Jesus and His Brother's

On The O’Reilly Factor a few days ago, Bill O’Reilly read an email a viewer had submitted of scripture that named the brothers of Jesus. Mr. O’Reilly emphatically replied that he and Martin Dugard had determined through their research that Jewish families during Jesus’ time lived in communal homes and every boy in the home was considered a brother.

Mr. O’Reilly’s research is correct, but he fails to mention that many Jews also lived in single family homes. Especially if the father worked in a carpentry shop, as Joseph would have done. In those days, a carpenter shop was often located in the front of a dwelling, while the family lived in rooms behind the shop. Instead of multiple families, the larger communal homes were usually inhabited by many generations of one family. Would cousins, uncles, fathers and grandfathers be considered brothers?

The only way to uncover anything about Jesus’ life between the time He returned from Egypt until He began His ministry at the age of thirty is through research and the study of historic customs. The only scriptural insight into those years is the incident when Jesus was twelve years old. The next verse is the only scripture mentioning the eighteen silent years between the age of twelve and thirty. Luke 2:51 states, “He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart and Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men.”

This is probably the most powerful, totally ignored verse in the entire New Testament. This scripture implies Jesus lived a very normal, well-disciplined earthly life for eighteen years. He was not a rebel as some chose to assume, because rebels do not grow in favor with God or man.

I am not trying to convince anyone that my research is more accurate than anyone else’s, but to present some facts that may suggest a different conclusion. After years of research, I have discovered that scripture holds the answers I need if I am willing to spend the time digging deeper into what is actually written. Using scripture, I would like to offer a different theory from Mr. O’Reilly’s.

Matthew 13:55 asks, “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us?” If Jesus lived in a communal environment where everyone is considered one big family and all the boys are brothers wouldn’t the other women in that community also be considered Jesus’ mother?  Matthew clearly recognizes Jesus’ mother and His brothers by name. In this scripture, Matthew gives the same personal relationship to these four men and sisters as he does Jesus’ mother, Mary, whom we know is Jesus’ biological mother.

In Mark 6:3, the question is again asked, “Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” Mark also recognizes this same personal relationship with the mother and the brothers and sisters.

We also know Joseph and Mary had sexual relations after Jesus was born. Matthew 1:25 clearly states, “But he (Joseph) had no union with her (Mary) until she gave birth to a son.” Every word of the scripture is God-breathed so if God didn’t intend for them to have intimate union, why would Matthew add “until she gave birth to a son” to his statement.

Mary was a young healthy girl, and Joseph was a healthy young man. They had an intimate relationship. The only means of birth control was natural. The scripture offers no indication that other children were not conceived during their sexual encounters. If fact, scripture references and human behavior suggest the opposite result.  

The fact that scripture states Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man implies Jesus was not an only child. How many only children do you know who grow in favor with God and man? His family was part of His life experience. Jesus had such an in-depth understanding of the trials and tribulations of earthly life because He was exposed to everyday life including relationships between siblings and cousins.

Luke 3:23 states, “Jesus was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph”. God wanted people to think Jesus was the son of Joseph until the time came for God’s plan to be fulfilled. He did not want Jesus to stand out as being different in any way. With two healthy earthly parents, would it have been unusual for Jesus to be an only child?

The bottom line, as Mr. O’Reilly would say, I cannot disprove Bill O’Reilly’s assumption, but neither can he disprove mine. The fact that only four men were specifically mentioned as Jesus’ brothers by two of Jesus’ closest friends implies their relationship was more than a communal friend. And because they were mentioned in the same context as His mother, Mary, perhaps these men were indeed his half-brothers who shared the same mother and the same earthly father, but only Jesus had a heavenly Father. Some day we will know with certainty the final answer to all our questions. Until then, we can only make an informed decision based on research and information God provides through the scripture.

Jesus' Instructions Concerning "Share the Wealth"

Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Today there is much talk about how people who have been greatly blessed should “share your wealth” with those who are less fortunate. Many Christians have been convinced this is their duty. I believe all Christians should and would gladly share their wealth with those who are mentally or physically incapable of helping themselves. If not for the grace of God, we could all be in that position. But what does God really say about sharing the wealth so all can be equal?

