit. They were reading prophetic words of their coming messiah and what He would do for them. Christ and the Holy Spirit is the new heart and the new spirit.

Adults With and Without Children

Passage(s): Exodus 12, Luke 22:14-20, John 13

OK, now that we have a basic knowledge of the three feasts, let’s make our way back to Passover, specifically the Seder, since that’s really what encompasses Passover.

Seder, which means ‘order’, is a meal but it is so much more. It is a ceremony/reenactment of the first Passover night. Everyone present at the Seder will gather around the table, some who follow the original custom will recline on pillows. There is a leader of the Seder meal, who wears a white robe called a ‘kittel’, and they guide everyone through the Seder using a book called the ‘haggadah’, which has readings in it, questions, stories and blessings to recite.

There is a specific order to the Seder, go figure since it literally means ‘order’.

1. Kaddish – the blessing over the wine

2. Urchatz – ritual purification

3. K’arah (Seder plate) – the focal point of the Seder

4. Shulhan Orech (Passover meal) – a time for rest and fellowship

5. Afikomen hunt – (this one is pretty cool, you will have to wait on this one)

On the table is a plate for the matzah, the flat unleavened bread. The matzah is placed in a specific pouch which has three compartments in it. Each compartment has a whole sheet of matzah in it. There is also a big platter in the middle of the table with different elements for the Seder including ‘maror’ a bitter herb, ‘charoset’ brown stuff which has fruits and nuts all mixed together, and items to make a ‘korekh’ a Hillel sandwich. The last thing on the table are four wine cups which represent the four “I will” statements in Exodus 6:6-7. Below are what the four cups are called:

1. First Cup – Cup of Sanctification

2. Second Cup – Cup of Judgement

3. Third Cup – Cup of Redemption

4. Fourth Cup – Cup of Acceptance/Praise

Now, if you were to go to the Bible and look all this up, it’s going to look much different than what I just listed out for you, especially in the New Testament. Read the account of Jesus and the Disciples in Luke 22:14-20, and John 13. Next we will start to get into some details on what takes place during the Sader meal.

Jewish Feasts - Passover/Unleavened Bread/Firstfruits
July 12, 2022
Passage(s): Exodus 12

Yes, you saw this correctly. We are covering three feasts next. Not all three will be covered in this email but in the next series of emails. I decided to group them together because they are celebrated together or go together, as we will see.

2022 Celebration Dates:

Passover - April 15th through the 22nd

Unleavened Bread – April 17th

Firstfruits – April 18th

Before we get into Passover, there is some pre-work that must be done.

After Purim, about a month before Passover, Jewish families go all throughout their houses to rid their home of any leaven(yeast). This comes from the command in Exodus 12:15. When I say clean, they clean!! They don’t just get rid of the Twinkies and Wonder Bread. For the record, throwing out good Twinkies is a sin in my book, plus I don't think there is any leaven in Twinkies. Anyway, they clean every room:

they search for even the breadcrumbs in the cushions, in coat pockets and pants, in the corners of the floors
emptying and scrubbing the refrigerator
deep cleaning of the stove and oven (the oven would then be turned on at highest temp for an hour to burn any traces left in there)
removing all dishware that is used throughout the year, they have special dishware, pots, and utensils dedicated to Passover
to clean the dining room and kitchen tables they would pour boiling water on them and scrub them down with soap and water
they would pour boiling water on the sinks, counters, and any other appliance
scrub down the floors, windows and all other parts of the house
Leaven represents a corrupting influence, a hidden uncleanness that contaminates pure things. It represents the pride and egotism inside us. Since yeast is used to puff up the bread, pride does the same thing to us. Even the slightest bit of leaven in a batch of dough corrupts the whole thing. Leaven represents the sin in their/our life. The slightest bit of sin in our lives functions the same way.

Remember what I said in my previous email on what feast means? It’s an appointed time/place when you are meeting with the Lord. During the process of cleaning the house, it also became of time of self-reflection to see if they had become like the leaven. It was a time of self-cleansing as well. They were trying to make themselves and their homes pure before meeting with the Lord.

