A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

Christmas

Jesus Is born

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So my study in Unexplainable Jesus takes me to Luke 2:1-15 but that seems to cut off in a rather odd spot, so I figured I’d break it down just a bit more.  Today we’ll look at Luke 2:1-7.  This section gives Luke’s account of the fact that Jesus is born. 

Luke 2:1-7

 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Jesus is born. Text from Luke 2:1-7

Jesus is Born: the Players

People mentioned in these five verses are 

  1. Caesar Augustus (v.1)
  2. Quirinius, the governor of Syria (v.2)
  3. Joseph, betrothed of Mary, her husband, Jesus’s dad, but not his biological daddy (v.4)
  4. Mary, the wife of Joseph, mother of Jesus (v.5)
  5. Jesus, God’s son born of a human momma. (v.7)

Caesar Augustus was the Roman Emperor.  He changed things up in the Empire, changing it from a republic into a dictatorship, bringing back the census, ending the war, and being labeled at “the Saviour of the World.”  He made changes that led to Jesus being born where he was supposed to.

Quirnius.  Obviously he was the governor of Syria. Due to the way folks translate the Greek in the New Testament we are told he was the governor of Syria, but the actual Greek says only the he was governing in Syria.  He wasn’t actually appointed until after Jesus was born.  Nevertheless he still oversaw this census for Caesar Augustus.  Quirnius was a highly regarded military leader. 

Joseph.  This Jewish man was betrothed to Mary when she became pregnant with God’s son.  He became Jesus’ earthly father.  Joseph was from the house and lineage of David. A man of faith, he was known as a Just man. Matt.1:19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 

Mary.  We don’t know a whole lot about her either.  She was probably between 14-16 years old when the Spirit of God overshadowed her.   She was Jewish, likely born in Nazareth, and she has an aunt and uncle named Elizabeth and Zechariah. 

Jesus, God’s son.  Raised by human parents.  Fully God, fully human.   A boy who would grow up in the favour and sight of God and man. 

jesus christ figurine
Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Pexels.com

What Else Can we Learn?

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

We know that God worked things out so that scripture could be fulfilled.  God’s son was to be born in Bethlehem, out of David’s line.  And the census caused Mary and Joseph to have to go to Bethlehem in order to be registered properly. 

 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

While there Mary gave birth to Jesus. No inn, no fancy place to stay.  Just a lowly couple, bedded down with the critters, having a baby, and a safe place (a manger) to lay her child in.  This is how our Saviour came into this world.

Follow along in this series.

I’ve been using The Unexplainable Jesus study as a background to my devotional time.  

Mary Sings a Song

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Today we get to see Mary and her joy.  Mary sings a song showcasing her trust in the Lord God and how she sees him.  It’s a lovely picture that we find in Luke 1:46-56.   Let’s take a look at how Mary sees the God that we love and serve eh?  A continuing look through Unexplainable Jesus. 

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

text: Mary Sings A Song image: mary, mother of Jesus depiction

Mary Sings a Song

Now remember how the baby leapt for joy while yet in the womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit?  This is Mary’s response to Elizabeth calling her blessed among women because of her faith.

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Oh, such a statement eh?  “My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour”.   Such a deep statement you know?   To have that joy in the Lord.  I watch my MIL and my own Mom as they are aging, and their steadfast love of God.  When I read these words of Mary, it is their faces I see, their joy in the Lord that is so evident.  They bring these words to vivid life. 

48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

Mary sees it you know?  She knows who and what she is.  A girl from a simple family.  Humble in estate.  And yet, God chose her.  God looked upon her and said “this girl will have my boy”. The end result is people know of her.  Her name is revered in the Roman Catholic church.  Everyone knows who gave birth to Jesus and who helped raise him up.  Mary is well-thought of the world over. 

49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.

Mary gives all the glory to God.  It is his might who does great things for her.  She sees his holiness.  

I have to stop here for a moment.  I often see God’s hand in my life.  But I rarely pause to consider God’s holiness in the matter.  I see his mercy and his care, I just rarely think of his holiness overarching it all. I should you know? God’s holiness is a foundational part of him.  

Mary Continues her praise

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.

I wonder if Mary saw, in this moment, how God moved through the life of her extended family.  How his mercy was pivotal in the lives of her people who feared him.  Not in a scared way (though maybe that’s a part) but in a reverential, God is holy, way. 

51 He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.

Mary goes on to show God’s holiness in a variety of ways.  His strength, His scattering of the proud, how God brings down the mighty and then lifts up the humble.  God is the one who feeds the hungry with good things, and send away the rich empty.  The humble, weak, and hungry need not fear the Holy God. 