Using The Message version, in the third chapter of Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he tells the new Christians in verse 13, “Friends, don’t slack off in doing your duty.” Many have interpreted this command to say a Christian’s duty is to help everyone.

If you go back to verse 10, Paul says, “Don’t you remember the rule we had when we lived with you? “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.” And now we’re getting reports that a bunch of lazy good-for-nothings are taking advantage of you.”

Paul’s next instruction to these Christians says “This must not be tolerated. We command them to get to work immediately—no excuses, no arguments—and earn their own keep.”

If you keep going up to verse 6, you can read Paul’s specific orders, “Our orders—backed up by the Master, Jesus—are to refuse to have anything to do with those among you who are lazy and refuse to work the way we taught you. Don’t permit them to freeload on the rest. We showed you how to pull your weight when we were with you, so get on with it. We didn’t sit around on our hands expecting others to take care of us. In fact, we worked our fingers to the bone, up half the night moonlighting so you wouldn’t be burdened with taking care of us. And it wasn’t because we didn’t have a right to your support; we did. We simply wanted to provide an example of diligence, hoping it would prove contagious.”

How has our government convinced so many hard-working Christians that it is their duty to “share their wealth” with the good-for-nothings among us who refuse to work? This thinking certainly did not come form God’s word. Instead God tells us that if we tolerate such behavior, we encourage people to become slothful. In I Thessalonians 4:12, Paul says, “We want you living in a way that will command the respect of outsiders, not lying around sponging off your friends.”

Ever since the beginning of the Christian church, God has never expected His children to share their hard-earned blessings to support able-bodied men who simply “choose” to not work but lie around sponging off others.

Jesus Redeemed at the Temple

This week Joseph and Mary would take Jesus to the beautiful temple to fulfill the requirement of the Redemption Ceremony. The first born son of every Jewish family belonged to God. The baby must be presented at the Gate of the Firstborn in the Court of Men in the temple. The requirement for this sacrifice was an unblemished lamb. Mary and Joseph offered two doves. Why? That is all they could afford. They held a king, but could only afford the sacrifice of the poor.
God doesn't care about the value of the sacrifice. He only cares that the commandment is obeyed.

Jesus My Son: Mary's Journal of Jesus' Ministry

My second book, Jesus My Son: Mary's Journal of Jesus' Ministry has been printed. The approval copy has been sent, but I have not received it yet. No matter how many books you write, there is an excitment when each one is published. It is almost like having a baby, but the pain doesn't come until long after it is published. Writing this book has been a very rewarding experience for me. I have learned so much about the three and one-half years Jesus walked upon the earth performing miracles and teaching parables. As Mary talks to the people who receive these miracles, she also learns much about her son and the message he is preaching. I have begun the third of the series. This will be the most difficult to write...because we all know the ending. But do we know it through Mary's eyes. What did she think when she saw Judas come down the stairs and leave the house where Jesus and his followers were observing this celebration. How did she feel when the soldiers took Jesus away? She didn't hear any of the conversation or see the betrayal kiss. What did she think happened? Give me some ideas and I will give you credit in my next book.

Jesus is Circumcised

On the eighth day Mary's son was circumcised and given the name Jesus. Matthew 1:25
Around this time of year Jesus was circumcised and given a name. This name was given to Mary by the angel Gabriel when he first spoke to Mary. What if Mary had disobeyed and given her son another name? That couldn't happen because Mary obeyed unconditionally, but do you ever think "What if?"
Where were they staying when Jesus was circumcised? Did they have enough money to return home before they had to come back 30 days later to offer Jesus in the Gate of the Firstborn for the Redemption Ceremony? They could have decided to stay in Bethlehem. If so, were they still in the cave that was the stable where Jesus was born?
Who performed the circumcision? It was not unusual for the father to circumcise his son. They could have had a priest, but Joseph probably would have assisted. Jesus suffered from that pain just as your children suffer today. Mary probably cried when he cried--just as mothers do today.
Every pain, trial, temptation we encounter today was encountered by Mary and Jesus those many years ago. He is such a loving savior because He knows our pains. He experienced them just like we do today. He can help us through rough times because He knows firsthand how we feel. All we have to do is ask.

