When An Inn Is Really An Inn
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, we also find the English word inn used. In the context of the passage, it clearly indicates paid lodging. However, it is a translation from a completely different Greek word.
Luke 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
Luke 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host , and said unto him, Take care of him and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
The Greek word for inn used in Luke 10:34 is pandocheion, defined by Strongs dictionary as, a public lodging-placeinn. And in verse 35, the Greek word for host is defined by Strongs as an innkeeper host.
Considering now that Mary and Joseph were likely turned away from the home of a relative, the question still remains, where did they find shelter?
Jesus’ Birth Death And Resurrection
The exact date of Jesus birth may not be known, but we can rest assured that Jesus died for our sins , rose again , and that He will one day come back to take us to heaven .
Imagine such a sacrifice. Imagine leaving the glory of heaven to save humanity? This year, think upon Jesus, His sacrifice, and His mercy. Ask yourself how can I live like He lived? How can I share His message with those around me?
Little Town Of Bethlehem
The first reference to Jesusâ home is in the oldest Gospel, Mark: âAt that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordanâ . Nazareth was an obscure northern town, but Mark does not say if Jesus was born thereâonly that he lived there.
The Gospel of Matthew names Jesusâ birthplace: Bethlehem, a Judaean town about 80 miles south of Nazareth in Galilee. More than just a location, Bethlehem is significant because of an Old Testament prophecy made by the Prophet Micah, which Matthew quotes: ââBut you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least . . . for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israelââ.
The Gospel of Luke also names Bethlehem as Jesus’ birthplace and details Joseph and Maryâs journey there from start to finish:
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David .
Luke also describes why a Nazarene couple, who were expecting a baby, made an 80-mile trek south to Bethlehem:
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to their own town to register .
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Birthplace Of Jesus: Church Of The Nativity And The Pilgrimage Route Bethlehem
Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem
The inscribed property is situated 10 km south of Jerusalem on the site identified by Christian tradition as the birthplace of Jesus since the 2nd century. A church was first completed there in ad 339 and the edifice that replaced it after a fire in the 6th century retains elaborate floor mosaics from the original building. The site also includes Latin, Greek Orthodox, Franciscan and Armenian convents and churches, as well as bell towers, terraced gardens and a pilgrimage route.
Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0
Lieu de naissance de Jésus : léglise de la Nativité et la route de pèlerinage, Bethléem
Le bien inscrit est situé à 10 km au sud de Jérusalem sur les sites que les Chrétiens reconnaissent traditionnellement, depuis le IIe siècle, comme le lieu de naissance de Jésus. Une église y a été construite en 339 et lédifice qui lui a été substitué après un incendie survenu au VIe siècle conserve des vestiges du sol du bâtiment original, en mosaïques élaborées. Le site comprend également des églises et des couvents grecs, latins, orthodoxes, franciscains et arméniens ainsi que des clochers, des jardins en terrasses et une route de pèlerinage.
Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0
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source: UNESCO/ERIDescription is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0
source: NFUAJ
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What Is Wrong With The Date Of Christmas
According to the Bible, a birth date in December is unlikely, because there are various indications in the Bible that the date of 25 December cannot be correct.
The story of the birth of Jesus begins in Luke’s Gospel with the Emperor Augustus asking for a census. For this reason, Joseph set off on the 150-kilometre journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem with the pregnant Mary. That this census took place in winter is unlikely in reality: would the emperor really have expected his people to make such a long and arduous journey in the middle of winter?
When Mary and Joseph arrive in Bethlehem, she gives birth to their son. The newborn baby, inside the Nativity sets is wrapped and placed in a manger with clean straw. Hence the assumption that Jesus was born in a stable. In the Gospel of Luke we read: “And there were shepherds in the same region, standing in the open field and keeping watch over their flock by night” . This also suggests a birth in a warmer season, because in the middle of winter there are no flocks of sheep in the fields around Bethlehem. At this time of year there is no grass in the fields and the animals are kept in a stable.
If 25 December was not Jesus’ birthday, when was it? Researchers are always making new hypotheses and theses about this. But none of them is really valid and verifiable. When Jesus of Nazareth was really born will probably remain a secret forever.
