Kelli Harris - content editor at Artza

Kelli Harris

Expertise

Content Marketing, Content Writing, Branding, Design, Social Media Strategy

Education

BA (Hons) in Media and Film Production, and Art History

Experience

Kelli Harris is an editor at Artza. She has a deep interest in religion, philosophy and values working in a profession that gives her insight into these different topics.

About Artza's Editorial Process

At Artza, our team of experienced writers and editors strive to bring you stories from the Holy Cities of the Christian Bible and grow your faith in God. We review Artza's content to ensure theological relevance and accuracy. We only source content from the Bible, reputable sites, and academic research institutions and cite these wherever relevant. Learn more about our editorial process here. 

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Latest from Kelli Harris

Articles

Christmas Gift Ideas for Religious Parents

Christmas is a time for love and giving, and who better to give a gift to than your parents? The term "parents" is broad and covers a range of different people and relationships. In this post, we will suggest Christmas gift ideas for your parents, grandparents, in-laws, and even friends who have recently become parents. What to Get New Parents for Christmas Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and so it is also important to help your friends celebrate the birth of their children. As a parent, you may want to get something for your children who have recently become parents as well. Here are some ideas for the best sentimental gifts for new parents: Baby's First Bible Your baby may not be able to read the Bible until they are older, but it is still a special gift to give that doubles as a source of numerous bedtime stories. Baby clothes with Bible verses There are many passages that would work beautifully on a baby onesie, such as Samuel 1:27: “For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted the desires of my heart.” New parents also need things for themselves and may appreciate some non-baby gifts. Some gifts for new moms and dads can include fluffy slippers or a nice bottle of wine to help them wind down after the stressful child-bearing period. What to Get Your Religious Parents for Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Parents as a Child There are many handmade and inexpensive gift ideas that children can utilize. Not only is this an economical option, but your parents are sure to cherish something that you have put thought and effort into. A few great inexpensive hand-made gift ideas include: An ornament for a Christmas tree Not only will your parents appreciate the effort that you put into making the gift yourself, but they will also be able to use this gift every year to decorate their Christmas tree. Little Santa hats made from red felt and cotton wool or a painted papier-mâché star are great ideas. A baked gift This can include delicious things such as iced sugar cookies or a cake. Hopefully, they will only last a short time, but your parents are sure to be very grateful for something tasty that was made with love. Gift Ideas for Elderly Parents It is also important at this time of the year to remember our elderly parents and even our grandparents. Spread joy and Christmas cheer to them with gifts such as: Something personalized Whether it is a dressing gown with your grandmother's name embroidered onto it or a pen with your grandfather's name, a personalized gift is always well received. Something unique to your relationship Our elderly parents and grandparents usually hold on to memories more than anything else. Get them a picture frame with a family photo or a trinket from a holiday spent together. This way they will be able to reminisce fondly whenever they see your gift. Gift Ideas for In-laws Getting a gift for an in-law, especially one who has everything you can imagine, is a difficult task. Remember that your gift to your in-laws can be inexpensive. What is important to bear in mind is that they will appreciate the fact that you got them a gift more than the physical gift itself. Something practical Practicality in gifts is something that is sometimes overlooked, but your in-laws may love practical faith-based gifts. A bookmark with a bible verse on it or a personalized journal are great bible study gifts for in-laws. A print of a scripture verse This will not only serve as a beautiful piece of decor but will remind them of their relationship with both you and God whenever they see it. Since there are so many bible verses to choose from, you can be sure to pick a unique gift for someone who is religious. Good Gifts for All Religious People These are our picks of the best Christian gifts for your parents, but they can also be applied to other family members. When all else fails, an amazing faith-based gift for anyone is one of Artzabox's subscription boxes. We offer a variety of artisanal goods from across the holy land and deliver them straight to your doorstep.

