Saturday December 5th, 2015 Ezra 1:1-4;3:1-4,10-13
"?go up to Jerusalem in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD?and let all survivors, in whatever place they reside, be assisted by the people of their place with silver and gold, with goods and with animals, besides freewill offerings for the house of
In our congregational communities we do not usually talk about offerings as preparation. Here the Israelites had an opportunity to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem. The King of Persia had granted permission and also given instructions for the financing of the construction workers and materials by those who did not go to Jerusalem to work but stayed at home. Those at home were to provide not only the required silver, gold, goods and animals, but also freewill offerings. This was necessary or the temple would not be built. These gifts and offerings were essential to the building preparation. The community was all to have a part either by working or by sharing their money and goods.
As we prepare for Christmas, it is important for us to support our “houses of the Lord” and our worship communities with tithes and offerings to help prepare the way for the human temple, Jesus. It is a special way of showing thanks for Jesus.
Infant Jesus, aid us in remembering to share our material wealth with your communities of faith. Amen. — KIGN
Contributed by Preparing with offerings
In our congregational communities we do not usually talk about offerings as preparation. Here the Israelites had an opportunity to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem. The King of Persia had granted permission and also given instructions for the financing of the construction workers and materials by those who did not go to Jerusalem to work but stayed at home. Those at home were to provide not only the required silver, gold, goods and animals, but also freewill offerings. This was necessary or the temple would not be built. These gifts and offerings were essential to the building preparation. The community was all to have a part either by working or by sharing their money and goods.
As we prepare for Christmas, it is important for us to support our "houses of the Lord" and our worship communities with tithes and offerings to help prepare the way for the human temple, Jesus. It is a special way of showing thanks for Jesus.
