A Bundle of Joy ... 12/22/2013 Sunday School Lesson

Samuel . I Samuel . Elkanah . Shiloh . Numbers 6 . Zebulun . Naphtali . Isaiah 9 . Micah 5 . Psalm/Tehillim 18 . Promises . Galatians 4 . Luke 2 . decree . Caesar Augustus . Cyrenius . lineage of David . swaddling clothes . manager . Mary . Joseph . Christ the Lord . heavenly host - praising God . Mary - kept all these things in her heart . Joseph . Moses . Speak . Aaron . children of Israel . Jordan . Galilee . Nations . Nazareth . Judaea . Bethlehem . Sunday School Lesson

The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Luke 2:1-17 (Devotional Reading: Galatians 4:1-7; Background Scripture: Luke 2:1-10) for December 22, 2013.


Samuel & I Samuel ... Samuel is the most important character in the opening portion. ... In the Talmud, Samuel is stated to have written the books that bear his name, also Ruth & Judges. ... I Samuel 1-12, the history of Samuel until he retires from his position as judge, Eli's history being narrated so far as connected with that of Samuel.

Talmud )'doctrine,; from the Hebrew word "to learn") is a large collection of writings, containing a full account of the civil & religious laws of the Jews).

Numbers 6 ... Numbers (history of the Israelites from the time of their leaving Sinai, in the 2nd year after the exodus). ... The preparations for the departure from Sinai (Numbers 1:1-10:10).

Elkanah (God created), father of Samuel.

Shiloh (place of rest), a city of Ephraim, surrounded by mountains, now desolate ruins, with remains of a synagogue.

Zebulun or Zabulon

Naphtali (struggle for)

Isaiah 9 ... Isaiah 7-12, prophecies belonging to the period of the Syro-Ephraimitish wars; the prophecy of Immanuel, & the downfall of the Assyrians.

Micah & Micah 5 ... shortened form of Micaiah (who is like Jehovah?) ... A prophet, a native of Moresheth, a little town in the maritime plain, a dependency of Gath. ... Micah 3-5, a vivid description of the sinfulness of the leaders of the people, the destruction of Jerusalem, the future restoration of the people, ^ the glorious reign of the Messianic King.

Psalm/Tehillim 18 ... 'Sepher Tehillim,' Hebrew title of this treasury of "prayer, praise, & adoration" the Book of Praises. ... Psalm of Gratitude: For mercies shown to the psalmist. Psalm of Adoration: Of God's goodness & mercy & Of God's power, majesty, & glory.

Promises: Victory Over Enemies & Trouble & Whosoever Will May Be Saved

Galatians 4 ... The Gospel Explained & Exemplified (Galatians 3:1-4:31) ... the gospel as superseding the law (Galatians 3:1-4:31). Legal ordinances have been superseded by faith in Jesus Christ. ... Galatia, Roman province of Asia Minor (Turkey).

decree ... an opinion or judgment, an opinion expressed with authority, a doctrine, ordinance.

Caesar, Roman emperor, Augustus

Cyrenius, Greek form of 'Quirinus,' governor of Syria

swaddling-clothes ... signifies to wrap in swaddling-clothes

manager ... a stall, the stall or crib

lineage of David - David (beloved), king, son of Jesse ... God promises to him ... the progenitor (an ancestor in the direct line - a biologically ancestral form) of Christ, & prophecies connected with.

Luke 2 .., The birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 2:1-7) ... Bethlehem (home of Ruth & Boaz - birthplace of David King of Israel Luke 2:1-10). ... The angels (Luke 2:8-20) ... Augustus taxeth the Roman empire. Christ's nativity.