Mountains of the Israeli Holy Land

The land of Israel has a few famous mountains. The Holy Land has the lowest point on Earth as well as important mountains mentioned in the Bible, with Mount Hermon as the highest and Mount Meron as the most famous. Interesting Facts About Israeli Mountains Mountains are mentioned 500 times in the BibleThe religious symbolism behind mountains is that it is a way of getting closer to GodThere are about 1001 named mountains in IsraelJerusalem is on a mountain across from Mount of OlivesSouth of Jerusalem lays Mount ZionThere are six mountains mentioned in the Bible, four of those six are located in Israel Famous Mountains in Israel Mount Hermon Mount Hermon (Sacred Mountain/Jabal el-Shaiykh) is a cluster of mountains making up the Southern end of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. Mount Hermon holds the distinction of being the highest mountain in Israel. Altitude: 2 814m Location: North of the Golan Heights. On the border between Syria and Lebanon. How Can You Reach the Summit? The highest point that can be reached is 2020m. You can drive to the upper parking lot or hike to the 2020m destination. Any Significance to the Bible? We read about Mount Hermon a few times in the Bible. It marks the northern limits of the Promised Land conquered by Joshua (Deuteronomy 3:8; Joshua 11:17, 12:1, 13:5). Joshua 3:3; 1 Chronicle 5:23; Psalms 42:6, 89:11-12 also talks about Mount Hermon. Worshippers liked to go to the isolated heights and a lot of ruins of ancient sanctuaries are found on the peaks and the base (Judges 3:3; 1 Chronicle 5:23; Psalms 42:6, 89:11-12). Interesting Facts About Mount Hermon Mount Hermon has the only ski resort in IsraelA part of the mountain is a military zoneIt is the most northern point of IsraelThere are three settlements on Mount Hermon: Neve Artive – Jewish settlement, Majdel Shams – Druse town and Ein Kynia – Druse villageThere are about ten peaks on Mount HermonMount Hermon has about five lookout pointsThere is a beautiful waterfall where Mount Hermon meets the Golan HeightsThere are some unique species of butterflies and reptiles Mount of Olives Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge next to Jerusalem’s Old City in the East of Israel. Mount Olives are the location of many biblical events. Altitude: 826m Location: East of Israel next to Jerusalem’s Old City. How Can You Reach the Summit? You can drive or walk to the summit of Mount Olives. As it is a very steep climb up with lots of stairs and narrow roads it is advised to drive to the summit with public transport and then to walk down. Any Significance in the Bible? It was first mentioned in 2 Samuel 15 as the ascent of the Mount of Olives. It is referred to in Zechariah 14 as part of the end of days prophecy. In the New Testament, Mount Olives are referred to many times. Matthew 21:1; Mark 11:1 talks about the last week of Jesus’s life where Jesus and his disciples went to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Matthew 24-25; Mark 13; Luke 21, explains Jesus’s Olivet Discourse. The Garden of Gethsemane is on the Western slopes of Mount Olives (Matthew 26; Mark 14). According to Acts 1:9-12, Jesus also ascended to heaven on Mount Olives. Interesting Facts About Mount of Olives It was named Mount of Olives because of the olive groves that grew on the slopes.There are many churches located on the Mount of Olives.The Mount of Olives is home to the largest Jewish cemetery in the world.Mount of Olives is one of three peaks on the mountain ridge. Mount Carmel Mount Carmel is a coastal mountain range in North Israel. The name however confuses because it does not refer to a peak but an entire mountain range. Altitude: 546m Location: Northern Israel How Can You Reach the Summit? You can hike or drive up to the summit of Mount Carmel. There is a beautiful picnic spot. But because the summit is flat, there is no view from the summit. Any Significance in the Bible? The prophet Elijah’s showdown with the 850 pagan prophets took place on Mount Carmel. It is believed that Elijah sometimes resided in a cave on the mountain. 1 Kings 17:1-24; 1 Kings 18:19, 36-37; 1 Kings 18:39; 2 Kings 4:25; Isaiah 35:2; Songs of Solomon 7:5. Interesting Facts About Mount Carmel Mount Carmel is home to Mount Carmel National Park and Nature ReserveThis national park has many hiking paths, picnic areas, memorials, streams, campgrounds, observation points and outdoor activitiesThis national park is also one of the largest in the countryThe best view from Mount Carmel is seen from Muhraka MonasteryThe city Haifa is on the northern slope and is the third-largest city in Israel The mountain ranges in Israel has special meaning not only to Christianity but also to Jewish people. Even the city Bethlehem is located in the Judean Mountains. Mountains in Israel have been mentioned in the Bible numerous times and all of them have special meanings.

The Significance of Ezekiel and the Cherubim in the Bible

Ezekiel is one of the prophetic books in the Bible. The Prophet Ezekiel has six visions in the Old Testament book of Ezekiel. In one of these visions, he sees a mystical chariot and the throne of God, held by "four living creatures" identified as cherubim. But what were Ezekiel's visions, and what do the Cherubim represent? Who was Ezekiel in the Bible? Little is known about the historical background of Ezekiel. He was the son of the priest, Buzi. Ezekiel was one of the Jews exiled from Israel to Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem, and the destruction of the First Holy Temple in 593BC. In exile, Ezekiel lived with his wife on the banks of the Chebar River, in Tel Abib, which is believed to be in modern-day Iraq. It was here, by the River Chebar (Kebar) that Ezekiel was called to be a prophet at the age of 30, five years after going into captivity. Ezekiel's message was specifically for the exiled Jews. He gave them a message of hope for the rehabilitation of Jerusalem and Judea. His message was a promise for the future and the restoration of their nation. Ezekiel foresaw that all Jews would return to Israel from the Diaspora and that a new covenant would be made between them and God. His visions also reinforce the power of God and His sovereignty over all nations. The purpose of Ezekiel's ministry was to first denounce the sins of his people, and second to bring them comfort and hope. He told them why they were exiled, and how they could reconnect with God. What Are the Cherubim According to the Bible? Cherubim are God's throne bearers and His attendants, and appear over 90 times in the Bible verses. In Hebrew, Cherubim means a celestial winged being who represents God's spirit on Earth and symbolizes the worship of God. In Ezekiel, cherubim are described as angelic creatures, with two sets of wings and four faces (lion, ox, human, and eagle). The four faces of the cherubim represent the four domains of God's rule. The lion represents wild animals; man represents humanity; the ox represents domestic animals, and the eagle represents birds. In Revelations 4:6-8, cherubim appear in John's vision as having the same faces but in a different order, and having six wings instead of four. The cherubim are God's throne bearers, but they also form another function of guarding God's spirituality and continually praising God. What Are the Six Visions of Ezekiel? God uses Ezekiel's six visions to teach us important lessons: The Vision of God (The Vision of the Throne-Chariot and Living Creatures). A storm blows in with a cloud containing God's chariot held up by four living creatures (cherubim). Ezekiel’s vision of the cherubim shows them supporting the throne alongside four mystical wheels. Experts have offered several interpretations of this first vision. The significance of the cherubim in Ezekiel's vision is to show that God has not abandoned his people and still rules over all domains. The Vision of the Scroll (2:9-3:3). Ezekiel sees a hand stretched out towards him holding an open scroll with writing inside and out and instructs Ezekiel to eat it. This symbolizes Ezekiel internalizing God's message and being commissioned to take God's message to the people. The Vision of the Plain (3:22-23). God tells Ezekiel to go out into the fields where God could be seen in all his glory. It was so overwhelming that Ezekiel fell on his face. The Vision of Jerusalem. Ezekiel sees Jerusalem in several stages including the wickedness in the Temple (8:1-18); the killing of the city's inhabitants (9:1-11); the burning of Jerusalem(10:1-22), and the departure of God (11:1-25). With this vision, Ezekiel is foreseeing what will happen to Jerusalem. The Vision of Dry Bones (37:1-10). Ezekiel saw a valley full of dry bones representing the people who have lost faith and hope. God commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones and tell them God would breathe life into them. The Vision of the New Temple (40:1-48:35). God wants the people to rebuild the Holy Temple, that has been destroyed by the Babylonians. He wants it built according to a particular plan which is revealed in Ezekiel's vision. How Did Ezekiel Die? Ezekiel died a martyr when he was killed for reprimanding leaders of the exiled Jews for idol worship. The Bible does not specify the way he was killed. It is believed that he died at age 51 in approximately 570BC and was buried at a tomb in Al Kifl, Iraq. For a full understanding of the spiritual meaning of Ezekiel, join an Ezekiel Bible study and read a book of Ezekiel summary.

