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Weekly Bible Study Resources

Bible Characters for Your Weekly Bible Study

Compiled by Lt Gen C. Norman Wood, USAF (Ret), Burke, VA 22015

For week of December 14 - 20, 2009

Davis, Esther Saville, “Atomic Action,” Christian Science Sentinel, Vol.42 (20 April 1940), p. 667.

--In “Miscellaneous Writings” by Mary Baker Eddy (p.190) we find a statement that should revolutionize and emancipate modern thinking.

• It falls like gentle dew from the heaven of hope upon the parched earth of doctrinal doubt, for it attributes all cause and effect to Mind.

---It raises the radical banner of freedom—freedom from bondage to material law—by transferring thought from matter to Spirit.

• The statement reads: “Atomic action is Mind, not matter. It is neither the energy of matter, the result of organization, nor the outcome of life infused into matter: it is infinite Spirit, Truth, Life, defiant of error or matter.”

--Atomic action [has] been proved to be Mind, not matter, and man’s birthright glimpsed as spiritual, harmonious, and eternal.

• Mrs. Eddy writes in the textbook (p.226): “Human codes, scholastic theology, material medicine and hygiene, fetter faith and spiritual understanding. Divine Science rends asunder these fetters, and man’s birthright of sole allegiance to his Maker asserts itself.”

SECTION I: The Prophecy of Immanuel (Isa 7: 14 Behold)

RELATED SCRIPTURE: Isa 7: 11, 12; 8: 8; Matt 1: 23

TIME LINE AND AUTHOR: Written by the prophet Isaiah in the Pre-Exilic period, @700 BC.

“Differences in the English translations confirm that a range of problems are raised by Isa.7:14 for Jewish and Christian interpreters.” (HarperCollins Bible Commentary) “The Greek translation of the Bible, the LXX, chose the Greek word for virgin (parthenos) to translate the Hebrew and so provided an opportunity for Matthew’s interpretation.” (Eerdmans Commentary) "Against the Christian understanding of Isaiah 7.14 as a prediction of Christ's virgin birth, the Jew Trypho (second century [AD]) insisted that the Hebrew word means simply 'young woman,' that no virgin birth is involved, and that the reference is to the natural birth of Hezekiah." (Oxford Guide to Ideas & Issues) Peake’s Commentary says “a young woman is correct; ‘virgin’ derives from LXX. An ‘almāh’ is a young woman of marriageable age, whether virgin or not.”

With respect to Isaiah v.14, "Since Ahaz refused to choose a sign (vv.11,12), the Lord chose His own sign, whose implementation would occur far beyond Ahaz's lifetime. This prophecy [a virgin] reached forward to the virgin birth of the Messiah as the NT notes (Matt 1:23)." (MacArthur Bible Commentary)

“a virgin’

"All sexual behavior that did not produce legitimate Israelite offspring to the holy commonwealth was, in varying degrees, censured or controlled, and there was a concomitant double standard with regard to sexual behavior. Premarital virginity, for example, was incumbent only upon females; there is no indication that males were expected to be virgins at marriage, and there is no provision in the Hebrew Bible for lifelong virginity. If a husband accused his wife of not having been a virgin at the time of her marriage, and if his charges were substantiated, the woman was stoned." (Oxford Guide to Ideas & Issues)

Immanuel

[İ man'yoo uhl] ("God is with us")

Immanuel is the name of a child whose birth symbolizes the presence of God (‘god [is] with us’).” (Eerdmans Dictionary) “The name Immanuel appears in only two places in the Bible, in Isaiah (7:14; 8:8) and in Matthew (1:23), where many translations render it ‘Emmanuel.’” (All the People in the Bible)

"Israelite prophets could give names to individuals in accord with a specific message they were trying to communicate. In the same way that Hosea named his three children to correspond with his message, so Isaiah noted, 'I and the children whom Yahweh has given me are for signs': Shear-jashub, meaning 'a remnant will return'; Maher-shalal-hash-baz, meaning 'swift is the booty, speedy is the prey'; and Immanuel, meaning 'God is with us.'" (Oxford Guide to People & Places)

Shamberger, J. Philip, “He Worketh Signs and Wonders,” POEM, Christian Science Journal, Vol.71 (December 1953), p. 650.

The ages pass; proud empires fall—their names are writ in sand;

But time takes nothing from our God, nor stays His mighty hand.

His power knows no let nor loss, but with omnipotence

Uplifts and heals and frees mankind from all the claims of sense.

And now the works of Science come, with signs and wonders filled,

To prove dominion yet is man’s—the tempest will be stilled.

Lyons, Ernest H., Jr., “The Importance of the Virgin Birth,” Christian Science Sentinel, Vol.69 (6 May 1967), p. 749.

--The authenticity of the Scriptural accounts of the virgin birth of Christ Jesus is occasionally questioned by certain Bible scholars and by some earnest Christians.

• Failing to grasp the spiritual significance and possibility of the event, they regard it with skepticism, suspecting that it is a myth added to the gospel during the years which passed between Jesus’ birth and its recording in written form.