By the way, this is where we get the idea of “spring cleaning”. We can thank God for this annual ritual our parents made us do growing up and continue doing today.

I may be getting a little ahead of myself with this one, but if cleansing the area was important to God before meeting with Him, then this sheds some light into what Jesus did five days before Passover began. If you remember, we see a different side to Jesus. He just had His triumphal entry into Jerusalem riding a donkey and then He enters the temple area, the set apart place. Apparently, He didn’t like what He saw and started over-turning the tables where they were buying and selling things. He even went a second time and ran out the money changers that were set up in the temple area. He was cleansing the place of all the bad, all the corrupting influence taking place there. He was cleansing the house, getting rid of the “leaven” that was present, before meeting with the Lord.

Thankfully, we don't have to go through this process today of cleaning our houses just to meet with God. Just something else we can thank Jesus for. But its probably not a bad thing to do from time to time. We need to do some self reflection, spend some time with the Lord, and see what areas of our own lives we need to clean. Is it some "small" sin that no one knows about, is it anger issues, is it pride, how about your thoughts, or maybe its just not spending time with God on a regular basis. Whatever it is, do some spring cleaning for the next three weeks. If you don't know what you need to fix, ask God, He knows and will always answer that prayer.

Group,

OK, before you say anything, yes, I am aware that Purim is not part of the seven major Jewish holidays. But since it is occurring so soon after my initial email, I want to include it.

Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month Adar and is believed to have started around the 5th century BC. It is the celebration of the story of Queen Esther found in the Book of Esther. The first reference to Purim is in Maccabees II. It has been highly debated if the Jews should really be celebrating this holiday since it was based on a book that some thought shouldn’t be included in the canon of scripture. Some say this since Esther is the only book not found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the fact that God is not mentioned at all in it. However, there is enough evidence that it was highly regarded and read regularly early on based on outside historians like Josephus.

Anyway, this is a very joyful holiday for the Jews. It commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people during the ancient Persian empire. During this time, Haman, who was promoted by the king to be over all the princes, had plotted to annihilate all the Jews (young and old, infants and women), in a single day. Haman had thrown lots to determine when he would carry out his plans. Hence the name Purim, because it means “lots”.

Side note: It is pronounced Poo-REEM, not PYOO-rim.

Back to the story. Esther, a Jewish girl, who became Queen by winning a beauty pageant, foiled mean Haman’s plans by telling her husband, the king, at a banquet that she was Jewish. The king was furious with Haman and had a rope tied around his neck and then taken care of. There’s a bit more to this story and I highly recommend that you read the Book of Esther.

So how is Purim celebrated? Glad you asked.

They read through the Book of Esther twice during this time. Once on the eve of Purim, and then again on the following day.
They give money/gifts to at least two poor people
They send gifts of two kinds of food to at least one person
They have a big Purim feast
It is customary for children, and adults if they choose, to dress up in costumes. That’s why Purim is also considered the Jewish Halloween.
Now, lets go back to something I referenced at the top. Some find it very odd that God is not mentioned one time in the Book of Ester. To the Jews, the lesson they receive is that even if God doesn't seem to be there, He is always there working. He was there in the story:

He put Ester, a Jewish woman, as Queen in a Persian empire
He protected the Jews from a tyrant who wanted them completely gone. (we have seen this a time or two throughout history)

Good afternoon!!

As some of you know, I normally send out a daily email during Holy Week detailing out what all transpired with Jesus and other people each day.  This year I am going to focus on something different.  This year I want to focus on the seven major Jewish Feasts. We will start tomorrow, and this will be a year long email chain.  There are other Jewish celebrations, and we will cover some of them as we go along, but my focus will be on the main seven mentioned in Leviticus 23.  Since we are going through some major prophetic studies this year, I thought that a study of these feasts would be appropriate.

