MERRY CHRISTMAS! - 2017

The Kingdom of GOD is about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit...not in word...not in food or drink...but in power...pure, peaceable, gentle, easily entreated, full of mercy and bearing good fruit, without partiality or hypocrisy, sowing the fruit of righteousness in peace among the peaceable. (Romans 14:17; I Corinthians 4:20; James 3:17-18).   

The Gospel of Matthew - The Historical Introduction in the Alternative Word Pictures with Reiterations translation - translation mine (AWPR)

Matthew 1:18-25

18) Now concerning Jesus Christ:  His coming into being was in this way; 
Mary, the mother of Him, being betrothed by marriage contract to Joseph, 
formerly and before their coming together, 
she was sought out and inquired, 
and found to be having in the womb, out by the Holy Spirit.¹

19) But Joseph, the man betrothed to her, 
being righteous and just, and not having in mind -- nor the will ² 
-- to bring her alongside, to make a public show (of her),
 for the moment was willing to loose her away 
(by means of a divorce) secretly,
 and hide (her) swiftly, without notice. 

20) And as he was increasingly growing in wrath and indignation
 while dwelling thoughtfully ³ on these things: 
 Behold!  By a dream, the LORD’s Angel was seen by him, saying

                ‘ Joseph, a legitimate offspring and son of David. 
                         Do not run away in fear, ⁴ 
                         receive and take Miriam as your bride:
                         for that which is come into being in her 
                         is out of the Spirit, and Holy.

21)              And she will bring forth and bear a Son
             and you shall call forth

             His Name as Yeshua  [Jesus], 
             for He will deliver and make whole,

             saving  His people 
             from the sickness and death of their sins.’

22)             This also came into being in order 
           that it might be supplied abundantly and fulfilled,
           by that spoken with definite words -- 
           the LORD coming forth through the Prophet,⁵ saying,

23)             ‘Behold!  the virgin of marriageable age 
             who has never known a man,

in the belly will hold and possess,  
and will bring forth and bear a Son,

and they will call forth 
and summon the Name of Him, EMMANUEL:

the which is, being after the interpretation,

          ‘’In the midst of and among us -- GOD.^’’6

24)             And Joseph, being excited in mind and body, 
      and being fully awoken from the sloth and weariness ⁷  
      of his slumber, he set about and completed
      those actions in what manner or way 
     (that was) expressly set and ordered him ⁸
      by the LORD’s angel, and took possession of his wife;

25)             and did not completely know her until
         she brought forth and bore her Son, the Firstborn.
        And he called forth and summoned 
        the Name of Him:  Yeshua  [Jesus].”

            Notes on Matthew 1:18-25

1                      This sentence as translated by the full Greek expression of word pictures, show that Miriam (Mary) was about to be taken up by her husband when she was discovered with child.  In all likelihood, it was either the appointed priest or it was  the advance ambassador of the betrothed, Joseph’s best man, who would have  the one who sought and inquired (as this verse tells us).  It is not held against Eli, Miriam’s father, nor against Miriam herself, that she is pregnant.  In fact, the conclusion points to Miriam as being part of a large household where she is never left alone.  It also indicates that she is the oldest of at least several daughters, and surrounded by overprotective aunts, or like female relatives.  If we read the passage correctly, there may be a suggestion that Miriam was sold to Joseph while as a child, prior to her reaching a state of maturity.  This is supported by the tone of the following verse, 19, in which Joseph is spoken in the manner of an old or mature individual, and Miriam as but a young girl.   

2               βουλομαι -  is willingness, as found in the moment.  That “will”  which has intent and purpose and longevity, being a continuous and active expression, is “thelo” in the Greek.  Boulomai is a mindful will that can change with a mood swing.  This is exactly what was happening with Joseph.  

3                ενθυμηθεντος  : en - meaning “in”, and thumos - the mind that is racing in agitation, indignation, anger, wrath, etc.  The scribes who are indignant, and think within how that Jesus blasphemes (Matthew 9:4), or those Pharisees who are hateful and indignant in their minds (Matthew 12:25) so as to call Jesus in league with Beelzebub, are further examples are the correctness of my translation of this verse.

4               φοβηθης  -  to terribly frighten.  In the Classical Greek,  Phobeo was used to describe those so terrified, that they ran away out of their minds with fear.  The Hebrew “charada” is closely associated with this type of fear, which also is what is told the women at the Resurrection tomb in Matthew 28:5 - “Do not fear so as to run away!”

5               Isaiah 7:14

6               Actual literal translation of   Μεθ  ημων  θεος.  In this context, as in Matthew 26:58, Peter sits “in the midst of”  the under-officers of the high priest, but not necessarily “with”. 

7                διεγερθεις -  “egeiro” which means ‘to rise up, to awake from sleep,’  -- intensified by “dia” -‘through’.  Mark and Luke use this descriptive word to tell of how deep a slumber Jesus was in during the raging of the wind and sea of Galilee (Mark 4:38; Luke 8:24); while John applies it to the intensity of the sea itself, as if awoken from the sleep of calmness (John 8:18).  This intensive of “egeiro” is  used again in 2 Peter, where Peter is trying to shake the sloth and slumber from the weary minds of those who believe, that they might intensely become awake to the message he  is imparting  before he dies (2 Peter 1:13, 3:1).

8                 προςεταζεν  - to arrange by or through commands, and to set in order.  In Matthew 21:6, the disciples follow the command and instruction of this word,  set about to carry out the dictum: “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tied up with a colt, untie them and bring them about and lead them to Me.”  (Matthew 21:2) 

The Gospel of Luke  

  

[written circa 50 A.D. while Peter and Paul jointly preached in Corinth of Achaia]

  

2:8-21 in KJV and AWPR Translations

  

King James Version (KJV)

Alternative Word Pictures with Reiterations translation - translation mine (AWPR)

   

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  (KJV) 

  

(8)     And Shepherds were in the fields and grazing ranges of 

          the country-side,

          the same (also) abiding / lodging in the fields

          (with the flocks [of sheep])

          and keeping a doubly protective guarded watch of the night

          over the flock  of them.