I do wonder sometimes about the use of the words rich and mighty though.  Can one be rich pr mighty and still hungry or humble?  Does one condition supersede the other? Can a mighty person still hunger and thirst for more, and seek not for recognition?  We need to remember that for all of God’s holiness he is still our God, our Father, and he cares for us like a parent does a child. So it’s the hungry God feeds. It’s the humble that he exalts.  The proud and focused on wealth folk he corrects. 

God as Father

We really see this in the rest of Mary’s song. 

54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

 According to The Working Preacher the word servant comes from the Greek Pais, which can also be translated child. So where it says He has helped his servant Israel, it is actually saying he has helped his child Israel. God helps his children.  Why?  Because he remembers his mercy to their ancestors.  He remembers his promise to Abraham and his offspring for all time.  Mary saw God’s mercy as she saw his holiness.  Both are clear as can be for this young lady. And she knows how blessed she is by the one she can call Father. 

Read the Passage Carefully

Oh, have you ever read and reread a passage with a thought in your brain and then you read it again?   Mary (and I KNOW THIS) didn’t stay with Elizabeth til her baby was born. I should not have been surprised to read that should I?  She only stayed for three months.  Three months of solace away. Not a total refuge, but a break from the stares and whisperings.  Another way for God to show care eh? 

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

Follow Along

I’ve been using The Unexplainable Jesus study as a background to my devotional time.  

Advantage of a Sale

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Taking advantage of a sale, hubsters and I went to London today.  We had a lovely afternoon out together, we chatted and got needed supplies, bought some things perhaps we shouldn’t, but stockings are getting fuller!  🙂  Then tonight on Amazon I took advantage of a couple of sales and thought I’d round out my hubby’s gift just a little bit.  I found him a keto snack he hasn’t been able to locate in quite a while so I’m hoping it will be a great surprise! 

picture of shopping cart with gifts, text advantage of a sale

Advantage of a sale

Today I had a conversation
with a friend that I hold dear.
A weekly conversation with
laughter and so much cheer.

She asked me what we had in
mind for Christmas this year
and wondered if we gift-exchanged
and what plans we had.

I mentioned that I had two
desires for Christmas this year and
found them on sale during the Prime Days
and Black Friday events on Amazon.

But are no longer on sale but
still sit in my cart as I learn
if I’ll need to buy them after
the Christmas season.

Will a price reduction be again
in my future? Or will one of my
loved ones spare me the trouble?
I’ll know more in a couple of weeks.

ReceiptHog where I share receipts
from items purchased. They have a
contest of sorts going on right now.
We’re to video ourselves talking

About sales and purchases made
not over the Christmas season.
Speaking about the why and how
of gift-giving over the year.

I thought it was an interesting
approach. But really have no ideas
to present as I don’t buy many
gifts over the year. 🙂

I have to admit though, that
when I did shop more often for toys,
taking advantage of a sale is
an added side benefit and often a
boost to making the sale!

Continued thoughts

I sat here after writing the above and wondered if I could find a way to continue faith to the idea of a sale.  I failed miserably.  🙂    The only thing I could think of is how often people love to find a bargain. How often we fail to see the bargain right in front of us.  The bargain of eternal life and eternal hope all for the bargain price of acceptance of who God is. it’s the best bargain out there you know?  Asks for just a little, and in return we get everything most important. Have you taken advantage of the sale of faith yet?   (that’s not supposed to sound as awkward as perhaps that reads).  🙂 I hope you get the idea meant!

Just ask questions if you never taken God seriously before.  It’s eternally important. And literally the best gift you can give yourself! 

The Dreaded Christmas Sweater

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The dreaded Christmas Sweater, the word prompt for this week, could be a fun read.  At least I hope to have some fun reads from fellow contributors!  Time will tell eh?  So it’s a bit of a struggle this year with the whole gift giving idea…. no one is giving ideas of what they would like for Christmas.  My son’s gal came up with a vague idea, but it’s like meh.  My guys… NOTHING.  No hints, no nudges, no “it would be nice comments, nothing for like almost a whole year!!”   Gah, it’s a hard one this year, that’s for sure. I gave folks ideas… why can’t they be just as courteous??? 

image of man in christmas sweater holding poster board. Text Dreaded Christmas Sweater

The Dreaded Christmas Sweater

It’s a little known fact
that the dreaded Christmas Sweater
does not reside at my house.

I don’t know why I’ve never
been blessed, but I really,
truly do not mind.

I do own some fun tshirts
with Christmas theme ablaze,
those who know me well,
can guess what they might portray.

Bunnies in trees,
bunnies in a row,
and even bunnies wishing all
a Merry Christmas!

Hubby doesn’t know it, but
he might be given an ugly
Christmas sweater this year.

