Letters from Lumiere Children

One of the great joys of running a Charity is receiving letters from children whose education and care is being sponsored by donations from kind benefactors. As Christmas approaches, the time of peace, goodwill and family values, I sat last week thinking of my own family and how much I love them all. On 6 December some of my family members celebrate together the great Dutch feast of 'Sinterklaas' or Saint Nicholas, now popularly known as Saint Nicholas or 'Santa Claus'. I pondered on the events that have led me so far from my native home and away from my own family, to be Director of Lumiere to children in need at different points of the globe. And I went into my box of treasures - letters, report cards and photographs from our children over the past years since 2004. And I realised that I have a huge family - in many different countries - through Lumiere...

Here are some of the beautiful sayings from the children,
'Greetings from Uganda - we are having much rains in the middle of our examinations. We shall get holidays soon. Thank you for sponsoring my education...I love you very much. Blessings to you and your friends.'
Attached to the letters are photographs - over the years the first picture of a little girl beaming at the camera has changed to a studious and spotlessly dressed young lady. Another letter has been carefully shaded in with pink colouring pencil, and painted illustrations of roses in the four corners of the letter attest to the DVD lessons we had sent for art classes for the children in a far flung village. Carefully composed in different colours, the letter reads, 'Dear Friends at Lumiere Charity, Thanks for your generosity. Your help is a great support to us. We are happy to be here. May you be blessed.'

A bunch of poignant letters were put together into a booklet and sent to me a number of years back for Christmas. In it, a number of girls who had been at risk of trafficking, spoke of their experiences. Now they wanted to share these experiences, how hard it had been for them to be a street child forced to beg for a living on the streets, and about their new life receiving care and education. One girl wrote, ' When I first came (to the care home), I was taken up by the beauty, greenery - the nature around and I was at peace. I felt I must stay here. When I came in I was a timid person but on meeting (the carers), their love made me feel wanted and cared for. Today I in turn become confident and care for others. I never did well in my studies. Today I am in VII and am putting in a lot of effort and securing first or second rank.'

Another speaks of her life on the streets, 'I was on the streets with a low self-image. I was brought to (the care home) and (the carers) have changed my life. We used to remain hungry at times but today we are well fed and all our needs are seen to. I am getting educated and being guided to do well. I love drawing, crafts and dance. I am lucky to be educated.'
Another little girl writes, 'I want to be educated and do something great in life. I also want to help other girls to come up in life'. One child writes that there are many who are not accepted at birth; they are abandoned in a dustbin and at times on the station. As children, they have to face a lot of difficulties if they spend their lives on the street, they may be abused (and the child explains the abuse suffered through trafficking). This little girl ended her letter with the words,
' I only pray that the world may be less cruel and reach out to many young girls who are in difficulty.'

Two children wrote together;

           'We shall go ahead in life

           And face every difficulty

       We will try to wipe out injustice

          By raising our voice

   Why there is so much of injustice

     Especially on the girl child

       All of us want to be free

  And we shall help them to be free.'

Another child who had been crippled and regained mobility through a number of operations sponsored through kind benefactors' donations to Lumiere Charity sent the most poignant letter of all; a beautiful pink table mat exquisitely cross stitched by her own hands during her recovery from the operations, when she regained her mobility. This was her way to show that she had full movement again. Every stitch in that little table mat which I carefully treasure was her way of saying

 'I love you'.

As I put away my box, I was struck by the words the children wrote. They mentioned,

'love...hope...blessings...thank you...'

These children know the secret to life - that the greatest wealth is not money, prestige or a secure life - it is the noble inner character which is precious, and freely gives the gifts of love, hope, gratitude - and blesses others in their lives.

In the spirit of Lumiere, please consider bringing light into a child's life by sponsoring his or her care and education. There may be an Orphanage, Care Home, Street Children's Home or Project for Children in disadvantaged circumstances near you. And there might be a little child there, all alone, with no one to care. Perhaps Providence had ordained that you be the one to care...

Happy Christmas and Blessed New Year to you and your loved ones.

Module 4 - The Service of Baptism

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY

MODULE 4 - THE SACRED RITES 

  THE SERVICE OF BAPTISM

OBJECTIVES; By the end of this module you should; -

*Know about the Baptism of Jesus

*Understand the meaning of Jesus' Baptism

*Be empowered to conduct a Baptism Service

4.1 THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
Jesus Christ was baptised at the hands of John the Baptist in the River Jordan.  Christians take this as a sign to us to also mark the beginning of our growth and ministry as a new Christian in the same way. Great crowds came out to hear John the Baptist preach in the desert near the Jordan River. Many of the people repented their sins, and asked to be baptised.