 

Please note, there is no way for me to cover every aspect of these feasts.  I will cover the main things I believe the Lord wants me to share this go around.  

 

My plan is to cover them around the time the Jewish nation celebrates them.  These feasts include Passover (Pesach), Unleavened Bread (Hag HaMatzot), First Fruits (Reishit), Weeks (Shavuot), Trumpets (Rosh HaShanah), Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and Booths/Tabernacles (Sukkot).

 

·      Spring Feasts – Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Weeks

·      Fall Feasts – Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles

 

I first want to start off by looking into the word “feast”.  Yep, here comes the Hebrew translation.  The Hebrew word for feast is moed, pronounced mo-ade’.  The meaning is appointed place, appointed time, meeting, and sacred season.

 

Do you happen to know when the first time this word, moed, was used in the Bible?  Hint, it wasn’t Leviticus 23.  It was actually in Genesis 1:14, when God created the fourth day.  

 

“God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them be signs to indicate seasons [Hebrew: moed] and days and years,..”

 

When I look at this word in the context of Genesis, it gives me a different view of what feasts are.  If you are like me, when you hear the word feast, all of a sudden a table full of food appears in my head (turkey, ham, potatoes, gravy, bread, pie,….).  But in light of Genesis 1, there was no food present at that time, so feasts, aka moed, wasn’t associated with food at all.  Instead, it is an appointed time, an appointed place, an appointed meeting set by God Himself for His people to come and meet with Him in a special way.  His creation is designed for us to meet with Him, to have a feast with Him.  So all the Jewish feasts mentioned above, first and foremost are a time set aside by God, for His to people to come and meet with Him.  Keep that in mind as we go through them.  

I can't help but picture the conversation between God and Moses.  

God - Moses, can you please open up your calendar, I mean My calendar.
Moses - OK Lord, I have your calendar open
God - Please write in a special meeting with me on these specifics days I am about to give you. <God gives Moses the dates of the seven feasts>
Moses - Ok, I have written them all down
God - Now, please put an annual repeat on them until I tell you otherwise
Moses - Wow, OK. Done
God - Now share my calendar with all my people.  I have given this to you with enough lead time that there is no excuse for missing them.  I expect you to show up each and every year.  I will be there waiting.
Moses - Yes Lord, I understand.
 

Just one more thought that I will leave you with.  The Jews consider these feasts as special convocation days, or religious gatherings.   Here I go again.  The Hebrew word for “holy convocation” is mikrah.  This word means a “dress rehearsal”.  So these feasts the Jews were/are doing, are a dress rehearsal for something else.  What in the world does that mean?

 

Well, stay tuned, we will cover that as we go along.

Parents,

On Sundays, we will continue our study in Genesis this month, but we will be tying it to the Advent season's weekly theme each week. Wednesdays will be centered around the weekly theme of Advent as well. Please use the Advent resources to spend time as a family doing the weekly devotional time together. We're also encouraging students to participate in the Bible Project reading plan, "Advent Reflections". Students will be participating in this through the Bible app with their DGroup leaders. Feel free to follow along in this reading plan with your student and please encourage them to engage in it! Spending time on this can help them grow their love for God and develop a critical spiritual growth habit! We are with you in this, you are not alone!

Chris Barker
Student Pastor

God’s Son, Jesus, was born to Mary. Luke 2:1-7

BIBLE VERSE:
“Good news! Today Jesus has been born.”  Luke 2:10-11

One Christmas night, so long ago
a star shone down so all would know
that in a manger, on that night
a Savior was born- our guiding light!

Now Christmas time is almost here
a very special time of year
when everyone anticipates
that night where we can celebrate!

As you remove a link each night,
remember the star that shone so bright
and told the world of Jesus’ birth-
the Son of God- here on earth!

