Discussion in regard to both celestial and earthly contributions to the announcement of Jesus’ Birth
Between 333 and 323 BC, Alexander the Great of Greece had conquered all of Asia Minor over to India and down into Egypt. Then he died at 33 years of age and his empire was split among his generals. General Seleucus governed Babylon and Persia and later added Syria and Asia Minor. In the midst […]
The Magi Series – VII. The Magi – Herod’s Fear Read More »
Although the death of Jesus was not directly involved with the Magi, it is important that the sign in the heavens not be omitted either. Of all the festivals which were involved in the birth of Jesus, one omission stands out prominently: the Passover. This feast had a powerful message to its participants: while Israel
Jupiter meets Regulus – Second Encounter – February 17, 2 BC Purim (Esther) Jupiter closed in to its second Regulus encounter at about 51 arc minutes separation, and that evening The Feast of Purim (Adar 14) began. This is the story of Esther, and although not a God-commanded festival, it commemorated a wonderful salvation from
The Magi series – IV. The Magi – Astrology/Astronomy meets the Jewish Festival Year – Crowning the King – Part 1 This perhaps is the most startling element in this discussion. First a little background information: A conjunction simply means that stars and/or planets are in the near neighborhood of each other. However when they
What was the “star” which brought the Magi? Some think a supernova; others, perhaps a comet; still others, a special conjunction of stars, and still others, some unique extraordinary heavenly event. The problem was that in each year, each century, each millennia a great number of these heavenly events have been occurring – how could
The Magi Series – III. The Magi – Astrology/Astronomy and a Living Prophet Read More »
It seemed an impossible task when Daniel was made the chief of the “wise men” (Daniel 2:27 *rab-mag* = “chief of the Magi” Daniel 4:9) in Babylon, an office which apparently was carried through to Persia.. After all, he was a monotheist (one God) who now was in charge of the keepers of the empire’s
The Magi series – II. The Magi – Zoroaster meets Yahweh Read More »
I am still surprised about how many people don’t know who were the Magi, those early visitors to the infant Jesus. Where did they come from? How did they know which sign in the heavens was the one they should respond to? Why would they come specifically to Palestine and why now? What was that
Magi Series – I. The Magi – Who were they? Read More »
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed,
The Persians are Coming: Looking for the King! (An Epiphany sermon) Read More »
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, we have seen His Glory, the Glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14] What is Christmas all about? A number of years ago, Newsweek magazine [July 6,1986] told of a school textbook used in public schools in the United States
Dwelling (a Christmas sermon) Read More »
The angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You
Christmas: Feeble Sweetness or the Power of God? Read More »