---They point out that it is not mentioned specifically in the Gospels of Mark and John nor in the writings of Paul, and infer that these writers did not know of it.

• They regard it as similar to certain legends current in religions of ancient times, in which the conception of a leader was attributed to the union of a mythical god with a human being, although no such union is implied in the accounts given by Matthew and Luke.

--In “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” Mrs. Eddy writes: “Jesus was the son of a virgin. He was appointed to speak God’s word and to appear to mortals in such a form of humanity as they could understand as well as perceive. Mary’s conception of him was spiritual, for only purity could reflect Truth and Love, which were plainly incarnate in the good and pure Christ Jesus.” [p.332]

Taylor, Verne E., “Immanuel—‘God with us,’” POEM, Christian Science Sentinel, Vol.30 (31 March 1928), p. 609.

Groweth the journey toilsome? Weariest thou with the race?

Doth discouragement still beset? Lift up a shining face!

No evil cometh where Love is! Naught can Love’s child alarm;

Every step of the way,

Every hour of the day,

Love is round and about thee, to shelter thee from all harm….

The courage, O fainting pilgrim! Onward, disheartened one!

Israel’s guide is still thy God, and thou His well-loved son.

Each day’s journey bringeth thee still nearer the promised land,

Every step of the way,

Every hour of the day,

Closely thy loving Father God still holdeth thy right hand.

The Annunciation to Mary Concerning the Birth of Jesus, and the Magnificat (Luke 1: 26-28 the angel, 31, 32 [to 1st :], 34, 35, 37, 38 [to 1st .], 46, 47)

TIME LINE: Preparations for the birth of Jesus, March, 5 AD, in Nazareth

“Luke is emphatic that Mary, though betrothed to Joseph, was a virgin. Betrothed meant the entering into the legal contract of marriage though consummation did not normally occur until the time when, probably around a year later, the bride left her father’s house to join her husband’s.” (Oxford Commentary)

The "scene [v.26], in which a betrothed virgin is visited by the angel of God and told of her forthcoming pregnancy and of God's empowering protection of her, is the only biblical instance of God's direct interest in such a woman." (Women's Bible Commentary) “The importance of the Virgin Birth cannot be overstated. A right view of the Incarnation hinges on the truth that Jesus was virgin-born. Both Luke and Matthew expressly state that Mary was a virgin when Jesus was conceived.” (MacArthur Commentary) "Some manuscripts add the phrase, 'Blessed are you among women' (cf. RSV footnote), and this reading has contributed to the formulation of the 'Ave Maria.'" (Interpreter's One-volume Commentary)

With respect to v.28, "local tradition states that Gabriel appeared to her as she was drawing water at the fountain of the Virgin outside Nazareth, where the Church of the Annunciation now stands. But, as the angel 'came in' to her, she must have been in the house, perhaps engaged in prayer, as painters are fond of representing her" (Dummelow Commentary)

"Mary was naturally perplexed by all of this, though she accepted it [vv.29-33]." (King James Bible Commentary)

“The third and by far the largest unit of the episode is Mary’s song (vv.46-55), the Magnificat, so termed from the opening word in the Latin translation.” (Interpretation Commentary) The Magnificat, a “glorious song of praise, which has been used in the services of the Church from early times, tells us more than anything else in the NT of the character of our Lord’s mother, and of her spiritual fitness for her exalted destiny.” (Oxford Bible Commentary)

Gabriel

[Gay’bree-uhl] (“champion [or strong man] of God”)

(Abbreviated)

Gabriel is "one of the most prominent of archangels in the post-exilic Jewish literature and in Christian texts, especially extra-canonical literature. He is portrayed as one of the seven archangels in 1 Enoch 20:7; elsewhere he is one of the four angels close to God's throne. This proximity to God results in his distinctive functions." (Oxford Guide to People & Places) As “the messenger of divine comfort, Gabriel is accorded a place in Jewish theology second only to Michael.” (Who’s Who in the New Testament) “Gabriel appears by name only three times in the Bible.” (All the People in the Bible) “He “appears only in Dan 8:15-26 and 9:21-27, and in the NT, only in Luke 1:11-20,26-38.” (HarperCollins Dictionary)….

"The gospel according to Luke identifies Gabriel with 'the angel of the Lord' (Luke 1: 11,19,26)" (Anchor Bible Dictionary) "In Luke's birth narrative Gabriel appears again in a revelatory role, announcing to Zachariah and Mary the fulfillment of eschatological hopes in the births of John, the Elijah-like forerunner of the Lord (Luke 1:11-20), and Jesus, the messianic king from the line of David (vv.26-38)." (Eerdmans Dictionary) He describes himself in the words, "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God" (Luke 1: 19).

Joseph

[Jō’zeph]

(Abbreviated)

"This Joseph is mentioned only a few times in the NT and almost exclusively in the birth and childhood stories of Matthew and Luke." (Interpreter's Dictionary) "All that is told us of Joseph in the N.T. may be summed up in a few words. He was a just man, and of the house and lineage of David." (Smith's Dictionary)….