Merry Christmas! Preschool Parents,

This Sunday we celebrated Jesus birthday at our Christmas party. It is important that the kids make Jesus the center of the celebration. The Christmas story this week will help the kids know and understand that Jesus' birth is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

It's strange that God would come to Earth in the fragile, vulnerable form of a human baby, isn't it? Yet because of this decision, Jesus -fully God- experienced first hand every high and low of human life. His understanding of our needs and longings has no bounds, just as his love for us has no bounds. And it is because of His great love for us that He became the means of our redemption.

This season make an effort to let Jesus shine through you and your activities so that others will remember that Christmas is a time to recognize the greatest gift of love ever given. Just as God had not forgotten His people or His promise of a Messiah, He does not forget you and your needs or longings. He continues to be the hope for those who believe in Him. So as you celebrate Christmas show the joy and hope you have because of Christ and be an inspiration to your children so they will know and experience the true meaning of Christmas.
 
"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end..." Isaiah 9:6-7

"And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15
 
Good News! Our Savior has been born!
See you Sunday,
Melanie Ekblad
Nursery Preschool Director

Wednesday December 15th 7-9:30p

For children 6 weeks through 6th grade

Enjoy an holiday evening out and let us watch the kids! Children can join us for Christmas crafts, story time, a movie, & a snack.

Parents help your children embrace the reality and truth of Christmas. Sharing the Christmas story with preschoolers and children should be a wonderful experience. As you think about the age of your child, think about the facts you should share that are appropriate for that child. Consider the following suggestions for each age group:

Babies, 1-Year-Olds, and 2-Year-Olds

Younger preschoolers are learning and growing at a fast rate. All of their experiences are new and exciting. These preschoolers are just beginning their discovery of everything!

• Say the name of Jesus often to babies, ones and twos.
• Say simple, factual statements about Jesus' birth: "Jesus was born. Mary was Jesus' mother. Joseph took care of Mary and baby Jesus."
• Provide hands-on experiences for younger preschoolers. They can touch a non-breakable manger scene as you talk about Jesus' birth. They can shake bells as you sing a simple Christmas song about Jesus.

Simple Bible truths will build string biblical foundations in thee young lives.

3-Year-Olds and 4-Year-Olds

Help threes and fours discover more about the events of Jesus' birth.

• Preschoolers can hear that an angel told Mary that Jesus would be born.
• They can understand that God planned for Joseph to be part of Jesus' family.
• They can learn more about the shepherds who came to see baby Jesus and wise men who brought gifts to the child.
• They can also begin to understand that Jesus was sent by God.

Simple Bible verses such as "Jesus was born in Bethlehem" (Matthew 2:1) will help threes and fours know that the story of Jesus' birth is in the Bible. Emphasize that Jesus' birth is the reason for Christmas.

Kindergarteners

Kindergartners' knowledge is expanding rapidly in all areas. They will ask many questions—maybe questions you find difficult to answer.

• Answer questions simply and encourage a child to inquire further if needed.
• Kindergartners can learn more about Christmas and Jesus' birth. They can begin to understand that God planned for Jesus to be born.
• Introduce the word prophet to a kindergartner. Say "A prophet told God's message. Isaiah was a prophet. He told that Jesus would be born."
• They can begin to understand that Jesus is God's Son and that God sent Jesus to earth because He loves them.

Kindergartners are forming foundations about God and Jesus. They cannot yet grasp the full meaning of Jesus' birth; however, you can develop foundations for later understanding.

Focusing on the Truths of the Christmas Story

No matter the age of your child, Christmas will always be an exciting time. Help your child focus on the truths of the Christmas story in ways that will be the most meaningful to him or her.
Consider ways to incorporate the story of Christmas into your family devotions. If you are not currently doing a family devotion, consider Christmas as a time to begin a family worship time that will help bring your family into a close understanding of the truths that God daily reveals in His word.

Bible Passage:
Isaiah 9; Luke 2

Story Point:
Jesus was born to bring peace between God and people.

Key Passage:
Hosea 13 :4

Big Picture Question:
Is there anything God cannot do? God can do all things according to His character.

