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Q5 We have often failed to see God's blessings during the everyday conflicts of our lives because we are focusing too much on ourselves. In John 15:19, Jesus has warned His disciples that: "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." The world has too much influenced and harm on us. In Matthew 11: 28 Jesus said: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Jesus has come to the world to carry the weight of our burdens on His shoulders, do we surrender ourselves to Him? God does not test us beyond our limit for He has promised to be with us till the end of time. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8: 28) As promised in John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world."

Q4 The terms of the Mizpah covenant are:- 1 That a stone pillar be set up to as a boundary between them. 2 That Jacob would not mistreat their wives nor to take rival wives to replace them. 3 To take an oath in the name of God. The Mizpah's monument was supposed to remind Jacob and Laban of a commitment they have made with each and to abide by it. God will be watching over them and whoever breaks the agreement will be punished.

Q3 Jacob and his family left because God has commanded him to return to Canaan. Knowing Laban's character and his controlling attitude, they had to leave without saying good-bye. Jacob was accused of this deceit, in not informing Laban of their leaving and running away and carrying off his daughters like captives in war. Yes, Rachel stole her father's household gods. From her roots, she is made to believe that possession of these gods constituted title to the chief inheritance portion and headship of the family. They are also to protect her journey to Canaan. Hence Laban's position is threatened without these gods. For us Christians, to still linger on to these gods is the greatest sin against the first commandment.

Q2 In spite of his breeding techniques the cunning Laban kept changing the coloration patterns but God intervened. Jacob being diligent has done all he can and knows and attributes his growing wealth to God. According to Deuteronomy 8:17-18 when our income and assets begin to increase, we must not forget the covenant God had made with us, His commandments, His ordinances and His statutes. It is He who provides our needs. Failing on our part, we will be perished from His sight.

Q1 God allows Jacob to be tricked so that he can tastes his own medicine. What goes around comes around. In this way, God is reminding Jacob of his own ways when he tricked his own brother. God is building a character of integrity in Jacob and God needs to deal with this serious flaw of deceit. In spite of all these God is ever forgiving and generous God.

Q4 Jacob's promise to tithe indicates that he accepted the Lord's kingship over him, an act of submission and fealty. Presumably, Jacob has been a believer in Yahweh all his life, this incident in Bethel would further increase his faith and commitment to God, because Jacob had a personal encounter with God and experienced the divine presence within his soul. This would also make Jacob more trusting and relying on the God of province for everything. When one has received conversion, he/she will grow in closer relationship with God and experience His love. Knowing that God supply all our needs and every blessing come from Him, it is our duty as children of God to give back what is due to God. (Matthew 22:21) This is to demonstrate our allegaence, our love and that we serve God rather than money.

Q3 Setting up the stone to Jacob, meant that he honored and remembered God's revelation of himself in this place. A way of placing himself, his life before the Lord whom he claimed to be his own God now. In short, this very place is a remembrance and an act of dedication of himself in worship, a way of remembering God's presence. Anointing the stone with precious oil meant an act of cleansing and consecration. Jacob had experienced a new conversion and a personal relationship with God. In response, he wanted to surrender his total self to God and to make this place sacred and a remembrance of his first encounter with God. In respond to God's generosity, Jacob promised that the Lord will be his God, the stone he set up as a pillar will be God's house and what God had given to him in return he will give back a tenth.

Q2 It signified 'the gate of heaven,' the entrance to the majestic City of God. God's blessing meant that his father and grandfather's God has now become his own. God becomes the One he lives for. He had a mind-expanding glimpse of God's infinite greatness. To Jacob his conversion experience was like an awakening. To be able to feel that God is omnipresence even at a humble place and to realise that this place is not God's house but the gate of heaven, the entrance to the majestic City of God. He has just begun to grasp the greatness and awesomeness of the Creator God who made the heavens and earth. His faith has just taken a big leap to see the Lord of Glory in this humble place.

Q1 As a parent, no matter how bad your child is you will always love him and that is what happened to Isaac. In spite of Jacob's deception, Isaac still blessed him because of Rebekah's pestering to send Jacob away so that Jacob would not take a Canaanite woman as a wife which also favours the father. Isaac also realized that Jacob is indeed the son through whom God's promise to Abraham will be fulfilled. The blessings of Abraham and Isaac were directly from God whereas Jacob's first blessing by Isaac was through deceit and his second blessing was by Isaac's own will. We can see that all the blessings are similar in the sense that what God had blessed Abraham and Isaac and as parents they would naturally want to part these blessings of God onto their children. The elements of Isaac's blessings are:- Fruitfulness - numerous descendants, abundance. Land - the land of Canaan World - the nations of the world will be blessed

Q6 Each one has a character of its own and at times I can find a bit of each character. To me I feel I am more identified with Jacob's flaw more in the sense that I am very much attached to my mother and my aim in life is very high achieving my goals by my own self. I was converted in 1967 but only came to be born again in 1981. From then on there is no turning back. In order to grow in the Lord I have surrendered myself totally to God, to allow Him to take control of my whole life. Like St. Paul's letter to the Galatians 2:20 said: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me, and delivered Himself for me." In order to allow God to improve my character, I attended seminars, retreats and formation sessions yearly. For these are tools and food for my soul. Through silent meditation during my prayer time I allow God to speak to me which has changed my concept of life. By walking in His footsteps and doing God's work have also helped me grow in my relationship with God and people and live the cross. (Vertically - relationship with God and Horizontally - relationship with people).