Mary's Christmas Similiar to Ours Today

Tonight I received the best Christmas gift possible. I just got home from speaking at chapel services in PeeWee Valley Women’s Correctional Institute. The reaction of the women was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. I learned that the best gift anyone can receive comes from giving your time doing something for God.


Talking about Mary’s view of that first Christmas uncovered many similarities with the Christmas most of those women will have this year. Mary certainly didn’t think she would be giving birth to the son of God in a lowly stable surrounded by animals. Many of those ladies tonight certainly didn’t think they would be spending this Christmas incarcerated. I certainly didn’t think I would ever be speaking about a book I had written.

It is amazing how we often end up in unusual situations. But it is up to each individual to make the most of each circumstance. Mary could only praise God for the blessing He had given her in the form of a baby boy. I praise God for giving me the ability to share my story and hopefully brighten their Christmas. I hope each of those women will make an effort to use the time they have to the best of their ability.

The only thing that can hold anyone prisoner is their mind. As long as God gives us the ability to think and learn, we are free. When I look at all the hustle and bustle of this season and the worried expressions on the faces of most people during this season, I almost envy the solitude and quiet within those walls. What an awesome opportunity to spend some quality time with God.

Mary's Thoughts the Night Before she Begins the Journey to Bethlehem

"Everything is packed and ready to go. A good night's sleep would be wonderful, but I doubt if that will happen. All the pains, aches and swelling that women encounter when carrying a child have not made for good sleep companions. These last few months have been most uncomfortable."
Mary's excerpt from Jesus My Son reminds us that Mary endured a very normal pregnancy. How awesome is that!

Celebrating Christmas -- Through Mary's Eyes

Celebrating Christmas -- Through Mary's Point of View
It's getting close to Christmas. What was Mary thinking about this time as she prepared to travel on a donkey for 90 miles to Bethlehem?


We will leave early in the morning for the long trip to Bethlehem. It should take five or six days if everything goes as planned. My baby is due to arrive any time now. According to my estimates, he was conceived by the Holy Spirit nine months ago this time next week. My stomach is big and my body is telling me the time is soon. I’m starting to look exactly like Elizabeth right before John’s birth. Joseph is still hoping we can register for our taxes before the baby is born. He says if we get there after the birth, our taxes would increase.

Though the road will be crowded, we will be traveling alone most of the way because we will have to take more rests than the others. I am not sure how much bouncing on Droopy I can take in one day. We will start out with one group and then join other groups as we stop to rest and others come alone. Since everyone must go, there will be a constant flow of travelers. One worry I have is the thieves who take advantage of people on the trail. If Joseph and I are alone, we are easy prey for the predators. Although there is danger, I know God will take care of us. After all, I am carrying His son, but that fact still will not find a resting place in my mind.

Jesus My Son: Mary' Journal of Jesus Ministry

Dear Followers,
In the form of Mary's Journal, I plan to keep you updated with the progress of my second novel in the Jesus My Son series.
I have chosen to publish my second book with WestbowPress. After much prayer and discussion with multiple publishers, I chose Westbow. I pray God will bless that decision for me and my publisher.
I am currently working with a representative to gather all the necessary submission copy for the publication. If you think writing a novel is hard, wait until you have to prepare the copy. Imagine trying to condense 76,000 words into 200 words to appear on the back of my cover.
I have enlisted the help of friends to read the manuscript and comment on content and errors. I appreciate everyone who so graciously pointed out my errors. Really, there is nothing better than a keen eye to review your writing.
I remember when my granddaughter, Autum, pointed out the first error in my first novel. I felt like someone had struck the baby I had been nurturing for six years. The error was small and it took me three times to find it even after she told me the page number. I am trying hard to make this book perfect with no errors! May need a few extra special prayers for that one...
That is it for now. I just wanted to share with you the progress to date.
Will hopefully post a weekly update for everyone to view.
Dear Lord, please bless this work and the words You have given me for this second novel of Mary's Journal. I have thoroughly enjoyed the learning experince of creating this journal and pray that I can convey my new knowledge to all my readers. Amen

Jesus and the Woman caught in Adultry

Hi, friends and fellow bloggers. Sorry it has been so long since I have written, but I plan to try to blog at least once a week.  The blogs may be short, but I do want to keep in touch.
I have a question for you.  When the scribes and Pharisees brought the woman caught in the act of adultery to Jesus and he stooped to write on the ground, what do you think he wrote?
My second book is finished, but I want to write more on that journal entry. After attending revival at Peaks Mill Christian Church tonight, the pracher sparked a question about that incident. I am going to update this chapter and would like to receive input from YOU. If I use your idea I will give you credit in my book. Make your idea as unique as possible, but it must also be believable.
It should be fun to read your ideas.