          (AWPR)

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (KJV) 

(9)     And behold, look and see,

an Angel (of the) LORD stood above and over them,

          and (the) LORD’s glory shone forth [great light] around them;

          and they were terrified with such a fright so as to run away,

          [it being such a mentally and spiritually overwhelming] 

             great fleeing terror.

          (AWPR)

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  (KJV)

  

(10)   But the Angel said to them,

          (Although you can)

‘Do not fear or be terrified with such a fright so as to run away.

              Behold, look and see,

               for I am giving forth a good proclamation of good tidings,

    of good news to you,

               which will be to the people a great joyous exultation;

          (AWPR)

  

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.   (KJV)

(11)             because was born to you    this day / today

                    a Savior / Deliverer (from destruction) and benefactor

                    who is Christ / (the Anointed (One),

                    LORD / YHVeH / JeHoVaH,

                    in the city of David. 

          (AWPR)

  

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.   (KJV)

  

(12)             And this to you is a miraculous (and visible) Sign /

                    proof of a Miracle Of Fulfillment:

                    you will search out – inquire and find a (nourishing) baby

                    having been enwrapped about as in a band

         in a swathing / in swaddling clothes,

          laid down – placed – set in a stall.

                  [alternatively: a feeding trough].

                  (AWPR)

 13    And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,    (KJV)

  

(13)   And of a sudden – suddenly

          there was together with the Angel

          a fullness – multitude – throng of a Heavenly / Celestial army

          singing praises of approval – benefits – commendations / praising

          GOD,

          and laying down forth definite words, saying:

          (AWPR)

 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.   (KJV)

(14)            ‘Praise – honor – applause duly rendered / Glory

                     in the highest to GOD;

                     and upon Earth,

                     Peace – Tranquility – Rest – and Every Kind Of Good;

                     in men, benevolent pleasing favor – kindness  and good will.’

          (AWPR)

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.    (KJV)

(15)   And it so happened in what manner or way,

          the angels withdrew and went away / departed

          from them into the Heaven.

         

          And the men, the Shepherds, 

          spoke up alongside and with one another,  (saying),

                   ‘Let us most definitely (now) pass through and go

                    as far as / unto Bethlehem,

                    and let us behold, see and know 

                   this pronouncement / command,

                    that having occurred and come into being,

                    the which the LORD / JeHoVaH / YHVeH

                    made known / revealed unto us.’

          (AWPR)

 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.   (KJV)

 (16)   And they came forth so as to make a public appearance,

          urging themselves on hastily – quickly,

          and diligently sought and found out both Mariam / Mary and Joseph

          and the newborn child / baby  lying down in a stall

                             [alternatively: a feeding trough].

          (AWPR)

  

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.   (KJV)

 17)   Then seeing and being made aware with understanding,

          they went around making it known regarding the

          Statement / Pronouncement / Command spoken to them

          regarding this child.

          (AWPR) 

  

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.   (KJV)

    

(18)   And all those hearing and listening intently

          were struck with astonishment and marveled / wondered

          regarding / concerning the thing spoken about the Shepherds

          (who were) up alongside and with them.

          (AWPR)

  

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.   (KJV)

(19)   Then Mariam / Mary

kept considering – pondering – mulling over – meditating

(upon) these spoken words / sayings, in the heart of her.

           (AWPR)

  

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.   (KJV)

  

(20)   And the Shepherds turned about and returned,

                   

            [alternatively: Gr. epistrephan also means “having converted”]

  

(verbally and publicly [with loudness])

recognizing – honoring – glorifying and singing praises to GOD

for / upon / regarding all (the) things

which they attentively heard and beheld / saw,

even as (it) was spoken / proclaimed up to and alongside with them.

(AWPR)

  

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.   (KJV)

  

(21)   And when were fulfilled – completed – accomplished

          (made fully past) 8 days to circumcise the baby,

          moreover was called forth the name of Him, Jesus / Yeshua;

          that called forth / That called from through the Angel

          before He was conceived in the womb.

          (AWPR)  

In Judaism, there is the theological topic of Tikkun Olam, the “Restorative Repairing  (hence, “redemption”)  of the World / Ages.”     The Hebrew word Tikkun, by a secondary definition, will  incorporate the idea of  an ascending “spark” or flame, as if part of an burnt offering that  ascends up to GOD. Therefore, to be repaired or restored, one must make oneself as if a light of the menorah, or as a living allegory of the burnt offering (a living sacrifice) unto GOD.

Therefore, the basic concept of Tikkun Olam can be immediately recognized by many born-again Christians who read the priestly Gospel of John (1:1-13) where Jesus, as the light and spark of eternal life, lights the dead pilot --

(some may want to envision a gas burner or gas burning space heater that remains unlit until sparked on to give heat and fulfill its destined function in order to better grasp this concept)

-- that is within every man - woman - child of whosoever believes into and receives Him, whom  of all the world's offering of philosophy or religions or history, is EXCLUSIVELY the ONLY ONE  of OLD, even from EVERLASTING. 

Micah 5:2  

“And you, Bethlehem Ephratah,

(though you) have grown into being least and insignificant

while being among the Commanders of the Thousands of Judah;   

{read “alupe”, construct plural; not alepe}

(yet) out of you to Me,  He shall come forth to become

Compared like unto Me in a Proverb,   

                 { Numbers 21:17-18b*}

ruling with dominion in Israel;

And his forth coming origin as one going out

is from the days of eternity, since before the world (came into being).”

Matthew 2:6

“And you, Bethlehem, Land of Judah,

Not by any means least in rank, dignity, or importance are you

Among the leaders of Judah who rule as Commanders

Who exercise authority by means of both military and civil law;

Out of you for will come out and go forth from His place

A leader who will rule as a Commander

And who will exercise authority by means of both military and civil law;

Who will Shepherd the people of Me, Israel.”   

{and be their King,   2 Sam. 5:2}

----------------------------------------------------

*Numbers 21:17-18b  

17 Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it:

18 The  Cistern Well which the princes dug,

Which dug the nobles of the people,

by  the (direction of  the )  Commander of the statutes – laws –customs –decrees, with their staves.”           

"Behold!  GOD is my JESUS!

