Saturday 26 January 2013

Birth Of Jesus Story

Source(Google.com.pk)
Birth Of Jesus Story  Biography
Think of a widely known event in your country's history. It is well documented, written up by more than one historian. Now, what if someone told you that this event had never happened, that it was all a myth? Or, bringing the matter closer to home, what if someone claimed that much of what your family had told you about your own grandfather's birth and early life is false? In either case, the very suggestion might make you indignant. Surely you would not accept such claims at mere face value!
Yet, critics today commonly dismiss the Gospel records of Jesus' birth by Matthew and Luke. They say that these accounts are hopelessly contradictory and irreconcilable and that both contain blatant falsehoods and historical blunders. Could that be true? Instead of accepting such charges, let us examine the Gospel records for ourselves. In the process, let us see what they have to teach us today.
Purpose in Writing
At the outset it helps to remember the purpose of these Biblical accounts. They are not biographies; they are Gospels. The distinction is important. In a biography, the author may fill hundreds of pages, endeavoring to show how his subject developed into the figure that is so well-known. Thus, some biographies spend scores of pages detailing the parentage, birth, and childhood of their subjects. With the Gospels, it is different. Of the four Gospel records, Matthew's and Luke's are the only two that tell of Jesus' birth and childhood. Their aim, however, is not to show how Jesus developed into the man he did. Remember, Jesus' followers recognized that he had existed as a spirit creature before he ever came to the earth. (John 8:23, 58) So Matthew and Luke did not draw on Jesus' childhood in order to explain what kind of man he became. Rather, they related incidents that suited the purpose of their Gospels.
And what was their purpose in writing them? The word "gospel" means "good news." Both men had the same message--that Jesus is the promised Messiah, or Christ; that he died for mankind's sins; and that he was resurrected to heaven. But the two writers had markedly different backgrounds and wrote for different audiences. Matthew, a tax collector, shaped his account for a largely Jewish audience. Luke, a physician, wrote to the "most excellent Theophilus"--who possibly had some high position--and, by extension, to a broader audience of Jews and Gentiles. (Luke 1:1-3) Each writer selected incidents that were most relevant to and most likely to convince his particular audience. Thus, Matthew's record stresses the Hebrew Scripture prophecies that were fulfilled in connection with Jesus. Luke, on the other hand, follows the more classic historical approach that his non-Jewish audience might have recognized.
Not surprisingly, their accounts differ. But the two do not, as critics claim, contradict each other. They complement each other, dovetailing nicely to form a more complete picture.
Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem
Matthew and Luke both record an outstanding miracle concerning the birth of Jesus--he was born of a virgin. Matthew shows that this miracle fulfilled a prophecy uttered centuries before by Isaiah. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22, 23) Luke explains that Jesus was born in Bethlehem because a registration instituted by Caesar forced Joseph and Mary to travel there. ("Was Luke in Error?") That Jesus was born in Bethlehem was significant. Centuries earlier, the prophet Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be from this seemingly insignificant town near Jerusalem.--Micah 5:2.
The night of Jesus' birth has become famous as the basis for Nativity scenes. However, the real story is quite different from the one so often depicted. Historian Luke, who tells us of the census that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, also tells us of the shepherds' spending that important night out-of-doors with their flocks. These two circumstances have led many Bible researchers to conclude that Jesus could not have been born during December. They point out the unlikelihood of Caesar's forcing the volatile Jews to trek to their home cities during the cold and rainy season, which could further enrage a rebellious people. It is equally unlikely, scholars note, that shepherds would have been living out-of-doors with their flocks in such inclement weather.--Luke 2:8-14.
Note that Jehovah chose to announce the birth of his Son, not to the educated and influential religious leaders of the day, but to rugged laborers living out-of-doors. The scribes and Pharisees likely had little to do with shepherds, whose irregular hours kept them from observing some details of the oral law. But God favored these humble, faithful men with a great honor--a delegation of angels informed them that the Messiah, whom God's people had been awaiting for thousands of years, had just been born in Bethlehem. It was these men, and not the "three kings" so often represented in Nativity scenes, who visited Mary and Joseph and beheld this innocent baby lying in a manger.--Luke 2:15-20.