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What gift could be more special than a journal written by God’s chosen mother about the everyday activities of the son she shared with our Father? Any mother will enjoy listening to Mary’s heart as she pours out her emotions in her journal entries.

Mary’s journal offers a fresh perspective to a very old story.

A reader writes, “The story, written as if Mary, mother of Jesus, was keeping a journal of her life, drew me in and absorbed me completely from beginning to end.”

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Where has the time gone?

I can't believe my last post was in March.
I have been busy packing up things in Florida to come back to KY. I arrived home the day before spring break started for my grandchildren. I am so happy most of them were allowed to spend a few nights with us during their break. We also got to go for a donkey ride in Owen County. What a fun day.
Now I am busy working on a book campaign I will launch on April 27. I have been extremely busy, but that is not an excuse to forget my blog.
I promise to do better this summer. I want to keep everyone updated about my book campaign.

Tired of homosexuality displayed on TV

I just turned off The Mentalist and will not watch it again. I have always enjoyed the show, but I am so tired of having homosexuals thrown into my face every time I watch TV anymore.


I am not judgemental and don't really care what people do, but I do believe homosexuality is a sin. People sin all the time and I can't stop that, but it is repulsive for me to watch two men or two women being sexually involved. I refuse to watch any more shows where homosexuality is displayed.
I apologize if this offends anyone. I have some dear friends who are homesexuals. They respect my belief and do not flaunt their relationship in my presence. I enjoy their company. I am not condeming them.
I am condeming the TV stations for flaunting homosexuality in every show they produce anymore.

Just wondering, what kind of journal entry Mary would have written tonight. Her prayer would be:
Dear Lord, please give me the wisdom to know what you would have me to say and do and the courage to fight for what I think is right for my children and grandchildren.

Valentine's Day--A Day of Love

How did you spend the day dedicated to recognizing the love of your life?

Darrel, my husband, gave me a ruby necklace packaged in a beautiful red velvet heart-shaped box with a few chocolate hearts when I got up this morning. There was also a live rose fresh from Sear’s rose garden.

I appreciated his thoughtfulness, but the plethora of red in the stores during this season makes it easy to remember Valentine gifts.
Wouldn’t it be nice to receive a gift of love the first thing every morning? Truly that gift is available just by asking. God wants to shower His children with His plethora of blessings each day. Unused blessings are the biggest waste of our lives.

Maybe we should make a new resolution for the rest of the year. Begin each day open to receive the blessings God wants us to have. He gave the ultimate gift of love through His son and wants us to receive the grace that gift allowed us to have. Ask for it and you will receive.

Do you have a Valentine story to share? I am working on an article and want to hear your story. Comment with your story and automatically be entered to win a copy of Jesus My Son: Mary’s Journal of Jesus’ Early Life.

Mary's View: Why God chose Mary to be the Mother of His son

“For nothing is impossible with God” Luke 1:37

Did Mary really write a journal? Most scholars will say girls during Mary’s time were not able to write. But is it possible? Yes, it is and how much better is Jesus’ story when written by His mother. There is so much during Jesus’ early life that only Mary would know. If we are not allowed to believe she wrote these events for us to know the real Jesus, how will we ever learn of them?

(The following blog uses excerpts from Chapter One of Jeus My Son: Mary's Journal of Jesus' Early Life)

When the angel greeted Mary, she wondered why God had chosen her. She was a humble peasant girl with no unique qualities except one.

     The only difference between me and all the other girls is my ability to read and write.

Girls during those times, as a rule, did not read nor write. So how did Mary learn these skills?

     Fortunately, my parents believed in the importance of education for girls as well as boys.

Did Mary enjoy using her writing skills?

