From Beliefnet.com:
Advent Prayer, Day 14: Giving It All AwaySaturday December 12, 2009
Categories: Advent, Advent Prayer, Bible, Jesus
By Claudia Mair Burney
Saturday, the second week of Advent
"A certain ruler asked him, 'Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.' He replied, 'I have kept all these since my youth.' When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "There is still one thing lacking. Sell all you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come follow me.' But when he heard this, he became sad, because he was very rich." Luke 18:18-23 NRSV
What does the man who has everything need? How about a reality check from Jesus? Perhaps the wealthy man, with such an impressive spiritual resume, only asked his question to put any nagging doubts about his eternal destiny to rest. But Jesus has a way of taking issue with whatever we believe about our spiritual progress. The man's first clue that Jesus would challenge him to his core should have been the "no one is good" comment. By the time he realized he had to give up everything before he could even begin to be a disciple, he'd grown discouraged enough to wonder if anyone could be saved.
My Inheritance and Reward,
I understand how the rich man felt; you often surprise me with how much you want: all of me! I'm grateful that you knew this kind of surrender. You are far richer than this man, yet you came to the tiny planet you'd made, knowing you'd die at the hands of your own creation. You gave your all, Jesus. I want to give my whole self to you, but without your enabling grace, this level of submissiveness is impossible. Please Lord, help me to see all the ways humility, discipleship, compassion, and social justice are connected. Then I can truly be the servant you want me to be, instead merely deluding myself into thinking I'm good enough to save myself by my own works.
"Come, Lord Jesus."
Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/prayerplainandsimple/2009/12/advent-prayer-day-14-giving-it-all-away.html#ixzz17wwKwR20
Day Fourteen:
Wise Men on the Way
And by the light of that same star,
Three Wise Men came from country far
Who were the Magi, and what did they expect to find? Though we know little about these mysterious visitors, their quest resonates with everyone who is searching for spiritual meaning.
Who Were the Magi?
Bible passages and other ancient texts give us clues about who these astrologers and 'kingmakers' were.
BY: the Rev. Richard P. Bucher
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What are "Magi"?
The original Greek in Matthew 2 calls the men who came to visit Jesus
magoi
. The text reveals that they had the wealth and knowledge to travel and offer lavish gifts; they also had knowledge about the stars ("We have seen his star in the east..."). The only other occurrence of the Greek word
magos
is in Acts 13:6, where it is translated "magician," meaning one who practices sorcery. The Greek Old Testament has an occurrence of
magos
(Daniel 2:2), and there it also means "magician."
Fortunately, other ancient literature helps us to understand who the Magi were. From the Jewish historian Josephus, the Greek historian Herodotus, and the writings of Strabo, a clearer picture of the people called the Magi appears. The Magi first appear about the 7th century B.C. in the Median empire (
Herodotus
I, ci). At the time of the birth of Jesus, the Magi were an ancient priestly caste dwelling within the Parthian empire, a large area to the east of the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire. These priests practiced astrology, which at the time was a hybrid of astrology and what we now call astronomy.
They were adept at interpreting dreams (which we possibly get a flavor of in Daniel 2). At the time just prior to the birth of our Lord, the Magi formed the upper house of the Megistanes council, whose duties included the election of the king of the Parthian empire (
Strabo
, XI, ix, 3). Thus, the Magi at this time were possibly "kingmakers."
What scripture passages tell us about the Magi?
Only Matthew 2:1-18. Some Christians have thought that Isaiah 60:1-7 is a prophecy of the Wise Men since it speaks of kings coming to "the brightness of your rising" (60:3) and [bearing] gifts of "gold and frankincense" (60:6). Others have viewed Psalm 72:10 as referring to the Magi. However, since the New Testament doesn't identify these explicitly as prophecies of the Magi, we cannot be certain. Furthermore, Matthew is fond of telling his readers when an event in Jesus' life is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Therefore, the fact that Matthew doesn't do this in the case of the Magi is an argument against Isaiah 60:1-7 or Psalm 72:10 being Magi prophecies.
Were the Magi kings?