One day John saw Jesus coming among the people to be baptised. John was reluctant to baptise Jesus, but Jesus insisted. After Jesus’ baptism was completed, the New Testament tells us that a sign became present in the sky. A dove flew down and hovered over Jesus, a symbol of the Holy Spirit of God. And many there heard a Voice Which said, ‘You are My beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased,’ (Matthew 3; 17).

4.2 THE MEANING OF THE BAPTISM  OF JESUS
The Holy Spirit came upon Jesus to anoint Him for His mission of saving the world. The Voice of God affirmed that Jesus is His Son Whom He loved, and Whom He was sending to planet earth to be the Messiah and King, the Saviour Who was to offer Himself as a sacrifice on the Cross.

Jesus chose to be baptised to lead the way for all of us, to follow with this great sign of commitment to a path of growth and development as a son or daughter of God. Christians celebrate the memory of the day on which Jesus was baptised on the Sunday after January 6.

4.3 BAPTISM – THE CHRISTIAN RITE
Baptism is a Christian rite where a baby or adult has water poured on the forehead as a symbol of the washing away of sin and the acceptance into a new life with Jesus. Another way to be baptised is for the adult to climb into the water, and having water poured over the forehead.

Baptism is an essential rite to undergo to become a Christian. It marks the beginning of our journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives. It is the first step in response to God’s love. Baptism is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. We make serious and heartfelt promises, and declare our faith as believers in God. If we are baptised as a baby, then our parents and godparents – people of faith who pledge to support us in our community lives as believers in God and servant-followers of Jesus – make the promises verbally for us.

Water is a vivid sign of new life, and the symbol of baptism is that we are born again by water and the Holy Spirit of God through faith in Jesus Christ.  As a sign of new life, there may be a lighted candle present at the Baptism, which is a picture of the Light of Christ conquering the darkness of evil. All who are baptised in Christ walk in that Light for the rest of their lives.

As priest, we administer the rite of baptism to the new Christian. It is usual in the church to have two sponsors known as godparents to stand as mentors for the new Christian.  For the rite of Baptism, you can look for inspiration in different Ministers’ Handbooks, and choose a rite which is beautiful and meaningful for you. The rite of Baptism usually involves the following;

4.4 THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD FOR

THE SERVICE OF BAPTISM

SONG OF PRAISE

The congregation may sing a song of praise appropriate for the baptism as an act of worship.

GREETING
As presiding minister, we as priest now greet the people with a blessing and greeting of peace in Jesus’ Name.

Then we remind the congregation (the group of people to whom we minister as priest in Jesus’ Name) that we have gathered together to witness this baptism. We tell the people that Our Lord Jesus Christ has told us that in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we must be born again of water and the Spirit. We further tell them that He has given us baptism as the sign and seal of this new birth.

Here we are clothed with Christ, washed with the Holy Spirit, and made clean. We leave sin behind us  in baptism, so that we may live the new life of Jesus in wholeness and Christian love. This is a love of kindness, relationship and service. As children of God, we have a new dignity and are called by God to fullness of life. Then we move on to the next part of the rite.

PENITENCE
The ‘Kyrie’ or ‘Lord have mercy’ is the long used prayer in Christianity for asking God for forgiveness for our sins, and includes the following;

After appropriate prayer, the priest says or sings; ‘Lord, have mercy’.

The congregation responds in word or song with ‘Lord, have mercy’.
The priest then says or sings; ‘Christ, have mercy’.
The congregation responds again in word or song with ‘Christ, have mercy’.
The priest then says or sings, ‘Lord, have mercy’.
The congregation responds again in word or song with ‘Lord, have mercy’.

GLORIA

The Gloria is a universal Christian prayer used as a hymn of praise in honour to God. It was first sung on the occasion of Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem by Angels who appeared to shepherds in the fields in order to tell them the good news of the birth of the Son of God (Luke 2; 9 – 15).

Once the ‘Lord have mercy’ has been said or sung by the congregation, the Gloria is then said or sung.

‘Glory to God in the highest,
And peace to God’s people on earth.
Lord God, Heavenly King,
Almighty God and Father,
We worship You, we give You thanks,
We praise You for Your Glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
You take away the sin of the world,
Have mercy on us;
You are seated at the Right Hand of the Father;
Receive our prayer.
For You alone are the Holy One,
You alone are the Lord:
You alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
In the Glory of God the Father. Amen.

NOW YOU AS PRIEST PRAY

Let us pray.
God our Heavenly Father,
As you parted the skies at the baptism of Your Beloved Son Jesus
In order to bless us with Your confirmation of His Sonhood;
Bless this your son (or daughter)
With healing grace through the waters of baptism.
Guide him (or her) as he (or she) walks the path of faith.
May he (or she) who is born again
Serve you in faith and love,
And grow into the full stature of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
Who is alive and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
Now and for ever. Amen.

