Tag: Hardmans

4. The Feast of the Holy Innocents

4. The Feast of the Holy Innocents

“When Herod realized that the wise men had deceived him, he flew into a rage and issued an order to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding area who were two years old or less, in accordance with the information that he had obtained from the wise men.” (Matthew 2:16)

The Martyrdom of St Stephen (Acts 6:1-8:3)

The Martyrdom of St Stephen (Acts 6:1-8:3)

The story of St Stephen’s martyrdom is found with the Acts of the Apostles. St Stephen was one of the Church’s first deacons and also, the first Christian to die for the faith. He helped to convert many new disciples, but his death also led to a great persecution of the Church. The Book of … Continue reading The Martyrdom of St Stephen (Acts 6:1-8:3)

<strong>The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27-31)</strong>

The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27-31)

After being brutally whipped, the gospels say that Christ was victimised in the governor’s headquarters by a group of Roman soldiers. (Matthew 27:27-31; Mark 15:16-20; John 19:2-5) This humiliation took place in front of the whole battalion. St Matthew’s gospel puts it this way: “They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after … Continue reading The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27-31)

The Prophet Daniel speaks of a royal coronation

The Prophet Daniel speaks of a royal coronation

18th December “I beheld approaching on the clouds of heaven one like a son of man. He came before the Ancient One and was presented to him. Dominion and glory and kingship were conferred upon him so that all peoples and nations of every language would become his servants.” (Daniel 7:13) Daniel was the fourth … Continue reading The Prophet Daniel speaks of a royal coronation

Zerubbabel, the chosen servant

Zerubbabel, the chosen servant

14th December “On that day, says the Lord of hosts, I will take you, Zerubbabel, my servant, son of Shealtiel, says the Lord, and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, says the Lord of hosts.” (Haggai 2:23) A new chapter of Christ’s family tree began with the birth … Continue reading Zerubbabel, the chosen servant

King Josiah, the religious reformer

King Josiah, the religious reformer

13th December“A son will be born to the house of David by the name of Josiah.” (1 Kings 13:2) Josiah may not be that widely known, but along with Hezekiah, he was one of Judah’s most saintly kings. Like Christ, his birth was prophesied hundreds of years beforehand (1 Kings 13:1-2). He brought religious reform … Continue reading King Josiah, the religious reformer

Bathsheba, the mother of King Solomon (1 Kings 1:1-2:19)

Bathsheba, the mother of King Solomon (1 Kings 1:1-2:19)

Bathsheba was a wife of King David and an ancestor of Christ. She had five sons with King David. The first died, but the next one, Solomon, became king of Israel (1 Chronicles 3:5; 29:28). Bathsheba is introduced in the Bible as the wife of Uriah, one of David’s best soldiers. King David slept with … Continue reading Bathsheba, the mother of King Solomon (1 Kings 1:1-2:19)