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Author
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Topic: Why I Celebrate Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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mom2jules
Community Member
Member # 5366
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by WildB:
quote:
Originally posted by TEXASGRANDMA:
not amused. I have never shot a gun in my life. Nor do I like guns. A gun killed my sister, so thank you for the memory.
betty
the difference in me and you, is I wish you no ill will. In fact I feel very sorry for you that you would choose the ACLU over Jesus.
So please do tell the baseball fans How a gun
killed your sister? My 45 needs a large hand to hold in the safty grip. And it still could not kill untill I racked a bullet into the chamber and I aimed it and I took the safty off and Ipulled the trigger.
Wow i can't believe this is a Christian web site...especially all this bickering and YOUR heartless comments WILD B . Oh by the way...MERRY CHRISTMAS. ![[Bible]](graemlins/bible.gif)
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I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
Posts: 11 | From: Delaware | Registered: Dec 2005
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hardcore
Advanced Member
Member # 4492
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by BORN AGAIN:
why all the hulleballoo about celebrating Christmas? what is there to celebrate?
what, a well-done turkey? a well-done turkey indeed.
I really don't celebrate Christmas that much--it's a good day to be off from work and it is a great day for golf. ![[1zhelp]](graemlins/1zhelp.gif)
as my friend wparr said, YOU JUST DON'T GET IT, DO YOU!!
May the God of Israel (or should I say Gods?) bless all of us. I am BORN AGAIN by the ![[Cross]](graemlins/cross.gif) of God Jesus
Golf? You must live in Tucson, San Diego or Miami. ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
I am looking out the window right now at an absolutely beautiful snowfall. The lake is completely covered (although not frozen solid), the woods are sparkling, and it is so quiet. My puppy will love it. She likes to jump up at the snowflakes and catch them in her mouth - just like a kid.
Don't think there will be any golfing here on Dec. 25, but maybe some sledding.
Posts: 627 | Registered: Mar 2005
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BORN AGAIN
unregistered
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posted
why all the hulleballoo about celebrating Christmas? what is there to celebrate?
what, a well-done turkey? a well-done turkey indeed.
I really don't celebrate Christmas that much--it's a good day to be off from work and it is a great day for golf.
as my friend wparr said, YOU JUST DON'T GET IT, DO YOU!!
May the God of Israel (or should I say Gods?) bless all of us. I am BORN AGAIN by the of God Jesus
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becauseHElives
Advanced Member
Member # 87
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posted
I thank the Lord for Joy's heart
As I have said before…
“The heart of every issue, is the issue of the heart”
As I read the responses to Joy’s post I could see each heart.
Yeshua said be hot or cold.
To be hot means among many things to be passionate about what you believe.
But that passion must be accompanied with compassion, mercy, and truth.
I try to do that all the time but I know I fail at times.
On this topic if I have failed, please forgive me.
But as long as the subject is brought up I must address the lies associated with it. If my passion is not accompanied with compassion, mercy, and truth please point it out to me and I will apologies.
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
Posts: 4578 | From: Southeast Texas | Registered: Jun 2002
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SoftTouch
Advanced Member
Member # 2316
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posted
Sister Servant ![[Kiss]](graemlins/Kiss.gif) Thank You and God Bless You! I never realized you were Dale's daughter. He is Blessed! ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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Psalm 119:104Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. 105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
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BORN AGAIN
unregistered
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posted
dear Servant, I enjoyed reading your post. it's nice to hear some youthful directness, similar to what J4Jesus does.
I liked where your friend said, "if we don't pray for someone twice as much as we debate with them, all the debates will be worthless" (my paraphrase).
God bless, BORN AGAIN by the
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helpforhomeschoolers
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Member # 15
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posted
Out of the mouth of Babes... Servant you as usual do a great honor to your dad. And you bring blessing where ever you go. Thank you for the reminder it is from the Spirit that you speak and I shall heed you and HIM and shut my mouth on this subject. God Bless you little sister who is far more wise than her years!
To any I have offended please forgive me for in my zeal to speak the truth I at times do forget to then shut up once it has been said.
It has never been my desire to do anything but speak the truth. Christ was born during Tabernacles, the roots of Christmas are pagan.
Nuf said.
Servant: Thank you!
Posts: 4684 | From: Southern Black Hills of South Dakota | Registered: Jun 2002
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wparr
Advanced Member
Member # 891
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posted
Joy
GOD BLESS YOU
I consider myself rightfully rebuked.
I have ALOT of respect for your father, and your level of maturity as a Christian just increased it even more.
I make NO excuse for my behavior here other than I let down my shield of faith (along with the other peices of The Armor of God), let the enemy get to me, and started operating in the flesh.
I REPENT OF THAT.
You as a teenager, showing Christ in you, gives me hope.
So many times when things seen hopeless, God uses youth to renew my hope.
I give you a heart filled THANK YOU.
Give your dad a great big hug for me.
Posts: 1203 | From: Eagle Nest, NM | Registered: Jan 2003
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TEXASGRANDMA
Advanced Member
Member # 847
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posted
in my defense my lost post did come from the Bible.
betty
David,
If you find me defending Christmas offensive, please feel free to delete my account. I will hold no grudge if you do. God bless you and your family and Merry Christmas to you,
betty
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Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/mm (son-in-law)http://www.myspace.com/mireles
Posts: 4985 | From: Washington State | Registered: Jan 2003
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Servant
Advanced Member
Member # 1795
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posted
Hey guys,
You know I left this board about a year ago, even though my dad (becauseHelives) stayed on. I grew weary of this endless bickering and debating than you all seem to find so enjoyable. And the reason I say that you guys find it enjoyable is because how else would you post?
