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Post by sog on Jan 29, 2018 20:54:38 GMT -6
After watching this video and the astounding numerological counts in it, I had to look at what the significance of the February 2nd day could possibly be. Really? Groundhog Day?! To me the most ridiculous secular holiday of them all. A rodent predicting the weather ?! This can’t be right. I decided to see if there is any Christian relevance to this day. After all, most Christian holidays have been made into a farce of their original intention. Christmas (the birth of Jesus) now equals a fat man in a red suit and flying reindeer giving out gifts. Easter (the death and resurrection of Jesus) now equals a pink fuzzy bunny giving out eggs and treats. Groundhog Day? This should be entertaining. To my surprise it does in fact have a Christian beginning. According to Jewish tradition, 40 days after birth, a new born was presented to the Temple and his mother, was ritually purified. According to scripture: Luke 2:29-32 “Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; because my eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: a light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” ...For Christians this was the Feast of Candlemas. The Feast of Candlemas is also known as the Feast of Christ’s Presentation in the Temple. It commemorates the day when 40 days after his birth, according to Jewish custom, Jesus Christ would have been brought to the Jerusalem Temple so that his mother could be ritually purified and he offered to God (with a sacrifice of “two turtle doves”!). In the biblical account of the Presentation, Jesus is proclaimed by the figure of Simeon as “the light to the Gentiles.” Hence, candles became symbolically associated with the feast, and a special blessing of candles and procession with them would take place on this day. Eventually secular symbolism once again turned this holy day into something else. www.ihmcatholicparish.org/february-2-groundhog-day-candlemas-feast-of-the-presentation-of-the-lord/I’m not sure what to make of this new information. First you have to accept that Dec 25th was truly the day of Christ’s birth and not earlier in September as some believe, and second that the current Gregorian calendar is most accurate. Either way I’m fascinated that this day Jesus was proclaimed “the light to the Gentiles” and that he was presented to the Temple this way. Is it possible that Jesus could again be presented to the Gentiles (his Church), at his Temple (symbolic Church), as the Light? Our salavation? |
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Post by witness1 on Jan 29, 2018 21:59:08 GMT -6
Wow. That is an amazing connection. VERY interesting!
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Post by witness1 on Jan 30, 2018 7:30:18 GMT -6
I have been thinking about the implications of this being a church/religious celebration and wondering when those were implemented and whom. Is this something the Catholic church began recently? If so that wouldn't carry much weight with me. But after looking into it more, there is a lot there! I have pasted some quotes from early church fathers below: 1) St. Ephrem the Syrian (A.D. 306-373), who wrote many hymns celebrating Christmas, observed Christmas on December 25th (Nativity Hymn III): This day is the first-born feast, which, being born the first, overcomes all feasts. In the winter which strips the fruit of the branches off from the barren vine, Fruit sprang up unto us; in the cold that bares all the trees, a shoot was green for us of the house of Jesse. In December when the seed is hidden in the earth, there sprouted forth from the Womb the Ear of Life. (NPNF II:13:p. 230) 2) In Ephrem’s Nativity Hymn IX recites a list of liturgical commemorations centered on the date of Christmas. The thirteenth verse confesses the observance of the Feast of the Presentation of Christ and the Purification of Mary as an annual liturgical event: The All-Purifier Firstborn in the day of His purifying,—purified the purification of the firstborn and was offered in the Temple:—the Lord of offering needed offerings,—to make offering of birds.—In His Birth were fulfilled the types,— in His purification and circumcision the allegories.—He came and paid over debts in His coming down;—in His Resurrection He went up and sent down treasures. (NPNF II:13: p. 262) 3) Notice also the focus in the Gelasian Sacramentary (oldest Manuscripts we have from A.D. 750) VIII. Prayer for the Purification of St. Mary February 2nd O God, Thy only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in substance of our flesh, which He assumed for us; May He now be present so that we might joyfully welcome His coming as our Redeemer, and in the same way welcome Him when we shall see Him in authority as the Judge; By the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. There is so much more here... take a look! steadfastlutherans.org/2014/01/redeeming-holy-days-candlemaspresentation/ |
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Post by sog on Jan 30, 2018 10:48:11 GMT -6
witness,
That is a great link. I had no idea how much importance there was to this day. Other than His Birth and His Death/Resurrection, could this day be the 3rd most significant? Maybe the most significant if it predicts his second coming.
I don't know, there are so many. But why such great attempts, and truly successful btw, by so many in history to obscure this day? Does anyone celebrate it anymore? It's been turned into perhaps the greatest farce holiday of them all. A rodent predicting the weather ! Why does this date have to be hidden from us? Obviously Satan is fearful of it.
Jesus was presented in the greatest Temple in the world as the Light of the world for all people, but not only that. He was foretold in Simeon's Prophecy as the coming Judge. That can't be overlooked. If you continue on after Luke 2:29-32...
33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
the fall? - Impending attacks?
and rising of many in Israel? - 144,000?
"A" sign which will be spoken against? - The great sign?
A sword will pierce through your own soul? - The judgement?
The thoughts of many hearts may be revealed? - Only God knows the hearts of man and whether they have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Maybe this day will pass and be just another sign along the way or maybe it will be the beginning of something truly remarkable. It's hard not to become overwhelmed with emotion these days. God Bless you all.