Dear Parents,

We are taking a break from the chronological journey through the Bible to focus on Christmas. From the moment sin entered the world, its consequences were obvious. God’s people were separated from Him; they did not enjoy the intimate relationship with their Creator for which He had created them. People were affected by sickness and pain. Corruption spread quickly throughout the earth. The situation seemed hopeless, yet God did not leave His people without hope.

It was into this hopelessness that God spoke. Hundreds of messages came through the prophets concerning a coming Messiah—One who would rescue people from their sins. But when would this Promised One come? How would He come? Would the people recognize Him?

The prophet Isaiah—who lived hundreds of years before Jesus was born—spoke specifically of the Messiah’s birth. Isaiah told King Ahaz what the Lord would do. “The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14). He described the birth of a “Prince of peace”—a Son of David who will reign forever. (Isa. 9:6-7) Isaiah said that He would be a King! (Isa. 11:1-5)

Everything God said about Jesus’ birth came true. Hundreds of years later, Jesus was born into the world. After Jesus was born, Mary laid Him in a manger. A king in a manger! It was so unlikely. But Jesus was no ordinary baby. He was God’s Son, sent in the most humble of positions, “not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28).

As you celebrate Christmas with your children, remind them that the birth of Jesus was good news! Jesus was not an ordinary baby. He was God’s Son, sent to earth from heaven. Jesus came into the world to bring peace between people and God. He came to save people from their sins and to be their King.

Abby Norris
Elementary Minister

Wednesday December 15th 7-9:30p

For children 6 weeks through 6th grade

Enjoy an holiday evening out and let us watch the kids! Children can join us for Christmas crafts, story time, a movie, & a snack.

If your child is asking questions about Jesus, Baptism, and Salvation, this video is a great resource for you.

Parents,

On Sundays, we will continue our study in Genesis this month, but we will be tying it to the Advent season's weekly theme each week. Wednesdays will be centered around the weekly theme of Advent as well. Please use the Advent resources to spend time as a family doing the weekly devotional time together. We're also encouraging students to participate in the Bible Project reading plan, "Advent Reflections". Students will be participating in this through the Bible app with their DGroup leaders. Feel free to follow along in this reading plan with your student and please encourage them to engage in it! Spending time on this can help them grow their love for God and develop a critical spiritual growth habit! We are with you in this, you are not alone!

Chris Barker
Student Pastor

Parents,

On Sundays, we will continue our study in Genesis this month, but we will be tying it to the Advent season's weekly theme each week. Wednesdays will be centered around the weekly theme of Advent as well. Please use the Advent resources to spend time as a family doing the weekly devotional time together. We're also encouraging students to participate in the Bible Project reading plan, "Advent Reflections". Students will be participating in this through the Bible app with their DGroup leaders. Feel free to follow along in this reading plan with your student and please encourage them to engage in it! Spending time on this can help them grow their love for God and develop a critical spiritual growth habit! We are with you in this, you are not alone!

Chris Barker
Student Pastor

Wednesday, December 8th, 7-8:30p

For students 7th - 12th grade

Join us for our Christmas Party. Honi's Hot Chocolate Bar, Great Food, Epic Games.
This is a great time to bring a friend who needs Christ to hear the Gospel!

God sent an angel to tell Mary and Joseph that God’s Son, Jesus, would be born
Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-56

BIBLE VERSE:
“God loved us and sent his Son.”  1 John 4:10

One Christmas night, so long ago
a star shone down so all would know
that in a manger, on that night
a Savior was born- our guiding light!

Now Christmas time is almost here
a very special time of year
when everyone anticipates
that night where we can celebrate!

As you remove a link each night,
remember the star that shone so bright
and told the world of Jesus’ birth-
the Son of God- here on earth!

Hi Preschool Parents,

Its the most wonderful time of the year for sure because our Savior was born. The fulfillment of God's promise expresses so much love for us that it's beyond our understanding. No matter what happens, you have God's promise of love and help today and eternal life tomorrow.