Since well…. he’s given me
no other ideas of items
he could happily receive.

I’ve considered underwear,
the rather fancy kind, but
that led down a rabbit hole
I’d rather not in reside.

No tools, no candy, I’m
really rather stuck, no
hints have been given
in now almost 12 months!

Should I get him yet, 
another cat OR do the
dreaded Christmas sweater?

So give me ideas, my readers
please, what would you give
a 60 year grey haired fellow?


The Plan by Sinclair B. Ferguson

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So, I’m choosing to review The Plan by Sinclair B. Ferguson.  I got it out of my church library and I think it’s a fantastic book for Christmas.  Therefore, I wanted to take a moment to share it with you.   I’m not being paid or reimbursed in any way to share this with you, I just love it as a Christmas story.  I KNOW you will love it too!  🙂 

The Plan by Sinclair B. Ferguson

The Basic Details for The Plan by Sinclair B. Ferguson

Title: The Plan: How God got the World ready for Jesus
Author: Sinclair B. Ferguson
Illustrator: Angelo Ruta
Publisher: Christian Focus Publications
Pages: 40
Intended Audience: 5-11 years
Genre: picturebook, Christmas, Children’s devotional Christianity, Children’s Jesus books, Jesus
Available formats: Hardcover

The Author: 

Sinclair B. Ferguson is a teacher with Ligonier Ministries.  Author of several books, some of which are for children. He is a man with a deep understanding of the scripture.  He seeks to impart this knowledge regardless of his audience.

The Story: 

Before the dawn of time a plan was made… a plan to save and a plan to love, a plan to rescue and a plan to send. One after the other people were sent to be where they were needed to be. In the distance wise men ride camels through the desert. A star glimmers in the night sky. They have a long way to go and many months of travel ahead of them. Some shepherds stand guard over their flock of sheep as a young couple struggle the last few miles of a tiring journey desperate for shelter and a place to sleep. All have been sent to one place for one event that will change the world forever. 

the plan: how God got the world ready for Jesus

A closer look to encourage you

I would love for every child under the age of 12 to have a chance to enjoy reading The Plan. Sinclair B. Ferguson does an excellent job of helping children understand God at work.  It starts in the very beginning with all the organizing that God had to do.   God had to plan for his boy to come to earth, and he needed to plan for the wise men, the shepherds, and for Mary and Joseph to make a needed trip. 

I love how Angelo Ruta provides excellent illustrations.  Bringing to life the words on the page as well as providing talking points. Chickens, camels, people, buildings, day and night-time, guards, sheep, and all kinds of little things to keep children engaged. 

The text colour changes depending on the colour of the background.  All pages are fully illustrated. 

And you’ll find a call to repentance and salvation, a call to consider who Jesus really is. Finding prayers at the close of the book helping to bring focus. 

By the end of The Plan by Sinclair B. Ferguson children will receive a good overview of God’s plan regarding Jesus.  Visually, textually, and biblically.  Find it, read it with your children, you’ll be glad you did. 

Reading good Christmas books is just another great part of the Christmas season don’t you think?  Isn’t it great to sit around together remembering the greater importance?   Jesus lives! 

An Encounter

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (An Encounter) through Ascot Media.  Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so.

Are you Catholic or simply looking for a devotional to help you through the Advent and Christmas season?   Most Advent devotionals tend to focus only an Advent, in An Encounter, Father Emelu also helps the believer with the Christmas season.  64 readings to help you contemplate the meaning of the Advent and Christmas season.

An Encounter

An Encounter, the basics

Maurice Nkem Emelu has put together “An Encounter” a series of readings, based on the Catholic liturgical calender, for reading over advent an Christmas.  Father Emelu is a Nigerian priest in the Catholic Diocese of Orlu and has a desire to help people mediate on God over the Christmas Season.   An Encounter: a daily discovery in Divine Word is volume 1 in a seven volume series. 

64 reflections meant to be read over 46 days. 216 pages.  Divided into two parts (Advent and Christmas).  Advent is further divided into four weeks. 

Published by Bien based in Cleveland for North American release, and by Paulines Publications Africa.   My review is for Ascot Media. 

Looking deeper

I found the layout fairly straight-forward, I expected to see divisions by the week for the four weeks of Advent.   I was initially a bit taken aback at three separate advent reading for each of the Sundays.  Then I recalled that Catholic liturgy calendars are divided over three years.  There is a reading for year a, b and c. 

Each day starts out with a number of scripture readings.   You can read them out of any translation you prefer. 

Each reading (and I admittedly did not read them all) reads like a pastor sitting down to chat with you.  Personal and friendly, and sometimes hard-hitting, reminding us of God’s truths. 