Children playing with funny Christmas hats

Fun Family Christmas Traditions That Your Kids Will Love

The festive season is upon us, and so we begin to break out the old family traditions with our loved ones. It may, however, be time to start adopting new Christmas traditions, especially when your family is a growing one. Whether you have started a family of your own, or simply think it's time to revamp the old favorites, you are sure to find some inspiration in this post. How To Make Christmas Fun for Kids While Christmas is a time for faith and worship, our young ones may not understand the full meaning yet and struggle to relate to the significance of this time of year. Introducing some unique and magical Christmas traditions can get little ones excited about Christmas. These traditions could even be used to teach kids about God and the meaning of Christmas in a creative and fun way. 11 Unique Christmas Traditions To Do at Home Dressing up on Christmas day Not only is this a great way to get Christmas photos of your little ones, but you can use this as a way to introduce the characters and symbols of the Bible to your children in a way that is easy for them to understand and remember. Filling Christmas Stockings The thrill of a surprise in a stocking on Christmas morning is sure to be a tradition that will last with your children well into adulthood. You can also teach your children about the importance of giving through this tradition. Watching a Christmas movie Christmas movies are not only fun for children but can be an enjoyable activity for adults as well. Compile a collection of the best Christmas movies and watch one every Christmas Eve as a tradition for your family. Christmas movies often have an important lesson to convey, so it serves as an easy way to teach your child something about the spirit of Christmas. Christmas caroling This is a wonderful way to get to know your neighbours and connect with your community through song. If you can't go door-to-door caroling, you can always stay in with your family and sing Christmas songs about Jesus together. Putting up Christmas lights Decorating the house around Christmas time is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. If possible, decorate the outside of your home and your front garden with lights to spread the Christmas cheer with others. Baking gingerbread houses An example of a timeless Christmas tradition is making gingerbread houses. This is a perfect idea for a small family to do around Christmas time, and a great way to bond. A Bible story game You could play a game where one has to guess the Bible story based on clues given by other family members. This can include things like key figures, what the bible says about Christmas, and various other important symbols. Decorating the Christmas tree This is a common tradition across most households and is definitely a favorite amongst the family. Decorating the tree is a lovely way to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit. Make sure to let your child add the ornament to the top of the tree. Making Christmas decorations While the actual act of decorating the tree is fun, creating the decorations yourself can be a lovely tradition to start with your family. You can introduce this tradition with your baby by using a painted stamp of their footprints as a tree ornament. As they grow up, have them make a new ornament for the tree, until eventually, you can give these ornaments to them as an adult to carry on the tradition. This is also something that you can start working on earlier in the year and finish by Christmas. Secret Santa Secret Santa is a great tradition to start in large families. It adds an extra element of surprise to gift-giving, as you don't know who the gift giver will be. In addition to this, it helps save money as you only have to buy one family member a Christmas gift. Suggest this idea to your child as a fun mystery so that they get as much enjoyment out of it as you do. Making personalized advent calendars These can be made by simply placing items into little bags with the dates leading up to Christmas on them. It is a great Christmas craft to do with your children since it's easy and inspires them to be creative with the gifts that they choose. Upholding the Meaning of Christmas While it is good to have unique and funny Christmas traditions for your family, it is important to remember to keep Christ in Christmas. Remember to spread the word of Jesus Christ, and to keep the meaning of Christmas alive throughout your celebrations.