In our story this week God keeps His promise of a Savior. Hope is trusting that you will see the fulfillment of what you long for. The Israelites had hoped for thousands of years that the Savior God had promised would come. And it was this hope of a Messiah that caused ordinary people to do extraordinary things. God did fulfill His promise through a young girl bringing His Son into the world. He sent His Son as the Messiah to live among people and to die in our place for the punishment of our sins in order to reunite us forever with God. We can all be thankful and excited that our Savior was born. As we celebrate the season of Christ birth, share His love with others and tell them how Jesus desires to have a personal relationship with them. Share the joy and excitement of Jesus with your children and celebrate the promise and gift of God's love.

"She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

"For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:11

"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS." Luke 1:31

Celebrate the coming of our Savior and the hope we have!

Enjoy the Christmas season celebrating our Savior,
Melanie Ekblad
Nursery Preschool Director

Sunday December 12th

Come hear the story of Jesus’ birth and celebrate with a special snack, treat, game, craft, and so much fun!

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” - 2 Corinthians 9:15

Wednesday December 15th 7-9:30p

For children 6 weeks through 6th grade

Enjoy an holiday evening out and let us watch the kids! Children can join us for Christmas crafts, story time, a movie, & a snack.

Putting Christ Back into Christmas

Most of the world doesn’t look to Jesus for its celebration of Christmas. We have Santa, trees and the ecstasy of unwrapping gifts. Our kids can give Sunday-school answers about why we celebrate Christmas, but is that what they are really excited about? To achieve Christmas enthusiasm about Jesus, it takes more intentional parenting. Here are some things to do to set the right tone for the Christmas season:

Talk about Jesus early and often. Tell/Read them the Christmas story of Christ’s birth. Scripture reminds us to talk about the teachings of God with our children constantly (Deuteronomy 6:7). With a strong spiritual foundation, the observance of Christmas is truly something to celebrate.
Focus on experiences more than gifts. According to a 2013 Gallup poll, Americans estimated spending nearly $800 on Christmas gifts. But another study concluded that life experiences actually make people happier than material purchases. I can’t tell you what I got for Christmas when I was nine, but I can vividly recall watching movies and looking at lights with my family on Christmas Eve.

Make giving a priority. Christmas provides a special opportunity to model for our kids how we can serve others. Maybe bake cookies for a neighbor, the mailman, or friend. During the Christmas season, work together to give to someone in need – either through Operation Christmas Child (filling a shoebox with gifts for a child in another country) or Salvation Army Angel Tree (buying gifts for a child in our local community). Choosing a child who is about the same age as your child is a fantastic way for them to feel connected to the child.

A Stocking for Jesus

To help our children celebrate Christ’s birth and to teach them to be concerned about others, hang a Christmas stocking with Jesus’ name on it. On Christmas Eve, talk about what Jesus would like in his stocking.  Children come up with ideas such as obeying their parents, sharing their toys with others, treating others with kindness, treating their siblings well and showing respect to Mommy and Daddy. You can tell the children how Jesus wants nothing more than to be their forever friend and Savior.
 
Gentle Reminder for Very Small Children

Use a little manger containing a baby doll wrapped in “swaddling clothes,” as part of your Christmas decoration making this a meaningful tradition for their young years. Your child will probably reach for the doll, cuddle and pat it. As they hold the baby remind them that “Jesus loves them.” Every time they hold the Baby Jesus affirm His love for them.

Bible Passage:
Jude

Story Point:
Jude urged believers to stand up for what is true.

Key Passage:
Philippians 1:6

Big Picture Question:
What will happen for all Christians in the future? One day, all Christians will see Jesus in His glory and live with Him forever.

Dear Parents,

Jude, along with James, was a younger half-brother of Jesus. And like James, it wasn’t until Jesus rose from the dead that Jude believed Jesus was the Son of God. Sometime between AD 65 and AD 80, Jude wrote a short letter to warn believers about false teachers. False teachers had secretly made their way into the church, and Jude urged his readers not to abandon their beliefs but to “contend for the faith” (Jude 3).

