Let’s take a look at Josephus’ history of the Maccabees war against the Antiochus, the Greek ruler who defiled the Temple with the sacrifice of pigs on the altar. We know that our Lord Jesus Christ came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill the Law. It is also true that no one else has or can perfectly fulfill the law, but Him. To do so there had to be a Temple to fulfill that Law. “And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought Him up to Jerusalem, to present Him to the LORD (as is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb, shall be called holy to the LORD) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the LORD, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:22-25a
[If you’ve ever wondered where the two turtledoves came from in the song, “On the First day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pair tree (Him, because that bird is willing to sacrifice its life if necessary to protect its young by feigning injury to draw away predators), on the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me two turtle doves-then Old and New Testament– although I’d say it represents the required sacrifice for a firstborn child; three French hens stood for faith, hope and love; the four calling birds- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; five golden rings- The first five books of the Old Testament-the Torah; six geese a laying- Six days of creation; seven swans a swimming-Sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit-prophecy, serving, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership and mercy; eight maids a milking are the Eight Beatitudes; nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-charity, joy, peace, patience, forbearance, goodness, kindness, mildness, fidelity, modesty, continency, and chastity; 10 lords a leaping-10 commandments; 11 pipers piping, the eleven faithful apostles, 12 drummers drming symbolizes the twelve points of belief in the Apostles creed).
Luke 2:25b-38
“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death, before he saw the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit to the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning Him after the custim.of the law, then he received Him into his arms, and blessed God and said,
“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 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 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Anna Bears Witness to the Redeemer
Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”
Listen to Josephus Maccabees war Against Antiochus.m4a by James Stephens on #SoundCloud
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