Map of the Sea of Galilee during biblical times

The Importance of the Sea of Galilee in the Bible

The Sea of Galilee is the largest freshwater lake in Israel and is the primary water source for the country. The Sea of Galilee is very important in the Bible as it was where Jesus performed many of his miracles. The Sea of Galilee is a popular tourism site for Christians to visit. Visiting this site you can walk the paths Jesus did and even see a boat that was discovered in 1986, this boat dates back to Jesus’s time. How Did the Sea of Galilee Get Its Name? The name originates from the Hebrew word kinnor (harp/lyre) which resembles the shape of the lake. The lake is about 21 km from North to South and about 43 km deep. Galilee is a Northern Israeli region. On the South lays the Jezreel Valley, to the North is the Lebanon Valley, East is the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River, and the Golan Heights. To the west is the coastal mountain range. The Sea of Galilee is of great significance to Christians because Jesus performed many of his miracles on its shores, such as walking on water, calming the storm and feeding five thousand people. The Sea of Galilee is also called: Lake Kinneret We read about Lake Kinneret in Numbers 34:11, Joshua 11:2, 13:27, and it is believed that Lake Kinneret has been named after that body of water. Kinneret is the Hebrew word for violin and the lake is named Kinneret because its shape resembles a harp. Lake of Gennesaret This is the area where Jesus visited and performed healing acts. A town called Naphtali was later changed to Gennesaret and was also called the Paradise of Galilee because of its fertility and beauty. Luke is also the only Gospel that calls it a lake (Luke 5:1). Lake Tiberias Tiberias was an important city in 70 AD. Being spared by the Romans, it was made the capital of Jerusalem when it was destroyed. The name was later given to the lake. Today the Sea of Galilee is called Lake Tiberias. What Miracles Did Jesus Perform in the Galilee Region? Jesus changes water into wine (John 2:1-11). We read about a wedding that took place in Cana in Galilee. During the wedding, the wine was finished and Jesus’s mother told him about it. He asked servants to bring him jars filled with water. The was turned into wine, what was said to be the best wine at the wedding. This is Jesus’s first miracle. Jesus cures the nobleman’s son (John 4:46-47). A royal officer in Galilee’s son was sick. When he heard Jesus was in Galilee, he asked him to cure his child. Jesus told him his son will live and before he returned home, his servants came and told him his son has been healed. The great haul of fish (Luke 5:1-11). Jesus was busy teaching a crowd of people. He saw a few boats on the shore of Lake Gennesaret and boarded one. He then continued to teach from the boat. When he finished with his teachings, he asked the fishermen to cast their nets to the other side of the boat. Following Jesus’ request, they caught so many fish that their nets broke. Jesus casts out an unclean spirit (Mark 1:23-28). When Jesus was teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum, a man possessed with an evil spirit cried out to Jesus. Jesus rebuked the evil spirit which then left the man. The news spread through the region of Galilee about what Jesus had done. Jesus cures Simon’s mother-in-law of a fever (Mark 1:30-31). After leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to the house of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever. Jesus went to her and took her hand, and the fever left her body. Jesus heals a leper (Mark 1:40-45). A leper approached Jesus and begged him to heal him. Jesus was filled with compassion, and he reached out to the leper, touched him and the leprosy left his body. Jesus told him to go and show himself to the priest. Is the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee the Same? The Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee are not the same thing. The Sea of Galilee lays in northern Israel. It is filled by the Jordan river, which then flows down to the Dead Sea. The distance between these two bodies of water is about 141 km. The Dead Sea lays south in Israel. It is much bigger than the Sea of Galilee. The Dead Sea is called dead because of its high salt concentration that makes it uninhabitable for any plants or animals. How Do You Get to the Sea of Galilee? The best way to get to the Sea of Galilee is to visit one of the towns bordering the Sea. Because of its importance to Christians, the Sea of Galilee is a popular tourist destination. It will always be part of Christianity as it is where Jesus performed miracles and much of his ministries. It has a collection of churches that are built over the sites where Jesus performed miracles, and worth visiting.