Jehovah Favors Humble Seekers of Truth
God favors humble people who love him and are keenly interested in seeing the fulfillment of his purposes. This is a recurring theme in the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. When, about a month after the child's birth, Joseph and Mary present him at the temple in obedience to the Mosaic Law, they make an offering there of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." (Luke 2:22-24) The Law actually called for a ram, but it allowed for this less expensive option in cases of poverty. (Leviticus 12:1-8) Think of it. Jehovah God, the Sovereign of the universe, selected, not a wealthy family, but a poor one as the household in which his beloved, only-begotten Son would be raised. If you are a parent, this should serve as a vivid reminder that the best gift you can give your children--far better than material wealth or a prestigious education--is a home environment that puts spiritual values first.
At the temple, two other faithful, humble worshipers are favored by Jehovah. One is Anna, an 84-year-old widow who is "never missing from the temple." (Luke 2:36, 37) Another is a faithful elderly man named Simeon. Both are thrilled with the privilege God has granted them--before they die, laying eyes on the one who would be the promised Messiah. Simeon utters a prophecy over the child. It is a prophecy filled with hope but tinged with mourning. He foretells that this young mother, Mary, will one day be pierced with grief over her beloved son.--Luke 2:25-35.
A Child in Danger
Simeon's prophecy is a grim reminder that this innocent child will become an object of hatred. Even while he is still an infant, this hatred is already at work. Matthew's account details how this is so. A number of months have passed, and Joseph, Mary, and Jesus are now living in a house in Bethlehem. They receive an unexpected visit from a number of foreigners. Despite what countless Nativity scenes depict, Matthew does not specify how many of these men came, nor does he call them "wise men," much less "three kings." He uses the Greek word ma'goi, which means "astrologers." This alone should give the reader a clue that something evil is at work here, for astrology is an art that God's Word condemns and that faithful Jews scrupulously avoided.--Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Isaiah 47:13, 14.
These astrologers have followed a star from the east and are bearing gifts for "the one born king of the Jews." (Matthew 2:2) But the star does not lead them to Bethlehem. It draws them to Jerusalem and to Herod the Great. No man in the world holds such means and motive to harm young Jesus. This ambitious, murderous man had killed several of his own immediate family members whom he viewed as threats.* Disturbed to hear of the birth of a future "king of the Jews," he dispatches the astrologers to find that One in Bethlehem. As they go, something strange happens. The "star" that led them to travel to Jerusalem seems to move!--Matthew 2:1-9.
Now, whether this was an actual light in the sky or simply a vision, we do not know. But we do know that this "star" was not from God. With sinister precision, it leads these pagan worshipers right to Jesus--a child vulnerable and helpless, protected only by a poor carpenter and his wife. The astrologers, Herod's unwitting dupes, likely would have reported back to the vengeful monarch, leading to the child's destruction. But God intervenes through a dream and sends them back home by another route. The "star," then, must have been a device of God's enemy Satan, who would go to any lengths to harm the Messiah. How ironic that the "star" and astrologers are portrayed in Nativity scenes as emissaries of God!--Matthew 2:9-12.
Still, Satan does not give up. His pawn in the matter, King Herod, orders that all infants in Bethlehem under two years of age be killed. But Satan cannot win a battle against Jehovah. Matthew notes that God had long ago foreseen even this vicious slaughter of innocent children. Jehovah countered Satan again, warning Joseph through an angel to flee to Egypt for safety. Matthew reports that some time later Joseph again moved his little family and finally settled them in Nazareth, where Jesus grew up with his younger brothers and sisters.--Matthew 2:13-23; 13:55, 56.
The Birth of Christ-What It Means for Yo
Do you find yourself somewhat surprised by this summary of the events surrounding Jesus' birth and early childhood? Many do. They are surprised to find that the accounts are actually harmonious and accurate, despite some people's bold assertions to the contrary. They are surprised to learn that some events were foretold hundreds of years in advance. And they are surprised that some key elements in the Gospels differ markedly from portrayals in traditional Nativity stories and creches.
Perhaps most surprising of all, though, is that so much of the traditional Christmas celebrations misses the vital points of the Gospel narratives. Little thought is given, for instance, to Jesus' Father--not Joseph, but Jehovah God. Imagine his feelings upon entrusting his beloved Son to Joseph and Mary for them to raise him and provide for him. Imagine the heavenly Father's agony in letting his Son grow up in a world in which a hate-filled king would plot his murder even when he was a mere child! It was profound love for mankind that moved Jehovah to make this sacrifice.--John 3:16.
The real Jesus is often lost in Christmas celebrations. Why, there is no record that he ever even told the disciples his date of birth; nor is there any indication that his followers celebrated his birthday.