      Like the patriarch, David, with his holy verses of praise, my love for writing is only second to my love of serving my dear Lord.

Writing material was scarce during Mary’s time. How did she obtain the material she needed to learn the skill or to record in her journal?

     Since both my parents work closely with the priests in the synagogue, they have access to the parchment and papyrus left from the priests’ studies. They bring home every scrap piece of writing material and every extra drop of ink they can find to encourage us to write.


God looked at Mary’s heart and saw that she was worthy to be the mother of the Messiah. Did Mary think her ability to write may have influenced God’s choice?

     God knew I would be compelled to record the events of his son to tell the world things that only a mother would know. Surely that is one of the reasons God chose me.

Mary Bailey is the author of Jesus My Son: Mary's Journal of Jesus' Early Life. Visit http://www.jesusmyson.com/ for more information.

Mary's View: Losing God's Son in the Temple

Have you ever lost a child? I lost my two-year old son one sunny Sunday afternoon when a few mothers from church decided to take our children to a carnival. The group was walking along when suddenly I couldn’t find my son.
My sister and I frantically retraced our path asking everyone if they had seen a little boy with a burr haircut. No one had seen him. I dreaded telling my husband how I had lost his son.

A few minutes later I saw him standing under the Ferris wheel just watching the people go around. When I ran up and grabbed him, he couldn’t understand all the tears. He didn’t realize he was lost.

When I hear the story of Mary losing her twelve year old son in the temple, I recall the fear I felt that day. I can’t imagine how Mary must have felt.

       We had lost Jesus—the son God had entrusted to our care.

This trip was special to Mary because at the age of twelve

      Jesus will soon graduate from one of the schools of the synagogue of Nazareth. He will be presented to us by the rulers as a responsible citizen of Israel.

Joseph searched throughout their caravan to no avail. Jesus could not be found. With no other choice they headed back to Jerusalem in search of their lost son. Did Mary not worry knowing this was God’s son and He would take care of him? Not quite--she was a mother.

       The roads are not safe and I knew something bad had happened for Jesus not to come to our site. I repeatedly apologized to God for losing His precious son.

When Mary found him, I am sure she was as relieved as I was.

      I wanted to rush to him with hugs and kisses before I scolded him for not staying with us.

Did Mary forget who Jesus was? If she did, Jesus reminded her.

        He looked me straight in the eyes and respectfully asked, “Mother, why were you searching for me? Don’t you know that I must be about my father’s business?”

As any mother today, Mary worried for her lost son. Nothing can replace the bond between a mother and a child.

      He is still my flesh and blood. My heart will always have a special place for him.

It doesn’t matter how confident we are that God has us in the palm of his hands, there are times when worry is the only thing a mother knows to do. We easily forget that the angels who watch over our children are the same ones who sat at God’s throne every day.

Mary is the author of Jesus My Son: Mary's Journal of Jesus' Early Life

Mary’s View: Did Jesus Perform Miracles at Home?

 Did you ever wonder if Jesus performed miracles when he was living at home with his earthly family? John records Jesus’ first public miracle when he turned the water to wine at a wedding in Cana.

             

Why was this wedding so important to Mary that she would be concerned about the wine shortage? If she was a guest, she may have felt sorry for the bridegroom since it was a disgrace to run out of wine, but would she want Jesus to expose his abilities for some wine? The ceremony must have been extremely important to Mary for her to want Jesus to identify his ministry to these people over a wine shortage.

We know Jesus had brothers and sisters. We also know weddings were a very important event during Jesus time. Most would last for a week.

This particular wedding could have been one of Jesus’ brothers or sisters. Since it was of such value to Mary, perhaps it was the wedding of her youngest daughter. Jesus is believed to have been around 30, so Mary’s youngest daughter would have been around 12 or 13 which is the accepted age for Jewish girls to marry during Jesus’ time.

Mary simply said to Jesus, “They have no wine.” She didn’t ask him to do anything. She just made a statement. She knew Jesus would be concerned if the groom of his little sister was embarrassed at their wedding.

Jesus replied, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.”

Woman? Why would Jesus call his mother woman? Perhaps this was a term of endearment Jesus had used for Mary before. It almost implies he was teasing Mary. 