"Joseph is mentioned in Matthew, Luke, and John but does not appear in Mark, except indirectly at 6:3 in a few manuscripts…which read 'the son of a carpenter.'" (Anchor Bible Dictionary) “The infancy narratives in Matt 1-2; Luke 1-2 provide most of the information about this Joseph.” (Eerdmans Dictionary) The few references within the Gospels suggest that he was humble, kindly, and generous, and conscientious parent who probably taught Jesus the carpenter’s trade. “It is apparent that Joseph played an important role in the early rearing of Jesus, because he was still alive when Jesus was twelve.” (All the People in the Bible) Perhaps Jesus’ respect for Joseph is, in some measure, reflected in his deliberate adoption of the affectionate title of Abba—“Daddy”—for God, and his deep personal apprehension of the fatherhood of God….

Mary, mother of Jesus

[Mare’ē] (Gk. personal name equivalent to Hebrew Miriam)

(Abbreviated)

….

“All the authentic information about her comes from Scripture.” (Westminster Dictionary) “The Bible tells nothing of Mary’s birth or childhood. We first meet her at the time of the conception of Jesus.” (All the People of the Bible) "Luke introduces Mary in the middle of his story about Elizabeth and Zechariah." (Women in Scripture) Mary was the child of Jewish parents Joachim and Anna and was born in Jerusalem or Sepphoris in Galilee. Joachim and Anna, “a childless pair, who like Hannah (I Sam 1) vowed that in case their prayer for offspring should be answered, they would consecrate the child to a life of service in the Temple.” (Funk & Wagnall Dictionary) She seems to have been related to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, and wife of the priest Zechariah. “If ‘kinswoman’ in Luke 1:36 is a reference for family line and not a relationship established by marriage, then Mary’s family heritage may have been priestly.” (Holman Dictionary)

"At the time when she conceived, she was betrothed to Joseph, who is said to have been 'of the house of David' (Luke 1:27 and the genealogies)." (Interpreter's Dictionary) The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in her mid-teens to say that she had “found favor with God” and would give birth to His child in Nazareth of Galilee though she was a virgin. "The angel Gabriel links the experience of Mary to that of Elizabeth." (Women in the NT) By way of encouragement, the angel Gabriel had announced to Mary the news of her cousin Elizabeth. “Luke relates the story of the visit of the angel to the peasant girl Mary with consummate artistry.” (Who’s Who in the NT)….

Jesus/Son of God

[Gē’zus] (“the Lord is salvation”)

(Abbreviated)

….

“Jesus was the human-divine Son of God born of the Virgin Mary, the great High Priest who intercedes for His people at the right hand of God; founder of the Christian church, and central figure of the human race.” (Who Was Who in the Bible) “The genealogy of Jesus appears in both Matthew and Luke, and they differ in one respect: Matthew gives Joseph’s genealogy, and Luke gives Mary’s even though it indicates Joseph’s” (Interpreter’s Bible).

“There is no reason to challenge the tradition that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, although there is a question as to whether Mary and Joseph traveled there at the time of his birth (Luke 1:26) or actually lived there and moved to Nazareth after they returned from Egypt as Matthew implies (Matt 2:19).” (All the People in the Bible) When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Herod the Great ruled all Palestine under the suzerainty of Rome. Early in his life he was taken to Nazareth, a town of Galilee. "When forty days old He was taken to the temple at Jerusalem; His parents returned to Bethlehem and soon took Him to Egypt to escape Herod's massacre of the infants there." (Baker Encyclopedia) Very little is known about Jesus’ early life before the time of John the Baptist….

Holy Ghost

"HOLY GHOST. Divine Science; the development of eternal Life, Truth, and Love." (S&H p.588)

(Abbreviated)

"The word 'ghost' is of Anglo-Saxon origin and means 'spirit' or 'soul.' Ghost, spirit, or soul—whatever it be called—represents something intangible which can be regarded as the essence of life, apart from the material body." (Asimov's Guide to the Bible) HOLY GHOST [is the] KJV designation for the Holy Spirit." (Holman Dictionary)….

"The N.T. treats of Messianic times and the dispensation of the Spirit, and consequently the Spirit is mentioned much oftener in the N.T. than in the O.T. The doctrine of the Spirit advances beyond the teaching of the O.T. chiefly in becoming more definite in respect to his personality. Though the word ‘spirit’ is neuter in Greek and fem. in Hebrew, yet the spirit is referred to in English by the masc. form of the pronoun (John 14:26; 16:13)." (Westminster Dictionary)

….the angel Gabriel visited Mary with the news that 'The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest will overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God' (1:35)." (Holman Bible Dictionary) “To say, then, that Mary ‘was found with child of the Holy Ghost’ is to say that her pregnancy was the direct result of the working of the divine influence within her and had nothing to do with the usual manner of achieving pregnancy.” (Asimov’s Guide to the Bible)….