Aerial panorama of the ruins of the ancient city of Tel Megiddo and the valley

Megiddo: History, Biblical Significance, and Relevance Today

As accounted in the book of Revelations, Megiddo is the site of The Final Battle when the world will end. Megiddo is also known as Armageddon, which loosely translates to Hill of Megiddo from the Hebrew, Har Megiddo. Numerous battles have already been waged there, and today Megiddo is surrounded by a nature reserve that anyone can visit. While its history is gruesome and its future frightening, Megiddo is still of great importance in our faith and is something we should learn about. Megiddo Today Before we dive into the history of Megiddo, let's take a look at where it stands geographically. It is a kibbutz in Northern Israel near the Megiddo Junction. This junction connects lower Galilee to central Israel. The Jezreel Valley, or Valley of Megiddo, is a large plain where you can find the kibbutz. West of this valley lies the Carmel Mountain range, and to the east, the Jordan Valley. The large size of this plain is, in part, the reason why so many battles were fought here. The Biblical Significance of Megiddo To understand the biblical significance of Megiddo, we must first take a look at some historical events that took place. Historical Events in Megiddo Megiddo is a site that has seen many battles throughout history and is said to be the place where the end of the world will occur. Historically, more wars have been fought in Megiddo than anywhere else in the world - a total of 34 battles. Two of the most noteworthy occur between Egyptian soldiers and surrounding rebel groups. Megiddo was strategically placed, as it was the passage for trade and commercial activity through Egypt to Mitanni. 15thC BC Battle of Megiddo This battle was fought between the Egyptians and rebellion groups from Canaan. Both sides gathered enormous amounts of troops together as a showcase of power and rebellion. 609 BC Battle of Megiddo This battle occurred between Judaean and Egyptian soldiers for many of the same reasons as the battle in the 15thC. Again, this was due to a denial of passage and a showcase of power. 1918 Battle of Megiddo Very recently, in historical terms, a battle was fought in Megiddo in 1918. During the First World War, Sinai and Palestinian forces battled against the allied Egyptian forces. As with most of the battles of the First World War, it was one of territorial conquest. Megiddo and the Final Battle The final battle, when the world will end, will be fought in Megiddo, as is written in the Bible. It will be a battle between the forces of good and evil. It is said that during this battle, the clouds will open, and God will deliver his people from this evil and take them to heaven. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty... And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. - Revelations 16:14-16 (NKJV). Visiting Meggido in Israel Meggido is open at all times for tourists to pay a visit. The site is teeming with rich history, and from specific vantage points, you can almost imagine the numerous battles which occurred on its soil. There are two lookout points available to visitors: one to the north and one to the south. Each provides a unique view of beautiful sights in the surrounding area. There are underground tunnels to explore and ruins of ancient cities. A secondary attraction to Meggido is the flora and fauna. You may catch a glimpse of foxes, jackals or even mongooses. There is also some leafy vegetation to enjoy in areas away from the old battlefield. Tel Megiddo National Park Important Information Opening Hours During Summer: Saturday - Thursday: 08:00 - 17:00 Friday: 08:00 - 16:00 Any day before a holiday: 08:00 - 16:00 Opening Hours During Winter: Saturday - Thursday: 08:00 - 16:00 Friday: 08:00 - 15:00 Any day before a holiday: 08:00 - 13:00 Price List: Adult: 28 NIS Group of adults or students: 24 NIS/person Child or Senior Citizen: 14 NIS Children in a group: 12 NIS/person Please do make a reservation through the Megiddo National Park official website, and note that prices are subject to change.

Sculpture depicting Moses and the 10 plagues of Egypt

The Ten Plagues of Egypt in the Bible

The book of Exodus in the Old Testament tells of 10 plagues that ravished the Egyptian people. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact year that these occurred, but it is speculated that they happened between 1570 and 1440 BC. The 10 Plagues of Egypt, in order: 1. Blood 2. Frogs 3. Lice or Gnats 4. Flies 5. Death of Livestock 6. Boils 7. Hail 8. Locusts 9. Darkness 10. Death of Firstborns There are two main reasons why God sent the plagues to Egypt. The first is that the Pharaoh of Egypt refused to let the enslaved Israelites go after over 400 years of slavery. God not only wanted to display His strength to the Pharaoh and intimidate him into freeing the slaves, but also as a sign of reassurance to Israelites that their God was the absolute god. The second was because the Egyptians did not follow God Himself, but instead worshipped gods and goddesses of the land, sky, and sea. The Lord wanted to prove to the Egyptians that he was the only God worth serving. What Happened During Each of the Ten Biblical Plagues God sent Moses and Aaron as his envoys, to carry out the plagues in his name. Every time a plague happened, Moses and Aaron relayed the message that the Pharaoh needed to let God's people go, and every time the Pharaoh refused another plague ensued. The Pharaoh had hired magicians to recreate the plagues that God sent down. Each time the magicians use magic and trickery to mimic the plagues it solidified the Pharaoh's belief that God was powerless, and he refused to let God's people go. With every refusal, God sent Moses and Aaron back with another plague, and so the 10 curses of Egypt occurred. The First Plague: Blood With the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood. Exodus 7:17 The first plague was that of turning the Nile river into blood. This was done so that the Egyptians could not drink the water nor eat the fish as they all died and began to rot. The Second Plague: Frogs If you refuse to let them go, I will send a plague of frogs on your whole country. Exodus 8:2 One week after the Nile had been turned into blood the Lord demanded the release of his people. Once more the Pharaoh refused, causing an infestation of frogs to cover the land. The Pharaoh told Moses that if God removed these frogs his people would be free to worship him. Once removed, however, the Pharaoh refused to uphold his end of the deal. The Third Plague: Lice or Gnats All the dust throughout the land of Egypt became gnats. Exodus 8:17 After being refused again, the Lord instructed Aaron to turn all of the dust in Egypt into gnats (or in some recollections, lice). Even the Pharaoh's magicians could not replicate this, instead, naming it the work of the hand of God. The Pharoah, however, refused to listen. The Fourth Plague: Flies If you do not let my people go, I will send swarms of flies on you and your officials, on your people and into your houses. Exodus 8:21 The Lord sent flies to cover all of Egypt, except for the land of Goshen. Goshen was given to the Israelites by the Pharaoh. The Lord did not want the worst of the plagues of Egypt to affect the Israelites, and so while the whole of Egypt was teeming with flies, the land of Goshen saw none. The Fifth Plague: Death of Livestock ...the hand of the Lord will bring a terrible plague on your livestock in the field—on your horses, donkeys and camels and on your cattle, sheep and goats. Exodus 9:3 A similar instance occurred to that of the plague of flies, with all of the livestock of the Egyptians dying in the fields, but those of the Israelites being untouched. Even when the Pharaoh discovered that the Israelites' livestock had been spared, he stood fast and refused to release them. The Sixth Plague: Boils ...festering boils will break out on people and animals throughout the land. Exodus 9:9 A plague of boils broke out upon all of the Egyptian people, and their livestock too. The magicians could not even attempt to recreate this with magic, as their boils were so painful that they couldn't stand. But again, the Pharaoh was resolute. The Seventh Plague: Hail ...I will send the worst hailstorm that has ever fallen on Egypt, from the day it was founded till now. Exodus 9:18 The Lord warned the people of Egypt to bring any of their livestock that had survived the plagues before to shelter, as he would release a hail storm like none that Egypt had ever seen before. A great many did not listen to this warning, and sure enough, the following day a tremendous storm of hail and lightning was seen on all of Egypt, except for the land of Goshen. The Eighth Plague: Locusts If you refuse to let them go, I will bring locusts into your country tomorrow. Exodus 10:4 At this point, even the Pharaoh's advisors and magicians were advocating for the release of the Israelites, but the Pharaoh stood fast. This caused a plague of locusts to envelop all of Egypt, laying waste to any crops that survived the previous plagues. The Ninth Plague: Darkness Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt—darkness that can be felt Exodus 10:21 For three days in Egypt, there was a darkness that enveloped all of Egypt. The Egyptians could not leave their homes and had to feel their way around. The homes of every Israelite, however, had light. The Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn This is what the Lord says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die Exodus 11:4-5 The tenth and final plague was the one that broke the Pharaoh's resolve. Every firstborn son of every household, including livestock, would die when the Lord sent the angel of death over their houses. The Israelites were spared only if they carried out an act of service to prove their faith. Every family had to sacrifice a lamb to God and mark their door with its blood in order for the angel of death to pass over their homes and spare them. Relevance of the 10 Plagues Today The final plague, and ultimately the reason that the Israelites were set free, is why we have the holiday of Passover today. It teaches us that it is not enough to be Christian only in name. As the Israelites had to sacrifice a lamb to God, so we as Christians have to proclaim our faith to receive favor from the Lord.