I will trust and not be afraid, for my strength and my song is YH YHVeH,

and He became to me, JESUS.

And you shall draw water with joy

out of the flowing mountain spring of JESUS."

  - Isaiah 12:2-3

In Micah 5:2, we read that the "comings forth" as umootsata(y)v  is as the source going forth, as though referring to a well spring which origin is unseen, and practically unknowable except in generality.

That origin is M'Qedem memey olam...from before the days of eternity, from before the days of the world.   

Matthew Chapter 2 in the King James Version (KJV) and Alternate with Word Pictures and Reiterations Version (AWPR)

Matthew Chapter 2

King James Version (KJV)

Alternate Word Pictures with Reiterations (AWPR) - Translation mine.

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, (KJV)

     1)       Then Jesus / Yeshua, having been born in Bethlehem of Judea

in the days of Herod the king:

Behold, look and see;

Magi from (the) rising sun – from (the) dawn – 

     from (the) East

(publicly and noticeably) arrived into Jerusalem, 

 (AWPR)

2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. (KJV)

2)      Uttering definite words – saying:

          ‘In what place – Where is He (whom is) brought forth – born

            King of the Jews?

            For – Because   we beheld – saw – observed – watched

            the luminous body – the star of Him 

            in the East,                

            and came forth publicly so as to make an appearance

            to kiss – to adore – to show respect 

                  and falling/ prostrating obeisance

                  -  to worship him.

           (AWPR)

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.  (KJV) 

3)      Then (paying heed and) hearing intently – listening 

          (carefully),

Herod the king

was stirred up and agitated / troubled 

with great fear and questions,

and all of Jerusalem with him.   

(AWPR)

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.  (KJV)

4)    And gathering – assembling together

the first / chief priests and Scribes

[Scribes - includes scribes who copy the Torah, Accountants,

and Civil Servant / Officials that were Recorders, Librarians,

 and other various forms of Book or Document Keepers

 (including tax-collectors like   

 Matthew, author of this Gospel).]

            of the people,

            he asked – inquired – examined from them

            where – in what place the Christ was to be born.  

(AWPR)

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, (KJV)

5)     Then they said – spoke – replied to him,

          ‘In Bethlehem of Judea,

          for thus – in this manner or way

          it has been 

          engraved – inscribed – carved – written

            through the prophet,     

(AWPR)

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor that shall rule my people Israel.  (KJV)

6)     ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,

          by no means – not at all

          are you least in rank – dignity – importance

          in – amongst the leaders – rulers – governors of Judah;

          for – because out of you will proceed / come forth

          a leader – chief – commander – ruler,

          someone who will Shepherd the people – nation

          of Me, Israel.  

(AWPR)

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. (KJV)

7)    At that time then, Herod in a manner or way

          concealed from notice –

secretly – discreetly – privately

calling – summoning forth – authoritatively invited

the Magi – the wise men

(and) asked precisely - inquired accurately / inquired exactly

from them the Time – Period – Season

of the shining – illuminating – giving light

[and remaining in that state of excessive illumination]

star – luminous body.   

(AWPR)

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.  (KJV)

8)    And causing to go – sending them

[implies a military escort for part of the journey 

to ensure they went on the correct road and were 

certainly on their way.  Herod was in Jerusalem 

only 4.1 plus miles to the north, where sending word 

back to him could be done by one servant sent back

 on foot, even walking by lamp or torch by night,

 in just inside one hour]

into Bethlehem, he said,

          ‘Having walked and passed – having gone through,

            accurately examine – exactly with diligence find out –

             inquire thoroughly about

          regarding the little child.

          Then, as soon as – whenever you find and

          search out / discover,

          announce it to – send word to – make known to

          me,  so that I may also come up alongside with (you)

          to worship Him.’     (AWPR) 

Comment on distance:

Justin, in his Apology, 1.34, says:  "And thou, Bethlehem, the land of Judah" etc.  ‘Now there is a village in the land of the Jews, 35 stadia  [4.1 miles] from Jerusalem, in which Jesus Christ was born, as you can [still] ascertain also from the registers of the taxing made under Cyrenius, your first procurator in Judea."  It appears to me that the Inn or House to where Jesus was to be located was in this general vicinity at least a mile closer than the boundaries of modern Bethlehem and in the hills northeast of the current modern city, as yet unexcavated.  That makes sense that if Bethlehem was so crowded that there was no room, they would be forced to make the best they could in the outskirts of the city, at a in Bethlehem point closest to Jerusalem, and yet above the primary dust and smog (that generally settles upon the first 200 feet of a civilization and makes the air tan or brownish as one looks down across a valley or plain of it), it seems to me. 

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.  (KJV)

9)    Then they, having heard and listened to 

          the king carefully – intently

(continued and) passed through – departed.

And behold, look and see;

 the luminous body – the star

which they saw – beheld – observed – watched

in the rising sun – in the dawn – in the East

preceded before and led them forth until, coming,

it stood up above / over and upon

where the little child was.  

(AWPR)

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (KJV)

10)    Then seeing – beholding – observing 

          the luminous body / star,

          they rejoiced with great – abundant

           joy – delight – gladness,

          with very much eagerness.  

          (AWPR)

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.   (KJV)

11)     And coming into the house / building, ¹

         They saw – beheld – observed the little child

         with Miriam / Mary the mother of Him.

         And falling down prostrate they 

         adored – showed obeisance to –

         worshiped Him.

         And opening the treasures put – set – stored of them,

         they brought up alongside with / next to – near to Him

         gratuitous – generous  gifts of

         gold and frankincense and myrrh.  

        (AWPR)

        

    

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.  (KJV)

12)       And having been addressed

         in a very straight-forward business-like warning – oracle

         by a dream that they should not go back again – return

         up alongside with Herod,

         through another of the same kind of way – highway – route

         they departed back again into

         the country – land – region – territory of them.²   (AWPR)

13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.   (KJV)

13)      Then they, having left – having departed back again:

                   behold, look and see;

          an angel / messenger of (the) LORD

          shone – gave light / illumination – appeared

                   down in a dream to Joseph,

                  uttering definite words – saying,

              ‘Rise (from sleep and sluggishness) – Rise up!

               take up and seize the little child and the mother of Him,

               and hurriedly flee – escape quickly  into Egypt;

               and be you in that place there

               until I shall speak to you:

               for Herod is at the point of – is about to

               look for and strive to find

               the little child, to kill – put to death – destroy Him.’