Q5 As human, children tend to be jealous and when comparison and favouritism are stressed, these may lead to resentment which resulted in conflict. Yes, I am sure in every household this tend to happen and it will be a big headache if they have a big family. This is the process of growing up. If we study and go through in depth 'the Parable of the Prodigal Son' and understand the part of each character carefully we can come to have terms with each other. We need inner healing if situation is beyond control and should encourage family prayers together. It is said that "a family who prays together stays together." God will guide our steps in whatever part we are in. We need God, we cannot be so proud as to say we can stand on our own. God created each individual in a unique way, one different from the other. No two can be the same. Each child has his/her own talent and gifts from God. In order to live a happy family life it is the duty of the parents to unite the children together and show love equally with no comparisons and favouritism. It is easier said than done especially when one child has his/her mood and is temperamental and would demands more attention. We need to dialogue more and spend quality time with our children so that we can understand them better. The Holy Family (Jesus, Mary and Joseph) is a good model to imitate and get their blessings and guidance.

Q4 According to the custom, when the elder of a household's time is near, the next of kin will continue on the tradition and this normally falls on the head of the eldest son. Discovering Jacob's trickery, Isaac did not reverse his blessings because according to their upbringing, this is the directive from God and God's ways are not ours. Isaac's role as head and father it is his duty to bequeath his authority, rights and inheritance to his first born son. God's way are not man's way. He will do the extraordinary thing which human cannot comprehend.

Q3 Rebekah taking the excuse to fulfill God's will has taken the situation into her head as Jacob being her favourite son. Upon eaves-dropping, Rebekah has gone to the extend of deceiving her husband, Isaac by following exactly his instructions to Esau in preparing a well cooked meal of domestic livestock; wore Esau's gamy-smelling clothing and putting goatskin pieces on Jacob's arms and neck to simulate Esau's hairiness. Jacob being a willing collaborator with his mother is equally guilty in this deception. If his mother is willing to bear the curse, he too is cursed for cheating his own brother of his rights.

Q 2 Rebekah is spiritual at one point and to her advantage. Obeying the plan of God, to become Isaac's obedient wife. Recalling God's word that 'the older will serve the younger' Rebekah fulfilled the prophecy and God's will for her favourite son, Jacob by deceiving Isaac to bless Jacob instead and was willing to take upon herself the curse should Isaac found out. Isaac was definitely a spiritual man. Ever since he was a boy and being the sacrificial lamb for his father Abraham, he had depended on the Lord especially when Rebekah could not conceived. To fulfill God's will rather than her husband's will was more spiritually sensitive. Jacob has no spirituality. He cared more of self than of God by the evidence that he would be cursed if his treachery was found out. Esau is more complacent taking things for granted expecting things to fall in favour of him.

Gluttony is one of the seven mortal and deadly sin. For the sake of food, Esau is tempted and is willing to part with his birthright. The New Testament condemned Esau because in a Spiritual sense, this is a grave mistake especially for his soul. Due to his weakness he forgo his trust of God to material thing. Selling his birthright means giving up his status, position and be ready to come under the authority of someone minor to him that is Jacob his younger brother and also to surrender any blessings he might received from his father. In this transaction, we see that Esau preferred to satisfied his stomach to his status. Being brought up as a hunter like his father, and papa's boy, he expected to be served as soon as he is back. Due to his impatience, spoilt and thoughtlessness, he was taken advantage of by his brother. Jacob, on the other hand is sly, shrewd, cunning, deceitful, conniving, smart and a good businessman. He jumped at the opportunity when one is weak. He is not pure and honest for he can cheat his own flesh and blood brother for a position. There is no love shown between the two.

Q4 The passages in Matthew tell us the Good News through the saving grace of Christ to mankind. An invitation to come and taste the goodness of Jesus and to be His disciples irrespective of race and colour and to evangelize everywhere. The relation is an indication to the Jews and to all that even the pagans (Magi)could acknowledged and worshiped Jesus and yet His own chosen people would reject Him. Romans 11: 11-13 says: Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek ; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call upon Him; for whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved."` Our Lord has given us this saving grace and we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end: while it is said: "Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as when they provoked Me." Hebrew 3: 14-15) Remember God has called us to be light and salt of the earth, for He is the vine and we are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5) and He promises us in Matthew 28:20 that he will be with us always, even to the end of the age.