Occasionally you will find readings that say “alternative”.  I couldn’t find an explanation for the alternative reading header.  But based on the multi-year reading, I’m thinking you could vary each year which reading to use.

Each devotional is followed by a time of reflection and prayer. Some reflections are filled with questions, others are basically just ruminations on the reading.  All are there to help us think more deeply about what we read.  What questions would you ask God?  What change can you make in your life? Would God want you to consider a new thing?

Should this be part of your advent reading?

I have to admit, I’m not Catholic and within these readings there was a Roman Catholic flair. But one of the joys of reading a devotional with a variety of readings, is that you can read the scripture, glean from the devotional reading what you need, and discard anything that doesn’t fit.  AND sometimes reading familiar scripture and reading anothers slant on it, spurs us on to dig deeper into God’s word. 

Some of the Catholic slant comes from the fact that the Roman Catholic bible recognizes some books in their bible that Protestants do not.  Their inclusion surprised me as I thought this book was geared to a broader market. 

An Encounter is a close, reflective study on Christ and his coming to earth.  Well worth the read

Maurice Nkem Emelu has also prepared a second volume focusing on Lent.  

Wonderful December Meals

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It’s the close of a year!  Oh, the meals we’ve made over this past year.  As I sit here pondering our wonderful December meals I am also watching the Xmen movies with my family.  Every year we watch some series together and this is what my guys chose.  In the past we’ve done Lord of the Rings, and Marvel movies.  It’s a good family time!   

Anyways, on with some deliciousness eh!  🙂 

Wonderful December Meals

Meals the Lad Made

So I’ve been wanting my lad to cook at least one meal a week and it’s just been a battle to get him to follow through.   I finally said “You know what, your friends cook meals at home for their families, so you can cook meals for us too.”   He wanted to choose a mid-day to do it but I said “NOPE!  You can cook Sundays.  It’s a day I don’t want to have to fuss in the kitchen so it’s your day.”.   It’s working out really well.  A consistent day, no school to interfere, and I or hubby am around to help should he need it. 

He’s made this month

  • Manwich 
  • Chicken wings with sides
  • Turkey Croquettes.   We used this recipe that hubby found.   

The croquette recipe caused the lad to ask a ton of questions and have to do some problem-solving.  He was quite pleased with himself at the end of it and thoroughly enjoyed them. 

Turkey Croquettes

Baking

It’s Christmas… baking happened.  One needs treats for eating over the holidays even if you don’t have friends and family coming over.  

Most of the cookies we made I’ve already chatted with you all about. 

But we also did homemade turtles, dipped pretzels, and …. oh shoot.. I know I made something else but I can’t recall right now. 

Homemade Turtles, we made some with pecans and others with pretzels as the base. 

Christmas Dinner

Well.. I made the BEST STUFFING EVER!   See I don’t much like stuffing, but this stuffing was good… in the turkey and done on the stove top.  BEST EVER!

So what did I put in it?  Stuffing from a box, half pack hash browns (those diced potatoes), apple, pepper, onion, celery, carrot and various seasonings.  I made have used bouillon/chicken stock instead of water. REALLY GOOD.   I hope I can replicate it next year! 

Best stuffing ever made

Other than stuffing we also had Turkey, homemade cranberry sauce, cauliflower with cheese sauce, beans, plain potatoes, gravy, and cheese buns.  Very tasty indeed!

More Wonderful December Meals

Parmesan Herb-baked Salmon Fillet.  First time ever really cooking with a salmon fillet.  Oh my.. YUMMY!!!!!  Changes I made… I used more salmon so I needed to adapt the recipe and used dry basil instead of fresh. It disappeared too fast to get a picture.

I got inspired after visiting my mom and she had made an apple pudding.  I thought the lad’s would enjoy this meal and I was right!  Taste of home’s recipe was the one I chose to use.

We’ve made a number of hot sandwiches using bagettes.  Manwich, tuna salad, turkey fry with cheese, egg/potato hash, etc. 

Jerky!   We made both rabbit and beef jerky.   The rabbit made using a teriyaki recipe, the beef with basic jerky recipe. It was funny, the lad was threatened by his father…. for going a bit overboard on the jerky eating.  Next time we have jerky apparently the lad will be helping to make it so he knows how much work goes into it!   Tons of apologies.  I think next time sharing will happen a bit more readily eh?  🙂 

beef-jerky

In between Christmas and New Years I have to admit we did a lot of leftovers and junk food.  We did cheese and crackers, and chicken wings, and cookies, lots of cookies.  🙂 

How about you?  Does your meal planning go a bit wonky over the holiday season?  Did you make any wonderful December meals?  Do share them if you’ve a mind to.  I love discovering new recipes to make.