               (AWPR)

14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:  (KJV)

14)    Then he  rising up (from sleep and sluggishness)

          Took up and seized – snatched up 

          The little child and the mother of Him by night,

          And departed back again into Egypt.³

          (AWPR) 

15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.  (KJV)

15)    And he was in that place there until

          the end – completion (death) of  Herod,

         in order that would be fulfilled that spoken

         under the LORD through the prophets,

         laying down definite words saying – speaking,

            ‘Out of Egypt I have called / summoned forth

              The Son of Me.’

         (AWPR)

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. (KJV)

16)    At that time then,  Herod (upon) seeing –beholding that

          he was deluded – deceived – played the fool

          under – by the Magi,

          (he) was provoked into a great wrath – indignation – rage.

          And sending forth [soldiers on his resulting orders],

          he took away in death – he murdered

          All the male children in Bethlehem,

          

         And in all the boundaries – frontiers – limits – region of it,

          from 2 years and downwards,

         according to the Time he diligently and accurately 

         inquired from the proximity of

  [i.e., that Herod posed to a group presented before him

   who were also far enough away to converse in whispers secretly

   among themselves]

        the Magi.

       (AWPR)

17)  Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet,   

        saying,  (KJV)

      17)      Then at that time was fulfilled – accomplished – completed

                  that definitely uttered / said  

                  under – by – through Jeremiah the prophet

                  saying,

           (AWPR)     

18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.  (KJV)

18)      ‘A voice – A sound

                    Shone forth –toned forth

  [and would echo in the recurring recollections of the minds

    of those who heard it]

                    in Rama was attentively heard – listened carefully to:

                    loud wailing and grievous weeping with tears,

                    and much (tormented – sorrowful) bewailing;

                    Rachel grievously weeping with tears 

                    for the children of her,

                    And certainly not willing / certainly not having the

                    will – desire – purpose

                    to have called to the side of – to be aided or comforted

                    because they certainly were not.’

                    (AWPR)

Comment:  The tomb of Rachel, wife of Jacob, who died in giving birth to Benjamin (cf. Genesis 35:16-19), was and is located in the region that is now the city of modern Bethlehem.  Benjamin was called Ben-Oni “son of I / son of me”, which some have mistranslated as “son of my sorrow”.  However, Jacob affirms it was “son of I / son of me” when he renamed the child as Ben-Yamin “Son at my Right Hand”.  Indeed, Jesus / Yeshua would eventually be known to humanity as “the son at the Right Hand” of GOD the Father Almighty.

19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, (KJV)

19)    Then Herod

          having come to his end – having expired / completed / died;

          behold, look and see: an Angel of (the) LORD

          down in a dream gives light – shines – appears

          to Joseph in Egypt,

          (AWPR)      

20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.  (KJV)

20)       Speaking with definite words – saying,

             ‘Rising up (from sleep and sluggishness).

              Take up – possess – seize – take along

              the little child and the mother of Him,

              and pass through into (the) Land of Israel:

              for – because those seeking – striving to find

              the soul of / the life of   the little child

              have died (by natural means).’     (AWPR)

21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. (KJV)

21)    Then he [Joseph] rising up,

          took up – seized and took along – snatched up

          the little child and the mother of Him,

          and came forth publicly into (the) Land of Israel.

          (AWPR)

22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:  (KJV)

22)    Then, hearing attentively and hearkening that Archelaus

          reigns upon Judea  against / in place of – in lieu of /

          in substitution as a successor of 

          Herod the father of him,

          he [Joseph] feared and trembled with fright and terror

          (so as to run away) [rather than]  to go there in that place:

           Then, down in a dream,

           being addressed

           in a very straight-forward business-like

           order - response - warning – oracle,

           he [Joseph]  departed back again into the [sea – waters

           of the] sides – parts – coasts.⁴

           And behold, look and see;

           The heavens to him were opened,

           And he saw – beheld – observed (it was) the Galilee.

           (AWPR)

23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. (KJV)

23)   And having come forth publicly,

          He dwelt in a permanent dwelling / he resided

          Into a city – protected settlement called Nazareth;

          So as to accomplish – make full – complete – fulfill

          That spoken – foretold through the prophet:

                 ‘He shall be summoned forth / called Nazarene.”

          (AWPR)

Disclaimer:  The Alternate Word Pictures with Reiterations (AWPR) translation should be used as a Bible Study Aid only, and it is recommended that a direct literal translation or the King James Bible be used for regular and ecclesiastical purposes, and that the AWPR be used in association only as a Bible study aid so as to help the reader / user in their Bible Studying to clarify context and Scriptural Intent.     Thanks.  -- Brianroy

End-notes: 

1.       The events of the Magi arriving is AFTER the events listed in Luke Chapter 2.  Finding Mary and Jesus the angelically announced Messiah in a manure filled stall, it is not a stretch in any way that the Shepherds (who possibly were raising their flocks primarily  in the valley of Achor, south of Jericho – Isaiah 65:9-10, before proceeding round about to Jerusalem through the south via Bethlehem) could easily have used sheep as payment for someone or the Inn itself to take Miriam and her baby in out of doors.  Judaism often places an emphasis of the relationship of child and mother, and of common decency.  A trade (for example) of 7 fat sheep for eating, and perhaps a lamb without spot or blemish for trade or sacrifice for the Temple would have been more than sufficient payment.  There is absolutely no justification for any relocation of the event to Nazareth or anywhere else.  In fact, the events of both the Shepherds and the visit by the Magi would have preceded the actual day of circumcision of the little child Jesus, meaning the visits by the Shepherds in Luke 2 (written in A.D. 50) and that of the Magi in Matthew 2 (written between June of A.D. 55 and the early fall of A.D. 56 at the latest), both were completed within the first 8 days of Jesus birth.   

2.      The Highway to Israel from Babylonia would have been via:  Accad, Mari, Tadmor, Damascus, Capernaum, Jericho, Jerusalem, and points along that route.