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Post by witness1 on Jan 30, 2018 11:02:27 GMT -6
Wow. I like your take on that verse as well as the speculation as to why the church has not celebrated this day. I thought to look at the Lutheran take on it because there was a young man in our college ministry whose father is a Lutheran pastor (priest?), and he always posts the coolest stuff on FB about things like this. The Lutherans, or some anyway, still observe so many days like this as reminders of God's story throughout the year, and my husband and I commented that we wished we had grown up observing some of these as well. Not that the days are to be worshiped, but set days to remember different aspects of salvation would point us to God in new and different ways. Your take on this verse likens to what I wrote this morning about Revelation 11:1-3, that the sword of truth will divide bone and marrow, separating those who draw near to the altar of God and those who do not. Like the day Moses drew a line in the sand and only the Levites crossed it, like the day of Pentecost in Acts where you had fire or didn't, the rapture will be a line where the thoughts of our hearts will be revealed. There are 2 options... you're taken or you're left. I find your posting this verse about a sword piercing the soul interesting in light of what I wrote this morning! It seems like God is saying something. I would appreciate your thoughts on my post if you get a chance! Read more: unsealed.boards.net/thread/1316/provocative-question?page=5#ixzz55gB2HG16 |
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Post by sog on Jan 31, 2018 21:51:02 GMT -6
I found this headline rather interesting in light of the upcoming Feb 2nd date: As Israel Celebrates Its 70th, 1948 Is Groundhog Day for Palestinians.www.haaretz.com/israel-news/as-israel-commemorates-its-70th-48-is-groundhog-day-for-palestinians-1.5762358I think the author of the article is trying to say history repeats itself for the Palestinians, as in Israel is winning again. Seemed to say a two-state peace settlement would be a concession by Palestinians. Interesting connection and reference to Groundhog Day. Coincidence? Message? I don’t know but rather than a groundhog, I think that the Lord’s judgement is drawing closer as Simeon prophesied at his presentation in the Temple. |
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Post by klb on Feb 1, 2018 10:48:28 GMT -6
On the Jewish calendar I found this link to February 2nd - just interesting and I've never heard of it. "Jewish History 17, Shevat Purim Saragossa (1421) A noxious plot was brewing against the Jewish community of Saragossa, but they were completely unaware of the looming danger. They were spared, however, thanks to a handful of synagogues beadles who acted on a dream they all had. The resulting salvation on the 17th of Shevat was celebrated by Saragossan Jews, and dubbed "Purim Saragossa." A Hebrew Megillah (scroll) was penned, describing the details of the miraculous story. To this day, this scroll is read in certain communities on Purim Saragossa." Edit to add link - www.chabad.org/calendar/view/day.asp?hdate=11/17 |
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Post by witness1 on Feb 1, 2018 12:16:49 GMT -6
This find, klb , shows me a link between the presentation of the body of Christ on the same day that Jews flee from looming danger. Whether these 2 events actually takes place on Feb 2 or not, it makes me think that the woman will flee to the wilderness in the Exekiel 38 war on the same day the body of Christ is presented in the temple. |
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Post by sog on Feb 1, 2018 13:28:11 GMT -6
On the Jewish calendar I found this link to February 2nd - just interesting and I've never heard of it. "Jewish History 17, Shevat Purim Saragossa (1421) A noxious plot was brewing against the Jewish community of Saragossa, but they were completely unaware of the looming danger. They were spared, however, thanks to a handful of synagogues beadles who acted on a dream they all had. The resulting salvation on the 17th of Shevat was celebrated by Saragossan Jews, and dubbed "Purim Saragossa." A Hebrew Megillah (scroll) was penned, describing the details of the miraculous story. To this day, this scroll is read in certain communities on Purim Saragossa." Edit to add link - www.chabad.org/calendar/view/day.asp?hdate=11/17klb, Great find ! I love history, because it is His Story. There is so much to be learned. I feel like an infant sometimes. Did you read the link to Psalms 83-87 under the Daily Study for that day? Read the short interpretation above each chapter as you are going through them. Seems very relevant for the discussion and times we are in. Chapter 83 A prayer regarding the wars against Israel in the days of Jehoshaphat, when the nations plotted against Israel. Chapter 84 In this psalm of prayers and entreaties, the psalmist mourns bitterly over the destruction of Temple from the depths of his heart, and speaks of the many blessings that will be realized upon its restoration. Fortunate is the one who trusts it will be rebuilt, and does not despair in the face of this long exile. Chapter 85 In this prayer, lamenting the long and bitter exile, the psalmist asks why this exile is longer than the previous ones, and implores God to quickly fulfill His promise to redeem us. Every individual should offer this psalm when in distress. Chapter 86 This psalm contains many prayers regarding David's troubles, and his enemies Doeg and Achitophel. It also includes many descriptions of God's praise. Every individual can offer this psalm when in distress. Chapter 87 Composed to be sung in the Holy Temple, this psalm praises the glory of Jerusalem, a city that produces many great scholars, eminent personalities, and persons of good deeds. It also speaks of the good that will occur in the Messianic era. I have always liked this one: 84:11. For better one day in Your courtyards than a thousand [elsewhere]. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God, than dwell [in comfort] in the tents of wickedness. |
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Post by klb on Feb 1, 2018 16:45:22 GMT -6
sog That is really amazing - I didn't get a chance to read through that before. Thanks!
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Post by sog on Feb 2, 2018 16:06:00 GMT -6
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Post by witness1 on Feb 2, 2018 19:34:54 GMT -6
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Post by sog on Feb 5, 2018 11:38:05 GMT -6
Yes, interesting this was the end of the fiscal year 2017, which ends at the end of the month of September. 7 days after the Great Sign. |
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