Painting depicting John the Baptist baptising Jesus Christ

Were John the Baptist and Jesus Cousins?

John the Baptist is a prominent figure in our faith, and his relationship with Jesus is highly significant. Not only did John baptize Jesus, but he was also the person who advocated that Jesus was the Messiah. They are thought to be cousins; however, it is unclear whether John's mother, Elizabeth and The Virgin Mary were first or second cousin. Let's take a closer look at their relationship, as well as the baptism of Christ. Was John the Baptist Related to Jesus? We read about Mary visiting her cousin while pregnant with Jesus in the bible. At the time, Elizabeth was pregnant with Jesus' second cousin, John. Both Mary and Elizabeth had miraculous pregnancies. The Christmas story of the virgin Mary is one that we are all familiar with; however, the story of Elizabeth's pregnancy was a miracle as well. Elizabeth and her husband were too old to have children but, by the blessing of God, conceived John. During the days of King Herold of Judaea, the angel Gabriel approached Elizabeth's husband, Zachariah and granted him God's miracle of fertility. Do not be afraid, Zachariah, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John." Luke 1:13 NKJV Before they were born, we can see that John and Jesus had a special bond. Even as an unborn child, John reacted joyously to being in Jesus' presence. ... as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy." Luke 1:44 NKJV These are the words that Elizabeth spoke to Mary when they both met during their pregnancy. Elizabeth was already around six months pregnant when she met with Mary, making John slightly older than Jesus. John is said to have been born in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, where today the Church of John the Baptist stands. Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist John had become a messenger of God, proclaiming that everyone who hadn't yet, should repent before the coming of the Messiah. Jesus approached John in the River Jordan and requested that John baptize him. John initially refused, not for feelings of doubt in Jesus, but rather for feeling unworthy. He stated that Jesus should be the one to baptize John, not the other way around. Jesus responded to John's initial refusal by saying: Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Matthew 3:15 NKJV What this loosely translates to is that it is the will of God that Jesus is baptized, and so it will be done. Jesus here explains to John that God has a righteous plan and that this is John's part to play. John consented, and once the baptism was performed, the heavens opened, and God announced; This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17 NKJV It is important to note here that Jesus did not need to be baptized in the conventional way we know today. He was pure and free of sin. He was baptized in repentance for the world's sins and to mark the beginning of his ministry on Earth. This happened when both Jesus and John the Baptist were around 30 years old. Shortly after this, John was executed under orders of the ruler of Galilee, Herod Antipas, for reprimanding him on his divorce and remarriage. John the Baptist died a few years before Jesus was crucified. Many believe that Jesus' rising from the dead was actually that of John the Baptist due to the similarities in their nature as prophets. The Importance of Jesus' Baptism Today John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins on their mother's sides, but their relationship went much deeper than that. From before they were born, John felt a strong connection to Jesus. He started his ministry on Earth and prepared the world for Jesus the Messiah. The baptism of Jesus Christ is a show of humility and promise of God's mission and is an inspiration to all of us Christians, that even Jesus himself, who is pure and devoid of all sins, was baptized in the name of God, so we should all do the same.

