Rev. Jean's Bible Study

 Advent 4:  Luke 2:1-20  Mary pondered.    James Tissot While all those around her were busy being amazed, Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.  Do not be afraid…I am bringing you joy…to you is born a saviour…wrapped in swaddling cloths …peace on earth… glory to God... I think Mary also pondered Simeon's words when they dedicated Jesus in the temple:          And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him.  Then           Simeon  blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising       of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be       revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”    Luke 2:22-40 When Jesus was twelve and remained in the temple talking to the elder...

Advent 3:   Luke 1:46-56       photo by Ralph Milton I have a friend who was raised in apartheid South Africa.  She had British and Afrikaans heritage but was raised in the white English community.  As a young wife and mother she immigrated to Canada.  In Canada she learned more about the reality of South Africa than she ever did living there.  Her life was restricted to the ‘whites only’ part of the country limiting her geography and her culture.  Although it was much better to be in the ‘whites only’ part of the country, and not the ‘blacks only’ part, the white culture came with a large portion of patriarchy.  In Canada she realized that apartheid had limited her worldview, restricted her choices, taken away her opportunities.  I feel conflicted writing these words knowing that the lives of the blacks in South Africa were immeasurably more limited, restricted and taken away both physically and psychologically.  H...