Matthew 1 (18) Now the birth of YAHshua Messiah was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused [engaged to be married] to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the *Holy Spirit.

*HIS Holy Spirit  is HIS seven basic characteristics, attributes, or HIS very essence. {YAHWEH'S essence is the intrinsic (essential nature) or indispensable properties that serve to characterize or identify HIM. HIS essence (characteristics or attributes) is surely sevenfold.} Those basic seven (YAHWEH'S number denoting completeness) characteristics or attributes are: HIS Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Might, Knowledge, Reverence, and HIS Righteousness. (For clearer understanding, please ask for my article titled "YAHWEH'S HOLY SPIRIT.")

YAHWEH with HIS Reverence for life, HIS Wisdom, HIS Understanding, HIS Righteousness, HIS Counsel, HIS Knowledge, and HIS Power, created a new life to begin in Mary's womb by the same method that HE used when HE created the heavens, HE SPOKE the word and it was DONE!

Psalms. 33 (6) By The Word of YAHWEH were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of HIS mouth. (7) HE gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: HE layeth up the depth in storehouses. (8) Let all the earth fear YAHWEH: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. (9) For HE spake, and it was done; HE commanded, and it stood fast.

Let us start again from the beginning.

Matthew 1 (18) Now the birth of YAHshua Messiah was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. (19) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately. (20) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of YAHWEH appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son [descendant] of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. (21) And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name **YAHshua: for He shall save His people from their sins.

** It is very important to understand that all personal names in the Hebrew language have their own specific meaning. The Hebrew name "YAHshua" means "YAH'S salvation" or "YAH saves". "YAH" is the short form for "YAHWEH." Since "YAH" is short for "YAHWEH," WHO then is YAHWEH? HE is our Heavenly FATHER and HE said that HIS name is "YAHWEH" and it will be "YAHWEH" forever.

Exodus 3 (15) And YAHWEH said moreover unto Moses, thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, YAHWEH, Elohim of your fathers, the Elohim of Abraham, the Elohim of Isaac, and the Elohim of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: This is MY name for ever, and this is MY memorial unto all generations.

YAHshua truly does have His FATHER'S name and He does save His people from their sins as His name indicates! We will repeat verse 21 as we continue this lesson in the first chapter of Matthew.

Matthew 1 (21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name YAHshua: for He shall save His people from their sins. (22) Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Sovereign by the prophet, saying, (23) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, EL with us [El is the singular form of Elohim].

The prophesy in the following scripture also says that YAHshua will be called "El" or "Elohim."

Isaiah 9 (6) For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty El, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of YAHWEH of hosts will perform this.

Even YAHWEH, calls YAHshua HIS "Son" and HE also calls Him "Elohim."

Hebrews 1 (5) For unto which of the angels said HE [YAHWEH] at any time, Thou art MY Son, this day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a FATHER, and He shall be to ME a Son? (6) And again, when HE bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, HE saith, And let all the angels of YAHWEH worship Him. (7) And of the angels HE saith, WHO maketh HIS angels spirits, and HIS ministers a flame of fire. (8) But unto the Son HE saith, Thy throne, O Elohim, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. (9) Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore Elohim, even Thy Elohim, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows.

YAHshua was also to be called the "Son of the Highest" and the "the Son of YAHWEH."

Luke 1 (30) And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with YAHWEH. (31) And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name YAHshua. (32) He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Sovereign YAHWEH shall give unto Him the throne of His father [ancestor] David: (33) And He shall reign over the House of Jacob [Israel] for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end. (34) Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? (35) And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of YAHWEH. (24) Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of YAHWEH had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: (25) And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called His name YAHshua ["YAHWEH saves"].

The above scriptures tells us that the Child YAHshua our Saviour would be called the following names: YAHshua, Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

Even though YAHshua is called by those scriptural names there is still only one name given among men whereby we must be saved. That is YAHshua (YAHWEH saves).

Acts 4 (10) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of YAHshua Messiah of Nazareth, Whom ye crucified, Whom YAHWEH raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. (11) This is the Stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the Corner. (12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Also, every knee shall bow to the exalted name of our Saviour, YAHshua the Messiah.

Philippians 2 (9) Wherefore YAHWEH also hath highly exalted Him [YAHshua], and given Him a name which is above every name: (10) That at the name of YAHshua every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (11) And that every tongue should confess that YAHshua Messiah is Sovereign, to the glory of YAHWEH the FATHER.

In the next lesson we will discuss some more of the circumstances surrounding YAHshua's birth.

Second lesson on
The Birth and
Childhood of YAHshua

Let us quickly review what we learned in last week's lesson.

#1: The Child YAHshua was conceived in Mary's womb by YAHWEH'S Holy Spirit. That was accomplished by YAHWEH speaking the word and it came to pass.

#2: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#3: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever.

#4: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#5: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name.

