Today – A Special Day for Jesus

Today – A Special Day for Jesus                  

Do you know what today is? <><> Yes, it’s February 3^rd. <><> And there are other things going on much more important than the Super Bowl.

It’s the anniversary of a special day for Jesus, at forty days old; a special day for Joseph and Mary; and THE VERY BEST DAY in the lives of an old man and an old woman.

Let me tell you about it.

If, in fact, Jesus' birthday is December 25th, then February 3rd would have been the day Joseph and Mary took Him to the Temple to be dedicated—forty days after His birth. 

The Gospel writer, Luke, tells of the miraculous event. My book, He Is The ONE, also tells the story along with a parallel donkey story, to help captivate children's attention. It also features full color illustrations by artist, Molly Keller.

I wrote this story because I wanted my grandchildren to know the wonder-filled account of Jesus' dedication. It’s one of my favorite Bible stories and one that is rarely shared. I did not learn it in Sunday School. I learned it as an adult when I simply read through the Book of Luke. 

You might want the children in your life to know this story as well. You can read it in the second chapter of Luke’s Gospel. (And you can purchase my book and also enjoy the accompanying illustrations.)

Here is an excerpt from He Is The ONE:

     “As Mary busied herself with preparations for their trip into The Holy City, she imagined what Jesus’ dedication would be like. She thought about the Jewish Law regarding the dedication of a first-born son. Now that Jesus was 40 days old, it was His time. According to the Law, every boy baby, who is the first child born in a family, shall be called holy to the Lord, and is to be dedicated to the Lord in a special way. An offering of two young pigeons or two turtledoves is to be brought to the temple and given to the priest.

 “So the little family made their way to Jerusalem to present Jesus to the Lord, according to the Law of Moses. *”    *Luke 2:22-24

When Joseph, Mary, and Jesus arrived at the Temple amazing and unexpected things happened. 

Many years earlier, God had told a man named Simeon and a woman named Anna that they would live to see their Messiah—the Promised One of Israel. On this special day, it happened. (As far as we know Simeon and Anna did not know one another.) 

When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus into the Temple court, the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon and to Anna that He was the One. There He was, lying in the arms of His mother—this tiny forty-day old baby. To everyone else in the area He was just another infant being dedicated that day.

Here’s another excerpt from He Is The ONE:

     “The gospel writer, Luke, said that Simeon “took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: ‘Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your Word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.’” *   *Luke 2:28-33

Today in the United States is Super Bowl Sunday and we too will be watching the big game and chowing down on some fun food. But, let’s be mindful that before any sport the most important thing in our lives is our relationship with Jesus. Let’s learn all we can about Him and teach our children the amazing events of His life.

If interested in ordering a copy of He Is The ONE, ($10.50 + shipping + in VA, sales tax), contact me via email: author@conniewohlford.com.  Also, let me know if you want an info sheet about all of my books. Thanks so much and God bless you!

Thanks for reading my blog. Your comments are welcome.

©Copyright 2019 Connie Wohlford

The December Gospel of Luke Challenge – Looking at Luke Look at Jesus: Dec. 2 – Luke 2

The December Gospel of Luke Challenge                     

  – Looking at Luke Look at Jesus: Dec. 2 – Luke 2

Thanks for joining this challenge. The goal is simple—Learn Jesus. 

There are twenty-four chapters in the Gospel of Luke. The challenge is, beginning on December 1, read Luke 1. Then on each day through Christmas Eve, read the corresponding chapter with that day’s date. If you’re just now starting, jump right on in.

For additional enrichment, journal or simply list the highlights of each day’s reading. I will share my own notes some days. My journaling will be hand written in a notebook and I won’t always have time to type it into the computer and post it. When I can, I will enjoy doing so.

An introduction and further explanation can be found in my blog post of November 28, 2017.  

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December 2 – Luke 2: 

 

First: pray, thanking God for Jesus and for His Word. Second: read Luke 2, if you haven’t already. Third: record meaningful highlights in a journal or tablet.

Here are my own notes as I read and meditate on Luke 2:

v. 1-2 – The decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all should be registered. This took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. Luke meticulously sets up the timing and political backdrop. 

v. 3 – All people went to register in the city of their origin

.

v. 4-5 – Joseph took his betrothed wife, Mary, left their home in Nazareth and went to Judea to the city of David (Bethlehem), to be registered. Mary was with child. 

v. 6-7 – While there, “she brought forth her first born Son, wrapped Him in a manger, because there was not room for them in the inn” (v.7).

Side note: For more details of the account of the birth of Jesus, read the first few chapters of The Gospels of Matthew and Mark.

v. 8 – It was night and shepherds were out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks.

v. 9 – An angel of the Lord appeared and the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were afraid.

v. 10-11 – The angel said, “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.”

