Week of Joy - Day 1

 I am so blessed to still have a whole week plus some hours to spend with my grandson before he heads home for Christmas, whereupon my Hanukkah celebrations will begin.

    Of course, I wish he could stay for the week of Hanukkah, but I won't be ungrateful or greedy. I am so thankful for these 11 and a half days he will have spent with me by the time he returns to PE. I'm  already looking forward to seeing him for his birthday.

        

    He is still asleep. He's developed the habit of nighttime excursions to the kitchen, so I'm not quite sure what time he actually fell asleep! We will have breakfast together and his mom will then fetch him for the day and take him to see the Christmas lights on the beachfront before returning him to me later. I am sure he will enjoy the company, the Monopoly and the beautiful lights. I believe BCM have gone all out this year. I will be at home teaching Hebrew to a few faithful students - Thank You Father for the privilege You have given me in this.

    Today's aliyah tells us of the hatred Joseph's brothers had for him and how their hearts were plotting to kill him. It's a story we have read all our lives and we often don't realise how terrible a story it really is. Imagine if our very own siblings were plotting to kill us. It really is a terrible thing. Strikingly wicked.

    The two teeth above the את in verse 12 also show us their characters, how they were pasturing themselves, and not so much the flock. The name of the town they had moved towards - Dotan - also indicates "legalities" - they were seeking a "legal" way of getting rid of their younger brother. In the end, their hatred of him was enough to accomplish the act. 

    

    Look at how God changed their hearts. Over time, when they saw Joseph in Egypt, they were truly remorseful. Something we can learn from this is that we should always be very careful never to act on our emotions, but rather wait till we have a level and clear mind and heart before making any decision. I'm sure they never imagined the devastation their actions would cause their father in the years to come.

This is the day the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!