READING THE WORD
Now you as priest read the Word of God from the New Testament.
‘A reading from St. Matthew, Chapter 3, verses 13 – 17’.
Then read the passage about the Baptism of Jesus from your Bible to the congregation.
At the end of the reading, say,
‘This is the Gospel of the Lord.’
And the congregation will all respond, ‘Amen’.

NOW FOLLOWS THE BAPTISM

As priest, you say;
‘We welcome those who come to be baptised. I invite their sponsors to present them now.’
The godparents or sponsors of the one to be baptised now answer;
‘We present…(here they say the name) to be baptised.’

You now say;
‘Parents and godparents, do you promise to accept the responsibilities placed upon you for bringing … for baptism, and to help them on the walk of faith ahead of him (or her) in his (or her) life?
The parents and godparents now say, ‘We do’.

The priest now says;
‘Do you reject devil and all rebellion against God? Do you renounce evil, and accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God and your Lord and Saviour?’
The parents, godparents and congregation answer ‘We do’.

NOW YOU AS PRIEST BAPTISE

The presiding minister baptises by dipping the candidate in the water, ensuring that the water does not cover the head or obstruct the breathing, or by pouring water over him (or her), saying,
‘I baptie you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.’

Remember that the candidate is not to have his or her head put under water in any way, as this can be very dangerous. Also it is safer to baptise indoors in a small area and not in large rivers or areas of water.

NOW PRESENT THE NEWLY BAPTISED TO THE CONGREGATION

As priest, now walk around with the newly baptised to all in the congregation, to welcome her (or him) to her (or his) new community of faith.

OUR FATHER

Give the newly baptised to her (or his) parents and godparents, and say;
‘I now invite all her present to pray the Our Father as our Saviour Jesus Christ taught us;
Our Father, Who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy Will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven;
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory,
For ever and ever. Amen.’

THE LIGHTING OF THE EASTER CANDLE

The Easter candle (a large white candle symbolising Jesus) is lit in the presence of the newly baptised and the congregation.

As priest, you pray;

‘Dearly beloved, you have received the Light of Christ,
Walk in this Light all the days of your life.
Shine as a light in the world,
To the Glory of God the Father.
Let your life be a testament of love, peace and service of the Lord,
Amen.’

Ensure that the candle is lit safely, and there is no danger of fire from the candle. Also ensure that immediately after the Baptism ceremony, the candle is safely put out.

THE FINAL BLESSING
As priest, raise your hand in blessing to the congregation, and pray;
‘May the blessing of Almighty God be with you now and forevermore,'
And the congregation answers, ' Amen.’

FINAL SONG OF PRAISE

The Congregation may now sing a hymn or song relevant to the baptismal occasion together as an act of worship.

EMERGENCY BAPTISM;
In a case of urgent necessity, it is enough to name the candidate and pour water on the person’s head, saying,
‘I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.’
Suitable prayers can then be said, and the Lord’s Prayer.

CONDITIONAL BAPTISM;
If there is uncertainty about whether a person has already been baptised with water in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the priest should use the usual service of baptism, with the following difference;
The form of the words at the baptism shall be;
‘…if you have not already been baptised,
I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.’

THE ADMINISTRATION OF BAPTISM;

A threefold administration of water, whether by dipping or pouring, is an ancient practice in the Christian Church. A single administration is also lawful and valid, and is practical - especially when baptising babies.
If you baptise a baby, ensure that the water is warm - not hot. Babies often cry if cold water is poured on their foreheads unexpectedly. Also if you are in the northern climates during winter, ensure that the water is a warm room temperature, as standing water can be very cold in winter, especially in times of snow and ice.

ISSUE A BAPTISM CERTIFICATE

Issue a baptism certificate to the family for the candidate. Keep a record in your own parish register.

Christmas gift to those in need

I sat on the rooftop where the Sisters in Calcutta were living with orphans they had found wandering the streets. Today there is a three storey orphanage and girls' shelter where the children receive shelter and care, going out to school each day. However, in the beginning, the reality was that the cheerful Sisters both lived and taught on an open air rooftop with two rooms, one for the Sisters and the other for the girls they were looking after. We had a wonderful day, the street children who had come visiting from another shelter and the orphans chasing each other around. It was near the end of the year, and the Sisters and I were chatting. The Sisters wondered whether any of the items I had sent to each child the previous year as a present for Christmas had even survived, as they never saw them. 'Watch,' I said. I asked one of the Sisters to translate, and she asked the girls whether they still had the gifts Didi (my name among the children, meaning 'Elder Sister' ) had sent them.

The girls scattered, and disappeared for a while. Eventually every child came back, hair clips with diamante insets from Ireland proudly gleaming in their hair, their little purses I had found in a store in their hands, their school books and reading books I had sent carefully carried. Their special summer shoes were on their feet, in some cases almost as new as the day I sent them. The girls had hidden their treasures away in little cardboard boxes they had rescued and adorned with tinsel and crepe paper. They told the Sister they kept these gifts safely hidden, and then when there was a special occasion, they also could bring out their treasures, so they would be dressed the same as the children who had parents and families. 'Our elder sister in Ireland sent these, specially for us.'