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History Of The Gospels
That Jesus of Nazareth was born and lived in the early Roman Empire is a matter of historical fact. In the early Christian period, Jewish texts that sought to discredit Jesus were not seeking to deny his existence. Other sources that testify to his existence are the Jewish writer and historian Josephus, who was writing in the late first century and some decades later, the Roman historian Tacitus. The Christians, Tacitus wrote, âworship Christus . . . who suffered the death penalty during the reign of Emperor Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilate.â
No non-Christian source, however, describes the birth of Jesus. The only texts offering detailed accounts of Jesusâ life are early Christian writings, principally the four Gospels that were regarded as a fixed part of the New Testament by the third century A.D.
For the many centuries following, these were regarded as entirely sacred texts. By the 18th century, however, scholars were beginning to try to place the creation of the Gospels in a historical context. Bible historians now consider that the Gospel of Mark was written first, since both Matthew and Luke heavily borrow material from Markâs account. Written at the end of the first century A.D., the Gospel of Johnâwhose themes are very different from the other threeâis the last to be written.
Verses About The Birth Of Jesus
John 1:9-14 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,
The innkeeper had no room for Jesus. Do you have room in your busy life to let Jesus in. He came to this earth to be crucified so that you and I may one day live with Him in heaven. Will you come to Jesus? If not, why not? Maybe today is the day that God is knocking on the door of your heart. Have you any room for Jesus?
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What Is The Best Message For Christmas
Best Christmas Wishes to Write in Christmas Cards
- This Christmas, you’re the best gift I could ask for.
- Merry Christmas! …
- Wishing you nothing but the best this holiday season.
- May your holidays sparkle with joy and laughter!
- Merry Christmas! …
- May the true spirit of Christmas shine in your heart and light your path.
Why Is Christmas On December 25
Since there is no evidence that the birth of Jesus Christ occurred on December 25, why is Christmas celebrated on this date? The Encyclopædia Britannica says that church leaders probably chose it to coincide with the pagan Roman festival marking the birthday of the unconquered sun, at the time of the winter solstice. According to The Encyclopedia Americana, many scholars believe that this was done in order to make Christianity more meaningful to pagan converts.
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When Was Jesus Born
The Bible does not clearly answer this question. Evidently, the first Christians didnt make a point of celebrating the birth of Christ. If they knew the precise date of his birth, they didnt make an issue of it. The traditional date of December 25 goes back to the early centuries of the Christian era. Contrary to what some have asserted, there is no evidence that Christians borrowed that date from a pagan festival honoring the sun. William J. Tighe argues that the reverse is more likely to be true:
Rather, the pagan festival of the Birth of the Unconquered Son instituted by the Roman Emperor Aurelian on 25 December 274, was almost certainly an attempt to create a pagan alternative to a date that was already of some significance to Roman Christians. Thus the pagan origins of Christmas is a myth without historical substance.
In regards the actual time of year for Jesus birth, the Bible states in Luke 2:8-9: Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
Why Is The Age Of Christ When He Started His Ministry Important
It’s important because that’s what was recorded in the Bible. In Numbers 4:3, it says that a priest must be 30 years old to hold the senior office of priest.
It is also commonly taught in the Code of Jewish Law that leaders should be at least 30 before they take their post. And Luke 3:23 states that Jesus was about 30 years old.
Additionally, Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding of Cana where Jesus turned the water into wine at his mother’s insistence, Jesus hesitated to tell her that “it was not yet time.”
Traditionally, Jewish weddings are held in Spring-Summer because they don’t conflict with any major holidays, plus flowers would be in bloom. Most agree Jesus’ birth month is in September. Perhaps the reason for his hesitation being due to timing was the timing. Maybe Jesus was 29 at that point. There isn’t hard evidence backing that claim, but it does stand to reason, given the other data we have been collecting.
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Why Is Christmas On December 25th
Scholars suggest the Roman Catholic Church decided on Dec. 25 for various reasons, such as that date’s links to the winter solstice and Saturnalia, a festival devoted to the Roman deity Saturn. The Encyclopædia Britannica says that church leaders likely selected it to coincide with the pagan Roman festival marking the birthday of the unconquered sun, at the time of the winter solstice. According to The Encyclopedia Americana, many researchers believe that this was done in order to make Christianity more meaningful to pagan converts.