Luke 2:1-17

Verses 1-5

Verses 1,2,3 ... Civil & Social Life; The Body Politic; Taking the Census

Verses 4,5 ... Jesus Christ (Yeshua); Genealogy, Birth, & Early Life; As Recorded by Luke

(Luke 3:1; John 6:35 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)

Verses 6-12

Verses 6,7 ... Jesus Christ; Genealogy, Birth, & Early Life; As Recorded by Luke

Verse 8 ... Industrial Employments & Products; Care of Live Stock; Shepherds, The Shepherds of Bethlehem

Verse 9 ... Angels; Good Angels; Terror At

Verses 10,11 ... Jesus Christ; Offices Of Christ; Our Saviour

Verse 12 ... Jesus Christ; Genealogy, Birth, & Early Life; Christ Visited by the Wise Men & the Shepherds


Bibles in English and Spanish, Christian Books in English and Spanish of Birth of Jesus in Bethelehem, Luke 2 in English and Spanish, Matthew 2 in English and Spanish, The Wise Men and the Shepherds in English and Spanish



(Isaiah 25:9; 33:22; I Corinthians 8:6)


Verses 13-17

Verse 13 ... Duties To God; Praise; Praise Due from All, From All in Heaven

Verse 14 ... Duties To God; Praise; Doxologies (expression of praise to God)



Spanish Christian Praise Music, African American Christian Praise Music, Christian Praise Music, Gospel Praise Music




Verses 15,16 ... Jesus Christ; Genealogy, Birth, & Early Life; Christ Visited by the Wise Men & the Shepherds

Verse 17 ... Jesus Christ; Genealogy, Birth, & Early Life; Fame Among the People

(Luke 2:13; Matthew 28:16-20)


Monday - December 16, 2013 - A Child Dedicated to the Lord - I Samuel 1:21-28

Samuel (I Samuel 1) Samuel & the Nazarite Vow


Tuesday - December 17, 2013 - Blessing the Children of Israel - Numbers 6:22-27


Wednesday - December 18, 2013 - Hope for the Coming One - Isaiah 9:1-5


Thursday - December 19, 2013 - A Ruler from Bethlehem & Judah - Micah 5:1-5


Friday - December 20, 2013 - God's Blessing on David's Descendants - Psalm 18:46-50


Saturday - December 21, 2013 - The Fulness of Time - Galatians 4:1-7


Sunday - December 22, 2013 - The Birth of Jesus (Yeshua) in Bethlehem - Luke 2:1-17


Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, Vine's Expository Dictionary of O.T. & N.T. Words, Zondervan Bible Commentary & Merriam Webster's Deluxe Dictionary 10th Collegiate Edition

The Wise Men . East . Worship Plan ... 12/25/1988 Sermon

The Wise Men from the East & Their Worship Plan: 12-25-1988 Sermon

Jesus/Yeshua . Bethlehem . Judea . Herod the king . wise men . east . Jerusalem . King of the Jews . Worship . Matthew 2:1.2


Wise Men ... The Magi of Eastern sages who came to homage to the new-born King-Messiah, belonged to a castle of Persian notables which embraced philosophers & priests (Matthew 2:1,2).

Worship ... An act of homage or reverence - paid to God. To praise: direct acknowledgement to God, of HIS nature, attributes, ways, & claims, whether by the outgoing of the heart in praise & thanksgiving or by deed in such acknowledgement.

Jesus ("Joshua" meaning 'Jehovah is Salvation'), the Saviour. Given to the Son of God in Incarnation as HIS personal name in obedience to the command of the angel to Joseph, the husband of HIS Mother, Mary, shortly before HE was born (Matthew 1:21).



This sermon was preached by one of my former Pastors' on Christmas Day in 1988, at my home Church.


Matthew 2:1,2

The Visit of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12)

Verse 1 ... Now when ... Jesus (Daniel 9:24; Luke 2:4) ... was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men ... from (I Kings 4:30; Isaiah 11:10) ... the east to Jerusalem.

Verse 2 ... Saying, ... Where (Luke 2:11) ... is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his ... star (Numbers 24:17; Isaiah 60:3) ... in the east, & are come to worship him.