It was not Jesus' birth but his death--and its history-making significance--that he commanded his followers to commemorate. (Luke 22:19, 20) No, it was not as a helpless baby in a manger that Jesus wished to be remembered, for he is nothing of the kind now. More than 60 years after his execution, Jesus revealed himself in vision to the apostle John as a mighty King riding into battle. (Revelation 19:11-16) It is in that role, as Ruler of God's heavenly Kingdom, that we need to get to know Jesus today, for he is a King who will change the world.
Birth Of Jesus Story
Birth Of Jesus Story
Birth Of Jesus Story
Birth Of Jesus Story
Birth Of Jesus Story
Birth Of Jesus Story
Birth Of Jesus Story
Birth Of Jesus Story
Birth Of Jesus Story
Birth Of Jesus Story


Baby Jesus Birthday

Source(Google.com.pk)
Baby Jesus Birthday  Biography
If you’re a fairly conservative Christian, one who believes that the stories of the Bible, including the story of Jesus’s birth, are true, then the articles in Time and Newsweek may be upsetting to you. Then again, they may not be particularly troublesome. After all, they’re mostly just retreads of old ideas. If you’ve been reading secular accounts of Christmas for as long as I have, then you’re response to Time and Newsweek may be “Been there, done that.” Although both articles have a few novel insights, for the most part they repeat the sort of thing that has been appearing in secular media for years and years. You can count on the fact that when major Christian holidays approach, secular “news” sources will publish stories that seem to undermine the whole point of the holidays.
Now in fairness to the writers and publishers of such articles, I should add that they may not intend to be as corrosive of Christian faith as they seem to be at first glance. The authors, whose personal faith commitments are not obvious in their essays, are obviously at home in the worlds of secular biblical scholarship and liberal Christianity. In these worlds it’s commonplace to deny the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative without necessarily disparaging the perceived essence of Christian faith. One can believe that God truly loves humankind and has reached out to save us, it is assumed, without also believing that Jesus was actually born in a manger from a virgin mother. Whether, in the end, it makes logical sense to believe this way I’ll save for another series. My point, however, is that the people behind articles that seem to debunk Christian faith may not have this intention in mind. They may in fact see themselves as offering a genuinely faithful alternative for those who can’t quite stomach the miraculous and exclusive claims of Christian orthodoxy. As I read the articles in Time and Newsweek, this is the impression I received.
My main concern about articles such as these is that they certainly appear to undermine classic Christian belief, even though they acknowledge the pervasiveness of this belief and don’t directly condemn it. Nowhere do they actually say: “Though many Christians believe the Christmas stories are true, in fact they’ve been duped, both about the stories and about Christian faith.” But, although many believers who read these cover stories will chalk them up as “same ol’, same ol’,” others may be worried. Perhaps, some Christians may wonder, what we believe about Christmas really was made up by the early church. Perhaps the Christmas story is really nothing more than a collection of pious and propagandistic legends.
Furthermore, stories like we find in Time and Newsweek stoke the fires of unbelief. When read by a non-Christian person, they may confirm the suspicion that Christian orthodoxy has no grounding in actual historical events. Thus the story of Jesus is not the story of God’s entry into human experience, but simply one story among many religious and philosophical options. After all, if the baby Jesus was really God in the flesh, then all people ought to take him seriously whether they’d like to or not. But if the account of his miraculous birth was fabricated by early Christians to compete with Roman emperor worship, then non-Christian folk can feel free to continue to ignore Jesus.
In this post I want to begin a short series that examines the articles in Time and Newsweek, using this examination to speak more broadly on the issues of history, scholarship, faith, and Christmas. I don’t envision this series as a systematic attempt to deal with the birth of Jesus (as I have done with several other Jesus series, for example: Was Jesus Divine? The Early Christian Perspective). Rather, I want to use the recent articles as jumping off points for a more informal conversation. The form of this series will be a critical commentary on the articles themselves. I will cite various passages from the articles and then offer my critique.
Before I do this, however, I want to note that much of what is contained within these articles is both true and helpful. I haven’t actually counted the words, but I’d expect that I agree with well over eighty percent of what is found in each article. In my commentary I will note some of my agreements with the articles, but for the most part I want to focus on places where I differ from the articles. I will begin by focusing on the Newsweek piece because it is, in my opinion, less supportive of traditional Christian faith and understanding.