As we continue from lesson one, let us notice that the wise men came from the East when they came seeking to see the new born Child YAHshua. Contrary to popular teaching, the scripture does not say that there were three of them. And just who were those men? To find a possible answer, let us look in Albert Barn's New Testament Commentary. It states:

"Wise men. The original word here is "magoi" from which comes our word magician, now used in a bad sense, but not so in the original. The persons here denoted were philosophers, priests, or astronomers. They dwelt chiefly in Persia and Arabia. They were the learned men of the eastern nations, devoted to astronomy, to religion, and to medicine. They were held in high esteem by the Persian court, were admitted as counsellors, and followed the camps in war, to give advice."

With the above in mind, let us begin with Matthew 2:1.

Matthew 2 (I) Now when YAHshua was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, (2) Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.

As the above verse shows, Herod knew that the Child YAHshua was to be born King of the Jews. That was the reason that he plotted to kill Him so that he could remain King of the Jews himself.

Matthew 2 (3) When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (4) And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Messiah should be born. (5) And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet [Micah], (6) And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule MY people Israel. (7) Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. (8) And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child [YAHshua]; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also. [Herod was lying! He wanted to kill him!] (9) When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. (10) When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (11) And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (12) And being warned of YAHWEH in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Did you notice that they gave their gifts to the Child YAHshua? They did not exchange their gifts with each other. The reason they gave the Child YAHshua gifts was not because it was His birthday. They gave Him gifts because it was the custom for one to present lavish gifts to Kings, Rulers, and other Royalties when appearing before them. The Child YAHshua was born to be a King. Even He said so Himself.

John 18 (37) Pilate therefore said unto Him, Art Thou a King then? YAHshua answered, Thou sayest that I am a King. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice.

As a matter of fact, it wasn't even the day of the Child YAHshua's birth when they came to see Him. As stated in verse eleven, the Child YAHshua was not in a manger in a stable when the wise men arrived. He was in a house. As stated in verse one, the wise men came from the East. Where did they come from in the East? Again, let us look in Albert Barn's New Testament Commentary. It states:

"From the east. It is unknown whether they came from Persia or Arabia. Both countries might be denoted by the word East--that is, East from Judea."

Regardless of which country in the East that they came from, they could not have possibly made it to Bethlehem in the same day of the Child YAHshua's birth. They didn't have automobiles or airplanes to travel in. They walked, rode horses, donkeys, and camels.

In the next several verses, we will see how YAHWEH foiled the plot of King Herod to kill the Child YAHshua.

Matthew 2 (13) And when they were departed, behold, the angel of YAHWEH appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young Child [YAHshua] and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him. (14) When he [Joseph] arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night, and departed into Egypt: (15) And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of YAHWEH by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I [YAHWEH] called MY Son. (16) Then Herod, when he [Herod] saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. (17) Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy [Jeremiah] the prophet, saying, (18) In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

After the death of Herod, Joseph and Mary took the Child YAHshua back to their home in Nazareth.

Matthew 2 (19) But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of YAHWEH appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, (20) Saying, Arise, and take the young child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young Child's life. (21) And he arose, and took the young child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. (22) But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of YAHWEH in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: (23) And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

In the next lesson we will discuss some more of the circumstances surrounding YAHshua the Messiah our Saviour's birth.

HalleluYAH!!!

Let us quickly review what we learned in last two week's lessons.

#1: The Child YAHshua was conceived in Mary's womb by YAHWEH'S Holy Spirit. That was accomplished by YAHWEH speaking the word and it came to pass.

#2: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#3: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever.

#4: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#5: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name.

#6: The Child YAHshua was in a house and not in a manger in a stable when the wise men arrived from the East to see Him.

#7: The wise men gave the Child YAHshua gifts because it was the custom for one to present lavish gifts to Kings, Rulers, and other Royalties when appearing before them. (YAHshua was born to be a King.)

#8: YAHWEH protected the Child YAHshua by sending Him and His family to Egypt to keep Him from being killed by King Herod.

#9: The Child YAHshua was taken back home to Nazareth after King Herod died.

In this third week's lesson on the birth and childhood of YAHshua, we will begin in Luke 2:1.

Luke 2 (I) And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (2) (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) (3) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. (4) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the City of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) (5) To be *taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

*Rather than actually paying taxes at that time, they were actually registering their names and properties so that they could be taxed. The descendants of David were required to register their names and property to be taxed in Bethlehem, the City of David. (The City of David is about five miles southwest of Jerusalem.)

Continuing with verse six: (6) And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. (7) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

The shepherds only had their flocks out in the fields from early Spring to late Fall. They always brought their flocks in before the cold rains started in late October and early November. Therefore, the Child YAHshua was born sometime before late October.

What else was happening in the area of Jerusalem that happened every year in the Fall of the year before late October? The following scriptures should answer that. (Keep in mind that YAHWEH'S sacred calendar begins around early Spring of the year and not in the beginning or dead of the Winter.)

Leviticus 23 (34) Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days unto YAHWEH.

Deuteronomy 16 (13) Thou shalt observe the Feast of Tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: (14) And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates. (15) Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto YAHWEH thy Elohim in the place which YAHWEH shall choose: because YAHWEH thy Elohim shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice. (16) Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before YAHWEH thy Elohim in the place which HE shall choose; in the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and in the Feast of Weeks [Pentecost], and in the Feast of Tabernacles: and they shall not appear before YAHWEH empty:

Jerusalem is the place that YAHWEH had chosen. (That is why the Temple of YAHWEH was built there.)

