There are approximately 400 years in Jewish history unaccounted for in protestant canonical scriptures. This time is known as the intertestamental period – the years between the Old and the New Testament from Nehemiah until the birth of Jesus Christ (c. 430 – 5 BC).

Due to the absence of prophetic revelation, scholars call this period the “Silent Years.” However, this era is anything but silent when it comes to historical and cultural changes. Social and political events during this time were crucial to shaping the New Testament world. 

The "Silent Years" of prophetic revelation in the history of Israel between Nehemiah and the Jesus' birth is anything but silent when it comes to historical and cultural changes. #Christmas2022 #ChristmasisHere #ChristmasMessage
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Perhaps the most remarkable spiritual significance of this period is the progressive persecution of the Jews.

These four centuries mark a time of dominance of four distinctive empires:

The Persian Period (450-330 BC) started about 100 years after Nehemiah’s time. Even though the Persians controlled Judah, the Jews were still allowed to continue their religious observances, and the high priests would answer to Persian authorities.

The Hellenistic Period (330-166 BC) started when Alexander the Great defeated the Persians repeatedly, quickly conquering the Eastern Mediterranean region. Alexander believed Greek culture was superior and would be the common force to unify the world.

During his time, Alexander allowed the Jews to observe their laws and customs and even exempted them from taxes during the sabbath years. But it was also a time when many Jews started to adopt Greek culture and practices, thus considerably impacting the Jewish culture and religion.

The Hasmonean Period (166-63 BC) started with great oppression of the Jews. The Seleucid rulers of Syria were resolute in forcing Hellenism on them. The persecution culminated with orders to destroy copies of scriptures and ban circumcision and other Jewish practices.

When the Roman period started in 53 BC, the Roman general Pompey captured Jerusalem, and all the provinces in the Holy Land became subject to Rome. Local vassal kings and later Roman governors monitored Jewish law and practices.

Four Centuries!

These four hundred years of prophetic silence and religious oppression undoubtedly led the faithful remnant among God’s people to wonder if He had forgotten them. But then, somewhere between 27-29 AD, during the reign of Tiberius Caesar, the silence was broken when John the Baptist started his ministry, announcing the coming of the Messiah.

Four hundred years of prophetic silence and religious oppression undoubtedly led the faithful remnant among God’s people to wonder if He had forgotten them. #Christmas2022 #ChristmasisHere #ChristmasMessage
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Understanding the four centuries of foreign oppression in Israel is crucial to better comprehending the spiritual landscape in the Holy Land when Christ was born. The core of the Jewish establishment and religion had changed dramatically, and 400 years of persecution made people eager to welcome their redeemer.

Rejection

Many rejected Him. But many understood that they were witnessing the fulfillment of the prophecies that declared that God’s redemption would come as a humble Baby who would ultimately become the perfect Lamb for the final sacrifice for humanity’s sins. That baby’s birth would break not only God’s silence but also restore the fellowship between Him and all who put their faith in the Savior.

Maybe you are reading this today and find yourself in a long period resembling the “Silent Years” when the Jews awaited deliverance. Maybe God’s “silence” makes you wonder if He still hears your prayers. Perhaps the faith you once had has been drowned by the weight of wrong choices, or busyness has reduced that “still small voice” to complete silence.

Maybe God’s 'silence' makes you wonder if He still hears your prayers. Perhaps the faith you once had has been drowned by the weight of wrong choices, or busyness has reduced that 'still small voice' to complete silence. #Christmas2022…
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If that is you, may these advent days remind you that the “Silent Years” ended when that blessed baby drew His first breath on this earth. If you have placed your trust in Him, His Holy Spirit is ever near, ready to revive his relationship with all prodigal sons and daughters.

The silence ended over 2,000 ago. Let us live in the awareness that God is always and forever one prayer away from his children.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, December 17, 2022. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website.

The post God’s Silence doesn’t Mean He is Absent {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Excited about their long-awaited accomplishment, Orville rushed to telegraph a message to their sister Katharine: “Success four flights Thursday morning, all against 21-mile wind. Started from level with engine power alone. Average speed through air: 31 miles. Longest: 12 seconds. Inform press. Home for Christmas.”

A story is told that Katharine hurried to the editor of the local newspaper to show the message. After glancing at the telegraph for a short moment, the man said: “How nice. The boys will be home for Christmas.”

It sounds like a joke, but this amusing piece of history made me think of how many times we miss the most important details, and sometimes life-changing events, simply because we concentrate on what brings us superficial, momentary joy.

The editor concentrated on something that, however meaningful and significant, paled in contrast with the big news of the day: man had flown!

I thought about this story while stuck in holiday shopping traffic this week. I had no intention to go near the mall, but could not avoid it on the way to an appointment.

My children asked to put their windows down while Christmas music blared from the speakers. Admittedly, the traffic jam put me in no mood for Christmas cheer. I looked around and realized I was not alone. While my girls flapped their arms out of the car and into the crispy air, dancing to the tune of Francesca Battistelli’s “Christmas Is,” I could tell that their perkiness was causing more irritation than cheer.

But as the words of the song filled the air, Battistelli reminded me to keep my focus where it belongs. The song talks about the wonderful things we enjoy during the Christmas season: family, giving, special dishes and Christmas movies. But ultimately, the intent of the lyrics is to remind us of the big news of Christmas: Jesus – Immanuel, which means “God with us.”

I don’t criticize all the beautiful folkloric Christmas traditions. On the contrary, we love Santa and we even have an elf! I personally think that the sweet celebrations of the season only add to the joy that the birth of our savior brings.

But the truth is, as much as we would like to stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas, it is not always that easy. Every year, it seems as if December becomes more filled with activities. The list of people we exchange gifts with becomes longer. We find ourselves stressed about what to buy, and often mindlessly purchase a gift out of obligation, instead of love.

In the midst of the chaos, I believe the Christmas baby speaks to you and me: “I came to a manger, of all places! It’s not about how expensive your gifts are, or how many are under the tree, but about the love they represent.”

Believe me, I get it – in our excitement and busyness, the holiday season often drives us to become as narrow-minded as the editor that read Orville’s telegram to his sister. We lose sight of the real reason to celebrate.

This Christmas Eve, however, I invite all of us who know the baby in the manger as our Redeemer and Lord to stop a moment and thank God for the event that makes the Wright brothers’ first flight and other major historic events pale in contrast: the birth of our savior. After all, it was not about Santa that the angels sang.

It was not about Santa that the angels sang.
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This article was published in Patricia’s column for the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Faith & Value Section on Saturday, December 24th

The post Looking Beyond the Christmas Tree {Atlanta Journal Constitution Column} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.