One final point: Though orthodox Christians believe that the accounts of Jesus’s birth are historically accurate, we don’t use these accounts as compelling arguments for Christian faith. This stands in contrast to the case for the resurrection of Jesus, for which there is strong historical evidence, and which Christians often use to persuade others of the reasonableness of Christian faith. When it comes to the Christmas stories, however, we don’t have the kind of historical data that we have for the resurrection. Thus, while many Christians can say, “The gripping evidence for the resurrection of Jesus helped me to become a believer,” virtually none would say, “The overwhelming historical proof for the virgin birth led me to faith in Jesus.” Belief in the virginal conception of Jesus comes as a result of our belief in Jesus and in the essential trustworthiness of the New Testament gospels, not the other way around. Thus most Christians would say something like this: “Because I believe Jesus is the divine Son of God, and because I believe that the gospels accurately tell the story of Jesus, therefore I accept the Christmas stories as factually true.”
How many candles would I need
If I was to bake You a birthday cake?
Then to send it up to Heaven,
Whose taxi cab should I take?
I hope You know frankincense and myrrh
Are too expensive for me to buy?
Oh yes I’m certain that You do
For You hear every time I cry!
I looked up to the stars last night.
Mommy took me to the Christmas parade.
I did not see Your streets of gold,
But I hear that’s how they are made!
I have grown to a very big kid.
Yes I’m in kindergarten now!
My grandparents would be proud of me,
But they live with You somehow!
I Know some day I will visit them,
But first I’ll kiss You right on the cheek.
I know someday You’ll make me strong
After I’ve grown all old and weak!
I see a bright star up by the moon.
Is it the shepherd’s star I see?
Maybe You are winking with one eye
And You are doing it to me!
So I just sent to You a wink,
And I hope that You are pleased!
So, Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!
From my family and especially me!
Robert Edgar Burns
Now kids hang on just a second before we start
You know there’s a reason we are all
here in front of Grandma and
Grandpa’s
Christmas tree
And if Trevor and E.P. would quit
fighting long enough and be real
Quiet
This little song might help ya understand
Long ago in a stable there was a baby being born
His parents were Joseph and Mary
And Joseph’s big ole heart was torn
Cause he couldn’t find a decent place
for Mary to have her child
But Mary said it just seemed just right
and she blessed it with her
Smile
Chorus:
Cause what made it special was the baby in her arms
God sent Him down to give the world a
second chance for you and I
That’s why we have Christmas at this time each year
It’s the baby’s birthday party that
brings us so much cheer
Now kids the presents that all of
you exchange on Christmas
Represents the gifts that baby Jesus
received the night he was born
He got all his presents from three wise men
Who followed a star
And walked a long long way to the stable
So everytime you tear open one of your presents
Think about that baby and say
Happy birthday Jesus
I’ll open this one for you
Continue reading http://www.songonlyrics.com/happy-birthday-jesus-lyrics#ixzz2J4ocbpea
Baby Jesus Birthday 
Baby Jesus Birthday 
Baby Jesus Birthday 
Baby Jesus Birthday 
Baby Jesus Birthday 
Baby Jesus Birthday 
Baby Jesus Birthday 
Baby Jesus Birthday 
Baby Jesus Birthday 
Baby Jesus Birthday 

Santa Praying Over Baby Jesus

Source(Google.com.pk)
Santa Praying Over Baby Jesus Biography
Tradition tells us that Saint Lucy was born of noble, wealthy, Christian parents in Syracuse, Italy. Lucy had few memories of her father, for he died when Lucy was an infant. As a young girl, Lucy took a secret vow to consecrate her virginity to Christ. Thus her mother was quite dismayed when Lucy, as a teen, refused marriage to a young pagan. When Lucy's mother developed a hemorrhage, Lucy persuaded her to visit the tomb of St. Agatha to pray for healing. When her mother was healed, Lucy revealed her vow of virginity and asked permission to bestow her fortune on the poor. Joyful at her cure, Lucy's mother agreed, but Lucy's pagan suitor was incensed. With the persecution of the emperor Diocletian at its height, the jilted young man accused Lucy, before a judge, of being a Christian. When Lucy refused to relinquish her faith, the judge ordered her to a brothel. However, guards who attempted to drag her to the house of sin were unable to budge her. Similarly an attempt to burn Lucy to death failed so she was dispatched by thrusting a sword into her throat. The date of Lucy's martyrdom was December 13, 304.