The exit taken by the Magi away from Herod, would likely have been south from Bethlehem to the road that passed from Kadesh Barnea (around the southern part of the Dead Sea traveling East then North through Edom on the King's Highway) to Rabboth-Bene-Ammon, then due east to Dumah, and from Dumah to Babylonia.

3.      “Departed back again”  is the most accurate translation possible for the Koine Greek Word of this verse, which is “anechoresen” – the aorist indicative active of anachoreo.  This means that Joseph, although of the House of David, was a Jew who was previously living in Egypt and for some time had made his home and livelihood there.  Most likely that home was in Alexandria, and the use of the aorist indicative active of anachoreo in the way it is presented in this verse suggests that is where Mary also had spent some time as the wife of Joseph upon her marriage to him.  It also gives cause for a working hypothesis as to part of the reason why Mark took his Gospel to Alexandria after the death of the Apostle Peter on June 29, 57 A.D., and founded what would be the Coptic Church before his own death in the 8th year of Nero in A.D. 62 (just 5 years after that of Peter’s death in Rome).  There must have been some sort of familiarity and testimony that joined Joseph by family and (Mary and the LORD Jesus to that city later, albeit briefly) as a city of refuge away from and out of Herod’s jurisdiction and influence.

4.       Joseph, it seems to me, most clearly took the little child / baby Jesus and the mother of Him out of Egypt by ship back to Israel.  They probably first embarked to Joppa, heard the news of Archelaus, and then took the journey to the next stop of Caesarea (Song of Solomon 2:1) on the coast of Samaria and entered through the plain of Sharon.  Prophecy related to Sharon in the Old Testament informs us that Joseph then would have proceeded by land up to Mount Carmel (Isaiah 35:1-2) before turning aside to Galilee, so as to appear to enter it from an origin in the north and avert suspicion as having actually come from the south. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Birth of John The Baptist Was Preceded By A Miracle Pregnancy To His Aged Mother, And An Angelic Visit Before That To His Father At The Holy Temple: Luke 1:5-33

Luke 1:5-33 

(My alternate translation from the Greek)

“In the days of Herod, the King of Judea, there was a certain priest -- by name, Zacharias -- 
Of the daily [Temple] service: Abijah.


http://www.templeinstitute.org/day_in_life/24_shifts.htm    [pp.1-2]


His wife was of the daughters of Aaron: her name, Elizabeth.
In the sight of GOD they were both righteous,
Walking in all the Commandments and Ordinances of  YHVeH,*   blameless(ly).
No child was theirs, because Elizabeth was barren,
And both were well-advanced  [Gk., probebakotes] **  in their days.


It came to pass, namely in his serving as priest in the order of his daily course [at the Temple] before GOD.
According to the Custom of the Priests, 
(his) lot was to burn incense --

http://www.templeinstitute.org/day_in_life/daily_lotteries.htm
   

[pp. 3-4, 8, 19-20, 23-24  of the hyperlink adds other details not mentioned in the text, known or obvious to hearers and readers when the Temple was as yet still standing, fully functional, and unthreatened].

Entering into the Temple of  YHVeH.*

All the multitude was praying outside at the hour of incense.

[This use of the word “multitude” suggests a detail not given us  by the Temple Institute…that on memorial days, the priests were accompanied by more than just a single family or clan of service. Rather, perhaps here, are all the priestly clans and  families gathered  on a solemn occasion, such as the 9th of Av, 6 B.C., making John the Baptist’s coming birth in the spring of  5 B.C., and Jesus’ birth in the fall of 5 B.C.]

But to him, an Angel of YHVeH appeared standing out from the altar of incense on the right.
Seeing (this),  Zacharias was stirred up emotionally with great alarm and dread   [Gk., etarachthe], ***
and fear fell upon him. 

The Angel said to him, Do not fear.
Zacharias, your request and petition has been heard;
Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son;
You shall call his name Yochanan [John].

He shall be your joy and exultation, and many will rejoice over the birth of him.
He will grow great. **** 
In the sight of YHVeH, wine and intoxicants he may not at all drink.
The Holy Spirit will fill him while he is yet in the womb of his mother.
He will turn many of the Sons of Israel on (to) YHVeH their GOD.
He will go ahead before Him in spiritual power of Elijah: 
    to turn the hearts of the fathers upon (their) children, 
   the disobedient to just wisdom,
making YHVeH prepared for a people already having been made ready.

Zacharias said to the Angel, 
By what shall I know this?  I am quite old, and my wife is well-advanced in her days.

Answering, the Angel said to him,
I am Gabriel -- the One standing before GOD.

I was sent to speak up along-side with you, 
to give good news to you of these things.
Behold!     [Look and see! --  Cf. Heb. V'Hinneh!]  
You will be silent, not able to speak,
Until which day these things begin to come into existence, 
Because you believed not my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.

The multitude(s) were expecting Zacharias, 
and they marveled in his delay of coming out of the Temple.
He was not able to speak to them, but they knew that he had seen a vision in the Temple;
He was signaling (this) to them,  but remained a mute.

And it came to pass, when the days of his service was fulfilled, he went away to his house [which was located in a city of Judah.  verse. 39]

After these days, his wife Elizabeth conceived, but she hid for 5 months, saying,
Thus has YHVeH done to me in the time which He saw (fit) to remove the reproach of me (from) among men.

In then, the sixth month [Adar II], the Angel Gabriel was sent from GOD into a city of Galilee, the which named Nazareth,  up to and along-side a virgin having been betrothed to a man  (by)  name, Joseph,  out of David’s  house: and the name of the virgin:  Mariam [Mary]. 

And (upon) entering, the angel up to and along-side of her said,  Hail  highly favored  (one of grace),  YHVeH* is with thee:   blessed (art) thou  among women.

She then beholding  (him), was troubled upon his word and its reasoning behind or in it,  and cast her mind (as to) what manner of salutation this should be.  And the Angel said unto her,  May (you) not greatly fear  Miriam, for thou hast found favor with GOD.


And behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bear a Son, and you will call His name Y’shua [Jesus].