It’s thrilling that the angel said that a Savior has been born “to you,” making his pronouncement personal to those lowly shepherds.

v. 12 – The angel tells how they’ll find the Babe.

v. 13-14 – Suddenly a whole multitude of angels appeared praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth good will toward men!” (v.14).

v. 15–16 -  When the angels went away the shepherds said, “Let’s go ...” They hurried off and “found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger” (v.16).

v. 17-18 – When they left they told others about the Child and those who heard marveled. 

v. 19 – “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

v. 20 – Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen.

From the book, His Name is Jesus by Connie Wohlford

v. 21 – When Jesus was eight days old, Joseph and Mary had Him circumcised and His name was recorded. Jesus was the name given them by the angel before He was conceived. 

Still today the official recording of the child’s name is a part of the circumcision ceremony, which is called the brit milah. I wrote about this in my book titled, His Name Is Jesus.

v. 22- 24 – When Jesus was forty days old Joseph and Mary took him to the Temple in Jerusalem to be dedicated to the Lord. This was all done in accordance with the Law of Moses.

v. 25-27 – The old man, Simeon, had been told by God that he would live to see Messiah. The Holy Spirit came upon Simeon and when he went to the Temple he recognized Jesus as his long awaited Messiah. 

From the book, He is the ONE, by Connie Wohlford

v. 28-32 – Simeon took baby Jesus up in his arms, blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation...” (v. 29-30).

v. 33 – Joseph and Mary were amazed. 

v. 34-35 – Simeon blessed them and said, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel...”

v. 36 – The elderly woman, Anna, a prophetess who served God faithfully, came in and instantly recognized Jesus as Messiah and gave thanks to the Lord. 

In my book, He Is the ONE, I wrote about these amazing happenings on Jesus dedication day.

v, 39-40 – Joseph and Mary took Jesus and returned to Nazareth, “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.”

v. 41-42 – Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of the Passover. Luke tells about the time when Jesus was with them at the age of twelve.

v. 43-44 – When they were ready to return home Jesus lingered behind but His parents didn’t know. They figured He was with other members of their group. After a day’s journey they couldn’t find Him.

v. 45-47 – They returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. After three days of searching they found Him in the Temple sitting among the teachers. “And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers“ (v. 47).

v. 48 – When His parents saw Him, they were amazed. Mary said, “Son, why have you done this to us? Look, your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

v. 49 His answer: “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

v. 50 – They didn’t understand.

v. 51 – They all went home to Nazareth and Jesus was subject to them. Mary “kept all these things in her heart” (v. 51). 

v. 52 – “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

*****

There we have it—the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke. Thank you for joining in on this December challenge. I pray you’ll being blessed in it.

Your comments are welcome below. All who read will enjoy hearing about the highlights of Luke 2 from your perspective. 

God bless you as you meditate on the wonder of the birth and early days of our Lord. And, like Mary, keep these things in your heart as you experience this Christmas Season.

 ©Copyright 2017 Connie Wohlford

Special Announcement

For my blog post today, I’m making a special announcement. [We’ll resume “My plan for you – Your heart’s desire” next time.]  

I’M VERY EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF

 MY NEW BOOK 

He Is The ONE

This completes my trilogy, telling about the three things the Bible tells us that happened to Jesus as an infant. Most people know the story of His birth, but many folks don’t know the other two. I wanted my grandchildren to know these other stories and felt that others might want the same for the children in their lives.

Book Description:   Keeping with tradition and the instructions of God, at the age of 40 days little Jesus is taken, by His parents, to the Temple to be dedicated to Yahweh. It’s there an amazing thing happens. The elderly man, Simeon, and the widow, Anna, recognize the infant, in Mary’s arms, as their long awaited Messiah− the Promised One of Israel!   

In He Is The ONE the reader can share the surprise and wonder with Joseph, Mary, and bystanders when strangers recognize Jesus as the Messiah.  What would you have thought if you’d been there to witness this event, as recorded in Gospel of Luke? 

Their faithful donkey, Gil (whose name means Hope), accompanies the Holy Family to Jerusalem.  While Gil waits outside the temple, her thoughts turn to her own little one, Elpis (pronounced el-peese’ which means Joy), who is back in Nazareth.  On this eventful day, Elpis’ jolly fun with her buddy, Buzi, turns into a painful tumble.  Join in to see how the little donkey deals with her ordeal with her Mama so far away.    

Though a stand-alone book, He Is The ONE is the third book in the series about little Jesus and the donkeys, following Joy Comes to Bethlehem (1) and His Name is Jesus (2).