Silhouette of Joseph and Pregnant mary on a donkey travelling to Bethlehem

The Journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem

The story of the birth of Christ is significant to Christians as this is where the story of Christmas begins, but what about the events leading up to His birth? The circumstances surrounding the time is not as widely known as the nativity story. Mary and Joseph had to travel far and under dangerous conditions to get from their home in Nazareth to the childhood home of Joseph in Bethlehem. Once they arrived in Bethlehem, they faced further challenges. Let's take a deeper look at their journey, including why they went to Bethlehem, how they got there, and the events which transpired at the time of their arrival. Why Did Mary and Joseph Go to Bethlehem? Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to participate in a census ordered by Caesar Augustus. This was ultimately so that everyone could be accounted for and pay taxes. And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. " - Luke 2:2 (NKJV). Everyone was to be registered in their own city, so Mary and Joseph had to return to Joseph's home city - Bethlehem in Judea. Bethlehem at the time was called David's city, and Joseph was of descent of David. Let us remember that all things happen the way they do as it is God's will. While Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem for the census, there was a very particular reason that the decree was given when Mary was as close to childbirth as she was. A prophecy given in Micah 5:2-3 speaks of the Messiah being born in Bethlehem. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” It is a powerful passage in our Gospel, as it states clearly where the one true Messiah will be born. It refers to Jesus and confirms the reason for Caesar Augustus issuing the census so close to the birth of Christ. How Did Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem? We all know the traditional story of how Mary rode on a donkey while Joseph walked. However, this is down to speculation. Neither the Bible passage that accounts for their journey nor any documentation mentions the infamous donkey. The donkeys included in the Nativity Scene are presumed to be those residing in the manger Mary and Joseph arrived at, not any brought along from their journey. The speculation does not come without reason, however, as the trip was far uphill, and Mary was heavily pregnant at the time and may very well have required assistance. While the assumption is not entirely far-fetched, it is essential to note that it is merely speculation. What Route Did Mary and Joseph Take? Luke 2:4 (NKJV) states that Joseph went up from Galilee into Judea. This is because the city of Bethlehem is elevated at about 2543 feet above sea level (1493 feet higher than Nazareth). Bethlehem is also located in the Judean Mountains, making for rugged terrain during their journey. They had to navigate foothills in Jerusalem on their way, meaning they had to maneuver up and downhill throughout their journey. Mary and Joseph also took their journey during the beginning of winter, which meant they likely experienced rainfall along the way. To combat the elements, Mary and Joseph probably wore thick coats over their clothes, which added to the load they had to bear. In addition to these obstacles, they would have had to be careful of thieves along the road and dangerous animals in the surrounding woods. While the exact time their journey would have taken is unknown, educated guesses place the number somewhere between four days and a week. Arrival in Bethlehem The relief of arriving at their destination as the city of Bethlehem was short-lived, as it was soon discovered that there was nowhere for the couple to stay. The town was filled with individuals who had come to be registered much as Mary and Joseph had. They made do with what was available and set up in the manger, where Mary immediately went into labor and gave birth to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke2:7 (NKJV). Their stay in Bethlehem was short-lived, however, due to King Herod's fear of the promised power of Jesus. An angel in the night warned Joseph to leave Bethlehem, and so he took Mary and Jesus and did precisely that. Joseph and Mary's flight to Egypt would start a series of important events in the life of Jesus Christ.

Aerial view of the outskirts of the Samaria Gorge

Significance of Samaria and the Samaritans in the Bible

The region of Samaria lies between Galilee and Judea. There has been a great deal of racism and prejudice throughout history between Jewish people and Samaritans. Two popular Christian stories center around Samaria and the Samaritans: The woman at the well and the good Samaritan. What is the cause of this contempt between Jewish folk and Samaritans, and why is Samaria so significant in the Bible? Interesting Facts About Samaria In Hebrew, the name Samaria translates to "watch-tower." In biblical times, there was a mutual hatred amongst the Jewish people and the Samaritans. The famous story of the "Good Samaritan" is a bible story found in Luke 10:25-37.Control of Samaria has changed hands many times, including being owned by the Babylonians, Arabs, Canaanites, and Israelites. On their way to Galilee, most Jewish people traveled the long way around to avoid going through or near Samaria. Significance of Samaria in the Bible Samaria is nestled between the Sea of Galilee in the north and Judea in the south. The Jordan River lies east and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. When the Kingdom of Israel split, Samaria became the capital of the north, while Jerusalem got the title of the capital of the south. The northern portion in this regard is Israel, and the southern part is Judea. Samaria was destroyed in 722 by Assyrians, as foretold in a gruesome prophesy in the Bible. Samaria is held guilty, For she has rebelled against her God. They shall fall by the sword, Their infants shall be dashed in pieces, And their women with child ripped open. - Hosea 13:16 (NKJV) The Woman at the Well The chapter in the bible where this story begins is beautifully titled: A Samaritan Woman Meets Her Messiah. Jesus had decided to go through the city of Sychar in Samaria and sat by a well while his disciples went off to buy food. A woman approached the well and spoke with Jesus for a time, although we are never told the woman's name. We gather from their conversation that this woman was a social outcast and had taken many husbands in her life. Jesus offered her living water, which here is symbolic of a relationship with Christ. but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” - John 4:14 (NKJV). What can we learn from this encounter? First and foremost, this encounter in Samaria reminds us that through Christ and Christ alone, we have eternal salvation. The everlasting life referred to in the scripture is symbolic of a life and relationship with Christ. Secondly, it shows us that Jesus is selfless and loves all equally. Jesus was Jewish himself and yet gave time and kindness to a Samarian woman who most Jewish people would have loathed. The Parable of the Good Samaritan The Gospel of Luke: 10-35 (NKJV) tells the tale of the good Samaritan. This is a phrase used frequently in the English language for someone who does good and is kind. The story goes that a Jewish traveler is left beaten and naked in the street to die on his way to Jericho from Jerusalem. He is passed by a Jewish priest and a Levite who ignored the man completely. He was then approached by a Samaritan, who stopped and tended to his wounds. He took the man to an inn and paid for his stay, instructing the innkeeper to look after him. He went as far as saying that if the man used more than the Samaritan had paid upfront, he would return and pay for the rest. The lesson learned from this story is beautiful: ... which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” - Luke 10: 36-37 Simply put, Jesus is instructing us to do good things for others, much like the good Samaritan. Samaria's Significance Historically, we can learn a great deal from Samaria, as it is involved in many conquests, such as why the Kingdom of Israel split. The root of racism and prejudice between the Samaritans and Jewish people is a delicate topic yet incredibly interesting. The most important part of Samaria, however, is how Jesus uses it to teach us important lessons. Whether it be to welcome him into our hearts like the woman at the well or to do good for others like the good Samaritan. The biblical significance of Samaria teaches us crucial lessons about ourselves and our faith.