Matthew 2:2 (Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 9:9; Numbers 24:17)


Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Special Arrangement New Testament, Vine's Expository Dictionary of O.T. & N.T. Words & Zondervan Bible Commentary

God Sends Jesus: Opening the Way ... 12/15/13

Luke 1;3;7 . Matthew 3 . Circumcise . Writing Table . Praised God . Lord . 15th year . Tiberius . Pilate . Herod . Philip . Trachonitis . Annas . Wilderness . Jordan . baptism - repentance - remission of sins . Esaias . Publicans . Soliders . Spirit of God - Dove . Prepare the Way . Elisabeth's full time - son . Great Mercy . Rejoiced . Zacharias . (Prophecy - Prophesy) . Lord God of Israel . Horn . David . Holiness & Righteousness . Salvation . Light - Guide . Promises: Luke 1:71,74; Luke 1:77


The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Luke 1:57-58, 67-79 (Background Scripture: Luke 1:57-80; Devotional Reading: Luke 1:59-66) for 12/15/2013.


Circumcise ... Genesis/Bereshith 17:1 cut foreskin ... Philippians 3:5 circumcise the 8th day.

15th year - #15 ... Luke 3:1, where Luke dates the reign of Tiberas from the period of his rule with Augustus.

Tiberius, the Roman emperor.

Pilate, Pontius, governor of Judea.

Herod, reproved by John the Baptist, imprisons him.

Trachonitis, a region east of Jordan; one of the Roman provinces into which it was divided.

Annas, Grecized form of 'Hanan,; high priest.

Jordan (stream), important river of Palestine/Then - Holy Land/Now is the Jordan. Modern name of the river is 'Esh Sheriah,; "the watering-place." John baptizes there.

Baptism of John (Luke 3)

Baptism of Repentance (Luke 3:3) ... Blood shed for Remission of sins (Matthew 26:28)

Esaias/Isaiah (the salvation of Jehovah), prophet.

Publicans (some believe in Jesus/Yeshua) . By a decree of Caesar the taxes of Judea were levied by publicans in Judea & paid directly to the national government, the officials being appointed by the provincial officers.

Soliders, admonition to (Luke 3:14); demanded, And what shall we do? (Luke 3:14).

Dove, an emblem of the Holy Spirit, of peace, purity, & affection. (Holy Spirit in form of - descending like a dove).

Holy Ghost (Luke 3:16), baptize with Holy Ghost.

Prophecy, God author of; gift of Christ; of Holy Ghost; how to be received; false - how tested (Scriptures from Old & New Testament)

Prophesy, we prophesy in part (I Corinthians 13:9).

Promises: (Luke 1:71,74) The Lord's Love & Care for HIS Children; (Luke 1:77) Pardon for Sins & Iniquities.


Luke 1:57-58,67-79

Verses 57,58

Verse 57 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Forerunner; John's Birth, Early Life, & Ministry ... Miracles; Supernatural Bodily Gifts & Deprivations; Gift of Children

Verse 58 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Forerunner; John's Birth, Early Life, & Ministry

(Luke 1:59-66 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)



Christian Books of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ birth, early life and Ministry




Verses 67-71

Verse 67 ... Mediums & Methods of Revelation; The Qualifications Of A Prophet; He Must Be Inspired

Verses 68,69,70 ... Duties to God; Thanksgiving; Thanksgiving for Christ & HIS Salvation

(Psalm 18:2; 89:24; 132:17; 148:14)



Writing Table, Desk, Journals, Composition Books, Copier Paper, Laser Copier Paper, Paper Supplies, Office Supplies, Labtop, Tablet, iPad, iPod, Cellphones,

Verses 72-79

Verses 72,73 ... Jesus Christ; Prophecies Concerning Christ; Descent

Verses 74,75 ... Duties To God; Prayer; Objects of Prayer, Deliverance from Enemies

Verse 76 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Ministry; Christ's Reception by Men, Regarded as a Prophet ... Man Redeemed; Repentance; Nature of True Repentance, An Apprehension of God's Mercy in Christ

Verse 77 ... Man Redeemed; Blessedness of The New Life; Assurance of the Divine Favour ... Man Redeemed; Repentance; Nature of True Repentance, An Apprehension of God's Mercy in Christ

Verse 78 ... Jesus Christ; Figurative Characters Of Christ; The Light of the World ... Man Redeemed; Repentance; Nature of True Repentance, An Apprehension of God's Mercy in Christ

Verse 79 ... Jesus Christ; Figurative Characters Of Christ; The Light of the World

(Genesis 15:13,18; Exodus 7:1; Malachi 4:2; Luke 1:46-56)


Monday - December 9, 2013 - What Will This Child Become? - Luke 1:59-66

The nativity of John ... The birth & circumcision of John (Luke 1:57-80)


Tuesday - December 10, 2013 - John's Call to Repentance - Luke 3:1-6

John's preaching & baptism (Luke 3:1-14) ... The Ministry of John (Luke 3:1-20)


Wednesday - December 11, 2013 - What, Then, Should We Do? - Luke 3:7-14


Thursday - December 12, 2013 - One More Powerful than John - Luke 3:15-20

John's testimony of Christ.