Jude warned the early Christians that some people would try to divide them by sinning and by teaching things that weren’t true. Jude wanted them to not only defend the true teachings but also to actively share the gospel. He told his friends to show mercy to those who doubt, to lead others to Jesus, and to hate sin.

There are still false teachers today, and some of them still try to sneak into the church itself. God loves us, and He warns us through Scripture to be on guard. We can study His Word to know what is true, and we can rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment.

Such a strong warning about false teachers might be reason for panic among believers, but Jude ended his letter reminding them of God’s promise. Ultimately, Jesus is the One who protects His people from sin. Throughout history, God has been working out His plan to bring a people to Himself. God will keep us, and He calls us to not only remember His truth but to encourage other believers to defend the faith.

Because of Jesus, we will be able to stand before God with great joy. In the words of Jude, “to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen” (Jude 25).

Jude warned the early Christians that some people would try to divide them by sinning and by teaching things that weren’t true. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life—the One who protects His people from sin. Because of Jesus, we will be able to stand before God with joy.

Abby Norris
Children's Elementary Minister

Wednesday December 15th 7-9:30p

For children 6 weeks through 6th grade

Enjoy an holiday evening out and let us watch the kids! Children can join us for Christmas crafts, story time, a movie, & a snack.

This Week’s “The Gospel Project for Kids At Home”
Click below to follow the family worship experiences, prayer prompts, & activity ideas.

If your child is asking questions about Jesus, Baptism, and Salvation, this video is a great resource for you.

Bible Passage:
1 John 2-3

Story Point:
Children of God love one another with their actions.

Key Passage:
Philippians 1:6

Big Picture Question:
What will happen for all Christians in the future? One day, all Christians will see Jesus in His glory and live with Him forever.

Dear Parents,
 
The apostle John had been one of Jesus’ closest friends. Along with Peter and James, John was part of the innermost core of Jesus’ disciples. John even referred to himself in his Gospel as “the one whom Jesus loved.” John left Jerusalem and went to Ephesus around A.D. 70. He stayed there as a church leader until nearly A.D. 100.

It is not surprising that 50 years after Jesus returned to heaven, John wrote a letter to help believers understand who Jesus is: the Son of God. At the center of John’s message was one key theme: love. Obeying God’s command to love one another is a mark of believers, whom John describes as brothers and sisters—children of God.

John wrote that God is love, and if believers truly love God—if they truly are His children—they will love one another. Our love, which we draw from the power of the Spirit, should be so deep that we are willing to lay down our lives for one another just as Jesus did for us. It is this deep, genuine love that will cause the world to understand the reality of the gospel.

Love is misunderstood and distorted in our culture today, and your kids have been or will be impacted by this in some way. Your kids may see love as just a feeling, as something temporary, or as something that has to be earned. This Bible story provides you with the perfect opportunity to expose the world’s myths about love and remind your kids of the truth about God’s love.

Also help your kids begin to grasp the idea that followers of Jesus are children of God. This is an identity shared by all believers. As Christians, we can know that Jesus loves us by what He did for us: dying to save us from our sins. We, in turn, can show our love for Jesus by what we do to serve others.

John wrote a letter to teach believers in the church—the children of God—about the importance of showing love. Love is more than feelings or words; it is an action. Jesus showed God’s love for us when He died on the cross to rescue people from sin.

Abby Norris
Children's Elementary Minister

Wednesday December 15th 7-9:30p

For children 6 weeks through 6th grade

Enjoy an holiday evening out and let us watch the kids! Children can join us for Christmas crafts, story time, a movie, & a snack.

This Week’s “The Gospel Project for Kids At Home”
Click below to follow the family worship experiences, prayer prompts, & activity ideas.

If your child is asking questions about Jesus, Baptism, and Salvation, this video is a great resource for you.