Monday, April 18, 2011

Fun Monday - "It is Written"

Roger, of  A Screed in Time, is the creative Fun Monday host  for April. Roger has presented the Fun Monday participants with a schedule of intriguing topics for the fourth month of year. For Holy Week, Roger has asked us to share our favorite book of the Bible. Selecting one favorite book out of many profound writings is difficult. In the Old Testament, there is the book of steadfast Job, the adventure of Jonah, the bravery of David, and the love story of Ruth. However, my favorite books of the good book are the gospels, the books that tell us of the words and works of Jesus. My favorite passage from the gospels is Luke, the second chapter. I love hearing the imagery of the story of Jesus's birth, and for the Christmas story I love the old English words from the King James version. In addition to hearing the text in church for many Christmases, I remember a cherished moment of my mother reading Luke's version of the Christmas story on a Christmas Eve long ago.


Luke 2
 1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
 15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
 17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.


 Although difficult to follow, another favorite gospel passage is from Matthew 5:43-48. 

Love for Enemies
    43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

As you visit other Fun Monday participants, I hope that this Biblical reflection helps prepare your hearts for a meaningful Holy Week and a blessed Easter. 

8 comments:

Jan n Jer said...

I also love the Christmas Story! Can you imagine how harsh those times were!
You are right about the next one.."Love your enemies" that is very hard to do...to "Turn the other cheek" is hard to do when you have been hurt by someone! Great post Molly!

Sayre said...

This is my first Holy Week in many years and I am actually looking forward to it. I suppose it may be because I'm seeing it with the fresh eyes of my son because ALL of this is new to him. Having to explain my understanding of what is occurring is really making me think about things in a way I haven't in a long, long time.

Good Company said...

It's easy to love those who love you in return. I like the Savior reminding us that God makes the sun rise on the just and unjust, and the rain (or hard time) as well. Thanks!

Sayre: I'm excited you and your son :)

Living Life said...

I think I would have to agree with you that the Gospels are my favorite books in the Bible. I cherish every word.

Roger Miller said...

I love your selections and agree it is tough to narrow it down, which was my point in challenging y'all. As you can probably tell, it was such a challenge to me that I still haven't posted mine, and it's Wednesday already! Bad, Roger. :)

Thanks for participating this week, and I hope you come back for my final installment, next week. :)

Anonymous said...

Good job on those selections. The key is the second one. The two are one in the same.

Nessa said...

I think Love your neighbors is one of the most challenging challenges we can have.

Jill said...

that passage of luke is my favorite, too.