DAY 12 – January 5 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the twelfth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … TWELVE DRUMMERS DRUMMING.
MEANING – The ‘TWELVE DRUMMERS DRUMMING’ refer to the 12 points of doctrine contained in the Apostles’ Creed. We learn this creed as a summary of what we believe about God. It begins by acknowledging God as the creator of the whole universe, including humanity; the second paragraph describes God’s life on earth as Jesus Christ; and the final paragraph assures us of God as the Holy Spirit being with us daily in life -- guiding, strengthening, encouraging, forgiving, etc. Although written in the 4th century, the Creed of the Apostles is still valuable as a brief outline of the essentials of Christianity.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – Slowly say the Apostles Creed… stopping after each paragraph and think about its meaning in your life.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen (SO BE IT).
(January fifth is the last day of the 12 days of Christmas. Tomorrow is the season of Epiphany, when we concentrate on the LIGHT of the good news of God/Jesus shining into every part of our own lives as well as to all of God’s creation).
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 30, 2010
DAY 11 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 11 – January 4 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the eleventh day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … ELEVEN PIPERS PIPING
MEANING – The ‘ELEVEN PIPERS PIPING’ are the 11 disciples who remained faithful to Jesus. They were chosen personally by Jesus. They were humans with flaws and strengths. They did what God wanted done, despite their own shortcomings. Sound familiar? There is still hope for us.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – How many of the 11 disciples can you name? Who betrayed Jesus? Name two ‘disciples or followers of Jesus’ who had an influence on your life? Give thanks for them.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com(FAITHFUL DISCIPLES – Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Thaddeus, Simon. Judas betrayed Jesus.)
On the eleventh day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … ELEVEN PIPERS PIPING
MEANING – The ‘ELEVEN PIPERS PIPING’ are the 11 disciples who remained faithful to Jesus. They were chosen personally by Jesus. They were humans with flaws and strengths. They did what God wanted done, despite their own shortcomings. Sound familiar? There is still hope for us.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – How many of the 11 disciples can you name? Who betrayed Jesus? Name two ‘disciples or followers of Jesus’ who had an influence on your life? Give thanks for them.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com(FAITHFUL DISCIPLES – Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Thaddeus, Simon. Judas betrayed Jesus.)
DAY 10 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 10 – January 3 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the tenth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … TEN LORDS A-LEAPING.
MEANING – The ‘TEN LORDS A-LEAPING’ are the 10 Commandments delivered to Moses by God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17). As a young person, I learned that they can be divided into ‘my duty towards God and my duty towards my neighbour’. Many centuries later, on another mountain, Jesus/God, the new Moses, would deliver the 2 Great Commandments directly to people… no longer was an intermediary needed. Today, the 2 Great Commandments are the foundation stones upon which the worship and action of the Christian Church is built.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – repeat 3 times Jesus’ Two Great Commandments … ‘The Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God
with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first and the great commandment.
The second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.
There is no commandment greater than these two’.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the tenth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … TEN LORDS A-LEAPING.
MEANING – The ‘TEN LORDS A-LEAPING’ are the 10 Commandments delivered to Moses by God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17). As a young person, I learned that they can be divided into ‘my duty towards God and my duty towards my neighbour’. Many centuries later, on another mountain, Jesus/God, the new Moses, would deliver the 2 Great Commandments directly to people… no longer was an intermediary needed. Today, the 2 Great Commandments are the foundation stones upon which the worship and action of the Christian Church is built.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – repeat 3 times Jesus’ Two Great Commandments … ‘The Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God
with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first and the great commandment.
The second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.
There is no commandment greater than these two’.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
DAY 9 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 9 – January 2 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the ninth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … NINE LADIES DANCING.
MEANING – The ‘NINE LADIES DANCING’ refer to the results or outcomes in our lives, if we let God’s spirit be part of our lives. They are, according to Paul in his letter to the people of the Church in Galatia, LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GENEROSITY, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF CONTROL (Galatians 5:22)
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being best), rate yourself on the ‘NINE LADIES DANCING’ in your own life.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets the of Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the ninth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … NINE LADIES DANCING.
