Looking at Christ's Birth: Merry Christmas

This is a fascinating look at scripture, historical records, and astrological estimates.

http://www.versebyverse.org/doctrine/birthofchrist.html

The rundown is below after the analysis:

1. Joseph and Mary journeyed to Bethlehem for the "census" (registration) at the very close of the Jewish civil year (an apt time for a registration of peoples to occur) in late Summer, 3BC, Lk.2:1.
2. Jesus was born in a stable in the early evening hours (just as the Jewish calendar advanced to 1 Tishri) of September 11, 3BC.
3. He was circumcised on September 19, 3BC, Lk.2:21
4. He was dedicated in the Temple on October 21, 3BC.
5. Luke says, "they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth", Lk.2:39. This means that they did not go to Egypt after the birth of Christ. After all, they had only gone to Bethlehem for the "census", not to move there. So, the family returned to Nazareth in the latter part of October (during that time, they located a house to live in).
6. Then for some reason (they probably thought that a better place to raise the Messiah would be in Jerusalem’s back yard) they decided to move to Bethlehem. This could have been in the Spring or Summer of 2BC. They set up house there, Mt.2:11.
7. Then on December 25, 2BC, when the planet Jupiter came to its stationary point in mid-Virgo and was in meridian over Bethlehem, the Magi arrived in Bethlehem bearing gifts meant for a king.
8. Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt, having been forewarned by an angel in late December, 2BC.
9. Herod killed the male children "in Bethlehem and in all its environs, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the magi", Mt.2:16. This matter of killing two-year-old children can now make good sense. If Jesus was born in September, 3BC, the slaying of infants was about 15 months after His birth. If the conception period were also considered, it comes to 24 months exactly.
10. Joseph and Mary returned from Egypt, having been told that Herod was dead (Herod died in January, 1BC) and took up residence in Nazareth, Mt.2:19-23.
11. In the spring of 11AD, Jesus visited Jerusalem with His parents and observed Passover, Lk.2:41-42.
12. Jesus began His public ministry just after He reached the age of 31, in October or November, 29AD. This satisfies the statement in Lk.3:23 "And when He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age…".

"Letter from Jesus" -- chain email

Thanks to Gary for sending this along to me. It presents an interesting point of view to counter the struggle most Christians feel as the secular world appears to be working overtime to eliminate God, Christ and our religion from our daily lives.

The "Letter":

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish; I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :


I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

Indoctrinating Political Worship

Read regular postings of "State of the Nation" at  www.DeskofBrian.com

One of the most disturbing videos I've ever seen came from B. Bernice Young Elementary in New Jersey. The Obama worship has reached political brainwashing with this chilling video which same claimed dates back to June 19, 2009; while other accounts claim it was presented as part of Black History Celebrations in February of this year -- this has NOW been confirmed by the school district. (see bottom of post)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aqMTD5UFmU&feature=related

The video was reported a month ago by Prison Planet, but was dismissed as it was erroneously associated with a school in Arkansas. The BBY Elementary teacher retired at the end of the school year, so calls for "her firing" and "investigations" are irrelevant.

The Messianic association with President Obama that disturbs so many opponents has prompted claims of "racism" and "part of the right-wing fear mongering" but this reminds me of Castro or Korean worship videos.

Here the children are taught "Jesus Loves the Little Children" with Obama "saving the world"

Compare:

"Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red, yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight…" to these lyrics:

"He said we must be fair today! Equal work means equal pay! Barack Hussein Obama! He said, red yellow, black or white, all are equal in his sight! Barack Hussein Obama!"

There are references to his "great plans" to "make this country's economy #1 again"

Can you imagine kids singing in 2003 of the glory of President Bush toppling Saddam Hussein or giving us tax cuts?

Oh wait, we did have accusations of Christian brainwashing under George W. Bush. This video from a Christian Camp didn't focus on their religion or beliefs, but was used as an example of how Republicans are brainwashed. At the 7:08 point in this video, a cardboard cutout of Bush is brought out and the kids are asked to pray of "him" - it, whatever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNvnLFgH5BU

Before the election was had this video: "Sing for Change" which was dismissed as "a song of hope" and how can hope be a bad thing?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTBq_ybkBmI&feature=related

So months later, New Jersey kids are chanting the Obama version of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic"-- "Mr. President, We Honor You Today."

"Jesus" and "God" is being substituted by the use of the President's name. The Messianic message is loud and clear.

Now we have a parent who has spoken out:

Andrea Ciemnolonski, the parent of another one of the students in the video, said the song was part of a second-grade project on a variety of topics related to the month of February, such as Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day and Presidents Day.

"They did songs about President Washington, Lincoln, and they did do one about President Obama," Ciemnolonski said. "My daughter was in the class that did the songs about Obama. It was black history month. ... It was something for the kids to celebrate."

Ciemnolonski said she "just can't look at it as indoctrination," though she added, "The comparisons made were a little exuberant."

Exuberant? Does she mean exuberance as in unrestrained enthusiam, joy and praise? Sounds like worship.

This is NOT respect for a President, the office or otherwise, this is worship. This is indoctrinating individuals, children in particular, to glorify and praise their politicians. I'm not surprised by society's lack of knowledge of Nazi Germany, and other regimes, which brainwashed youth to mindless obedience to its leaders.

What I'm surprised by is the dismissive attitude by Democrats and Obama supporters. If we combine this story with the unprecedented Obama speech to public school kids and the Department of Education's lesson planning; add in the National Endowment of the Arts colluding with the White House to fund develop of propaganda to support the President's policies.



Letter from the school District released today 09/25/09
Dear Burlington Township Families:
Today we became aware of a video that was placed on the Internet which has been reported in the media. The video is of a class of students singing a song about President Obama. The activity took place during Black History Month in 2009, which is recognized each February to honor the contributions of African Americans to our country. Our curriculum studies, honors and recognizes those who serve our country. The recording and distribution of the class activity were unauthorized.If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me or Dr. King, Principal of B. Bernice Young School, directly.
Sincerely,Dr. Christopher M. Manno,Superintendent of Schools


Lyrics to both Obama songs:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/24/lyrics-songs-president-obama/
Footnote:
Where did this all come from?
FOXNEWS posted:
Alteredbeat," the YouTube user who posted the video on the Internet, told FOXNews.com that the video was first put online by Charisse Carney-Nunes, an activist and author of the children's book "I Am Barack Obama," which her Web site says "allows children to see themselves through the inspirational story of President Obama."
Carney-Nunes has been promoting the book during visits to schools on the east coast.
A poster for the book can been seen near the stage of the auditorium in the video of Bernice Young Elementary, but it is unclear whether Carney-Nunes had visited the school or was present during the filming.

"Alteredbeat" told FOXNews.com that he reached out to Carney-Nunes, who insisted that the program had been filmed in June as part of a Father's Day tribute to President Obama. "The kids made up the songs on their own," she wrote, according to the YouTube user.

"Alteredbeat" originally posted the video Sept. 6, two days before Obama made an address to the nation's schoolchildren in which he praised the American education system as the best in the world and urged students to stay in school.

"At the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world," Obama said.