“At this point we should know that the heretical followers of Priscillian consider that every individual person is born under the influence of the stars. They claim in support of their error that a new star shone forth when the Lord appeared in a human body, a star which they believe influenced his destiny. But we must consider the words of the Gospel. It is said of the star, “Until it came to rest over the place where the child was” (Matt. 2:9). It was not the child who was drawn to the star, but the star to the child; if you allow me to say so, the star did not influence the destiny of the child, but the child influenced the destiny of the star by his appearance.” –Gregory the Great
Archive for the ‘festivals and holy days’ Category
On The Star
Monday, December 21st, 2009Stricken, Smitten & Afflicted
Friday, April 10th, 2009The Jewish calendar was full of feast days. Every Sabbath was a holy convocation when God’s people were given a day off to rest, worship and celebrate together (Lev. 23:3). They also enjoyed the three “pilgrim festivals” of Passover, Weeks and Tabernacles where at least the household representative would appear in Jerusalem but sometimes the whole family would make the trek. This is Old Covenant family vacation, road trips to remember.
Only once a year was Israel commanded to fast and afflict their souls on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:27). Many other occasional fasts took place for repentance, blessing, preparation, consecration etc, but only one calender fast existed. Many Christians turn this season of Lent into 40 days (minus Lord’s Days which are always feasts) of fasting and affliction, but this is a lop-sided expression of faith. The Church has come into her majority, and although we fast because the bridegroom has gone away, it makes no sense to fast more cyclically now than at any other time in history. The disciples fast frequently in the book of Acts always in preparation for mission or for other particular circumstances. (more…)
Preparing for Good Friday & Easter
Wednesday, April 8th, 2009As Good Friday and Easter are only a few days away, a number of people have asked and more are looking for what to read in preparation. Here are a few places to hit in the coming days:
- Genesis 3, the Fall
- Leviticus 16, the Day of Atonement
- Exodus 7-11, the plagues on Egypt culminating with Passover in chapter 12
- Is 53, the Suffering Servant
- Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, John 17-19, the plot to kill Jesus, his prayer in Gethsemane, Passover with the disciples, betrayal and arrest, trial and crucifixion
- Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21, Jesus glorious resurrection
- Hebrews 8-10, the High Priesthood of Christ, redemption through is blood, a final sacrifice and full assurance
There are 25 chapters listed above, and five days until Easter (including today and Easter). So if you read five chapters a day at two minutes a chapter (one chapter is about one page, depending on your Bible), you’ll cover a good bit of Old Testament background, the crucifixion and resurrection in all four Gospels, plus some New Testament commentary.