SAINT LUCY ASSOCIATED WITH LIGHT
According to the Julian calendar, December 13th was the shortest day of the year. The change to the Gregorian calendar altered the date to December 21st, but did not change Lucy's feast day celebration, and she is forever associated with lengthening days and more sunlight
Aearly as the sixth century, Lucy was honored in Rome as one of the most praiseworthy virgin martyrs, and her name was inserted into the canon of the Mass. Possibly because of her name, which means "light," Lucy was invoked by those who suffered from eye trouble or blindness. Due to this connection, various legends arose. One legend claimed that her eyes were put out by a tyrannical government official or by her jilted boyfriend. Another declared that Lucy tore them out herself to discourage her pagan suitor. In every story, however, the Lord restored her eyes to her, more beautiful than ever.
CELEBRATIONS OF SAINT LUCY'S DA
Saint Lucy's Day, December 13, is celebrateby several European nations.
In Sweden, the oldest (or youngest) daughter in each household traditionally carries a tray of coffee and traditional pastries called lussekatter (Lucy cats) to her parents before they arise in the morning. She wears a white gown, scarlet sash, and a crown of greens and four, seven, or nine lighted candles . Her brothers, wearing white shirts and tall, cone-shaped hats decorated with stars, and her sisters, all in white and carrying lighted candles, follow her. In many towns, a Saint Lucy is chosen to carry coffee and buns to each house. She and her followers, each bearing a lighted candle, sing carols as they traverse the dark streets while St. Steven, represented by a man on horseback, leads the way. The procession is done in memory of Saint Lucy's traversing darkened woods to bring bread and other food to the poor.
In Switzerland, St Lucy strolls around the village with Father Christmagiving gifts tthe girls while he gives gifts to the boys.
In Venice, folks celebrate the Feast of St. Lucy by enjoying fried cheese.
Italians eat small cakes or biscotti shaped like eyes, light huge bonfires, and conduct evening candlelight processions, all in honor of Saint Lucy.
Sicilians pay tribute to a miracle performed by St Lucy during a famine in 1582. At that time, she brought a flotilla of grain-bearing ships to starving Sicily, whose citizens cooked and ate the wheat without taking time to grind it into flour. Thus, on St. Lucy's Day, Sicilians don't eat anything made with wheat flour. Instead they eat cooked wheat called cuccia.
TO MAKE CUCCIA:
Soak one pound of winter wheat (available at health food stores) for two days, changing the water daily. On the third day, change the water and cover the wheat with fresh water to four inches above the grains. Boil and then turn the heat down to medium, stirring often with a wooden spoon. Keep a teapot of boiling water handy to pour into the wheat should water be needed to keep the wheat from scorching. Cook until the wheat pops open and the innards are soft, resembling gruel. Drain off any excess water. This is cuccia.
CUCCIA PORRIDGE FOR BREAKFAST
Serve cuccia cold or warm, with milk or cream, sugar or other sweetener, and cinnamon if desired.
CUCCIA SOUP FOR LUNCH
Mix cooked cuccia in amount desired with one can undrained fava or red beans and 1 can undrained chick peas. Add 1 small clove minced garlic, dash of red pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and one cup water. Cook until heated through and salt to taste.
CUCCIA STIR FRY FOR DINNER
Saute onion in olive oil until tender, add the a can of drained chick peas (ceci, garbanzo beans) and some cuccia as well as salt, pepper and minced garlic or garlic powder to taste. Stir until warmed through. Eat as is or serve over steamed rice.
CUCCIA DESSERT
Mix cuccia with citron or other candied fruit and/or sweetened chocolate chips.
SAINT LUCY'S WHEAT
The tradition of planting wheat on Saint Lucy's Day (December 13) comes from Hungary, Croatia, and other European nations. Plant wheat grains in a round dish or plate of soil, then water the seeds. Place the container in a warm spot. If the planting medium is kept moist (not sopping wet), the seeds will germinate and the shoots will be several inches high by Christmas. Then the new green shoots, reminding us of the new life born in Bethlehem, may be tied with a ribbon, if desired, and a candle may be placed near them as a symbol of the Light of Christ.
Place the plate of sprouted wheat near the Nativity  set where it will remind all that Christ, the Bread of Life, was born in Bethlehem, whose name means "House of Bread." The wheat recalls the Eucharist which is made from wheat. It also brings to mind Christ's parables about wheat:
THE GRAIN OF WHEAT MUST DIE: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains but a single grain, but, if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. (John 12:24) "Lord, may we die to self so that we will live for You. May we rejoice that those who, faithful to You, have left this world in death are alive with You forever. May we praise You for having died for us and bringing forth our faith as Your fruits.