MEANING – The ‘NINE LADIES DANCING’ refer to the results or outcomes in our lives, if we let God’s spirit be part of our lives. They are, according to Paul in his letter to the people of the Church in Galatia, LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GENEROSITY, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF CONTROL (Galatians 5:22)
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being best), rate yourself on the ‘NINE LADIES DANCING’ in your own life.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets the of Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
DAY 8 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 8 – January 1 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the eighth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME …EIGHT MAIDS A-MILKING.
MEANING – The ‘EIGHT MAIDS A-MILKING’ are the 8 beatitudes as outlined by Jesus in His great sermon preached to people who came to the mountain where he was sitting. Jesus said, blessed are -- the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the humble people, those who do what God wants them to do, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers and those who are persecuted for following God’s ways. (Matthew 5:3-10).
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – pick one of the beatitudes and make a new year’s resolution to keep it in the coming year. Say this prayer for peace, ‘Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me’.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the eighth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME …EIGHT MAIDS A-MILKING.
MEANING – The ‘EIGHT MAIDS A-MILKING’ are the 8 beatitudes as outlined by Jesus in His great sermon preached to people who came to the mountain where he was sitting. Jesus said, blessed are -- the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the humble people, those who do what God wants them to do, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers and those who are persecuted for following God’s ways. (Matthew 5:3-10).
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – pick one of the beatitudes and make a new year’s resolution to keep it in the coming year. Say this prayer for peace, ‘Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me’.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
Monday, December 27, 2010
DAY 5 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 5 – DECEMBER 29 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the fifth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … FIVE GOLD RINGS.
MEANING – The ‘FIVE GOLD RINGS’ are the first five books of the Bible - GENESIS, EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, DEUTERONOMY. These books speak of creation, and the rules and regulations, including the 10 Commandments, to be employed in the relationship between God and people, as well as people with people.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – telephone some person with whom you have not spoken for a long time.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the fifth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … FIVE GOLD RINGS.
MEANING – The ‘FIVE GOLD RINGS’ are the first five books of the Bible - GENESIS, EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, DEUTERONOMY. These books speak of creation, and the rules and regulations, including the 10 Commandments, to be employed in the relationship between God and people, as well as people with people.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – telephone some person with whom you have not spoken for a long time.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
DAY 7 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 7 – DECEMBER 31 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the seventh day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … SEVEN SWANS A-SWIMMIMG.
MEANING – The ‘SEVEN SWANS A-SWIMMING’ remind us that God gives different skills or talents to each of us, so we can use them to build up the world as well as our local community. Paul calls them ‘gifts of the spirit’, and they are … Faith, Healing, Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, Leading and Helping people in need (Romans 12:6-8).
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – Which of these gifts do you have? Reflect upon the past year and identify how you used your gifts from God to make your community a better place in which to live.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the seventh day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … SEVEN SWANS A-SWIMMIMG.
MEANING – The ‘SEVEN SWANS A-SWIMMING’ remind us that God gives different skills or talents to each of us, so we can use them to build up the world as well as our local community. Paul calls them ‘gifts of the spirit’, and they are … Faith, Healing, Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, Leading and Helping people in need (Romans 12:6-8).
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – Which of these gifts do you have? Reflect upon the past year and identify how you used your gifts from God to make your community a better place in which to live.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
DAY 6 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 6 – DECEMBER 30 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the sixth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … SIX GEESE A-LAYING.
MEANING – The ‘SIX GEESE A-LAYING’ refer to the story of creation in Genesis, chapter one, where God created the universe in ‘six days’ and rested on the seventh. Having times of rest and relaxation mixed with work is still a good model for a balanced life. Actually there are 2 creation stories in the opening chapters of the first book in the Bible, Genesis.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – Read Genesis chapters 1 and 2. Note the similarities and differences of the two creation stories, and ask how scientific research disputes or confirms the Genesis stories of how the universe came into being.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the sixth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … SIX GEESE A-LAYING.
MEANING – The ‘SIX GEESE A-LAYING’ refer to the story of creation in Genesis, chapter one, where God created the universe in ‘six days’ and rested on the seventh. Having times of rest and relaxation mixed with work is still a good model for a balanced life. Actually there are 2 creation stories in the opening chapters of the first book in the Bible, Genesis.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – Read Genesis chapters 1 and 2. Note the similarities and differences of the two creation stories, and ask how scientific research disputes or confirms the Genesis stories of how the universe came into being.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
Friday, December 24, 2010
DAY 4 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 4 – DECEMBER 28 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the fourth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … FOUR CALLING BIRDS.