Mary wasn’t upset with the salutation because she turned to the servants and said, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

Mary knew without a doubt Jesus could fix the wine shortage. She didn’t ask him to do anything. She knew he would do it because she had seen him do so much more at their home in Nazareth.

He knew how important it was to his mother and little sister and he could not bear to disappoint them. His little sister was marrying the man of her dreams and he wanted the ceremony to be one she would remember forever. He may have also thought this was the last time he would see her.

By the power of two persuasive women, Jesus did perform the miracle and John was there to record it.

So did Jesus perform miracles at home? Mary would not have known Jesus could fix the wine shortage if she had not witnessed similar things at home.    

This miracle also reinforced to the six followers he had already chosen that he was indeed the Messiah with special powers. 

John writes about a lot of events the other disciples don’t mention. He knew of the importance of this miracle to show Jesus’ concern for his earthly family. To identify this as just a first miracle is an injustice to the relationship of Jesus and his family.  He performed this miracle for his little sister and his mother whom he deeply loved.

The Empty Nest: Through Her Eyes

Mary’s experience as a mother was not unlike the lives of mothers today. Despite her faith, as Jesus grew older, her fear and uncertainty became tangible.

“While writing in my journal today, tears fill my eyes as I slowly scan my house full of children. Everyone is here except Elizabeth. She is home with her husband and two little boys who are the delight of our lives. Thankfully, Elizabeth and Amos live close enough to visit often. It is heart warming to have young children in the house again.

Simon and his wife, Leah, have already reclined into the room Joseph and I shared for many years. Leah joined our family a few months ago and has already taken over many of the household tasks. She has been a blessing for me and my sons. My heart grows warm as I watch them enjoy each other’s company. By the gentle way they touch each other, I know they are as much in love as Joseph and I were.

Judas is here now, but he may leave any minute. He enjoys visiting his friends and only God knows what they are doing. I pray a lot for him. Every time he leaves the house, I utter a simple prayer for God to please bring him back safely.

My miracle child, Sarah, is sitting at the doorway hoping Joel may come for a visit any moment. Since she met the young boy at the well on his return trip to his hometown, Cana, she has done nothing but talk and think about him. Reminds me of my first encounter with Joseph.

I look around and see a house full of children, yet my heart feels empty. There is one missing. My first born son, Jesus, is not here. Physically, he is sitting outside under the big tree with a little bird perched on his shoulder, but he is no longer in my house. Since cousin John came to visit a few months ago to tell Jesus of the angel’s visit, Jesus has been with him. John said he was going to the Jordan to prepare the way for our Messiah. Since the first day I visited Elizabeth and her baby leaped in her womb, I knew this day would come, but never did I expect it to be so difficult.

Jesus has been my child for 30 years. Did my Lord really expect me to let him go like I never knew him? God should know it is impossible for a mother to ever stop loving a child.

God’s plan is for children to leave their mothers. Elizabeth left my house to live with a loving husband and the hope of a new and glorious life as a wife and mother. Jesus will be leaving with… well, I don’t know what.

I know the angel Gabriel promised me Jesus would inherit the throne of David and a kingdom. Joseph did not get to witness the kingdom we anticipated for our entire married life. I fear I may.

Dear God, the fulfillment of Your promise is my desire. I fear it is near and I must prepare my family for what is to be. Please give me the strength and wisdom I need. My dear God, You know I will comply with any plan You have for my life, but do You realize how hard it will be for me to give him back? For 30 years I have witnessed him grow in stature and in favor with all men, and in wisdom beyond man’s comprehension. 

Only You know what will happen to him. I pray I will be able to follow him in his journey and continue to record my version of his life. As always, I remain your bond servant to do your will.”

Mary Bailey is the author of “Jesus My Son: Mary’s Journal of Jesus’ Early Life.” For more information, visit www.jesusmyson.com.

The Christmas Story: Through Mary's Eyes

What do the 145 verses found in Matthew and Luke really tell us about the true Christmas story?

An in-depth look at Matthew’s story reveals facts Joseph would know:

·      Mary and Joseph were betrothed.

·      Mary was found to be with child.

·      Joseph planned to send her away secretly.

·      The angel appeared to Joseph.

·      He awoke and took Mary as his wife.