Toupin, Laurie, “A little boy with a big promise,” FOR KIDS: The story of Jesus, Part 1, Christian Science Sentinel, Vol.107 (28 March 2005), p. 22.

--There was nothing ordinary about his birth.

• A bright, special star appeared in the sky.

---Angels announced the new arrival to the shepherds tending their flocks.

• There were echoes of “Glory to God” and “Peace on earth.”

--No, Jesus was no ordinary baby.

--His parents, Mary and Joseph, knew this, of course.

• Jesus was the Son of God. The Messiah.

---And they didn’t have to wait until Jesus grew up before other people knew it, too.

--…wise men came to honor Jesus.

• They traveled for months just to see him and to bring treasured gifts.

"A Celebration of Christmas," Christian Science Monitor (20 December 1993), p. 21.

--Rushing around the shops, choosing presents, spending long hours writing cards, preparing food.

• Why do we celebrate Christmas?

• What are we celebrating?

--Christ is the spiritual idea of God that brings salvation from sin, disease, and death.

• The birth of Jesus brought the Christ to human understanding.

---Mary, at the conception of Jesus, was pure; she listened to the angelic message of the coming of God's spiritual idea and accepted it.

• In the Gospel of Luke the moment is described thus: "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS" (1:30,31).

--Can't we in the busyness of Christmas preparations stop, and listen to the angelic message that will guide us into the peace, calm, and tranquility of the Christ that so often appear to be absent at this time?

Cobb, Marian J., "Michael and Gabriel," POEM, Christian Science Sentinel, Vol.43 (6 December 1941), p. 1325.

…

…to our hearts will angels come…

Bringing us comfort, joy, and exultation…

…Gabriel, imparting peace and light;

Courage to conquer doubt, fear, and dejection;

Assurance of Love's presence and protection.

Angels are thoughts, with heavenly power imbued,

Filling the heart with praise and gratitude;

Heralds of light, inspiring and commanding,

Soaring to heights on wings of understanding….

Ever God gives His angels charge to keep

His faithful servants, waking or asleep;

To those who watch and pray, true thoughts are winging;

Michael, Gabriel, grace and freedom bringing.

Walker, Channing, (CS and Contributing Editor; Glendora, CA), “The quiet role of Joseph,” STARTING POINT, Christian Science Journal, Vol.120 (January 2002), p. 5.

--Joseph, according to the Bible, wasn’t biologically involved in the conception and birth of Jesus.

• So, on the surface, that might stamp him as irrelevant in the birth and life of Joseph.

---But Joseph’s example says a lot.

• Joseph’s unique circumstances, and his largely unacclaimed response to them, gave him a head start in understanding the birth of Jesus as the advent of the Christ.

---The role he played not only sheltered the birth, but also delivered each member of the holy family—including himself—from a diabolical political regime.

--Often, the male ego is seen as a generator of territoriality or pride.

• But in Joseph’s case, the male ego was noticeably absent. At the very moments when high emotional drama might have been the norm for most people, Joseph was found quietly listening—to angels. He was following their advice in ways that moved the birth forward and kept it safe.

Ker Seymer, Miss Violet (CSB, Lecturer, and Associate Editor), “Christmas and the New Birth,” EDITORIAL, Christian Science Journal, Vol.53 (December 1935), p. 533.

--Deeply hidden in many a heart lies the longing for higher ideals and achievements.

• Especially at Christmas time this may be glossed over by traditional merrymaking, but the longing persists and will be satisfied.

---The Christian Scientist’s motto is: Truth not tradition.

• At Christmas time many students of this Science take current inventory of their thoughts and aims. Resolving to knit them more closely with the spiritual and practical idealism for which this revelation of spiritual being stands.

--Are we turning from material idolatry to the worship of the one God?

• If so, the Christmas spirit is glowing in our consciousness and our new birth is bringing spiritual healing to the world as well as to ourselves.

Barlow, Elizabeth Glass, “Mary and Her Son,” POEM, Christian Science Journal, Vol.89 (December 1971), p. 626.

….

Down through the centuries the message echoed—

A Prince to come! A King to rule!

And now, the promise fulfilled, the babe was here.

Simeon lifting him up,

And ancient Anna too.

They knew, they visioned and rejoiced.

Then the quiet flight

Under the wingspread of sheltering Love

Beyond the reach of Herod’s hordes

Into Egypt’s safety.

But he, here, cradled in her arms,

Such a wisp of a babe he seemed, such a tiny mite

To quell the tide of Caesar’s swords,

To pen the gates of heaven!

Yes, what might she have told him of that Christmas night?

….

Hesse, Louise L., “The Holy Ghost,” Christian Science Journal, Vol.39 (August 1921), p. 225.

--“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever,” “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you,” and “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” The precise nature of this “Comforter” seems somewhat obscure; and when asked to explain it, the denominational Christian is frequently unable to express himself clearly. He becomes confused, for he has accepted the belief which places “The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost” on a standard of personality. This foundation necessarily leads to "confusion worse confounded," for although God and all His vast creation of ideas are individual, and can never be made to lose their true sense of individuality, they are not personal, in the way of meaning "pertaining to the body."

