What Did the Magi Eat on Their Journey?
by Sandra Merville Hart The Bible tells us in Matthew 2:1 that Magi from the east came to Jerusalem after Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It doesn’t give an exact location. Yet northern Arabia, Syria, and Mesopotamia were considered the “east” by the Jews. What might they have eaten along the way? Nuts, dates, and figs lasted a long time and were easy to pack on camels. They also needed to bring food and grain for their camels. The Magi may have traveled on sand dunes and desert for many miles. They’d also follow the rivers and streams as much as possible so they and their camels had plenty to drink. Folks living in the region likely shared water from their wells. When going through towns, they’d buy fresh bread, meat, fruits, and vegetables for the...
Read MorePresident George Washington Declares a Day of Thanksgiving
by Sandra Merville Hart The Revolutionary War was over. Leaders wrote a new United States Constitution. The nation elected its first president. Peace reigned again. New Jersey Representative Elias Boudinot asked that Congress pass a resolution to request that President George Washington declare a thanksgiving observance. Congress passed the resolution. President Washington liked the idea and agreed. On October 3, 1789, Washington issued a proclamation that Thursday, November 26th was to be a national day of thanks to God. He reminded Americans that God’s care had led them through the Revolution and helped them establish a new government and Constitution. Washington sent the proclamation to state governors. Newspapers printed it to tell citizens about it. There...
Read MoreVeterans Day
Did you know … Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day. Armistice is a big word that means two armies at war with each other agree to stop fighting, at least for a specific amount of time. November 11, 1918 World War I was known as “the Great War” until World War II. At 11:00 am on November 11, 1918, the armies agreed to stop fighting. A Legal Holiday November 11th became a legal holiday called Armistice Day in 1938. Moment of Silence United States citizens honored soldiers of “the Great War” (World War I) with parades. They also paused for two minutes at 11 am for a moment of silence. People pray for the soldiers or think of them quietly during moments of silence. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier A World War I soldier was buried...
Read MoreColumbus Day
When Christopher Columbus sailed from Spain on August 3, 1492, he planned to create a sea route to India and China. Columbus took three ships Columbus was an Italian explorer. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, who ruled Spain, believed in Columbus’s plan to find China so he sailed west with three ships: the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Columbus landed in the Bahamas Columbus landed in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492, but thought he reached the Indies. Most Europeans scholars knew the world was round European scholars knew the earth was round in 1492. They didn’t know about the Pacific Ocean. They believed that sailing across the Atlantic Ocean would lead them eventually to China and Japan. Columbus crossed the Atlantic Ocean again and...
Read MoreLabor Day
Americans had high work standards in the nineteenth century. They worked hard and took pride in doing their job well. The Idea for Labor Day No one knows for certain who came up with idea to establish a holiday for workers. Some believe it was first suggested by Peter J. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor. Others say Matthew Macguire suggested it while working in New York as secretary of the Central Labor Union. Whoever thought of it, a committee of the Central Labor Union planned a demonstration and picnic in 1882. Working Men’s Holiday Labor Day was first celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. Although the organizers planned Labor Day as a holiday for all workers, it was first known as a Working Man’s...
Read MoreIndependence Day
Did you know … The Revolutionary War started in April of 1775, over a year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. At first, many colonists didn’t want complete freedom. When General George Washington and the Colonial Army began fighting for freedom in 1775, many colonists didn’t want complete freedom from England. Continental Congress meets in June, 1776 Attitudes were changing by the time the Continental Congress met in June, 1776. They asked Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, and Robert R. Livingston to write a formal document. Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. It gave England the reasons the colonies wanted their freedom. Continental Congress Votes...
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If it’s in the Bible, The Pirate Preacher knows the story. Monday nights he leads a “Jesus Study” in Moore Square, Raleigh, NC. Each Sunday you will find him in the park and at the bus station helping others enjoy the abundant life Jesus promised.
The Pirate Preacher helped launch Christian Devotions Ministries and is the former CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, a Christian book publishing company. He’s also a “Blessed Selling” author and Writers’ Coach.
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Jehovah Jireh: The Incredible Provider — A super Hero Graphic Novel
