But at such a cost to Him. And to Joseph and Mary.

Luke 1:26-31; 2:22, 25-35

Mary as a virgin and as a mother — this lesson shows up glimpses of both “incarnations” of the mother of Jesus. Since this is a lengthy post featuring excerpts from several Christmas articles I have written over the years, here are the titles of them as they appear below:

  • A Virgin Is Chosen
  • The Testimonies of Simeon and Ana
  • Simeon, Anna, and Baby Jesus
  • Mary: Submissive, Joyful, Pondering
  • Simeon. Me.
  • Wonderful in His Birth

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Shouldn't people reap what they sow?!

Some folks live by a twisted Golden Rule that does to others as others have done to them.

It’s an easy trap to fall into, even for parents, missionaries, bishops, and school teachers.

When people plant bad seed by doing something against me, why should I not contribute to the bad harvest awaiting them?

And why should they not get what they deserve?

Where is the justice in the Golden Rule?

For reference, here is what Jesus said:

“And as ye would that men should do to you,
do ye also to them likewise.”

(Luke 6:31)

So…what’s so great about that? Why should I not do to others as they’ve already done to me? Continue reading

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