This One will grow to be Great, and will be called Son of the Most High;  

And YHVeH Elohim will give Him the throne David, the father of Him;

And He will reign and rule upon the House of Jacob to the Ages;

And of His Kingdom, there will never be an end.”

* Gk. Kurios - L-RD, translated back into Hebrew here would be the Tetragrammaton: YHVH / YHWH.

**  Gk. Probebakotes  -  the low end Septuagint use of this word appears to be that of a 70 year old King David in 1 Kings 1:1, and a high end use of a 110 year old Joshua in Joshua 23:1,2 (cf. Joshua 24:29).  It appears that because of a low birth rate in this family group, the age of 60 was waived as a limit for priestly service…and  her barrenness is reason behind Elizabeth’s reproach  from men of the priesthood, as if secret sin were the cause instead of righteousness and the will of GOD for the miraculous of  reminiscence of the matriarchs Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel.

 The birth of John is as miraculous as that of Abraham and Sarah's, and inspired many so much so, that an entire nation willingly would leave the mandatory Temple Feast on one occasion, just to be baptized by John for the remission of sins by faith, rather than purchase and offer up animal sacrifices as atonement for sin.  It is mind-blowing for a generation short of 1600 years stuck in an animal sacrifice ritual to suddenly cold turkey even for just ONE high holiday...but when John later had his ministry, for one high holiday, that is exactly what happened, save a few thousands at best.  The other 3,000,000 chose a free and bloodless dip in an overflowing and cold Jordan River from recent torrential rains, likely meaning it was also wet and muddy, remembering the entrance into the Land by the forefathers in 1511 B.C. under Joshua,  which Jordan River during John's Baptism in the 20s A.D. of the First Century normally might be as low as that of a small creek in the drier seasons.  Another miracle of provision and timing, this time through weather and willingness in the hearts of the people to reach out for FREEDOM by a FREE act of faith, NOT verbal or other coercion and demands of $$. 

John baptized Israel as the nation immersed itself from within the land and from the west bank, while John himself repeatedly pointed  to the stones taken from the river by Joshua's crossing some 1538-1539 years earlier, which was in effect a natural altar from the Earth of stones not struck with iron, a memorial to Israel and to GOD's faithfulness.  


*** The Greek word, “etarachthe” is rendered as “destruction” in 1 Samuel 5:9 of the Septuagint. The Hebrew word that is translated  here is “Mehuma”.  Mehuma is used only 6 times in the Old Testament.  In  1 Samuel, its use suggests something more than just a rottenness of outward boils upon the groin, or in the arm-pits (after the manner of the Bubonic Plague.  Rather than a past tense happened  event, Mehuma should be viewed as a present tense “happening now” event.  This would be likened to watching the body and skin rolling back and forth as if suffering an earthquake upon the skin and flesh, until the boils and tumors (in minutes)  bubbled up into huge appendages and settled.     

     Although the boils and tumors did not settle upon Zacharias, defiling his pure and unblemished flesh, Zacharias did feel as if such an event were moving back and forth upon his skin.   In other words, the presence of Gabriel made his skin crawl, and made Zacharias want to jump out of his skin (as it were).  This sensation  is found to be associated with the Hebrew word “Charada” and its event  in Daniel 10:7-8, at the presence of both Michael and Gabriel.  In that event, we see the same horrific fear suffered by the Babylonians and  the Prophet Daniel which was a precedent to that experienced by the Roman Guard at Jesus’ Resurrection Tomb in Matthew 28:4.  The only difference between the Babylonians and the Romans was that the Romans were assigned under penalty of death to stay and defend a location, whereas the guard with Daniel was but an escort free to flee in the few seconds they had opportunity to, before being sapped of all strength (as they suffered the sensation of corruption and rolling boils and a severe nervous system attack).



**** Cf. the Greek megas with the Hebrew gadol  in prophetic usage, such as in Micah 5:4, etc.

Happy Thanksgiving 2017!

Happy Thanksgiving 2017!













“First Thanksgiving at Plymouth” 
  above, is that of an oil painting by Jennie A. Brownscombe,    created about A.D. 1914



53 Pilgrims were at the first Thanksgiving.  

 22 were men,
 4 were married women, 
 9 were boys of adolescent age, 
 5 were girls of adolescent age, 
 and the remaining 13 were young children, with no certainty as to their ages be they from months to 10 years of age, and  not all of whose names affirmed their sex.  For example, the names of those 13 smallest children in attendance were called:  
Bartholomew, Mary & Remember Allerton; 
Love & Wrestling Brewster;
Humility Cooper;
Samuel Eaton;
Damaris & Oceanus Hopkins;
Desire Minter;
Richard More;  and
Resolved & Peregrine White.


The first settlement was actually a commune called a Plantation.  Plantation is taken from the Latin and had the meaning of "Paradise", and the new continent began as a place where one could come and set up one's own paradise away from the tyrannies and oppressions of Europe and European tyrannical religious and political systems, and rise or fall by the work of their hands and the live almost wholly off the fruits of their own labors, as part of a joint commune or community, or by their own family or even in and of themselves.  

    In the late 1620s, along with the rise of religious oppression in England, only then did the colonization of America explode with upwards of 1200 and more one-way to America intercontinental passages a year...just less than 8 years later.  

But in 1621, the entire European population of this one lone (in the wilderness) commune rested at 26 adults (age 21 and above), and 27 children who ranged in age from birth to age 19 or 20.  These 26 adults and their children shared a feast of 3 days duration with some 90 Indians of a local tribe with which they had made peace with.  The Pilgrims carried their firearms openly and always had them openly carried and on their person or in less than arm's length reach, always about and handy,  during this entire feast, just in case, and there were no incidents of any hostility whatsoever. 

 In effect, our Second Amendment to the Constitution (effective as of December 15, 1791) 
"...the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
was based in part on a then 170 years before ratification and implementation tradition that goes right back to the first Pilgrims themselves and by example to the very first Thanksgiving itself. 

According to the historical account taken by a co-participant William Bradford, in "Of Plimoth Plantation":

"They begane now to gather in ye small harvest they had, and to fitte up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health & strenght, and had all things in good
plenty; fFor as some were thus imployed in affairs abroad, others were excersised in fishing, aboute codd, & bass, & other fish, of which yey tooke good store, of which every family had their
portion. All ye somer ther was no want. 