There is no conclusive evidence that they were kings, Isaiah 60:1-7 and favorite Christmas carols notwithstanding. However, as mentioned above, they might have been king
makers
. By the way, no early church father held the Magi to be kings.
How many Magi were there?
We don't know. Matthew 2:1-16 simply uses the plural. We know there were two or more. Christian art from the first centuries of the Church shows various numbers of Magi, ranging from 2 to 8.
Where did they come from?
The only thing we can say with certainty is "from the east" (Matthew 2:1). Our best knowledge is that members of the Magian priesthood lived east of the Roman Empire.
Did the Magi visit baby Jesus while He was still in the manger?
No. Matthew's Gospel clearly says that the Magi entered a house (2:11).
How old was Jesus when the Magi visited Him?
Several Bible passages help us make an educated guess. We know from Luke 2:21 that Jesus was circumcised at 8 days old. We also know from Luke 2:22-24 that when the 40 days of Mary's "uncleanness" had passed, [Mary and Joseph] presented Jesus, their firstborn son, in the temple in Jerusalem according to God's Law.
Herod asked the Magi when they had first seen the star (Matthew 2:7) and then later killed all of the male children in Bethlehem, age two and under (Matthew 2:16). Finally, the Magi came during the reign of King Herod, whom we know died in 4 BC.
On this basis we can lay out the following with a fair amount of certainty: (1) Jesus was between 41 days and 2 years old when the Magi arrived; (2) The magi had to have come
after
Jesus' presentation in the temple, that is, after Jesus was 40 days old. Why? Because Matthew's Gospel tells us that after the Magi departed, an angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt, since Herod would seek to kill Jesus. According to Scripture, Joseph left that very night and went to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15). This would have left no time or opportunity for the presentation in the temple.
Is the fact that Herod killed all Bethlehem boys age two and under evidence that Jesus was two? Not necessarily. First, the murder of these little ones does not necessarily mean the Magi told him that the star had appeared two years before. They could have told him a lesser number and ruthless Herod might have chosen the two years in order to "take no chances." Second, if the Magi did tell him that the star had appeared two years before, this also does not mean that Jesus was two. The star could have appeared before Jesus was born, giving the Magi advanced notice.
How did the Magi know that the new star they observed referred to the King of the Jews?
After the Babylonian exile (see II Kings 24-25), many Jews continued to live in the Persian empire. Thus, by the time of Christ's birth centuries later, the Hebrew religion would have long existed in the "east." This might explain how the Magi had knowledge of the Messiah, the King of the Jews.
It still does not fully explain, however, how the Magi knew to connect the star with the King of the Jews. However, given that it was
through a dream
that God warned the Magi to return to their homeland another way (Matthew 2:12), it is possible that it was through a dream that God communicated to them about the significance of the star.
Do we know the names of the Magi?
No. The Scriptures are silent on this. The traditional names, dating from about the seventh century A.D., are Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. This is the western tradition. Eastern Christians have other names.
What is the significance of the visit of the Magi?
The account of the Magi is rightly celebrated as an Epiphany of our Lord. In other words, the main significance of this account is that God wonderfully revealed the identity of Jesus as Messiah and King of the Jews to these Gentile Magi. It seems to be a wonderful fulfillment of Simeon's prophecy, that Jesus would be "a light of revelation to the Gentiles" (Luke 2:31).
How to Make Three Kings Cake
Recipes for versions of a popular Christmastime treat.
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Many European and Hispanic Christians celebrate the Christmas season--and specifically, the Wise Men's visit to Jesus--by making "Three King's Cake." Explore the recipes below to find a version that suits your taste. And don't forget to include a hidden symbol of the baby Jesus, like a dry bean, a whole almond, or a small crown made of golden tin foil. Whoever gets that slice of cake is said to be specially blessed!
Enjoy the cake now or keep it frozen until the real Ephiphany--January 6.