--…the Holy Ghost is really the unfoldment of Spirit, or in other words, spiritual understanding. Thus, it was spiritual understanding which the angel promised Mary after telling her of the great fact that she was to bear a son whom she should call Jesus.

Stinson, Mrs. Barbara-Jean (CSB, Lecturer, and Associate Editor), “Christmas and conception,” Christian Science Sentinel, Vol.84 (13 December 1982), p. 2116.

--Jesus’ nativity—the virgin birth—is a wonderful story retold every Christmas season.

• But does it have real meaning to us today? There is much to be learned from the attitude of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

--When Mary was told that she was going to be mother of the promised Messiah, she was frankly incredulous.

• How could that be? She was a virgin. But her thought was suddenly illumined with the spiritual realization that God is the Father of man. The angel spoke to her inquiring thought: “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” [Luke 1:35]

--Her reply has an extremely important point for us to grasp if we’re going to discern more of the practicality of the Christmas message in our lives. The Bible verse reads, “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” [Luke 1:38]

Vining, Mrs. Barbara M. (CSB, Associate Editor, Contributing Editor, and President; Toledo, OH), “Preparing for Christmas,” Christian Science Journal, Vol.116 (December 1998), p. 4.

--…”What can I include in my Christmas preparations that will facilitate that happy result of feeling the touch of the Christ during the Christmas season, on Christmas Day, and beyond?”

• …give yourself ample time for quiet prayer, time to think deeply about the true meaning of Christmas and about how to honor it in your own life.

--It was especially meaningful to me to consider the preparations that preceded the first Christmas—the actual birth of Christ Jesus.

• Mary listened to an angel, Gabriel.

---We don’t know how Mary prayed, how she prepared her thought so that it was ready not only to hear but to accept Gabriel’s astonishing message that she, a virgin, would give birth to the Son of God. But we do know that her thought was prepared; she did hear the message and accept it. Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” [Luke 1:38] Her thought was spiritually prepared to receive the Christ; it was responsive to the truth that God is the Father of man and that, as Gabriel had said, “with God nothing shall be impossible.” [Luke 1:37]

Ker Seymer, Miss Violet (CSB, Lecturer, and Associate Editor), “Magnify the Lord,” EDITORIAL, Christian Science Sentinel, Vol.31 (29 December 1928), p. 350.

--It is the constant aim of the Christian Scientist to understand man fully, and to prove more definitely the power of God to solve every human problem.

• His endeavor is to minify, even to reduce to nothing, the pretentious claims of the so-called carnal mind, and know that they have no claim whatever on spiritual man.

---He is assured that this can be accomplished by magnifying the power of God, good, as he reviews the improvement in his thought since he sought to obey divine Principle.

--Steadfast joy because the omnipotence of good is already an established fact in the real creation should enable one, even in the midst of his battle, to blend a song with his prayer, and to rejoice because others, too, are rejoicing.

• “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.”

SECTION II: The Birth of Jesus, and the Announcement to the Shepherds (Luke 2: 1, 4, 5, 7-11, 13, 14)

RELATED SCRIPTURE: Rom 5: 1

PARALLEL GOSPEL: Matt 1: 25

TIME LINE: 5 AD at Bethlehem

“As at the beginning of chs. 1 and 3, Luke is anxious to set the events of God’s salvation through Jesus within the context of secular history.” (Oxford Commentary) "Luke's primary aim is to place the birth in the city of David, because Jesus' continuity with the royal house of David was important for Luke's Christology, his depiction of Jesus' identity." (HarperCollins Commentary)

“Jesus is born in Bethlehem. According to Luke this event occurred in the Judean city because of an imperial census. Augustus, Roman emperor from 27BC to AD14, decreed that the entire empire should be enrolled.” (Interpreter’s One-volume Commentary) "Fixing a precise date for this census is problematic." (MacArthur Commentary)

“Betrothal was almost equivalent to marriage, and could not be broken off without a formal divorce: cp. On John 8:3 and Deut 22:23,24…. Both here and in Luke 1:35 the miracle of the conception is ascribed emphatically to the ‘Holy’ Spirit, to mark the fact that Jesus was conceived sinless, and in a manner the most sacred imaginable.” (Dummelow Commentary)

“This [Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, v.14] is not to be taken as a universal declaration of peace toward all humanity. Rather, peace with God is a corollary of justification.” (Eerdmans Commentary)

Caesar Augustus/Octavian

[Aw gus’tus] (Lat. “august, revered”)

Julius Caesar (great uncle)

Julia

Atia (mother) = father

Augustus (Giaus Julius Caesar Octavianus)

Augustus was a title of honor bestowed upon Octavian, the first Roman emperor and great nephew of Julius Caesar, by the Roman senate in 27 BC, when it confirmed his powers to rule. He reigned from 27 BC to 14 AD.

