n THE CARILLON STEINBACH, MAN. C12
n www.thecarillon.com THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024
C hristmas M essages
Light has dawned
MythBusters: Christmas edition
by Senior Pastor Andrew Dyck Stony Brook Fellowship, Steinbach I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your nativity set is wrong. Inaccurate. Unbiblical. That is, assuming the scene includes three wise men. Because when we look at the story of the birth of Jesus in the gospel of Matthew, we find a differ- ent account. If we are to let Scrip- ture teach us the truth, we need to bust some myths. Myth #1: The wise men in ques- tion were kings. This idea is made popular in the Christmas carol, “We Three Kings of Orient Are,” but there is no reason to believe it. “Magi” is a term that was originally used to describe a Persian priestly caste, and was later adopted to refer to any group of people who were ma- gicians and astrologers. Since the magi in Matthew were following a star, they were almost certainly as- trologers, not kings. Myth #2: There were three wise men. In reality, Matthew never specifies how many magi visited Je- sus, only that there were three gifts. It is highly likely that the travelling
group numbered more than three for safety reasons alone. Myth #3: The wise men met baby Jesus in the stable where He was born. Contrary to your nativity scene, the magi met Jesus well after his birth. Matthew tells us that they saw Jesus in a house (Mat. 2:11), not a stable. In addition, when Herod seeks to kill the child who is a threat to his throne, he targets all male children two years and younger, meaning it is entirely possible Jesus was as old as two when the magi vis- ited Him. So what can we be sure of when it comes to the story of the magi? What Scripture clearly emphasiz- es is that these wise men recog- nized Jesus as king, and were eager to worship Him. So eager, in fact, that when the star guided them to the location of Jesus, “they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Mat. 2:10). This Christmas, we are invited to respond to Jesus in the same way. He is the King of Kings, and our wor- ship of Him is the source of true joy; a joy that can pierce even the dark night of the soul. So come and adore Him, bow down before Him, and be overjoyed.
by Gary Dyck, Spiritual Care Provider Bethesda Regional Health Centre “T he people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2. Have you ever hiked in complete darkness and then experienced the dawn? It is amazing how much even a little light can keep us from stum- bling, losing our way or falling into a bear’s den. I’ve done all three. Approximately 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah gave several prophecies about a Messiah’s arrival that would change how we see ourselves and God. One of the first prophecies is found in Isaiah 9. It starts as a beautiful poem written in the past tense, but the prophet is de- scribing what the future will be like. It is a vision so real, so sure to come, so important that Isaiah talks about it as already done. The prophet saw it, he is telling everyone he knows about it and it is glorious. The prophecy took 700 years, but it gave hope to many who needed something to hold on to. Today every sunrise can remind us of this promise. Light comes to us slowly, it dawns on us until it is just right for living well. With this in mind, I want to personally thank all who donate to and sponsor Bethesda Foun- dation’s ‘Gifts of Light.’ The numerous Christmas trees and lights around the hospital and Bethes- da Place care home provide hope and comfort to those in a difficult season. Residents and patients alike love being able to see them shining brightly in the darkness. May God’s light dawn on you all this season!
Gary Dyck, Spiritual Health Provider Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Senior Pastor Andrew Dyck, Stony Brook Fellowship, Steinbach.
Phone: (204) 355-5040
Wishing all a Happy and Safe Holiday Season
M ay the Christmas Season bring only happiness and joy to you and your family.
The R.M. of Taché Council, LUD of Landmark, LUD of Lorette and staff
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! On behalf of the Hanover School Division, the Board of Trustees wishes you and your loved ones an enjoyable holiday season filled with joy and cherished moments.
Rural Municipality of Municipalité Rurale de TACHÉ
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