SEED SOWN ON GOOD GROUND: The farmer went out to sow, and seed fell into various places, some springing up and then withering or being choked out and other seed falling on good ground and yielding a great harvest. (Mark 4:1-20, Matthew 13: 4-23) "Lord, may we be good ground to receive the seed of Your word, and may we put that word into practice."
WEEDS AMONG THE WHEAT: A farmer sows good wheat in his field but, when it sprouts, weeds are among it. He advises his workers to allow both to grow until the harvest when the wheat will be gathered into barns and the weeds burnt. (Matthew 13: 24-30) "Lord, help us to understand that evil and trial will be present in the world until your Second Coming. Keep us from being discouraged. Grant us the faith to know that You are in control and will gather those who remain faithful to You into Your eternal dwellings."
THE RISING FLOUR: The reign of God is like yeast which, when kneaded into flour, makes the whole batch rise. (Matthew 13:33). "Lord, my soul is the flour into which I invite You to knead Your grace. As I feel punched and beaten and slapped around by life, let me realize that You are but kneading me into someone new and good."
SEED GROWS UNAWARE: The seed that is sowed in the field grows of itself without the sower being aware of it. (Mark 4:26-29). "Lord, help me to realize that the seeds of faith that I am sowing in others, by my actions, words, and prayers, may be sprouting and growing even though I do not know it. Grant me sure hope that those for whom I pray will be saved from eternal death."
SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN: Christ's disciples were plucking wheat and eating it on the Sabbath. When the Pharisees complained that the disciples were working on a day on which no work was to be done, Jesus reminded them how David and his starving men had eaten food which was in the temple. "The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath," Jesus declared. (Mark 2:23-28) "Lord, help me to understand that charity toward others is the highest law and that keeping all Your laws to perfection avails nothing if I do not keep them with love."
Santa Praying Over Baby Jesus 
Santa Praying Over Baby Jesus 
Santa Praying Over Baby Jesus 
Santa Praying Over Baby Jesus 
Santa Praying Over Baby Jesus 
Santa Praying Over Baby Jesus
Santa Praying Over Baby Jesus 
Santa Praying Over Baby Jesus
Santa Praying Over Baby Jesus
Santa Praying Over Baby Jesus 




Baby Jesus Paintings

Source(Google.com.pk)
Baby Jesus Paintings Biography
Some people claim the painting is actually a wood base painting and therefore Dan Brown was wrong in describing it as canvas. You need to understand that there are actually TWO versions of this painting out there. The wood base one is the copy that is in London. You can see above the differences between the two, in the faces of the people and in the baby Jesus and his staff. Leonardo painted the canvas one in 1483. There were contract issues so he painted another one on wood in 1503, MANY years later. The canvas one is the one in the Louvre. So Dan was correct about that.
Dan Brown claimed that the painting was redone was because the requesters were "furious" at the first version. Actually it was a pretty boring issue about a contract that had Leonardo redo it.
Virgin of the Rocks in the Louvre
When I went to see this painting in the Louvre, it was hanging in the main Grand Gallery hallway. In the book, Robert is in near the Mona Lisa in a side room - in the Salle des Etats. The guard has him at gunpoint, when the guard spots Sophie in the same room walking around. In fact, the guard is "a good twenty yards" from the entrance to the room, and can't get a good walkie-talkie reception because of the room's security. At that point Sophie grabs the painting. That would be a trick, since the painting isn't in that room. It's out in the Grand Gallery.
Sophie the Shield Maiden
Sophie uses the "Madonna of the Rocks" as a canvas shield to get the guard to drop his gun. Of course this was meant to cause pain and anguish to art lovers everywhere. Specifically, Sophie had just fetched the key out of the back of the frame. She now threatens the guard with the painting's destruction if he doesn't drop his gun. Brown says she picks up this 5' tall painting and wields it. I could strain credibility to think of this woman waving around a 5' tall painting. However, the painting is *really* 6.5' tall and has a HUGE heavy wooden frame. Sophie could hardly have moved it, never mind wielded it like a shield!
I nuck a quick photo of the painting while I was at the Louvre. It's hard to get a sense of scale here, but you can see some peoples' reflections in the lower part of the glass of the painting. This is a very large painting. The frame is very solid. You'd need a weight lifter to move this.