•Mexican King's Cake
•Spanish Epiphany Bread
•French King's Cake
•German King's Cake
Mexican King's Cake (La Rosca de Reyes)
Ingredients
•1/2 tablespoon active dry yeast
•2 tablespoons warm water (105-115 degrees)
•1/3 cup milk
•3 tablespoons sugar
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•3 tablespoons unsalted butter
•2-2 1/2 cups flour
•1 egg
•2 tablespoons golden raisins
•2 tablespoons chopped mixed candied fruit (e.g. figs, oranges, cherries, citrons), plus extra for decoration
•1 tablespoon chopped nuts or blanched almonds
•1 tablespoon sugar
•1 baby figurine
Glaze
•1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Directions
1. Dissolve yeast in warm water.
2. Set aside for 5 minutes.
3. Heat milk, sugar, salt, and butter to warm (105-115 degrees).
4. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, yeast mixture, milk mixture, and egg.
5. Mix thoroughly.
6. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
7. Knead on lightly floured surface about 10 minutes.
8. Place in greased bowl, turning to coat top.
9. Cover and let rise in a warm place until double - about 1 hour.
10. Lightly knead in raisins, candied fruit, and nuts.
11. Place in greased bowl, turning to coat top.
12. Cover and let rise in a warm place until double - about 45 minutes. (This is for the second time.)
13. Punch down dough and insert the baby figurine.
14. Shape a round loaf; make a 4-inch hole in center and push dough into a ring ("rosca") about 8 inches across.
15. Place on greased baking sheet.
16. Butter the outside of a 3 or 4-inch custard dish and set it in the hole.)
17. Let bread rise in warm place for 30 minutes.
18. Make either the glaze and brush on loaf
19. Press whole candied fruits and whole nuts on top
20. Sprinkle top with sugar.
Instead of the glaze, try this alternative:
Icing
•3 cups powdered sugar
•6 tablespoons butter
•2 tablespoons milk
•2 tablespoons vanilla
1. Mix all the icing ingredients together until fluffy and well blended.
2. Frost cooled loaves.
3. Decorate with different colored sugars or candied fruit.
Spanish Epiphany Bread
•Preheat oven to 180° C (350° F)
•Preparation time: under 30 minutes
•Waiting time: 15 + 90 + 90 minutes
•Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
•Cost: Moderate
•Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients
•450 g (3 c.) white flour
•75 g (1/3 c.) butter
•75 g (1/3 c.) sugar
•25 g (1 oz.) fresh yeast dissolved in 140 ml (1/2 c.) warm water
•2 tsp. lemon zest
•2 tsp. orange zest
•2 eggs + 1 egg white, well beaten
•1 tbsp. brandy
•1 tbsp. orange flower water
•A pinch of salt
•1 silver coin, china figurine, dry bean, or whole almond (your choice)
Decoration
•Large pieces of candied fruit
•Flaked almonds
•A silver coin or dry bean
Preparation
1. Place the flour and salt into a large bowl.
2. Make a well in the centre and pour in the dissolved yeast.
3. Gradually mix in the flour.
4. When the mixture is thick, sprinkle all over with flour and let rest for 15 minutes in a warm place.
5. Meanwhile, cream together the butter and sugar.
6. Mix the zests, brandy, orange flower water and the two eggs into the dough.
7. Knead until it becomes smooth.
8. Gradually mix in the butter, kneading constantly, until the dough becomes even smoother and more elastic.
9. Cover with greased paper and let rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes, until the dough has doubled in volume.
10. Place the dough on a floured surface.
11. Knead for 2 to 3 minutes.
12. Add in the silver coin, figurine, bean, or almond.
13. With your hands, roll the dough into a long sausage-shape, approximately 65 cm (2 feet) long and 13 cm (5") thick.
14. Place on a baking sheet, forming the dough into a circle.
15. Join the two ends by pinching the dough together.
16. Cover with greased paper and let rest another 90 minutes or until the dough has doubled in volume.
17. Brush the crown with the beaten egg white.
18. Decorate with the almonds and slices of candied fruit, pressing them down so that they stick to the dough.
19. Place into a 180° C (350° F) oven.
20. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bread is cooked and golden brown.