“He was principally educated by his great uncle Julius Caesar, and was made his heir.” (Peloubet’s Dictionary) He ruled the Roman Empire, including Palestine, when Jesus was born and ordered the taxation that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1).

“Augustus reigned during a time of peace and extensive architectural achievements. After his death, the title 'Augustus' was given to all Roman emperors.” (Who Was Who in the Bible) Though Augustus was in fact the sole ruler of the empire, he ostensibly contented himself with only the necessary powers of rule, the supreme command of most of the army, and the consular powers over the city of Rome.

Joseph

(See Section I above)

Mary

(See Section I above)

Shepherds

“This is the designation of that type of life in which the main source and means of support is the raising of herds of cattle or flocks of sheep and goats.” (Funk & Wagnalls Dictionary) "Shepherds as a group were not considered to be simple, gentle people in the first century Palestine. Rather, shepherds had a certain reputation for dishonesty and breaking the law, such as letting their flocks graze on land belonging to others." (Mysteries of the Bible)

“In a nomadic state of society every man, from the sheikh down to the slave, is more or less a shepherd. The progenitors of the Jews in the patriarchal age were nomads, and their history is rich in scenes of pastoral life.” (Peloubet’s Dictionary) "Abel was a keeper of sheep (Gen 4:2). The occupation of the patriarchs from Abraham to Jacob and his sons was pastoral (ch. 13:1-6)." (Westminster Dictionary)

“The shepherd’s office…required great watchfulness, particularly by night.” (Peloubet’s Dictionary)

“The only literal reference to shepherds in the NT is found in Luke 2:8-20; elsewhere they appear in parables and figures of speech.” (Mysteries of the Bible)

“angel of the Lord”

"ANGELS. God's thoughts passing to man; spiritual intuitions, pure and

perfect; the inspiration of goodness, purity, and immortality, counteracting

all evil, sensuality, and mortality." (S&H 581: 4)

"'The Angel (or Messenger) of the Lord' is a problematic figure. The ambiguous Hebrew phrase is best translated without the definite article that is ‘an angel (messenger) of Yahweh’ (as do the Septuagint and NJV)." (Oxford Guide to People & Places)

"This particular angel is portrayed as one whose coming seems to mediate the very presence of God, and at times it is hard to tell whether it is God or a separate figure who is being spoken of. It is likely that stories concerning the Angel of the Lord were originally told about the presence of God, but that the sense of God's holiness and transcendence led to these stories being transferred to a separate figure." (Complete Bible Handbook)

“This is one of only a few such angelic visitations in the NT, most of which are associated with [Jesus’] birth. (MacArthur Commentary).

McCalmont, Gertrude S., “’And it came to pass,’” Christian Science Journal, Vol.53 (October 1935), p. 384.

--Much that is helpful remains hidden in words and phrases that have become so familiar as to induce a perfunctory reading. One is apt to slip lightly, for instance, over such a phrase as is frequently found throughout the Old Testament, “And it came to pass,” its direct meaning being the recording of an event. But when one pauses to consider that the word “pass” may also be taken as indicating progress, the expression may be seen to take on new value.

--…we go forward willingly and gladly in the taking of any necessary step when convinced that victory in the experience means the glorification of God among men.

--The Scriptures teem with the rehearsal of victorious steps taken when the outlook was most ominous.

--Mrs. Eddy tells us in “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” (p. 174) that “the footsteps of thought, rising above material standpoints, are slow, and portend a long night to the traveller; but the angels of His presence — the spiritual intuitions that tell us when ‘the night is far spent, the day is at hand’ — are our guardians in the gloom.”

Swan, Mrs. Carolyn B. (CSB and Associate Editor), “The Angels of Christmas,” Christian Science Sentinel, Vol.69 (23 December 1967), p. 2204.

--Throughout the events of Christ Jesus’ nativity God’s tender love for His children vibrantly voiced itself.

• To certain individuals, angels appeared bearing important messages.

--To the pure and meek Virgin Mary came the divine assurance, “with God nothing shall be impossible.” [Luke 1:37]

• Her husband Joseph received the comforting conviction to “fear not.” [Matt 1:20]

---To entertain obediently even one righteous thought is to invite the company of the angel chorus of divine ideas, the resounding overture to the forever coming of the Christ, Truth.

• Such an influx came to the humble shepherds who were faithfully watching their flocks in the fields. An angel proclaimed to them Jesus’ birth, “and suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” [Luke 2:13,14]

Key, Lt Col Robert Ellis, RA (Ret.)(CSB, Associate Editor, and Editor), “Watchful Shepherds,” POEM, Christian Science Journal, Vol.51 (December 1933), p. 495.

When the night was dark and still,

When the midnight hour was long,

Prophet-shepherds on the hill

Understood the angels’ song.

Light that cheered their winter gloom,

In that sweet compelling hour,

Herald of eternal noon,

Promise of eternal power—

They beheld its guiding ray,

And to Bethlehem were led,

Where the gentle Saviour lay

In a lowly cattle shed.