Friday - December 13, 2013 - The Baptizer of Jesus - Matthew 3:13-17

Christ baptized by John in Jordan ... The Baptism of Jesus.


Saturday - December 14, 2013 - A Prophet & More - Luke 7:18-27

Christ raiseth from death the widow's son at Nain; answereth John's messengers with the declaration of HIS miracles: testifieth to the people what opinion HE held of John (Luke 7:11-29) ... The enquiry of John the Baptist (Luke 7:18-35)


Sunday - December 15, 2013 - A Prophet of the Most High - Luke 1:57-58,67-79

The nativity of John. Zacharias' prophecy. ... The birth & circumcision of John (Luke 1:57-80)


Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, Vine's Expository Dictionary of O.T. 7 N.T. Words & Zondervan's Bible Commentary

Jubilant! ... 12/8/13 Sunday School Lesson

Hannah . prayed . Lord . Horn . Promises . I Samuel . Samuel . Psalm/Tehillim . Abimelech . angel of the Lord . Praise . Redemption . Wisdom . God of Jacob . Zion . Luke 1 . Mary . magnified . God my Saviour . Israel . Abraham . John . Nazarite . Sunday School Lesson


The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Luke 1:46-56 (Devotional Reading: Psalm 111; Background Scripture: Luke 1:46-56).

Hannah (grace), her vow & prayer (I Samuel 1:19); song of (I Samuel 2).

Horn ... used metaphorically to signify strength & honor, as a type of victory.

Promises: I Samuel 2:2b (Victory Over Enemies & Trouble); I Samuel 2:6; Psalm/Tehillim 146:8; 146:9 (Health & Healing); I Samuel 2:9; Psalm/Tehillim 103:13 (The Lord's Love & Care for HIS Children . The Upright are Blessed & Prospered); Psalm 34:7 (The Upright are Blessed & Prospered); Psalm/Tehillim 34:8; 111:5; 146:7 (Food Provided for the Lord's Children) .. Healing comes in various ways - Prosperity does not always mean material items or money.

Abimelech or Achish (serpent?), King of Gath ... Gath (a wine-press), Goliath of (I Samuel 17:4).

Praise, God worthy of.

Wisdom, given by God. Fear of the Lord - Wisdom - Understanding.

Zion or Sion (dry place), southwestern hill of Jerusalem, surrounded on all sides except the north deep valleys

Nazarites, law of (Numbers 6)


Luke 1:46-56

Verses 46-48

Verses 46,47 ... Duties To God; Praise; Praise Due To God

Verse 47 (Habakkuk 3:18)

Verse 48 ... Idolatry & Superstition; Adoration of Saints; The Virgin Mary

(I Samuel 2:1-10; Exodus 15:20-21 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)



Christian Praise Music, Gospel Music, Spanish Christian Praise Music, and African American Praise Gospel Music




Christian Books on Hannah the mother of Samuel and Mary the mother of Jesus and Elisabeth the mother of John the Baptist




Verses 49-52

Verse 49 ... Idolatry & Superstition; Adoration of Saints; The Virgin Mary

Verse 49 (Psalm 111:9)

Verse 50 ... Duties To God; Fear; Blessedness of Fearing God

Verse 51 ... Fallen Man; Sins of The Spirit, & Against Ourselves; Pride, Its Hatefulness

Verse 52 ... Works of God; God's Providence In Man's Temporal Affairs; Sends Changes of Fortune

(Leviticus 11:44-45; I Peter 1:15,16; Isaiah 57:15)

Verses 53-56 (Luke 1-2; Luke 1:68-79; I Samuel 2:1-10)

Verse 53 ... Works Of God; God's Providence In Man's Temporal Affairs; Sends Changes of Fortune

Verses 54-55 ... Jesus Christ; Prophecies Concerning Christ; Descent (Birth, Lineage; fact of originating from an ancestral stock; one generation in an ancestral line or genealogical scale; Decline - descent of the family to actual poverty) ... Jesus/Yeshua is Rich over all - but became lowly - humble.