The Sisters were laughing and delighted. I told them, 'Each child never forgets a special gift. They will always treasure it.' I took the glow of happiness on both the childrens' faces and that of the Sisters with me through every Christmas since. Christmas is a family time, when we rejoice to be part of the celebration of family. This Christmas in the spirit of Lumiere, please consider sending a box of gifts either to an orphan, street child, or disadvantaged person who are our brothers and sisters in the wider human family. Many adults do not have the basic necessities to offer a good meal to their children on Christmas - a basket of food is a great gift. Many elderly sit in areas without even the proper necessities for personal care or clothing - I have worked with elderly and indigent lying sleeping on the streets, with no one to care for them. If each of us who has been blessed with our daily needs and perhaps a little extra, shares with one other person  - well, it will indeed be a blessed Christmastime.

We send off Christmas boxes every year to our orphans and street children.
We at Lumiere have found that gift boxes for children including the following are most helpful;
Casual slip on shoes in material suitable for the child's climate, age and size
Clothing and underwear suited to the child's personal age, size and climate
School writing books
Pencils (unsharpened)
Colour pencils
Colouring in books
Reading books in a language suitable for the child's culture
Soft cuddly toy (lovely for a lonely child to cuddle), or gift suitable for the child/teenager
Preferably not plastic toy guns or weapons of war such as knife etc. which may have a negative memory for the child
Bar of soap
Deodorant roll on for teenager (depending on age)
Face cloth
Toothbrush
Card for the child with a personal message inside
If you are giving a box, toothpaste is a welcome addition, also items such as shower gel, powder and other hygiene items.
If you are posting a box, liquids are not sent by post. Rather send a donation to the head of an orphanage/children's shelter or care shelter for the indigent or elderly for needs in this respect

Other gifts in a box sent to the Head of an orphanage/children's shelter can include; paper for writing exams on, pens, rulers, pencils, rubbers, staplers, staples, plastic bands, cross stitch kits, embroidery yarns, knitting needles, wool, material for sewing, sewing needles, cottons for sewing, scissors, underwear, school books, hair care items, hair clips, hair bands, hair combs, slip on sandals all sizes, cuddly toys for children, clothing of all sizes suitable for the climate in which the orphanage/children's shelter is.

For care of the indigent, shower gel and hygiene items are excellent for those attempting to get jobs, and needing a shower and fresh clothing. Also, it is possible to liaise with a reputable group and to donate the payment for a shower and meal for an unemployed person living on the streets and looking for work. Donate a suit or smart clothing and shoes for men and women who are trying to climb out of the poverty trap, looking for work. Or give the person the donation for a few days at a reputable hostel while they are readying themselves trying to get work. Assist with donation or liaison with a reputable Internet cafe to get the unemployed person's CV typed and printed in order to facilitate the jobseeker at their interview.

We have assisted many people who had found they felt unkempt after being reduced by unfortunate circumstances to living on the streets. We have had the joy of seeing people who had been unemployed, glowing with pride in their new job, and able to be a family unit once more - able to afford to care for their children again.

Elderly who are in need can be assisted with bedding, liaison with a care shelter for a place to stay, food, hygiene items, clothing, and assistance with transfer to a hospital or clinic for medical care e.g. if they have leg ulcers, or any of the other ills that advancing age, infirmity and homelessness can cause. A good idea in this regard is to offer some time as a volunteer helper in a reputable charity which assists the elderly and indigent in this regard. Many people thoroughly enjoy spending Christmas in a Shelter for the Homeless, assisting with donation of food towards - and serving of - a delicious Christmas meal and much fun in a community spirit.

May the spirit of Lumiere - bringing light into others' lives - be yours at Christmastime; and may blessing be with you and your loved ones at this lovely family time.

Module 3 - Jesus - The Early Years

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY

MODULE 3 --- JESUS THE BABY

THE EARLY YEARS

 

Good Shepherd Church came into being in 2009. This was in response to the many requests received by Rev. Catherine to fill a need for the training of priests to bring the Good News as preached by Jesus Christ to people in areas with no priests or funding to train priests. GSC offers a free online self-study course for the priesthood. This is Module 3 of the course. For further details, click into Google and visit www.lumierecharity.com

 

Objectives; by the end of this Module you should;
-Know about the early years of Jesus Christ
-Understand how God worked in the life of Jesus, Joseph and Mary to bring     
about His Plan for the redemption of our fallen humanity
-Appreciate the role of Angels in keeping Jesus safe in His early years

Contents
The Story of Jesus – The Gospels
1.    The Angel visits Mary
2.    Mary visits Elizabeth
3.    Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem
4.    Four great truths from the Birth of Jesus
5.    Visitors to the Stable
6.    Jesus in Egypt

THE STORY OF JESUS – THE GOSPELS
There are four Gospels which are found in the New Testament Bible. Other ancient Gospel Sources are the Gospel of Mary Magdalene and the Gospel of St.Thomas.