Jesus and John the Baptist
Dan Brown claims that in the painting, the Baby Jesus gets the blessing from the Baby John the Baptist. The whole thing is silly anyway, to have babies blessing each other that didn't actually meet in "scripture timelines". This is all a fantasy scene. But to discuss the issue, John the Baptist (the baby on the left) is praying while Jesus (the baby on the right) is raising his hand in blessing. In fact, in the second painting, John the Baptist clearly holds his Reed Cross that is associated with him. Dan Brown mixed up the main characters of the painting. I'll note that the reed cross was added in after Leonardo was done with the painting, but that all accepted the addition as a good one.
Next, Dan Brown claims that Mary's hand is over John's head, threateningly. Actually Mary's hand is over Jesus' head. The hand is really not threatening at all - it's a normal position found in other paintings.
Dan claims that the angel's hand in the first painting is "frightening". Really, the angel is just pointing at John. You see this same pointing gesture in many other paintings. It doesn't look very scary to me. For Dan to see all this horror in a painting about two babies is a bit extreme.
Finally, Dan claims that the redone version of the painting has different positioning than the original. As you can see by comparing them side by side, this is not true. The London version has halos, and wings on the angel. The "reed cross" was painted in later by someone else so is not part of the original painting. In the first painting, the angel is pointing at John to say "look there he is" while in the second the hand is removed so that the halo has a spot to go in. Other than that, they are pretty much the same.
Sex Changes
Dan Brown states that "nuns" at the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception gave details on the work. Actually, that organization is male-only. On the other hand, note that the angel on the right, Uriel, is supposedly male. That angel looks pretty feminine to me.
Visitor Comment -
Thank you for your interesting and helpful critique on the Da Vinci Code. One thing I was a little confused about when I read the book and had a look at the Madonna of the Rocks was how to tell the two children apart. Dan Brown seems to assume that the child on the left, whom Mary is touching, is Jesus, and the one on the right, further from Mary, is John. If I understood your comments correctly, you assume that the child (on the right) who is blessing the other is Jesus, and the child with his hands clasped in a humble, prayerful attitude (on the left), is John. How do we know which child Leonardo intended to be which? (Incidentally, I agree with you on the subject of Brown's other comments on the apparent violence and anger depicted by Mary and the angel's hands.)
My Response -
Yes, Dan definitely confused the two children. The main issue is that the painting was commissioned as depicting Jesus blessing John. It's sort of clear looking at the two kids which one is blessing which other one. Also the second one had John the Baptist holding the staff which is traditionally associated with him. That's sort of a giveaway, sort of like showing Judas with silver in his hand. It's a symbology that everyone at the time would have understood. Yes, Leonardo didn't put the reed cross in himself, but everyone who saw the painting knew it was John and understood when it was added in. There would have been a huge furor if this famous painting had been altered in a way that fundamentally changed its meaning.
The first time I saw Acid Baby Jesus live -in 2009's Yuria of the exceptional Vinyl Microstore- I didn’t know absolutely anything about them, but I remember how much I liked their sound and the freshness they transmitted as a band.
It’s been awhile since then, and Acid Baby Jesus continue to build an increasingly rich biography. Live performances succeed one after another, their recognition spreading universally (they’ve already done two tours in Europe and America) and now, after last year's first recording attempt on tape, it is time for their first self-titled release on American Slovenly Records.
The Acid Baby Jesus LP, the four-man band shows that they are walking together with confidence and faith in their talent, producing 13 songs that are really interesting. Beach Boys’ surf rock, early Beatles carelessness, aura of various 60’s bands, the aesthetic vision of Phil Spector-meeting-Sonic Youth, Jesus And Mary Chains’ “Psychocandy”, post punk vocals, MC5’s vagrant vibe, Last Drive’s dynamism, the attitude of the Stooges, the misty atmosphere and the guitars of Screaming Trees’  ''Even If And Especially When''. It even sounds like Zappa’s wonderful world! (you don’t believe me about the last part huh? listen o the their “Homo Sapiens” track and check again)
It’s obvious that Acid Baby Jesus’ music, and the sound of this particular LP, is a blend of many things, emphasizing especially  in the 60’s sound, surf rock and garage. Many bands over the yeas have been attempting to do it, but very few have actually made it sound alike the original - Acid Baby Jesus are doing a terrific job at that. In an interview they gave to M. Hulot, they have characterized their sound as a Mediterranean punk rock. Add that to all the aforementioned, sprinkle them with acid, and then you can get a clearer picture as to what Acid Baby Jesus really are for, and what’s the sound you are gonna meet upon listening to their self-titled LP.