Verse 56 ... Civil & Social Life; Manners & Customs; Visiting & Returning Home

(Romans 1:28)



Monday - December 2, 2013 - My Heart Exults in the Lord - I Samuel 2:1-10

Hannah's song in thankfulness to God.


Tuesday - December 3, 2013 - O Magnify the Lord with Me - Psalm 34:1-8

David praises God, & exhorts others thereto by his experience. They blessed who trust in God.


Wednesday - December 4, 2013 - Give Thanks to the Lord - Psalm 100

Exhortation to praise the Lord. Praise - sing - all ye lands (HIS Gates - HIS Courts = Temple)


Thursday - December 5, 2013 - Bless the Compassionate Lord - Psalm 103:13-22

Exhortation to bless God for HIS Mercy. ... Mercy of the Lord - unto Children;s Children - HIS Covenant - HIS Commandments


Friday - December 6, 2013 - Praise the Gracious & Merciful Lord - Psalm 111

The psalmist incites to praise God.


Saturday - December 7, 2013 - The Lord Reigns for ALL Generations - Psalm 146

God is only worthy to be trusted.


Sunday - December 8, 2013 - God Has Done Great Things - Luke 1:46-56

Luke 1:46,57-60 ... The Magnificat form of a beautiful lyrical poem uttered by a Jewish peasant girl whose cultural background was the O.T. writings. The main source where she draws her song is song of Hannah (I Samuel 2:1-10) ... Elisabeth's baby is born soon after Mary's departure. Elizabeth announces his name is to be John, the father receives again the power of speech, after giving signs of consents.

I Samuel 1:9-2:11 ... Hannah's prayer for a son answered.


Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, KJV Special Arrangement N.T. Bible, Vine's Expository Dictionary of O.T. & N.T. Words, & Merriam's Webster Deluxe Dictionary 10th Collegiate Edition

2 of 2 ... Surprised & Expectant ... 12/1/13 Sunday School Lesson

Luke 1:26-30 . Matthew 1 . highly favored - blessed are thou among women . Luke 1:26 (Nazareth) . Immanuel . Matthew 1:20,21,25 . Sunday School Lesson

Before going on to next week's lesson, I thought that I needed to go back and look over these issues, after being in Sunday School.

I make notes in my Sunday School Book as I read/study and then also have notes on paper attached to my Sunday School Book for Church, so I won't forget. But I am not the Sunday School Teacher, I will assist.

favour, favoured ... kindness (Luke 1:30)

highly favored ("endued with grace") Luke 1:28. Favour may be deserved or granted.


Nazareth ... From the summit above the village one looks south across the extensive plain of Esdra-elon, west to Mount Carmel on the Mediterranean coast, east to nearby Mount Tabor, & north to snow-capped Mount Hermon.

Immanuel ... significance of the child's birth (JESUS), not HIS name.


Luke, the beloved physician, companion of the apostle Paul.

Gospel according to Luke ... Luke was probably a Syrian of Antioch, & may have been converted by the apostle Paul.

Luke wrote for the whole world, whether Jew or Gentile, but especially for Greeks, as Matthew for Jews.

Begins with the promise of the forerunner & ends with the ascending Saviour's blessing & HIS disciples continual joy.

Mathew 1:18,20,21,25

Mary was pregnant with child by the Holy Ghost - Divine Intervention. She knew no man - no man had touched her.

the angel of the Lord appeared unto Joseph in a dream assuring him that Mary's conception was of the Holy Ghost - Divine.

Matthew 1:21 ... Pardon for Sins & Iniquities.


Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, Vine's Expository Dictionary of O.T. & N.T. Words & Zondervan's Bible Commentary