·      Jesus was born.

·      The Eastern Magi visit the couple.

·      An angel appears to Joseph who immediately takes his family to Egypt.

·      The family returned to Nazareth.

An in-depth look at Luke’s story reveals facts Mary would know:

·      Gabriel visited Zachariah announcing the birth of John the Baptist.

·      Gabriel visited Mary.

·      Mary hurried to visit Elizabeth.

·      John the Baptist was born.

·      Jesus was born.

·      The shepherds visited the stable.

·      Jesus was presented in the temple.

·      The family returned to Nazareth.

Are these men writing about the same birth? Aside from the family’s return to Nazareth, the only event that is the same is the birth of Christ,

Many educated men and organizations have tried to take this fact out of the reason for the Christmas season. But even the scripture shows us that all the other celebrations and events leading up to that miraculous event are not important. If we take the birth of Christ out of Christmas, we have no reason to celebrate. There is no holiday.

In the form of a tiny human baby, Mary gave us the greatest gift. Because of this gift, God gives us the ultimate gift of eternity.

When you receive gifts, do you leave them lying around unopened? Do they sit under the tree for years before you rip into the paper to see what is inside? So why do we not open the greatest gift we could possibly receive in our lifetime?

When we open the gift God wants to give us, we receive a new life; a life filled with peace and joy. The turmoil and anxiety created by the commercialization of the season disappear.

Because of Mary’s willingness to serve her Lord, this gift is always available. All we have to do is open it.

I pray you have a very blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with all the blessings God wants to give you.

Mary

Mary Bailey is the author of “Jesus My Son: Mary’s Journal of Jesus’ Early Life.” For more information, visit www.jesusmyson.com.

Jewish Customs: Through Mary's Eyes

Through her journal, Mary brings readers on a journey as she, Joseph and baby Jesus take part in many of the Jewish customs and ceremonies of today. As parents living under the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph were required to perform certain ceremonies. Although Jesus was God’s son, Mary never assumed her son might be exempt from these requirements:

“Evidently God wants His son to go through the same experiences and emotions as every other boy. Until I am aware of the requirements of a Messiah, I must treat him as an ordinary child.”

According to Jewish law, a male baby must be circumcised eight days after the birth. Since Mary would be considered unclean until after her purification ceremony, she could not participate, but could only imagine the scene:

“I can picture the priest taking Joseph’s strong steady hand and skillfully guiding it until the first few drops of precious blood were shed. The first tears of pain were also. At that time Joseph told the priest his name is Jesus… Today Jesus became an infant Jew; a son of the family of David.”

No more than 33 days after the circumcision, Jewish women must be purified from their bleeding through a cleansing ceremony in the temple:

“I dropped my offering into the huge trumpets… the incense floated into the blue morning sky. I am considered Levitically clean from my flow of blood; free of stain. What a wonderful feeling.”

After Mary’s cleansing, Jesus was presented in the temple for the redemption ceremony:

“The first-born child is, according to the Law of Moses, God’s property… the father must offer the male son to God.”

By the Law of Moses, the first-born male must be bought back from God through a sacrifice of an unblemished lamb. If the family could not afford a lamb, two doves would be acceptable. The entire day, Mary anticipated a more worthy sacrifice than the two doves they could afford.

“The unblemished lamb I had hoped would miraculously appear did not. With our 16 shekels we purchased two turtledoves… Apparently God did not agree with the importance I had placed on the item to be sacrificed.”

She and Joseph walked to the door of the Court of Women where, by law, Mary had to wait as Joseph took Jesus to the Gate of the Firstborn in the Court of Priests to present Jesus for the redemption ceremony:

“The priest examined our child and found him to be free of bodily blemishes. Joseph redeemed him with five shekels and two doves. Watching from a distance, I could only imagine the relief and pride on Joseph’s face.”

Mary obediently followed the Jewish customs because they were required by God. Although Jesus may have helped write most of these commands, Mary realized God expected his son to be treated as all other Jewish children. As an earthly son, Jesus participated in the same life experiences as children today.

Join Mary on her magnificent journey through the first 30 years of Jesus’ life in Jesus My Son: Mary’s Journal of Jesus’ Early Life, available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.