24 Dec 2020 at 18:17:07
· Filed under Holidays, Religion
Posted by CapnBob
The first chapter of Matthew, in the New Testament, describes the lineage from Abraham, down through King David and eventually through forty-two generations in all from Abraham to Joseph, the Husband of Mary, Mother of Jesus. Thus, because of a decree from the Roman Emperor to the citizens of Judea, Mary and Joseph were destined to go to the City of David, in Bethlehem, where the Christ Child was born.
Later, also in the first chapter of Matthew, comes the annunciation of the Angel of the Lord as delivered to Joseph in a Dream:
. . . behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
The prophetic scripture referred to in the last sentences is from Isiah 7:14 in the Old Testament.
In these days of muted activity during these unusual times and circumstances, we remind you that the Spirit of God is still as strong as ever and through that Spirit, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope for joy in the new year of 2021. We pray for you to stay well, to be strong and to be prepared for whatever eventualities that may be in store for us in these bizarre and interesting times to come. May God Bless Us All.
11 Apr 2020 at 21:00:17
· Filed under Religion
Posted by CapnBob
Easter Sunday 2007, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Production by Metzger Music.
Happy Easter, everyone. We hope you enjoy the elaborate and beautiful Easter production embedded above. We especially like the children participating in the bell procession. May God’s blessings be with you on this joyous day commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the [mother] of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
2 And very early in the morning the first [day] of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
We bought a potted Easter Lily which opened just in time for the holiday. Photo courtesy of the Damsel. Click on the image to enlarge.
Let us keep in mind the true meaning of the Easter and Passover seasons as we pray for peace and unity among the nations. Even as we do so, let us resolve to using whatever means might be necessary to keep the peace and to keep our nation free. Amen.