1.  THE ANGEL VISITS MARY
Mary was the daughter of a devout family living in Nazareth, Israel, during the reign of King Herod. This village girl was engaged to be married to a local carpenter, Joseph. Joseph was a man of local standing, being a craftsman with skills, and from a distinguished family tracing their lineage back to King David.

God sent the Angel Gabriel as intermediary with His request to Mary in the village. The Angel informed her that God wished her to accept a special privilege, to conceive Himself in form of a human Son to Whom she should give the name of Jesus. He would be great, and His title would be ‘The Son of the Most High’. The Lord promised through Angel Gabriel that should Mary accept His request, Jesus would be given the throne of David, His ancestor. The Angel further prophesied upon the Word of God that Jesus will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His reign will never come to an end (Luke 1; 30 – 33). Mary queried how this could happen, as she as yet had no husband. The Angel answered that the Holy Spirit (of God) would come upon her, impregnating her. Gabriel further affirmed to her as a sign, that her cousin Elizabeth, well past the age of menopause and child bearing, had fallen pregnant as nothing is impossible to God. Mary agreed to God’s proposal, saying that she was His servant. Thus Mary learned she was to be the mother of the promised Messiah.

2.  MARY VISITS ELIZABETH
Mary decided after the Angel’s visit to go to visit Elizabeth in her small Judean home town. When she got there, the evidence of Elizabeth’s pregnancy was clear to see, and Elizabeth was delighted to see her. As Elizabeth caught sight of Mary, her unborn child kicked hard in her womb, and Elizabeth greeted Mary with words still read in the Gospels today;
‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the Child you will bear!
But why am I so favoured, that the Mother of the Lord should come to me?
As soon as the sound of your voice reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed is she who believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!’
(Luke 1; 42 – 45).

Mary replied to Elizabeth with words which are used as one of the great prayers in Christianity today;
‘My soul glorifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
For He has been mindful
Of the humble state of His servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
For the Mighty has done great things for me –
Holy is His Name.
His mercy extends to those who fear Him,
From generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with His Arm;
He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
But has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
But has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel,
Remembering to be merciful
To Abraham and his descendants forever,
Even as He said to our fathers.’ (Luke 1; 46- 55).
This beautiful prayer is known as Mary’s song. And Mary is known to many as Blessed Mary.

Mary then stayed with Elizabeth three months, and returned home when her own pregnancy had begun showing. Explanations to her family and Joseph then followed, with Joseph, heartbroken, unable to credit her story. He was anxious not to shame Mary publicly and put her in danger of stoning, the penalty at that time for adultery. Thus, Joseph had decided to divorce her in secret. He, too, was then visited by an Angel while he was in a dream-like state. The Angel reassured him about the truth of Mary’s words, and encouraged him to marry Mary.  Once he awoke from his sleep, Joseph carried God’s instructions as brought to him by the Angel. He married Mary, she had God’s Son, and they gave Him the Name of Jesus.

3.JESUS' BIRTH IN BETHLEHEM 
Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The festival of Christmas celebrates this fact. It had been prophesied by one of the great prophets of the eighth century BC, Micah, that the Messiah - the Saviour - would come from David's city, Bethlehem.
'But you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah,,
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my
people Israel.' (Micah 5;2)
Jesus' family tree shows that he was accepted as the son of David through Joseph, the husband of Jesus' mother Mary. Jesus’ birth was unusual in that it is accepted in the Gospels that neither Joseph nor another human male fathered Jesus. God Himself incarnated as Jesus into the womb of Mary, the young village girl from Nazareth in Israel, in unique mystery.  

Many stories surround Jesus’ birth. It is not sure how much is myth and how much is true. What is likely is that marvelous signs surrounded the birth of Jesus, and that the Father in Heaven took this opportunity to witness to rich and poor alike in Israel that a great King had indeed been born. He also witnessed to the sanctity of animal life by choosing humble animals to be the first witnesses to the incarnation of the Creator God as Son among all on earth.

Mary was caught short with her pregnancy on the road to Bethlehem, and Joseph was hard put to find suitable accommodation for her as her labour pangs while riding on the back of the donkey brought her closer to the delivery of Jesus. Mary was a young woman, far from home, in the agony of contractions being jogged on the back of a donkey. She had no hope of a comfortable bed and hot water to ease her discomfort, and no trained midwife or fellow woman to help her deliver her infant safely. The whole experience must have been unnerving to the young mother and her new husband.