And now begane to come in store of foule, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees). And besids water foule, ther was great store of wild Turkies, of which they tooke many, besids venison, &c. Besids, they had about a peck a meale a weeke to a person, or now since  harvest, Indean corn to yt proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largly of their plenty hear to their freinds in England, which were not fained, but true reports."

Fellow co-participant Edward Winslow,  summarized the same event from a different set of eyes and separately wrote:
"...our harvest being gotten in, our governour sent foure men on fowling, that so we might after a speciall manner rejoyce together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labours ; 

they foure in one day killed as much fowle, as with a little helpe beside, served the Company almost a weeke, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Armes, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoyt, with some ninetie men, whom for three dayes we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deere, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governour, and upon the Captaine and others.

 And although it be not always so plentifull, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so farre from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plentie."

In 1623, the first cattle were migrated from Europe, along with goats, on a ship called "Anne".  About this time, perhaps as early as 1622, pigs were also imported to the Americas from Europe as well.  


We are a nation founded and established in FREEDOM  because we were founded and settled through a core belief system of Protestant Christianity.  All other religious belief systems are ALIEN to this core National Faith and National Identity, even though the parasite faith system of the Luciferians known as the Masons have corrupted the political and religious belief systems so that the core foundation is mostly unknown or ignored by most of the current generations now inhabiting the United States of America.  The Supreme Court records are not as yet destroyed, and the fact that this nation was once truly a Protestant Christian nation is a matter of Court record just 125 years ago.  



CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY V. UNITED STATES, 143 U. S. 457 (1892)


Page 143 U.S. 465
...
But, beyond all these matters, no purpose of action against religion can be imputed to any legislation, state or national, because this is a religious people. This is historically true. From the discovery of this continent to the present hour, there is a single voice making this affirmation.

The commission to Christopher Columbus, prior to his sail westward, is from "Ferdinand and Isabella, by the grace of God, King and Queen of Castile," etc., and recites that "it is hoped that by God's assistance some of the continents and islands in the 

Page 143 U. S. 466
ocean will be discovered," etc. 

The first colonial grant, that made to Sir Walter Raleigh in 1584, was from "Elizabeth, by the grace of God, of England, Fraunce and Ireland, Queene, defender of the faith," etc., and the grant authorizing him to enact statutes of the government of the proposed colony provided that "they be not against the true Christian faith nowe professed in the Church of England."

The first charter of Virginia, granted by King James I in 1606, after reciting the application of certain parties for a charter, commenced the grant in these words:
"We, greatly commending, and graciously accepting of, their Desires for the Furtherance of so noble a Work, which may, by the Providence of Almighty God, hereafter tend to the Glory of his Divine Majesty, in propagating of Christian Religion to such People, as yet live in Darkness and miserable Ignorance of the true Knowledge and Worship of God, and may in time bring the Infidels and Savages, living in those parts, to human Civility, and to a settled and quiet government; DO, by these our Letters-Patents, graciously accept of, and agree to, their humble and well intended Desires."

Language of similar import may be found in the subsequent charters of that colony, from the same king, in 1609 and 1611, and the same is true of the various charters granted to the other colonies. In language more or less emphatic is the establishment of the Christian religion declared to be one of the purposes of the grant.

The celebrated compact made by the pilgrims in the Mayflower, 1620, recites:
"Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid."

The fundamental orders of Connecticut, under which a provisional government was instituted in 1638-39, commence with this declaration:
"Forasmuch as it hath pleased the Allmighty God by the wise disposition of his diuyne pruidence

Page 143 U. S. 467
so to Order and dispose of things that we the Inhabitants and Residents of Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield are now cohabiting and dwelling in and vppon the River of Conectecotte and the Lands thereunto adioyneing; And well knowing where a people are gathered togather the word of God requires that to mayntayne the peace and vnion of such a people there should be an orderly and decent Gouerment established according to God, to order and dispose of the affayres of the people at all seasons as occation shall require; doe therefore assotiate and conioyne our selues to be as one Publike state or Comonwelth, and doe, for our selues and our Successors and such as shall be adioyned to vs att any tyme hereafter, 

enter into Combination and Confederation togather, 

to mayntayne and presearue the liberty and purity of the gospell of our Lord Jesus weh we now prfesse, as also the disciplyne of the Churches, weh according to the truth of the said gospell is now practiced amongst vs."

In the charter of privileges granted by William Penn to the province of Pennsylvania, in 1701, it is recited:
"Because no People can be truly happy, though under the greatest Enjoyment of Civil Liberties, if abridged of the Freedom of their Consciences, as to their Religious Profession and Worship; And Almighty God being the only Lord of Conscience, Father of Lights and Spirits, and the Author as well as Object of all divine Knowledge, Faith, and Worship, who only doth enlighten the Minds, and persuade and convince the Understandings of People, I do hereby grant and declare,"
etc.

Coming nearer to the present time, the declaration of independence recognizes the presence of the Divine in human affairs in these words:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that thet are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. . . . We therefore the Representatives of the united states of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name and by Authority of the good these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare,"
etc.;

"And for the 

Page 143 U. S. 468
support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, 

    [Divine Providence simply means "GOD who foreknows /foresees, directs, provides for and takes care of".  It is the confession of GOD as a Being directly and though unseen, being involved in the affairs of men...to the good of those who love GOD, to the hurt of those who don't by a withdrawal of His support / provision/protection.  -- Brianroy]

 we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

If we examine the constitutions of the various states, we find in them a constant recognition of religious obligations. Every Constitution of every one of the forty-four states 

[Remember, this decision by the US Supreme Court is written in 1892, almost 126 years after the Declaration of Independence, and going on 271 years after the first Thanksgiving of 1621.  -- Brianroy]

contains language which, either directly or by clear implication, recognizes a profound reverence for religion, and an assumption that its influence in all human affairs is essential to the wellbeing of the community.

This recognition may be in the preamble, such as is found in the Constitution of Illinois, 1870:
"We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political, and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavors to secure and transmit the same unimpaired to succeeding generations,"
etc.