Q3 In ancient days, for any country, custom and protocol played a vital role. For head of state to visit a foreign country empty handed was considered rude and an insult. Therefore, it was appropriate and courteous for the Magi to bring gifts to the Christ-child because they (Magi) themselves were kings of the East and as head of a country, it was the right attitude, good gesture and hospitality on their part. Especially, coming to the King of kings and Lord of lords and in a way proud to display the produce of their own country. The Magi truly gave the best of the best befitting someone higher than a sovereignty. The highest obeisance and honor expressing their greatest pleasure from their hearts. For us to bring, is ourselves with no conditions attached. Prostrating and giving of our all to Him according to His will for us. We need to remind ourselves that God created us and our lives belong to Him.

Q2 The Magi being considered as kings of the East or wise men of prominence in their own right prostrated before the child Jesus clearly showed that Jesus' sovereignty is above all. God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil.2:9-11) He is truly the King of kings and Lord of Lords. This has shown that they have made a pilgrimage of faith and has given homage to the King and Savior. As believers, we can emulate this kind of worship by submitting ourselves to His Kingship in obeying His commandments, to be faithful and to do His will for us.

Q1 In those days, the people lived their lives directed by the sun, moon and stars. When travelling on vast barren land, they calculated their directions and time by the sun, moon and stars. The Magi most probably must have seen an unusual star with an supernatural light. Being astrologers, they must have interpreted it to be some thing of significance and majestic. As stars appeared at night and in the wee hour of the morning, the Magi used the light of the star as their guide. With their eyes of faith they must have sensed that the light was in fact shining and guiding the paths for them to follow which eventually led them to the babe in the stable. God always used the prophets to prophecise to His people. The Magi must have heard from their forefathers that God will be sending them a Savior and He will give them a sign. With this unique Star and through the prophesy of Balaam it must have confirmed their hope.

Q5 Great joy, praise and amazement are present in my life. When you are touched by the Lord, you are a new being and are set from all bondage and are filled with great joy and peace. With this happiness inside, you tend to praise God and amazement griped you on the marvels of God's love for you. At times some obstacles might prevent us from spreading the Good News to others especially availability and time. We need to set our priorities right but also would love to go and share God

Q 4 The three titles of Jesus are CHRIST, LORD and MESSIAH CHRIST - from the Greek adjective 'christos' means "anointed" LORD - 'kurios' means owner, lord, master, a designation of any person of high position. MESSIAH - Savior These indicate that Jesus, the anointed Son of God was the promised Savior God has made with the Israelites. Jesus is the 'Good News' who has come to set the people free from their bondages.

Q3 King Herod was threatened by the birth of Jesus as a possible rival heir to the throne so he gave orders to slaughter all male babies in Bethlehem. God's message came to the shepherds because they were good guards, watchmen and protectors so in a way God sent them to protect Jesus. As Jesus came in a humble way, God chose the lowliest of the low (shepherds) to show the world that God has lowered Himself to come down to their level to be with them. Since all the inns in Bethlehem were full, Joseph had no choice but to put up in the stable as it was late at night, in a cold winter season and Mary was very tired after four days' journey and her time was due to deliver the baby. God has used His son Jesus to teach us humility. As followers of Christ, we need to have this virtue in us so that we may not be proud when we work for the Lord.

Q2 Four days to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem on a donkey's back (since there were no proper transportation during Jesus' time); on cold winter season for a pregnant woman whose time was near was definitely an arduous and dangerous journey. To some pleasures, yes we are in God's will. For God causes the sun to shine on both the good as well as the evil and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5: 45). And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Phil.4:19.) God is the potter and we are the clay. If we surrender to Him, he will mould and fashion us and make everything beautiful in our lives. In the eighties when our children were small, it was so difficult to manage a family. Every month our income was exactly enough with no spares left. We had our regular meals with nothing extra or any chance of eating out or to celebrate any events. The only consolation was to pray to God and with His providence in one way or another He would sent us our needs accordingly either monetary or through people. On one occasion I was longing for a good meal in a hotel to celebrate mother's day and the Lord read my thought and sent a good friend who surprised us with an invitation through a phone call. Exactly what I wished for. Praise and thank God for the blessings we have received from Him for He cares for us. Being a convert, I do agree that being a consistent Christian causes more hardships than just going with the flow. Nothing is easy in life, everything must come with a price. Jesus paid a price to save mankind on the cross. He endured humiliation, accusation, insult, injuries, being mocked by doing God's will. Likewise, as followers of Christ, we too will have to endure our sufferings as Jesus had said in John 15: 18-19: "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." The closer we come to God, the more trials we will encounter. Satan is not happy and he will do anything to stop and deceive us from our faith. God will strengthen us if we turn to Him for His grace is sufficient for us, for power is perfected in weakness. 2 Cor.12:9)

Q1 Jerusalem is divided into many provinces and during the Romans rule, each province is controlled by different rulers. As Jesus was born in history and for future generations to know and read about the story of Christ and determine roughly the year they will refer to the rulers of that time. The point Luke is making is to show the kind of character the ruler is and how powerful and influential his authority is.

Q5 Joseph was chosen by God to father Jesus, was a true gentleman. He was devout, full of faith, obedient to God, just, merciful and a loving and caring father. The significance is that Joseph fulfilled the prophecy by legally adopting Jesus to be his own son and to continue on the inheritance of David's lineage.