Joseph, the provider and nurturer of his birthing wife, would have to see to the safety and comfort of Mary and the infant making its way into a hostile world. He was frantic, looking for accommodation in an area where there was simply no room. Eventually Mary was taken to an animals’ stable where she birthed Jesus in the witness of the animal kingdom. Thus the Heavenly Father paid tribute to these creatures of his Creation, who would do no harm to the Lord and Master of the Universe.  Shortly thereafter, angels appeared and witnessed to shepherds looking after their sheep on nearby hilltops, urging them to go to Bethlehem to see the Saviour Who is the Messiah, the Lord. They told the shepherds they would recognize the King because He would be wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. News indeed for the shepherds, as they listened to the angels singing in glorious harmonies. They made their way to see this King of the Universe Who was lying in a feeding trough of animals. More humble surroundings would be difficult to imagine.

4. FOUR GREAT TRUTHS FROM THE BIRTH OF JESUS
As priests, we need to be aware that there are four great truths to be learned from the Gospel of the Birth of Jesus. These are;

Firstly, that we are to be content with humble house, clothing and means of living. That is what Jesus did.  And His example is our template for existence as priest. As priest, we pray the ‘Our Father’ prayer of Jesus every day, asking for our daily bread to be given us. We live from hand to mouth – from God’s Hand to our mouth – asking for our daily need of food, shelter, work and sufficient health to do our priestly task as we go along. We need to be honest and mature people who know how to live fully in society, and to earn our keep in it. And then to work in our priestly ministry as Paul of Tarsus did, dependent on no-one for our income, and then ministering to others in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Secondly,  Jesus showed tenderness and humility before the animals of His creation, coming among them first of all the creatures on earth. The Commandment of His Father to Moses on Mount Sinai ‘Thou shalt not kill’, should start with these often helpless creatures. We do not need to kill animals and eat their young shortly after birth, such as lambs. Respect for the animal kingdom should show in the priest being gentle with animals, helping those in need and sickness, and never allowing torturing, maiming or murder of animals.

Thirdly, we should have great respect for women who put their lives on the line when they become pregnant and bring their child to birth. Many women have had their health compromised or lost their lives in childbirth. A woman who has gone through childbirth has shown courage and fortitude in bringing a new life into the world. This life which causes extreme pain to the woman upon birth, should be treated as sacred - not subjected to violence and caused death. God is the God of creation, life and innovation - hence His Words to all in the Ten Commandments, 'Thou shalt not kill.'

Fourthly,  the presence of angels in our lives is a regular occurrence. We need to have great respect and openness to the presence of special angels in our lives, who daily help us along our way. Angels are always ready to help us when we call on them in prayer. Angels are both God the Father and Jesus’ messengers to people. They carry messages from God and Jesus to us, and back to the Father and the Saviour. We should have great respect and trust in these heavenly messengers.

5.  VISITORS TO THE STABLE
Mary lay exhausted after her difficult and painful labour, while Joseph finished tidying up after the birth and mentally maturing fast as a man who for the first time had faced the reality of childbirth and having to act as midwife. The baby lay exhausted after the birth in closely tied cotton cloths keeping him warm after his initial cleaning. He was soothed by the loving murmurs of His mother’s voice, and the close nearness and protection of His foster father. A loved Child, indeed, finding the first lesson all children instinctively know – that love of adults for a newborn child are as important as food and shelter. Thus the miracle of conception, foetal growth and birth were blessed by The Lord of All in the incarnation of Jesus. All are sacred – and every human being is welcome and legitimate as a member of God’s wider human family destined one day for heavenly eternity.

As the three became used to each other, we are told by the witness of the four writers of the Gospels – disciples of Jesus named Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – that this new family had a number of visitors. The first visitors were the shepherds from the hills who had been sent by the angels. And to their joy, these hardbitten and weathered men of work and worry found that indeed, the new Messiah was present among us as the angels had told them.

Great magi from the East, whom Christian tradition name as Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, had been fascinated by a constellation that appeared at the time Jesus was born. These three magi, or wise men, are believed to have been independently wealthy and highly educated men who studied astronomy – the night skies. They believed they could read predictions of future events on earth in the stars, a study called astrology. In the year Jesus was born the planets Jupiter and Saturn met in the sign of the zodiac called Pisces, the Fish. The conjunction is a powerful and rare one. The magi believed Pisces to be the sign of the last days; Jupiter they regarded as the star of the world ruler; and Saturn was  the star of Palestine.

The three Magi therefore reckoned that when Jupiter met Saturn in the constellation of Pisces, the ruler of the last days would appear in Palestine. Certain that their astrological reckonings were correct,  these men of faith and learning travelled to Palestine to find the Great King, bringing gifts with them. The location of the birthplace of the prophesied Messiah Jesus was marked for the astrologers by the light of a star in the east, which stopped over the place where the child was. Balaam’s prophecy in Numbers 24;17 had foretold a star, “There shall come a star out of Jacob.”

