Date: 12/15/2003
Time: 10:27:27 AM
Like Mary and Joseph in the gospel text, Hannah and Elkanah were faithful parents. At the time of their annual pilgrimage to visit their son, the high priest blesses them with a prayer for more children in return for the dedication of Samuel.
Samuel appears in the temple wearing a linen ephod - a sleeveless gown of knee length. This is a delightful image as Hannah's son, like Jesus, is dedicated to God's purposes at a young age. Despite being of unlikely lineage for service in the priesthood, Samuel is accepted in the eyes of God. His early life is marked by God's blessing and favour, just as Jesus' life would be. How can we encourage awareness of God in children and nurture servant hearts in young people?
Date: 12/25/2003
Time: 1:45:59 PM
To Hannah, having a child meant a certain kind of salvation. I don't know that we can underestimate her gratefulness to God for "opening up her womb." To have been barren in her time was to be judged by God. A form of punishment, or withholding of blessings. The boy Samuel, ministering to the Lord, was more than the longed-for child in today's mindset; he was the proof that God has seen fit to bless Hannah. Their offering the yearly sacrifice, after giving their son back to God, almost seems to my ears, redundant. Or, maybe better said, the profoundest recognition that all comes from God -- and our offerings to him are recognized as that which came from him.
Tough for us independent - minded Americans to swallow.
thoughts on a break from Christmas Day. Off to the cemetery to see Dad's "apartment." (he's in one of those mausoleums)
Date: 12/25/2003
Time: 1:46:51 PM
oops, sorry - that was from Sally in GA
I'm on a borrowed lap0top, so I'm not at my best.