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Best Christmas Birthday Party Ideas

When you need to throw a birthday party at Christmas time, the big question is whether you're going to give it a Christmas theme or try and avoid the coincidence altogether. Whichever you choose, the birthday boy or girl should still be the event's primary focus. You can set up clear rules for keeping the birthday celebration separate from Christmas. For example, open the birthday presents in an area away from the Christmas tree. Or decorate a separate "birthday tree" and hang a birthday stocking. And definitely don't wrap birthday presents in Christmas wrapping paper! Christmas Birthday Party Ideas for Adults A winter wonderland party A fancy dress party with no Christmas-themed costumes Ugly festive sweater party A kid's birthday party theme (everyone dresses as kids and the food is kid's party snacks) Christmas Birthday Party Ideas For Kids Start with breakfast in bed for the birthday girl or boy, and open the birthday gifts (away from the Christmas gifts). Let them build childhood Christmas memories of both Christmas and their birthday. Go to the rink for a skating partyPajama partyCookie baking partyDisney-themed party Fairy and pixie party Christmas Birthday Party Celebrations Whether you choose to combine your birthday party with your holiday season party or whether you keep the two completely separate is up to you. Some years you might just want a huge joint Christmas and birthday party where the theme, decor, and gifts are all about Christmas. But even if you do that, you should still try and find some unique gift ideas for the birthday and moments when the birthday boy or girl is the center of attention. Remember, a personalized Christmas gift idea, such as an Artza subscription box, will make the birthday girl or boy feel special.

What Does the Eagle Represent in the Bible?

Throughout the Bible, the image of an eagle is used on many occasions. Looking at the natural characteristics of an eagle, we can, with relative certainty explain why. An eagle is a very strong and ferocious animal that can soar at great heights. It also has excellent eyesight to be able to spot prey from high above. So what or who does the eagle in the bible symbolize? Let's find out. What Is the Spiritual Meaning of the Eagle? We can find a golden thread throughout the Bible where God uses the image of an eagle to portray His might and power. This includes the ability to protect His children like an eagle would protect its young: Under the wings of an eagle (Psalm 91:4). The spiritual meaning of the eagle in the Bible is God almighty. What Is the Prophetic Meaning of the Eagle? God speaks to his children through the prophets, and the earliest mention of eagles in a prophetic context is found in Exodus 19, where He said that He commissioned eagles to enact their emancipation. The Bible also uses the image of an eagle carrying away the bride of Christ on its wings, to escape the wrath of the antichrist. Once again relying on His almighty power and love for His bride. As children of God, we have to look at the bigger picture and also discern the smaller things. The prophetic meaning of looking with an eagle eye is to be able to look at both. An eagle has excellent eyesight and can see the smallest prey walking on the ground while soaring high in the sky. What Does the Eagle Represent in Revelations? Throughout the Bible, the eagle is a sign of vengeance in the scriptures. In Revelations, however, the eagle represents the forerunner of the judgment that is coming and that they still have time to repent their sins.

Best Christian Gift Ideas for Your Religious Mom

Christmas is fast approaching, and most of us want to get our gift shopping out of the way. This may seem like a daunting task, so to make it a little easier, here are some ideas of Christian gifts you can get for your mom. Gift Ideas for Mom From Her Young Children You may have young children who want to participate in getting a present for mom. A personalized gift would be a great idea in this instance. Some examples include: A bookmark with a Bible verse This would make a great gift for a mother who loves to read. It is easy to make, doesn't cost much, and will be something that she can get a lot of use out of. Snowmen decorations These can be made by glueing together three polystyrene balls and adding accessories. They will make great Christmas decorations, and mom is sure to appreciate the effort behind them. Gift Ideas for Mom From Adult Children Just because you are an adult, doesn't mean you have to spend an arm and a leg on a Christmas present either. There are some great inexpensive religious gifts you can get for mom. A Bible A Bible is a very versatile as a gift idea because you can personalize it. There are many beautiful designs available, and you could even design a custom cover and have it made. This gift will last forever, and will likely be used every day, making it that much more special. A homemade decorative wreath This can be made by glueing together baubles and other decorations in a circle. Your Christian parents will be able to reuse this gift every year. A Final Note These gift ideas don't have to be exclusive to your mom and can double as gifts for your religious grandma. Hopefully, some of these Bible-based gift ideas can make the stressful time of Christmas shopping more bearable so that you can focus on celebrating Christmas with your family.