MEANING – The ‘FOUR CALLING BIRDS’ are the four Gospels – MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, JOHN - which give an account of the life of Jesus Christ, as well as His teachings through the parable stories he told and miracles He performed.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – At the end of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus asked His listeners, ‘who was the good neighbour to the man who was robbed?’. He replied, ‘the one who was kind’. Jesus said, ‘you go and do the same’. TODAY, DO AN ACT OF RANDOM KINDNESS FOR A STRANGER.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the fourth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … FOUR CALLING BIRDS.
MEANING – The ‘FOUR CALLING BIRDS’ are the four Gospels – MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, JOHN - which give an account of the life of Jesus Christ, as well as His teachings through the parable stories he told and miracles He performed.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – At the end of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus asked His listeners, ‘who was the good neighbour to the man who was robbed?’. He replied, ‘the one who was kind’. Jesus said, ‘you go and do the same’. TODAY, DO AN ACT OF RANDOM KINDNESS FOR A STRANGER.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
DAY 3 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 3 – DECEMBER 27 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the third day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … THREE FRENCH HENS.
MEANING – The ‘THREE FRENCH HENS’ refer to the foundation upon which, according to St. Paul, we should build our lives – FAITH, HOPE, LOVE (1 Corinthians 13:13).
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – take a loonie or toonie, leave it in a public place (restaurant, shop, library, subway, etc) … have FAITH that your act of LOVE will bring HOPE to another human being.
(The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the third day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … THREE FRENCH HENS.
MEANING – The ‘THREE FRENCH HENS’ refer to the foundation upon which, according to St. Paul, we should build our lives – FAITH, HOPE, LOVE (1 Corinthians 13:13).
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – take a loonie or toonie, leave it in a public place (restaurant, shop, library, subway, etc) … have FAITH that your act of LOVE will bring HOPE to another human being.
(The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 23, 2010
DAY 2 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 2 – DECEMBER 26 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the second day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME…TWO TURTLE DOVES.
MEANING – ‘TWO TURTLE DOVES’ are the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, which records God’s journey of love and salvation for all people.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – there are 39 books in the Old Testament and 21 books in the New Testament -- how many can you name? Open randomly to one of the books you named, select a verse, read it and ask what meaning it has in your life. Download a copy of the Bible to your computer or iphone.
(The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the second day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME…TWO TURTLE DOVES.
MEANING – ‘TWO TURTLE DOVES’ are the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, which records God’s journey of love and salvation for all people.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – there are 39 books in the Old Testament and 21 books in the New Testament -- how many can you name? Open randomly to one of the books you named, select a verse, read it and ask what meaning it has in your life. Download a copy of the Bible to your computer or iphone.
(The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
DAY 1 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Merry Christmas.
I hope that we can reclaim the 12 days of Christmas from Christmas Day to the Eve of the Epiphany.
So I have taken the song THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS and added the CHRISTIAN MEANING for each day with a SOMETHING TO DO.
I will post one each day until Jan. 5, next year.
If you like it, forward it to other people.
May the JOY of Christmas and the HOPE of the New Year fill your life.
Hollis Hiscock
DAY 1 – DECEMBER 25 - THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the first day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE gave to ME … a PARTRIDGE in a PEAR TREE.
MEANING – ‘TRUE LOVE’ is GOD, the Creator of all we are and have. God’s greatest gift to each of us is JESUS CHRIST (PARTRIDGE), who loved us so much that He died on a cross (PEAR TREE), to save us from sin and death.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
I hope that we can reclaim the 12 days of Christmas from Christmas Day to the Eve of the Epiphany.
So I have taken the song THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS and added the CHRISTIAN MEANING for each day with a SOMETHING TO DO.
I will post one each day until Jan. 5, next year.
If you like it, forward it to other people.
May the JOY of Christmas and the HOPE of the New Year fill your life.
Hollis Hiscock
DAY 1 – DECEMBER 25 - THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the first day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE gave to ME … a PARTRIDGE in a PEAR TREE.
