December 22, 2015 (Tuesday)
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but appeared in Jerusalem several times. His first visit took place when he was only 40 days old for his “presentation to the Lord,” as required by the law. At that time, a sacrifice was made. Mary and Joseph offered two turtle doves, the offering made by the poor. While there at the Temple, they were met by two elderly people, Simeon and Anna. The Lord had promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. As he held the baby Jesus, he prayed, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:28-32). Then the prophetess Anna, 84 years old, who spent her time in the Temple, praying with fasting and praising God, praised God for all to hear that the Messiah had finally come.
The next visit to the Temple by Jesus came when he was 12 years old. His parents accidentally left him behind when they started toward their home, and returned to find him conversing with the religious leaders, who were absolutely amazed at his questions. When chided for staying behind, he asked his mother, “Don’t you know that I must be about my Father’s business?”
Years later, as he carried out his ministry of 3 1/2 years, Jesus visited Jerusalem. The visit we all recall took place during the last week of his earthly life. The week began with praise from the people, and ended with his crucifixion and burial at 33 years of age. On the first day of the week after his burial, Jesus rose from the dead. He appeared at least 11 times over the following 40 days and then ascended into Heaven.
A special song about Jerusalem has thrilled our hearts each time we have heard it. It is “The Holy City.” (Music by Stephen Adams; words by Frederick E. Weatherly)
1892
Last night I lay a-sleeping
There came a dream so fair,
I stood in old Jerusalem
Beside the temple there.
I heard the children singing,
And ever as they sang
Methought the voice of angels
From heaven in answer rang,
Methought the voice of angels
From heaven in answer rang.
Jerusalem! Jerusalem!
Lift up your gates and sing,
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna to your King!
And then methought my dream was changed,
The streets no longer rang.
Hushed were the glad Hosannas
The little children sang.
The sun grew dark with mystery,
The morn was cold and chill,
As the shadow of a cross arose
Upon a lonely hill,
As the shadow of a cross arose
Upon a lonely hill.
Jerusalem! Jerusalem!
Hark! How the angels sing,
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna to your King!
And once again the scene was changed,
New earth there seemed to be.
I saw the Holy City
Beside the tideless sea.
The light of God was on its streets,
The gates were open wide,
And all who would might enter,
And no one was denied.
No need of moon or stars by night,
Or sun to shine by day;
It was the new Jerusalem
That would not pass away,
It was the new Jerusalem
That would not pass away.
Jerusalem! Jerusalem!
Sing for the night is o’er!
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna forevermore!