I Kings 11 (36) And unto his [Solomon's] son [Rehoboam] will I [YAHWEH] give one tribe, that David MY servant may have a light alway before ME in JERUSALEM, the CITY which I HAVE CHOSEN ME to put MY name there.

Joseph and Mary were there for the Feast of Tabernacles which usually falls between mid September mid November. While Joseph and Mary were there they registered their names and property to be taxed. While Joseph and Mary were there the shepherds were still in the field with their flocks which was before the cold rains started in late October and early November. Therefore, the Child YAHshua was born around if not during YAHWEH'S commanded Festival of Tabernacles.

Continuing with verse nine: (9) And, lo, the angel of YAHWEH came upon them, and the glory of YAHWEH shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Messiah the Sovereign. (12) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising YAHWEH, and saying, (14) Glory to YAHWEH in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (15) And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which YAHWEH hath made known unto us. (16) And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. (17) And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. (18) And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. (19) But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. (20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising YAHWEH for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

As the custom was, the Child YAHshua was circumcised on the eight day. After the ritual of purification for a woman having a male child the Child YAHshua was taken to Jerusalem and presented to YAHWEH.

Luke 2 (21) And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, His name was called YAHshua, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb. (22) And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to YAHWEH; (23) (As it is written in the law of YAHWEH, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to YAHWEH;)

In the fourth and final lesson on The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua, we will discuss some more of the circumstances surrounding YAHshua the Messiah our Saviour's birth.

HalleluYAH!!!

Forth and final week's lesson on
The Birth and
Childhood of YAHshua

Let us quickly review what we have learned in last three week's lessons.

#1: The Child YAHshua was conceived in Mary's womb by YAHWEH'S Holy Spirit. That was accomplished by YAHWEH speaking the word and it came to pass.

#2: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#3: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever.

#4: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#5: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name.

#6: The Child YAHshua was in a house and not in a manger in a stable when the wise men arrived from the East to see Him.

#7: The wise men gave the Child YAHshua gifts because it was the custom for one to present lavish gifts to Kings, Rulers, and other Royalties when appearing before them. (YAHshua was born to be a King.)

#8: YAHWEH protected the Child YAHshua by sending Him and His family to Egypt to keep Him from being killed by King Herod.

#9: The Child YAHshua was taken back home to Nazareth after King Herod died.

#10: The Child YAHshua was born between mid September and mid October and probably during YAHWEH'S commanded Feast of Tabernacles.

#11: The Child YAHshua was circumcised on the eight day.

#12: After the ritual of purification for a woman having a male child, the Child YAHshua was taken to Jerusalem and presented to YAHWEH.

Continuing from lesson three: Simeon waited the arrival of the YAHshua Messiah, our Saviour. Simeon was told through YAHWEH'S Holy Spirit that he would see the salvation of YAHWEH. (Please remember that that is what YAHshua's name means, YAH saves, YAH'S salvation, or the salvation of YAHWEH.

Luke 2 (25) And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him. (26) And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen YAHWEH'S Messiah. (27) And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child YAHshua, to do for Him after the custom of the law, (28) Then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed YAHWEH, and said, (29) Sovereign, now lettest thou THY servant depart in peace, according to THY word: (30) For mine eyes have seen THY salvation, (31) Which THOU hast prepared before the face of all people; (32) A Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of THY people Israel. (33) And Joseph and His mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of Him. (34) And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (35) (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

There was also a prophetess named Anna who witnessed the presence of YAHshua Messiah, the salvation of YAHWEH.

Luke 2 (36) And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; (37) And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served YAHWEH with fastings and prayers night and day. (38) And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto YAHWEH and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

YAHshua was taken back to Nazareth where He presumably was raised until manhood.

Luke 2 (39) And when they had performed all things according to the law of YAHWEH, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. (40) And the Child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of YAHWEH was upon Him.

YAHshua obviously went with His parents to YAHWEH'S commanded Feast of Passover every year. It was on one of those trips to the Feast of Passover that YAHshua began to show His wisdom and understanding of the scriptures. (At the time that YAHshua was only twelve years old.)

Luke 2 (41) Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. (42) And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. (43) And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child YAHshua tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and His mother knew not of it. (44) But they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. (45) And when they found Him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him. (46) And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. (47) And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. (48) And when they saw Him, they were amazed: and His mother said unto Him, Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing. (49) And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me? Wist ye not that I must be about My FATHER'S [His Heavenly FATHER, YAHWEH] business? (50) And they understood not the saying which He spake unto them. (51) And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but His mother kept all these sayings in her heart. (52) And YAHshua increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with YAHWEH and man.

The scriptures do not record anything else about YAHshua's childhood. However, they do give a record of the time when He was about thirty years of age. We will begin there in the next subject which will be "The deeds and teachings of YAHshua the Messiah." HalleluYAH!!!

The next lessons will be on
The Deeds and Teachings of 
YAHshua the Messiah