So join in with these wonderful characters of the Bible and continue learning about the young life of Jesus.  Young and old alike take pleasure in gaining insight into these very early days of the King of kings, so artfully captured in the story and carried along through charming illustrations by artist, Molly Keller. 

 

The cost is $10.50 per book + sales tax (if you’re in Virginia) + $3.00 shipping. Free shipping on 4 or more books anywhere in the lower 48 U.S. states. You may contact me through email or Facebook message if you want to order or have questions. author@conniewohlford.com   https://www.facebook.com/ConnieWohlfordAuthor

Here’s a peek at some of the beautiful illustrations done by artist, Molly Keller, for He Is The ONE. Each is an original watercolor done especially for this book.

           

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My other children’s books include:

 

Joy Comes to Bethlehem  > $16.00 ~Meet Gil, the donkey whose name, in Hebrew, means "Joy" & her foal named Elpis (pronounced el-peese’), which means "Hope", in Greek. Joy Comes to Bethlehem takes the reader along on the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem with Joseph, Mary and Gil.  Experience the sad goodbye of Gil & Elpis as well as the danger and the drama along the way.  See the faithfulness of God and the amazing birth of His Son, Jesus. Again read the wonderful story of the birth of The Savior. Enjoy the setting & the perspective of these adorable & faithful beasts of burden. Join with these characters in the joy and hope that is found in God the Father & Jesus the Son. Though this is a children's book, the story & the extraordinary art will be enjoyed by young & old alike.

His Name is Jesus  > $10.50  At the young age of eight days, Jewish boys experience the custom called “Bris Milah”, at which time their names are officially recorded in the Hebrew records.  In “His Name is Jesus”, travel with Joseph and Mary as they take Jesus to the home of a rabbi for His own ceremony. While walking along the dusty road, Mary & Joseph each recall the most unusual way in which they came to name their baby son. Their faithful donkey, Gil, is of course with them as well. In fact Gil alerts them to an alarming danger as they visit in the Rabbi Jonathan’s courtyard. Meanwhile, back in Nazareth, the young donkey, Elpis, is still missing her mama, Gil, who is traveling on an amazing adventure with Joseph and Mary. But Elpis continues to be comforted in a very special way. Enjoy this event artfully captured in story & illustrations.
 

 You’re A What?!  >$10.50 Every once in a while, a story and/or character comes along that is different-- really different from anything else you will find on the shelf of children’s books. Gerald, the star character in You’re A What?!  is just that--- really different.  He is a captivating creature who has been dealt a ruthless blow. He experienced a collision with life that changes everything. He suddenly finds that he has become a “rhinokaroarus” (pronounced “ry-‘nock-a-roar-us”.  “A What?!@#?!”, you might ask.  Well, that’s a new word we can all add to our vocabularies.  The author, herself, did not invent the word, “rhinokaroarus”.  It was made up by her father, who would use that exact word to name any animal or bird when he could not immediately recall its title or he would use it just for fun. See more about this in the author bio and dedication. Thankfully our dear Gerald does not have to face his dilemma alone.  He is befriended by a funny badger named, Banjo, who every reader or listener will come to adore. So come along with these unique characters and experience this most unusual adventure. If you or someone you know, young or grown-up, has ever experienced a collision with life that has “changed everything” in a negative way, this little book might even be good for them-- “therapeutic”, one might say. No matter the reason you read You’re A What?!, enjoy the story, the characters and the delightful art that helps to carry it along. 

Make It A Happy Day  > $10.50 ~Here we have another rhinokaroarus story (pronounced “ry-‘nock-a-roar-us”). That, one of a kind, creature, Gerald, sets out on an adventure with his new friend Banjo, the badger. We learned in You’re A What?! how the rhinokaroarus came to be. Now in Make It A Happy Day, we see that Gerald is adapting to the life-altering crash that he experienced. With his buddy, Banjo, at his side, & through a bit of conflict, they really do find a way to make it a happy day. Just ask the fish! The 6 friendly fish get to experience the good & the bad when they encounter the very odd looking Gerald and the clash with Banjo. So come along with these unique characters &experience a most unusual adventure. As Gerald continues to face his dilemma with his pal, Banjo, you will come to know the adorable pair. Life has its ups and downs for us & the creatures in this story face trials of their own. Plus artist Ken Henderson’s captivating illustrations help to carry the story along.     

I’m delighted to sign & personalize books for you or someone special in your life.

And here’s the rest of the scoop:

5.3% Sales Tax is added for Virginia residents.  $3.00 for shipping 1 – 4 books.  Free shipping on 5 or more books anywhere in the lower 48 U.S. states

Payment can be made with Cash, Check, or Credit Card.

We could even do a transaction through E-bay if you’d like.