The Magi worshipped the infant King, and left their gifts with the small family. These gifts would prove invaluable when Joseph, Mary and their infant Jesus had to flee as asylum seekers to Egypt shortly after Jesus’ birth. It is a possibility their sale put food on the table as the unemployed Joseph tramped around as a foreigner in a strange country, looking for accommodation and a place to work. The magi were visitors at the stable with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. In the meantime, Jesus had been circumcised in accordance with the Jewish religious law in the synagogue. The signs and wonders of the Almighty already started pointing to Jesus as a Male born for a great destiny in the service of God. In the synagogue an elderly man named Simeon, who was known to be an observer of the Law and devoutly reverenced God, had been assured by God’s Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen the Messiah. When he saw Jesus he took Him in his arms to embrace Him, and prayed the beautiful prayer which many Christians often pray, the Canticle of Simeon;
“Master, now dismiss your servant in peace,
according to Your Word.
For my eyes have seen Your Salvation,
Which you have prepared in the presence of all people,
A Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people, Israel.” (Luke 2; 29 – 32).

An elderly woman named Anna who was honoured as a prophetess lived in the synagogue, devoting her life to the service of God. She came up to Simeon and Jesus, and also gave thanks to God, speaking afterwards of Jesus to all those who were praying for the redemption of Israel.

The Magi feared Herod wanted to execute Jesus as a possible pretender to the throne he and his sons occupied. They therefore did not visit Herod’s palace on their return to their home country, but secretly Ieft Israel. An angel gave Joseph warning to Joseph that Herod was planning to kill Jesus, and advised him to take Mary and Jesus immediately to Egypt as refugees. Joseph readied his wife and child, and left for Egypt, where they lived until the death of Herod. It was in Egypt that Jesus spent some of his early years.

6.  JESUS IN EGYPT
As the great prophet Moses had fled out of Egypt, so the great Messiah Jesus fled in the arms of his parent and protectors to Egypt. Jesus lay, an unusual King, helpless and in the care of two poverty-inured Jewish peasants and on the back of a patiently plodding donkey. Trouble had been brewing ever since the annunciation of Jesus’ birth and the wondrous signs which surrounded the event. He had already been the target of an assassination plot by King Herod. Now Jesus travelled into the land where fabulously wealthy upper classes lived in luxury and sophistication, and labourers and migrants sweated out livelihoods in the sun for meagre income.

In seeking a new home in Egypt, Joseph, Mary and Jesus were following an old  practice where Israelites in ancient times sought refuge in that country.  Jacob and his sons had done the same during the famine, and now the Saviour and his parent and foster parent traced the same way into safety. According to ancient Christian tradition in Egypt, Joseph fled with Mary and Jesus before Herod’s soldiers on a journey which is marked by Christian churches built on the sites today. The family were forced to hide in caves to prevent detection, as they were hunted by the assasins. Ancient tradition tells us the family sought refuge en route in Egyptian seaports and towns. Among them were Mostorod (also known as Mostord), Matariya (also known as Matarya), and the northern delta area town Sakha. The family also visited thriving ports on the Nile. Also visited was Gabal el-Teir, where they hid in a cave as they fled upriver from pursuing soldiers. Then on to further towns on the Nile. It is believed the family lived in Deir Muharraq for six months.

Why did God tell Joseph the carpenter to take his family to Egypt? Possibly because, as well as being a land of plenty with good natural resources, Egypt has traditionally displayed a high level of cultural integration and religious tolerance. Joseph must have had to learn a new language, find some kind of work to support his family, and strengthen in his role of protector of the family due to the risk of all three of them being killed if discovered by Herod. Possibly they had to live and work under assumed names. Joseph was a fugitive, a man on the run, and his family vulnerable to political assassination.

Herod died several years later, so Jesus had time to grow and assimilate Egyptian culture and language as his first experience of life. Being refugees in a foreign land gave Jesus an experience in his early years of being among the marginalised as his father had to battle for work. Joseph was far from the security of his own home, shop and  support system of his and Mary’s families, their familiar Nazarene community and synagogue. Also, Egypt had a very different religious system and language, which would have been among the first sights and sounds Jesus would have seen and heard after their settling into Egypt.

