Matthew 1:1-17
1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,
3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram,
4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon,
5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse,
6 and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah,
7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Re Anhoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph,
8 and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah,
9 and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,
10 and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah,
11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor,
14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud,
15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob,
16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.
My Step Grandfather was an Episcopalian Orthodox Priest for 50 years. He used to say the definition of hell was going in a small car, on a long vacation, with the ones you Love.
When we speak of Romans 5 we have this:
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Indeed, indeed, indeed I am being flippant.
And yet when you read Luke 3, we find the Talmud which is combined with the Sadducean Council Records tells us Luke 3 is Mary's genealogy. Joseph was the catch, being descended from the Kings of the Davidic Line and Mary's family descended through Solomon's younger brother, Nathan.
We find Jesus did give wisdom from God and the Nazareth family blended in. And yet, we learn nothing of the grandparents of the Holy family. Not very auspicious of the grandparents. When Kosher allowed them to have the possibility of long life. And we learn about Sibling Rivalry goading Jesus forth. And Sibling Loyalty under Mom's direction to get Jesus home in the midst of Trouble. And running away during Good Friday.
Acts 1 Happens and the family reunites. Ok, pretty standard typical fare - from our posts.
And yet... we discover by hanging in there. By being sincere and real. By giving mercy. By enduring - Families reunite.
The Gospels tell us don't go one mile - go two.
The Gospels tell us to encourage, to hope, to be diligent. The Gospels tell us to expect the best. Give the best. The Gospels are bold enough to say only accept the best.
Abba, our Father, Who is Almighty God Himself,
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
The Gospels tell us to fill our mind and soul with Hope.
Let us also recall to Love ourselves. Not as best, not as first, but in wisdom Jesus said let the dead bury their dead. Jesus said there is Chaff in the world.
Jesus said to present Hope and expect God to warm hearts.
Jesus said turn the other cheek. He might have meant walk away from petty fights.
It is in being Sincere with what is possible, that we find ourselves transcending and finding God doing the Impossible when we ourselves present Mercy.
Abba, it is no coincidence we find the Holidays begin and the long daylight quits. We find Jesus is the Light of the World. And in our love for Jesus and His love for us, we find a lot of love for the Wonderful Holidays. Sincerity brings enjoyment, Peace, Love and Joy.
We find ourselves blessed of God this Thanksgiving and pray you find yourself as well.
May Jesus bless our Loved ones with His love. Blessings of the Christ for the People He has given us. The Love of Christ prevail and triumph finding Faith is greater than difficulty. Joy is renewing each day.
God's Blessings upon us, in Jesus we pray. Amen.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves †
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