THE NEW EWE
THE NEW EWE"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"
Luke 15:4-6
December 14, 2022
LIFE
IN THE FOLDA couple months ago, my sister and I went to Branson to see the production of Jesus at the Sight and Sound Theater. It was wonderful! But there was something that they did when they were portraying the death of Jesus that really struck me. I am going to try and share those details with you, through words, today.
When Jesus was born, He came as a helpless baby; surrendering His will to humble Himself to be born of woman, in the flesh. Can you imagine? Jesus is Lord! He had been in Heaven since the beginning of time; He and the Father are one; He is supreme King of the universe who is able to do anything. Yet He allowed Himself to become a seed within the womb of an earthly woman, go through the birthing process, and be raised by an earthly father and mother and allow Himself to be taught how to walk, talk, and live as an earthly child. Everything that He had created, He now experienced for Himself.
At the death of Jesus, He once again humbled Himself; allowing Himself to be beaten, mocked, and crucified. He cried out to the Father, "Not my will, but Yours be done." He surrendered His will to that of His Father, so that God's plan would be fulfilled for mankind. He had the ability to call down an army of angels to take care of the situation and deal with those who were tormenting Him; yet He chose to go through the suffering and agony; knowing that the shedding of His blood was what would be able to save mankind from their sins. Jesus humbled and surrendered Himself to the torture of mere mortals. His entire life on earth was one of humility and sacrifice and ministry.
At the birth of Jesus, Joseph was very likely the one who delivered Him. He and Mary had traveled to Bethlehem for a census, and couldn't find any available lodging. Joseph found them a stable, which would have been a cave back during that time. Jesus began His life in a cave. Joseph was the first to hold Jesus, as a newborn baby, as he delivered Him.
Jospeh, the earthly father of Jesus, had died at some point during Jesus' time upon earth. But when Jesus was crucified, there was another man, named Joseph, who was there and the first to hold the body of our Lord. Joseph from Arimathea had went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. He then took the body down from the cross.
Jesus was swaddled at birth by his mother, Mary, and placed in a manger that was in the cave. Upon His death, Joseph of Amimathea swaddled the body of Jesus with linen cloth. He then laid Jesus in a new tomb, which was a cave..... carved out of rock.
Angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. Upon His resurrection, when the women saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance of the tomb. Angels appeared to them to announce that Jesus was alive!
The shepherds ran to see this baby, who was Christ the Lord -- the promised Messiah. Afterwards, the shepherds told everyone what they had seen and heard. They proclaimed the good news. The women left the tomb where Jesus had been laid, and told the disciples what they had seen and heard. They declared the good news that Jesus was no longer dead, but was the risen Lord!
The birth and death of Jesus were both prophesied in the Old Testament. Isaiah prophesied and wrote about what God had shown Him regarding His Son's birth and death.
I love the Word of God and how every single detail is significant and planned out by the Father! Nothing has ever, or will ever, happen by accident; but every single moment of each of our lives is planned by God. Everything that has ever, or will ever, happen upon this earth is known by God. He has never been caught unaware or been surprised by anything. Since the beginning of time, throughout all eternity, God has been and will be, all-knowing and always orchestrating every tiny detail of what happens.
During this Christmas season let's celebrate Jesus and think about His time on earth. Read His story over again and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal details that perhaps you've never noticed before. Ask God to deepen the love that you have for Him and His Son. Allow the joy of the Lord to fill your heart and life each moment.
JON'S
PERSPECTIVE:The parallels between Jesus's birth and death are pretty amazing. It's just one example of how the end story was already planned before the beginning story.
There are many more interesting parallels and ties in scriptures. Many are obvious like the Spirit coming down on Jesus like a dove, then later coming down on the disciples like tongues of fire. Many are more subtle, and take deeper study to find.
I encourage everyone to read the Bible. But I often forget to mention that simply reading is good, but really studying and trying to understand it is much better. I admit I commonly skim over parts about someone traveling through one city on the way to another, both with unfamiliar names, then having children with long unfamiliar names, etc. But sometimes it helps understand the situations to know what those names mean. They can give some great insight, or link that story with another in a way that would be easy to overlook.
ON
THE MENEWE:Peanut Butter Peanut Brittle
**This is my oldest sisters recipe.
Combine:
3 cups sugar, 1 cup Karo syrup, and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan.
Stir good until sugar is dissolved; then bring to a full rolling boil on high heat.
Cover with lid and boil for 3 minutes.
Add: 3 cups raw peanuts.
Cook and stir continuously on high heat until it reaches 300 degrees (will need candy thermometer).
Remove pan from heat.
In a small bowl mix together: 1 rounded teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons vanilla.
Add to candy mixture.
Stir very fast and add 18 ounce jar of peanut butter; which has been warmed up so that it will pour.
Pour candy mixture on buttered and sugared pans.
Spread and continue mixing with spatula (two people doing this is very helpful). Work fast while stretching the brittle.
After it has completely cooled, store in airtight container.
THIS,
THAT AND THE OTHER:My nephew's four-year olds are really excited about Christmas this year. A few days ago, Mariah asked what I had got her for Christmas. I told her that I couldn't tell her -- it was a surprise. She said, "It's okay, Retta! You can tell me!" I told her no, she had to wait until Christmas so she would be surprised. She didn't quite get that!
I understand the excitement and wanting to be surprised, but also, wanting to know what you are getting! I had such a hard time, as a child, waiting for Christmas and seeing what was wrapped up for me under the Christmas tree. I would beg Mama, "Please, just let me open one gift! I promise I won't ask to open any more, if you'll just let me open up one!" The anticipation of what might be inside those packages was more than my little heart could take! She would tell me, "If you open your gifts now, then you won't have anything to open at Christmas." In those moments, I didn't think I would care. I just wanted so badly to see what I was getting. She would generally make me wait and open my gifts with the rest of the family; but occasionally would give in a day or two before Christmas and let me open one of my smaller gifts.
THOUGHT
TO PONDER:The story of Christmas is the story of God's relentless love for us. - Max Lucado
OUR
HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:We love you!
Loretta & Jon