Jesus’ experience as the child of struggling refugees in Egypt affected Him. Instead of being a young prince, pampered and at the top of the social ladder, he was among immigrants who had no personal security. Jesus played with the children of the area, and began assimilating much of Egyptian culture. At home, his mother and father would teach him the Torah, and how to worship God. Outside in the town he would see the sculptures of the Egyptian deities. He was living in two worlds, and had to learn to make decisions. He was a Boy with a feeling of destiny, attracted with His inner spirit towards Yahweh,  the One God of Israel. Jesus was interacting with people who took for granted the religious system of Egypt with many deities. This whole experience imbued Jesus with a calm tolerance for other cultures. This tolerance and comfort with others often showed up, such as the time when He accepted the Samaritan woman at the well, puzzling Jewish people in his area as it was not culturally usual for people of Jewish extraction at that time to speak or interact with people from Samaria. Jesus’ early experiences had left their mark on His inner spirit, making Him tolerant, wise and kind.

Mary breastfed Jesus on their flight into Egypt. This tired her, as she and Joseph lacked sufficient nourishment on their journey. Mary was also struggling with post-birth hormonal imbalance, which was not helped by the flight and lack of amenities. Her youth and strength helped her, as did Joseph’s devoted care of herself and Jesus.

Once the family had settled in the safety of Egypt, Mary weaned Jesus. Joseph found work, and Mary did that time-honoured work of women who are immigrants – making a home from virtually nothing.  Mary was well aware that she was over-protective towards Jesus, fearing to allow Him freedom as He learned to walk and talk, and wished to play with other children. Her experiences with the pursuit of the soldiers had left her fiercely protective of her son’s life. Eventually she learned to relax, and allow her son to have interaction with others. Social ease became a hallmark of Jesus’ style, and He certainly had much experience of interacting with many groups in Egypt which was a multicultural society. Joseph came home tired, mentally and physically weary from the heavy toil that marks the work of labourers in countries foreign to them. Mary and Joseph were indeed a comfort to each other, as they struggled in this unfamiliar and at times, harsh environment.

Joseph and Mary did not tell their communities in which they lived that Jesus was a Child of Promise. They were deeply aware of the need to keep Jesus safe, and did nothing to compromise that safety. Joseph and Mary often communicated and helped each other how to raise Jesus. As new parents, they had to learn to parent in the time-honoured way – learning parenting skills from experience. In the meantime, Jesus revelled in the sun and dust of Egypt, enjoying the company of his playmates and thriving as he grew. Jesus’ education now began.  His parents taught Jesus the Torah, gave Him time and guidance to develop His own prayer life, and began teaching Him to read and write. They also began teaching Him good manners, respect for men, women, children, infants, animals and the environment. They taught good hygiene, and in later years Jesus would rebuke Simon for not offering him the courtesy to allow Him as guest to wash His Feet of the dust he had brought into Simon’s home from walking the sandy Israeli roads (Luke 7; 44).

Joseph and Mary also taught Him how to be a decent human being – by means of their own loving, caring and hardworking examples.  Jesus was exceptionally integrated in His ministry in social relationships, able to easily show affection to women, men and children. The origins of His healthy social abilities began in Egypt from His parents. Jesus also learned how to get along with his brothers and sisters – James, Judah, Joses, Simon, Salome and others. His family were both His support and His close circle of friends – though they were to run into stormy waters years later in Israel when they became convinced He was out of His mind. Things got so bad that Jesus wouldn’t answer the door to mother and brothers, claiming that His disciples were now His family
(Matthew 12; 46 – 50).

In Egypt, Jesus experienced multicultures in a sophisticated environment. He was wide eyed in wonder as He and His parents walked past Egyptian palaces and temples which were architectural and decorative marvels. Egypt was in a time of great development in art, and sculpture, carved panels, and intricate burial grounds. All of these were of great interest to Jesus. He enjoyed seeing the bustling people of Egypt going about their work. There were amulet workshops, warehouses, linen-makers, gold workers, doctors and surgeons who were much respected by all in Egypt for their healing work. The natural beauties of Egypt were reflected in many wall paintings; birds on the wing, papyrus thickets, people

well dressed and in wigs dancing and singing, enjoying life. And there was a rich belief in the Afterlife, expressed in solemn rituals and ceremonials at funerals.

All of these experiences opened the young child’s eyes to the fact that although people in different countries have different manners and ways of expressing themselves, they all have the same experiences; birth, life, love and death. And Jesus had begun to experience within Himself the dawning of  Divine understanding of His Messianic destiny. That indeed, there is life after death, and a rich and eternal life with God. And somehow His destiny was linked to some witness to that fact. How, as yet, He did not know. But the stirrings of His destiny had begun to awaken in His unconscious as surely as the young plant grows from the seed.

Jesus eventually left Egypt with his parents after Joseph was directed by the Angel of the Lord to return to Israel. It was a wrench, as He left His friends, His childhood home and all He knew to go to a country He knew nothing of – Israel, so familiar to His parents and totally unknown to Him at this stage. Already Jesus was learning to be uprooted from time to time, never to depend on the security of putting down material and emotional roots. He left Egypt and all He had known there as a small child, never to return.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Copyright 2011 by Rev. Catherine Whittle D.D. All rights reserved.