January 5, 2015

Genesis, Chapter 28, verse 17:

¹⁷ He was afraid and said, 'How awe-inspiring this place is! This is nothing less than the abode of God, and this is the gate of heaven!'

This verse is about Jacob, who was the grandson of Abraham and he was on a journey to the ancestral home of Abraham, Haran.  During this journey he had a dream while sleeping in the desert that put him in a Holy fear.  Almost all fear is destructive but holy fear is the beginning of wisdom and prepares one to do the will of God.

Today is the 12^th day of Christmas.  The 12 drummers drumming represents the 12 points of the Apostles Creed.  It is interesting to note that these 12 points are indeed pointing to the abode of God and that our Lord is the gate of heaven.

1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
2. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
5. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again.
6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
7.  He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
9. the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
10. the forgiveness of sins,
11. the resurrection of the body,
12. and the life everlasting.