(December 12, 2023) Richard Winter challenges…

It’s the Christmas season… many stores are playing carols, advertising specials, sales increasing through the selling of Christmas gifts or seasonal tucker.

Churches are preparing, or have already prepared, expected Christmastime presentations centring on God’s greatest gift – the birth of His Son Jesus who would redeem the world from sin freeing people from guilt and eternal punishment when they genuinely repent and accept Christ as Saviour… and freedom from Satan’s clutches.

Our attention will be on that special day regarded as when Jesus came into the world – but let me remind about some other interesting, important happenings linked with God’s great gift…

• Jesus and His parents participated in three traditional Jewish ceremonies –

(i) Circumcision
Every new-born Jewish male was circumcised: So scared a rite that the day was controlled… eight days after birth and on this day the name was officially given.

When pregnancies are confirmed we usually choose birth names. Sometimes it’s not until enroute to the hospital on the day of birth. Or in the hospital after the birth… but Mary the chosen young virgin was given Jesus’ name by the angel Gabriel way before she conceived!

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