MEANING – ‘TRUE LOVE’ is GOD, the Creator of all we are and have. God’s greatest gift to each of us is JESUS CHRIST (PARTRIDGE), who loved us so much that He died on a cross (PEAR TREE), to save us from sin and death.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 16, 2010
HER FIRST CHRISTMAS AS A CHRISTIAN
In 1985, I was writing a regular column in a city newspaper.
I called my Christmas column – ‘Cutting through the Tinsel’. It was a letter to an imaginary friend who was celebrating her first Christmas as a Christian.
After describing the Gospel accounts (Matthew and Luke) surrounding the Birth of Jesus, I attempted to answer her question, ‘What does it all mean?’.
I wrote …
An event is only an incident unless we look behind it for its meaning. On Christmas day, God entered the human sphere in a unique manner. God became human to make humanity divine. It sounds difficult and it is, and that is why some of your friends refuse to go beyond the tinsel of Christmas. They have lost the mystique, the aura which surrounds the birth of Jesus.
What it really means is that God entered human life to show us true love. For the next 30 years or so, Jesus, the name given to the Christ Child, would not only teach people about God, but would also provide a model life for people to follow. Most of His days, like ours, would be happy and carefree, but dark days would appear and He would suffer, die and return to life.
Jesus also showed us what people are. He said that they combine, in a startling manner, the human and the divine. It is almost as if in being human we are also partly godly. Frightening, is it not, especially when you think about how some of us behave towards each other? Jesus, however, demonstrated by example, how we can become full human persons made in the image of God.
In our relationships with each other, He dropped a bombshell. He said that we should treat others as we want them to treat us. A tall order! It is not easy, but Jesus never promised to make life easy. However, He did promise to be with us each day in every situation. He encouraged us to live at peace with ourselves and with others, to be kind to those who are unkind to us, and even to forgive the person who commits a wrong against us. Powerful words which become even more powerful when put into action.
As you enjoy the festivities of your first Christian Christmas, and as Christians generally we should enjoy Christmas, we need to remember the season is also a good opportunity to get right with God, as well as to establish better relations with other human beings. It is a time when hatred can be changed to love, war to peace, enemies to friends and deprivation to prosperity.
Christmas is the season of change when we can be transformed by cradling the Christ child in our hearts and lives.
My Christ present to you is the gladness of Christmas which is Hope, the Spirit of Christmas which is Peace and the Blessing of Christmas which is Love.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holy-Days.
I called my Christmas column – ‘Cutting through the Tinsel’. It was a letter to an imaginary friend who was celebrating her first Christmas as a Christian.
After describing the Gospel accounts (Matthew and Luke) surrounding the Birth of Jesus, I attempted to answer her question, ‘What does it all mean?’.
I wrote …
An event is only an incident unless we look behind it for its meaning. On Christmas day, God entered the human sphere in a unique manner. God became human to make humanity divine. It sounds difficult and it is, and that is why some of your friends refuse to go beyond the tinsel of Christmas. They have lost the mystique, the aura which surrounds the birth of Jesus.
What it really means is that God entered human life to show us true love. For the next 30 years or so, Jesus, the name given to the Christ Child, would not only teach people about God, but would also provide a model life for people to follow. Most of His days, like ours, would be happy and carefree, but dark days would appear and He would suffer, die and return to life.
Jesus also showed us what people are. He said that they combine, in a startling manner, the human and the divine. It is almost as if in being human we are also partly godly. Frightening, is it not, especially when you think about how some of us behave towards each other? Jesus, however, demonstrated by example, how we can become full human persons made in the image of God.
In our relationships with each other, He dropped a bombshell. He said that we should treat others as we want them to treat us. A tall order! It is not easy, but Jesus never promised to make life easy. However, He did promise to be with us each day in every situation. He encouraged us to live at peace with ourselves and with others, to be kind to those who are unkind to us, and even to forgive the person who commits a wrong against us. Powerful words which become even more powerful when put into action.
As you enjoy the festivities of your first Christian Christmas, and as Christians generally we should enjoy Christmas, we need to remember the season is also a good opportunity to get right with God, as well as to establish better relations with other human beings. It is a time when hatred can be changed to love, war to peace, enemies to friends and deprivation to prosperity.
Christmas is the season of change when we can be transformed by cradling the Christ child in our hearts and lives.
My Christ present to you is the gladness of Christmas which is Hope, the Spirit of Christmas which is Peace and the Blessing of Christmas which is Love.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holy-Days.
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