Get your hands on it
[A second review for the same album by Christos M.]
This year's records production of indie and solo Greek artists were plenty and full of quality. Here come Acid Baby Jesus, who have just released their first album on Slovenly records and they are getting ready for some worldwide reviews.
The LP, is consisted of thirteen high-octane tracks that run on the familiar psychedelic and garage sounds, dear to the Greek rockers for years.
What Acid Baby Jesus achieve in this LP, and perhaps not deliberately, is to easily sound more '60 'as by similar sound bands.
This high-fidelity copy of cheap and dirty garage sound which can be heard on this debut, but even more so in the last year's first release (the self-titled tape) is the most interesting part - it is what makes ACID BABY JESUS ??to stand out for the last three years in a herd of domestic and U.S. bands.
This is not pretentious lo-fi garage sound - it is what comes out of the chemistry between the band members, the instinct that guides them, and the result of producers that have no specific orientation in their sound.
From the eponymous tape, they have kept the "distortion" in their sound, but they have learned to use all of their influences, which, apart from the classic punk garage/psychedelic standards, there are some country references, stoner metal and blues elements.
They have used their influences so correctly, that the final audible result apart the strength, confidence and excitement, has the personal touch of the band all over it.
Baby Jesus Paintings
Baby Jesus Paintings
Baby Jesus Paintings
Baby Jesus Paintings
Baby Jesus Paintings
Baby Jesus Paintings
Baby Jesus Paintings
Baby Jesus Paintings
Baby Jesus Paintings
Baby Jesus Paintings

When Was Baby Jesus Born

Source(Google.com.pk)
When Was Baby Jesus Born Biography
If you’re looking for a baby or toddler’s first Christmas book, you may want to check out Baby Jesus Is Born. First, this is a block book with thick pages that will easily endure the chewing of a little one. Second, it’s been packaged in a great size for a little person. At about seven inches per side, this book can easily be held by little hands. Another attractive feature of this book is that the simple, delightful illustrations. The characters are cartoon-like and are rendered in the most vibrant colors. Pink, purple, green, blue—the colors really explode off of the page.
The illustrations are a great complement to the simple diction of the written story. Author Juliet David begins her version of the Nativity story with an angel telling Mary that she will soon have a baby. Mary and her husband Joseph then make the long journey to Bethlehem. When they arrive, they can find nowhere to sleep until an innkeeper lets them stay in his stable. That night baby Jesus is born. An angel also appears to nearby shepherds and tells them that this baby will save the world. The shepherds then go into Bethlehem to find this baby. Wise men from far away see a special star in the sky that they believe will lead them to this new baby. They follow the star, and when they find Jesus they give him rich presents. Soon an angel comes to Joseph in a dream and tells him the evil king wants to kill Jesus. So Mary and Joseph take baby Jesus down into Egypt. Finally, when it is safe, they bring him back to a little town called Nazareth where he grows up “to be a good, kind boy.”
The story is told so simply that this won’t be a book to read to a child year after year. Yet, for the months before and after their first or second Christmas, this book will do a great job of telling the basic story. I recommend this book as a fun, practical way of getting the Christmas story into the hands of a toddler in your life.
when was baby jesus born biography
Tell the children of Abraham
There's a star over Bethlehem
And the light in the manger
Come a Christmas morn
When baby Jesus is born
Angel came to Mary
Said, I'm tellin' you
The light of this world
Is shinin' inside of you
His sweet forgiveness
Gonna set men free
The lame will walk
And the blind will see
Tell the children of Abraham
There's a star over Bethlehem
And the light in the manger
Come a Christmas morn
When baby Jesus is born
Wise men following a holy light
Shepherds heard singing
In the midnight sky
And they all came a runnin'
Through the stable door
The meek and the mighty
The rich and the poor
Tell the children of Abraham
There's a star over Bethlehem
And the light in the manger
Come a Christmas morn
When baby Jesus is born
Baby Jesus is born
When Was Baby Jesus Born 
When Was Baby Jesus Born 
When Was Baby Jesus Born 
When Was Baby Jesus Born 
When Was Baby Jesus Born 
When Was Baby Jesus Born 
When Was Baby Jesus Born 
When Was Baby Jesus Born 
When Was Baby Jesus Born 
When Was Baby Jesus Born