It may be only in the familiar requisition that all officers shall take an oath closing with the declaration, "so help me God." 

It may be in clauses like that of the Constitution of Indiana, 1816, Art. XI, section 4:  
"The manner of administering an oath or affirmation shall be such as is most consistent with the conscience of the deponent, and shall be esteemed the most solemn appeal to God."

Or in provisions such as are found in Articles 36 and 37 of the declaration of rights of the Constitution of Maryland, 1867:
"That, as it is the duty of every man to worship God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to Him, all persons are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty, wherefore no person ought, by any law, to be molested in his person or estate on account of his religious persuasion or profession, or for his religious practice, unless, under the color of religion, he shall disturb the good order, peace, or safety of the state, or shall infringe the laws of morality, or injure others in their natural, civil, or religious rights; nor ought any person to be compelled to frequent or maintain or contribute, unless on contract, to maintain any place of worship or any ministry; nor shall any person, otherwise competent, be deemed incompetent as a witness or juror on account of his religious belief, provided he 

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believes in the existence of God, 

[Note that the Court deems Atheists as generally incompetent witnesses and jurors by this decision.  Something that should have been pressed in later cases, but to my knowledge never used, though it should have been.  -- Brianroy] 

and that, under his dispensation, such person will be held morally accountable for his acts, and be rewarded or punished therefor, either in this world or the world to come. That no religious test ought ever to be required as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this state, other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God; nor shall the legislature prescribe any other oath of office than the oath prescribed by this constitution."

Or like that in Articles 2 and 3 of part 1st of the Constitution of Massachusetts, 1780:
"It is the right as well as the duty of all men in society publicly, and at stated seasons, to worship the Supreme Being, the great Creator and Preserver of the universe. . . . As the happiness of a people and the good order and preservation of civil government essentially depend upon piety, religion, and morality, and as these cannot be generally diffused through a community but by the institution of the public worship of God and of public instructions in piety, religion, and morality, therefore, to promote their happiness, and to secure the good order and preservation of their government, the people of this commonwealth have a right to invest their legislature with power to authorize and require, and the legislature shall, from time to time, authorize and require, the several towns, parishes, precincts, and other bodies politic or religious societies to make suitable provision at their own expense, for the institution of the public worship of God and for the support and maintenance of public Protestant teachers of piety, religion, and morality, in all cases where such provision shall not be made voluntarily."

Or, as in sections 5 and 14 of Article 7 of the Constitution of Mississippi, 1832:
"No person who denies the being of a God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this state. . . . Religion morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government, the preservation of liberty, and the happiness of mankind, schools, and the means of education, shall forever be encouraged in this state."

Or by Article 22 of the Constitution of Delaware, (1776), which required all officers, besides an oath of allegiance, to make and subscribe the following declaration:
"I, A. B., do profess 

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faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, one God, blessed for evermore, and I do acknowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by divine inspiration."

Even the Constitution of the United States, which is supposed to have little touch upon the private life of the individual, contains in the First Amendment a declaration common to the constitutions of all the states, as follows: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," etc., and also provides in Article I, Section 7, a provision common to many constitutions, that the executive shall have ten days (Sundays excepted) within which to determine whether he will approve or veto a bill.

There is no dissonance in these declarations. There is a universal language pervading them all, having one meaning. They affirm and reaffirm that this is a religious nation. These are not individual sayings, declarations of private persons. They are organic utterances. They speak the voice of the entire people.

While, because of a general recognition of this truth, the question has seldom been presented to the courts, yet we find that in Updegraph v. Commonwealth, 11 S. & R. 394, 400, it was decided that
"Christianity, general Christianity, is, and always has been, a part of the common law of Pennsylvania; . . . not Christianity with an established church and tithes and spiritual courts, but Christianity with liberty of conscience to all men."

And in People v. Ruggles, 8 Johns. 290, 294-295, Chancellor Kent, the great commentator on American law, speaking as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New York, said:
"The people of this state, in common with the people of this country, profess the general doctrines of Christianity as the rule of their faith and practice, and to scandalize the author of these doctrines is not only, in a religious point of view, extremely impious, but, even in respect to the obligations due to society, is a gross violation of decency and good order. . . . The free, equal, and undisturbed enjoyment of religious opinion, whatever it may be, and free and decent discussions on any religious 

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subject, is granted and secured; but to revile, with malicious and blasphemous contempt, the religion professed by almost the whole community is an abuse of that right. 

Nor are we bound by any expressions in the Constitution, as some have strangely supposed, either not to punish at all, or to punish indiscriminately the like attacks upon the religion
of Mahomet or of the Grand Lama, 
and for this plain reason, that the case assumes that we are a Christian people, and the morality of the country is deeply engrafted upon Christianity, and not upon the doctrines or worship of those impostors."

And in the famous case of Vidal v. Girard's Executors, 2 How. 127, 43 U. S. 198, this Court, while sustaining the will of Mr. Girard, with its provision for the creation of a college into which no minister should be permitted to enter, observed: 
"It is also said, and truly, that the Christian religion is a part of the common law of Pennsylvania."

If we pass beyond these matters to a view of American life, as expressed by its laws, its business, its customs, and its society, we find every where a clear recognition of the same truth. Among other matters, note the following: the form of oath universally prevailing, concluding with an appeal to the Almighty; the custom of opening sessions of all deliberative bodies and most conventions with prayer; the prefatory words of all wills, "In the name of God, amen;"

the laws respecting the observance of the Sabbath, with the general cessation of all secular business, and the closing of courts, legislatures, and other similar public assemblies on that day; the churches and church organizations which abound in every city, town, and hamlet; the multitude of  charitable organizations existing every where under Christian auspices; the gigantic missionary associations, with general support, and aiming to establish Christian missions in every quarter of the globe. These, and many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a Christian nation.   ...."

To which I say, Amen.  Let us return to our true National Religious Heritage, and truly give thanks to GOD the Father through the name of His Son, Jesus Christ.  











Protestant Christianity is the TRUE NATIONAL HERITAGE and Religion of the United States of America that its people need to return to, and/or come to.  -- That's my input.  

Happy Thanksgiving.