21. Place on a rack and let cool.
French King's Cake (Galette des Rois)
•Preheat oven to 180° C (350° F)
•Preparation time: 15 minutes
•Baking time: 20 minutes
•Cost: Reasonable
•Difficulty: Relatively easy
Ingredients
•250 g (9 oz.) puff pastry (made with butter)
•1 egg yolk mixed with a drop or two of water
•Almond paste
•One dry bean
Preparation
1. Divide the puff pastry in half.
2. Roll out to form two discs.
3. Place the first disc on a baking sheet.
4. Spread a layer of almond paste on top.
5. Place the bean inside.
6. Cover with the second circle of pastry.
7. Using a knife, create a decorative pattern on the top of the pastry.
8. Brush with the beaten egg yolk.
9. Bake at 180° C (350° F) for 20-25 minutes, until the top is nicely browned.
German Three King's Cake (Dreikönigskuchen)
Ingredients
•2 cups + 3 tbsp flour
•1.4 oz fresh yeast
•1/3 cup sugar
•1/4 cup + 1 tbsp lukewarm milk
•7 tbsp butter or margarine, melted
•1/2 tsp salt
•1 chopped lemon
•1/2 tsp cardamom
•2 eggs, 1 separated
•1/2 cup raisins, soaked in rum
•1 cup chopped, mixed, dried fruit
Frosting
•2 tbsp powdered sugar
•2 tbsp lemon juice
•1/2 cup red candied cherries, halved
Directions
Put 3/4 of all flour into a bowl, make a hole in the middle, put the yeast into it and mix it with a pinch of sugar and some of the lukewarm milk. Dust the mixture with flour, cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm place for 15 minutes. Add the melted butter, salt, lemon, cardamom, egg, egg white, remaining milk and flour to the flour and yeast mixture. Knead dough till smooth.
When the dough begins to form a ball, stir in raisins and mixed, dried fruit. Form dough into a log. Cut off 1/4 of the log, divide the 1/4 into 4 equal parts and form balls from each. Divide the remaining log into 4 parts and form balls from each.
Grease well a springform pan with a central tube. Place dough into the pan, alternating large and small dough balls. Cover the pan and let rise in a warm place. Brush the dough with the beaten yolk and place in pre-heated oven (350 degrees F) for approximately 30 minutes. Cool cake thoroughly before removing from pan.
Mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice to an icing consistency (not too liquid). Ice the cake and decorate with the candied cherries. In Germany, a small gold crown made of foil is placed in the middle of the cake.
German Three King's Cake (Dreikönigskuchen)
Ingredients
•2 cups + 3 tbsp flour
•1.4 oz fresh yeast
•1/3 cup sugar
•1/4 cup + 1 tbsp lukewarm milk
•7 tbsp butter or margarine, melted
•1/2 tsp salt
•1 chopped lemon
•1/2 tsp cardamom
•2 eggs, 1 separated
•1/2 cup raisins, soaked in rum
•1 cup chopped, mixed, dried fruit
Frosting
•2 tbsp powdered sugar
•2 tbsp lemon juice
•1/2 cup red candied cherries, halved
Directions
Put 3/4 of all flour into a bowl, make a hole in the middle, put the yeast into it and mix it with a pinch of sugar and some of the lukewarm milk. Dust the mixture with flour, cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm place for 15 minutes. Add the melted butter, salt, lemon, cardamom, egg, egg white, remaining milk and flour to the flour and yeast mixture. Knead dough till smooth.
When the dough begins to form a ball, stir in raisins and mixed, dried fruit. Form dough into a log. Cut off 1/4 of the log, divide the 1/4 into 4 equal parts and form balls from each. Divide the remaining log into 4 parts and form balls from each.
Grease well a springform pan with a central tube. Place dough into the pan, alternating large and small dough balls. Cover the pan and let rise in a warm place. Brush the dough with the beaten yolk and place in pre-heated oven (350 degrees F) for approximately 30 minutes. Cool cake thoroughly before removing from pan.
Mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice to an icing consistency (not too liquid). Ice the cake and decorate with the candied cherries. In Germany, a small gold crown made of foil is placed in the middle of the cake.
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