Community on Columbia

In preparation for Hanukkah, we will first read the story of the annunciation of Jesus’ birth to Mary, and then examine how this season became associated with Christmas on Dec. 25. Can the pagan traditions associated with Christmas be transformed and redeemed? The answer is yes.

Notes on “When was Jesus Born?”

Notes on the Shepherds at the Birth of Christ

1 Chronicles 18 restates generally what we read in 2 Samuel 8, and Psalm 60 was written expanding on these battles of King David, especially as they regard the defeat of Edom. The lesson is that when God “subdues” us, our talents and treasure are used for the kingdom and to furnish the Temple. The five cities of the Philistines are transformed to spiritually become the five gates of the Temple.

Notes on the Five Gates of the Temple

This chapter recounts David’s victories over Israel’s surrounding enemies and gives us a picture of Christ’s subduing of our willful flesh and old nature.

The companion Psalm 60 was written about these battles, especially David’s victory over Edom.

Notes on 2 Samuel 8:1-18 and Psalm 60

This week we take a closer look at God’s promise to David, the ‘Sure Mercies of David’ and the prophecy’s fulfillment in Christ the Messiah.

Notes on the Everlasting Promise to David

David’s desire to build God a Temple is postponed until the reign of his son Solomon. David cannot be the builder because he is a man of war, and the Temple would be a place of peace.

Notes on 2 Samuel 7:1-29

King David wants to bring the Ark of the Covenant to his new capital city of Jerusalem. But he neglects to follow the instructions laid out in the Law for how to transport it, and tragedy results.

Notes on 2 Samuel 6:1-23