Precious is the sacred place

Where in daily life we find

Gleam of Spirit, light of grace,

Sonship to eternal Mind….

McKay, Peter E., “The Star of Bethlehem!,” POEM, Christian Science Journal, Vol.12 (December 1894), p. 380.

OH, thou bright star, whose cherub-angel smile,

First cheered the saddened, night-winged orient sky,

And rent the shade, that seemed to veil awhile

A world of light, in darkest mystery!

When through the crystal window-pane of Heaven,

Thy rising glory shone out o'er the deep

And hailed to sight, what else were void to vision,

O then, was roused a cradled world from sleep!

Fair dawned Life's hope, when thy bright morning glory,

Serenely starred the "Sun of Righteousness,"

Whose sovereign light,— golden with Truth's rich story,

Revealed on Earth, God's will and Heaven's peace!

Star of Earth's hope! Crown diadem of Heaven!

Thou jewel setting, in Love's crystal sphere!....

“Bethlehem’s Star Still Shines,” Christian Science Monitor (22 December 1989), p. 18.

--The Bible records what [the shepherds] witnessed and felt in their hearts.

• And the words of the angelic messenger, which spoke to those spiritually awake shepherds, still ring down the ages: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

--The real light of the star of Bethlehem was not physical; it was spiritual—a divine message dawning in human thought.

• The phenomena seen by the human eye as light and angelic glory were but the outward sign, or objectification, of a profound spiritual breakthrough in human consciousness.

---The “true Light” had been born into the world, initiating a spiritual awakening that is still going on.

Salem, Bettie Boone, “The Good Tidings of Christmas,” Christian Science Sentinel, Vol.56 (18 December 1954), p. 2208.

--What a glorious occasion is Christmas.

• How its coming afresh each year blesses and inspires the heart of humanity.

--Perhaps no Christmas story ever written is so dear to mankind as the one related in the first chapters of the Gospel of Luke.

• We see in this account that when the great enlightenment of the Saviour’s appearing came to the shepherds who were “keeping watch over their flock by night,” they were at first “sore afraid.”

---We read, “the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

• And after describing the good tidings of the Saviour’s coming, the narrative continues, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

--These good tidings of great joy can come now into the daily experience of each earnest follower of Christ Jesus.

Howes, Edith Coonley, “’Glory to God in the highest,’” POEM, Christian Science Sentinel, Vol.46 (2 December 1944), p. 1936.

Except my lips first learn to sing,

“To God the highest glory be,”

I cannot hear the “Peace on earth”

His messengers would bring to me.

I cannot pray, “Good will to men,”

Nor know the joy such prayers impart,

Except Love’s benediction find

Its rich fulfillment in my heart.

The Visit of the Wise Men to the Infant Jesus (Matt 2: 1, 2, 11)

RELATED SCRIPTURE: Matt 28: 16-20; Luke 2: 1-14

TIME LINE: Jesus In infancy, 5 AD

Bethlehem was "a small village on the southern outskirts of Jerusalem. Hebrew scholars in Jesus' day clearly expected Bethlehem to be the birthplace of the Messiah (Mic 5:2; John 7:42)." (MacArthur Commentary)

“The evangelist makes no attempt to present a full chronological account of the events of Jesus’ birth and infancy. The fact that Herod deems it necessary to order killed all children up to 2 years of age implies that Jesus was himself already about 2 when the wise men, or magi, arrived from the [East]. The magi were astrologers, although they represented the closest thing to astronomers that the ancient world knew.” (Interpreter’s One-volume Commentary) "Matthew's readers would not be expected to think of magi as kings or even as 'wise men,' but simply as pagans. The story of God’s revelation to them foreshadows the great mission to all nations that Matthew’s Gospel will announce in its final verses (28:16-20)." (HarperCollins Bible Commentary)

"The 'star' goes before the magi and comes to rest 'over the place where the child' is. This is no ordinary star, and attempts to identify it with a planetary conjunction, comet, or super-nova are futile." (Oxford Bible Commentary)

Herod

“This family though of Idumean origin and thus alien by race, was Jewish in faith.” (Baker Encyclopedia)

Although Herod was only twenty-five years old when he became governor, he displayed efficient leadership. He established his authority and influence through a centralized bureaucracy, well-built fortresses, and foreign soldiers. "The extensive building projects of Herod the Great are found everywhere in Palestine: at Jerusalem, Sebaste, Caesarea, Masada, Machaerus, Jericho, and Herodium." (Oxford Guide to Ideas & Issues of the Bible)

Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the close of Herod’s life, after he had removed his rivals from other families by violent deaths and when his domestic troubles were at their height. "The wise men came asking, 'Where is he that is born King of the Jews?' This aroused Herod's jealous spirit. According to Matthew’s account, Herod tried to eliminate Jesus by having all the male infants of the Bethlehem region put to death (Matt 2:13-16)." (Who Was Who in the Bible)

Wise Men

Wise men, first mentioned in Daniel, included three classes, (1) astrologers, (2) Chaldeans, and (3) soothsayers. The word in the original (hakamim) probably means "medicine men." In Chaldea medicine was only a branch of magic. The "wise men" of Matthew, who came from the East to Jerusalem, were magi from Persia or Arabia.