Where Was Jesus Born: Church Of The Nativity
Christian history has associated this church, in this town, with the birth of Christ with such confidence for so long that one has to wonder why here if there was a stronger contender? Something about Bethlehem gave it special meaning in the eyes of religious leaders at the time. Certain clues led them to a precise spot which might or might not have been the exact location of his birth.
No one living at the time of the churchs 4th century construction could claim to have been alive even during the Apostles time, but stories must have been passed down through the intervening generations. At the very least, church officials felt certain they had the right town. Records of Bethlehem as a rest stop for travelers throughout this area of the Middle East only strengthen the case for locating Christs birth here. Certainly, UNESCO and millions of pilgrims are compelled by surviving archaeological evidence while archaeologists are excited by artefacts as yet unearthed.
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Why Is Bethlehem Still Relevant
Bethlehem is the home to over 27,000 residents today. Those who live in Bethlehem are considered citizens of Palestine. Two million tourists provide 65% of the towns wealth. Christians from all over the world travel to Bethlehem to see and experience the birthplace of Christ. The Church of the Nativity, built around AD 327, still stands in the heart of Bethlehem and is visited by thousands of believers every year. According to extra-biblical sources, the cave under the church is the actual spot where Christ was born. Whether or not thats true, believers will always treasure Bethlehem, because of the citys rich biblical heritage and because we can see Jesus there.
Scripture tells us that one day Jesus will come again. But He wont appear in the little town of Bethlehem, under humble circumstances. Nor will He emerge as a tiny baby who represents a little lamb. On that long-awaited day, our King of Kings will come on a cloud of glory with all the fanfare He so richly deserves .
Now is the time to accept the salvation Jesus freely offers. If youd like more information about how to do that check out this article, and truly celebrate the ultimate Christmas Giftwho arrived 2000 years ago, in the little town of Bethlehem.
O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels. The great glad tidings tell: Oh, come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel! O Little Town of Bethlehem, 1868
Introduction To Matthew 12 And Luke 1:
The birth of Jesus is narrated at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, but is not mentioned in Mark, and alluded to very differently in John. Although the story may seem familiar, a close analysis shows that there are many significant differences between the Matthean and Lukan accounts, with hardly anything in common between them. The following are the only commonalities, and even these contain significant differences in the details:
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What Does Bible Say About Christmas Tree
Leviticus 23:40 says: And you shall take on the first day the fruit of splendid trees, branches of palm trees and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days. Some believe this verse means the tree is a celebratory symbol based on the worship of God.
Who Were The Magi The Three Wise Men From The East
Magi were priest officials during the Babylonian Empire. Daniel gets the title of Rab-Mag, chief of Magi in Nebuchadnezzars court in the book of Daniel during babylonian captivity in the Babylonian Empire Daniel 4:9, 5:11. Their primary skill was Oneiromancy, not astrology. They held the offices of Hereditary Priesthood and magistrates , and would choose & appoint Kings ref Herodotus. They held these office across various Empires of Babylonian , Persian , Greek , Roman and Parthian . Judea was a buffer war zone between Roman empire and Parthian empire during 2BC, the year of the birth of Jesus. So they would have military power with them accompanied when they visit Herod to safeguard themselves and these were not three in number as told in the legends. Matthew in the bible does not mention that there were three wise men from the east. The first question in Old Testament was to first Adam where are thou? and the first question in New Testament was for Last Adam where is he that is born King of Jesus?.
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The Book Opens With You Arriving In Bethlehem Carrying A Christmas Pudding Explain Why It Captures Something Of The Essence Of Bethlehemand How An Englishman Ended Up On The West Bank
I met my wife, Leila Sansour, at university in Britain where we were both studying philosophy. Shes a Palestinian from Bethlehem. Her mothers Russian, her father is Palestinian and was one of a group of academics that founded Bethlehem University.
I knew nothing about Bethlehem or Palestine or the politics, but I was in love with Leila and we were going to get married, so I went to Bethlehem to meet her family. I was determined to bring something of England, thinking of Christmas and Charles Dickens. So I came carrying a Christmas pudding from Harrods.
Leilas father was looking at the ingredients and realized everything in the pudding was growing in his garden that Christmas. The lemons were in fruit there were oranges, figs, and almonds. And everything that doesnt grow there, I learned, had been carried through the desert in ancient times by desert traders on the spice route. This quintessentially British dish turned out to be absolutely Middle Eastern!