The term “magi” customarily refers to the anonymous wise men who followed a star until it led them to Bethlehem. While in Luke’s gospel shepherds come to worship the child, Matthew introduces mysterious figures from the east who offer gifts (gold, perfume, and oil) from their treasure boxes.

“Theologically the visit of these men to see Jesus signifies that salvation was to be extended to all people. The Magi were a priestly caste, numerous enough to be regarded as one of the 6 tribes of Media (Herod. i.101).” (Westminster Dictionary) “[The infant Jesus] “was visited by lowly shepherds and by rich and powerful Magi.” (All the People in the Bible)

"Since the early Middle Ages they have been called the Three Kings (perhaps under the influence of Ps.72:10; Isa.60:6), and they were given the names Gasper (Casper), Melchior, and Balthasar." (Ibid)

Gasper: "In late tradition a king of India and one of the three Magi." (Interpreters Dictionary)

Melchoir: "The name given by Western tradition to one of the three wise men bringing gifts to the child Jesus (Matt 2:11)." (Eerdmans Dictionary)

Balthasar: "In late tradition a king of Arabia, and one of the three Magi." (Interpreters Dictionary)

McCracken, William D. (Professor, CSB, 1st Reader, and Editor), “Herod Circumvented,” EDITORIAL, Christian Science Sentinel, Vol.20 (9 February 1918), p. 471.

--An interpretative study of the Bible which is designed to be of assistance in our own time must necessarily treat the characters therein depicted as types.

• There are Herods to-day, walking and talking, and ruling others. They need to be known to make them harmless.

---When the contest is on between the spiritual idea and its supposititious opposite, then Herod steps upon the scene to try to murder the right lest it dethrone him from his rule of wrong.

--Herod was interested in the tale of the wise men solely because they spoke of the Messiah as “King of the Jews,” not because his birth was heralded by a star of spiritual rejoicing.

• Baffled by the silence of the wise men he let his murderous frenzy hurl itself upon the youngest of the little children of Bethlehem and “the coasts thereof,” while the child Jesus was carried by his parents in safety into the land of Egypt. It is sometimes necessary, in order to baffle the mental assassin, to withdraw into the sheltering twilight of an unexpected place.

WAGERS, RALPH E. (CSB, Lecturer, Associate Editor, Normal Class Teacher, and President), “The Wisemen of the East,” EDITORIAL, Christian Science Journal, Vol.78 (December 1960), p. 657.

--The Magi were possessed of the knowledge and skills of their day.

• In addition to this, these particular men were aware of the spiritual significance of the prophecies concerning the Messiah.

---A degree of spiritual-mindedness enabled them to look with considerable favor on the role Christ Jesus was destined to play in the affairs of men.

• No doubt they were able at least to glimpse the coming of a new day in which revealed Truth would supersede knowledge based upon superstition as well as upon mere sense perception.

--With unerring direction these men were led to follow a star that pointed the way to the crib of the infant Jesus, whose life and work subsequently revealed to men the spiritual order, the divine Science of being.

Koch, Inez, “The Star of Peace,” POEM, Christian Science Journal, Vol.34 (January 1917), p. 554.

SEE the star of peace arise,

Glowing o'er a world at strife,

Lighting all who would be wise,

Seeking Truth and Love and Life.

Kindle in our hearts, bright star,

Rays of good will, blessing all,

Which like angels, near and far,

Man unto his Maker call.

Still and quiet comes the calm

Of a heart with Him at rest,

Bringing to the wounded balm,

To the weary new born zest.

Clarke, Gordon R., “The vision that is Christmas—coming to ‘where the young child was,’” THRESHOLD 21ST CENTURY: Thinking About Christian Science and Christmas, Christian Science Journal, Vol.108 (December 1990), p. 16.

--Christmas is surely meant to awaken in us the greatest genuine joy and gladness.

Scriptural vision for human progress today

--The Bible illustrates how spiritual vision reveals truths that can be applied practically to every facet of human experience. By focusing on the lesson of truth that is learned, which transcends time and circumstances, the Bible becomes every man’s and every woman’s story. In a sense you and I are Abraham and Moses and the other characters in the Bible.

Jesus’ birth; more than a miracle

--Mary gained a vision of that child. Through spiritual vision she recognized God to be the creator, the Father. Man, as man really is, does not come into being through the fertilization of an egg. Father-Mother God alone conceives and brings forth every idea making up spiritual creation.

The child of God within

--Then, what of this infant Jesus who was to grow and become the Savior, the man who best understood God? How are we to regard him? All that he said and did was meant to help us know God and ourselves. He presented the Christ, the true idea of God, the only begotten Son of God.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

The Bibliography is provided only in the notes of the first Sunday of the month.

*The weekly Bible Lessons are made up of selections from the King James Version of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.

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