I still read on here though. I laugh, and cry, and get mad, and get amused at all your antic's. I have been enjoying another board though, where there doesn't seem to be so many "friendly fights". Over there on AY, we may just be teenagers, but we have a heart for Jesus and His glory. We don't debate; we hold prayer meetings. We don't fight; we talk about how awesome God is. We don't accuse one another; we lift each other up before the throne of God. We all seek Jesus together, wanting more of Him, and less of this world. I am proud though, of some of you guys who still 'keep your cool' on CBBS and defend the things that are pure and right.
But back on topic... I must say that I couldn't resist the temptation to post this, because I'll admit, I was very much amused at you wparr and TexasGrandma. I read through all your posts, and started laughing. If you would please, try to read over them again, and look at how you are acting. I'm just a teen, and I don't want to be disrespectful, but guys don't you think all those little back-and-forth comments were rather immature? I mean really, were you edifying each other by calling each other liers and talking about suicide and such? Do you think that Jesus would have made statements like that?
You know, if I wasn't very stable in my Christian walk, you guys would have turned me off in an instant. I would have thought..."If Christians are like that, then I don't want to be apart of them."
Haven't you ever considered the fact that you might hurt a weaker Christian by your argumentive spirit? To be honest, thats why I left this board. I was a little hurt that Christians could dwell on things unworthy of the name of Jesus. Guys, you should check your hearts, honestly, and see whats in there. Is your highest goal to please Jesus?
I once heard a friend say, "If you don't pray for that person twice as much as you debate them, then your debates are in vain." Thats right, because you can't change a persons heart, only God can. And who knows? God might change your heart instead if you keep it humble nd open for his truth.
Its not wrong to debate...sometimes we strengthen our own faith by doing so. But a lot of what I have seen going on here is personal attacks. Telling people "You are wrong, I am right." or "I might as well just kill myself, no ones listening to me" or "Why don't you just go join the ACLU" [or whatever that abbrv. was].
Its sad to me to see how bad things have got around here. I want you guys to know I'm praying for you, and I really hope that your heart is right during these "friendly fights".
One other thing I'd like to mention; poor David. Poor, poor, poor David. Some of you should remember that its only by David's mercy that you are still here. Why don't you all respect his rules for this board sometimes?
And by the way, my opinion on this topic is that to celebrate Christmas, or not celebrate it is really not the issue. You should just make sure you recognize that Christmas does have pagan roots. It does not originate at Jesus' birth, it originated as a pagan holiday.
Well, I guess a lot of you will be pretty mad at me. I did say some rather harsh things to you guys, didn't I? (=
*hug* I only write this because I love you guys. Really I do>>>
So i better go now: Please forgive me if I was out of place in posting this>>>>
Love in Jesus<
Joy
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PHIL 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Posts: 59 | From: Southeast Texas | Registered: Jul 2003
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TEXASGRANDMA
Advanced Member
Member # 847
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posted
Christ Born of Mary
(Matt. 1:18-25)
2And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed *wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 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.
Glory in the Highest
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And *behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 "Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made *widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
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Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/mm (son-in-law)http://www.myspace.com/mireles
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TEXASGRANDMA
Advanced Member
Member # 847
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posted
The Legend of St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas
Corbis-Bettman
The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. Much admired for his piety and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick. One of the best known of the St. Nicholas stories is that he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father by providing them with a dowry so that they could be married. Over the course of many years, Nicholas's popularity spread and he became known as the protector of children and sailors. His feast day is celebrated on the anniversary of his death, December 6. This was traditionally considered a lucky day to make large purchases or to get married. By the Renaissance, St. Nicholas was the most popular saint in Europe. Even after the Protestant Reformation, when the veneration of saints began to be discouraged, St. Nicholas maintained a positive reputation, especially in Holland.
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Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/mm (son-in-law)http://www.myspace.com/mireles
Posts: 4985 | From: Washington State | Registered: Jan 2003
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WildB
Moderator
Member # 2917
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by TEXASGRANDMA:
I would never ask God to do that. My wish is that no one ever know that pain again.
betty
I have.
Gal.6
1. [2] Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
I fulfil my love this way.
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That is all.....
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TEXASGRANDMA
Advanced Member
Member # 847
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posted
I would never ask God to do that. My wish is that no one ever know that pain again.
betty
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Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/mm (son-in-law)http://www.myspace.com/mireles
Posts: 4985 | From: Washington State | Registered: Jan 2003
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WildB
Moderator
Member # 2917
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by TEXASGRANDMA:
God may one day take you down the path I have been on WildB. I can assure the path is painful to bear.
betty
And I ask our Lord to give me half.
Now we are even.
Stop your sillyness.
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That is all.....
Posts: 8775 | From: USA, MICHIGAN | Registered: Mar 2004
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helpforhomeschoolers
Advanced Member
Member # 15
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posted
quote:
Bump for effect
To quote someone who is more wise than tactful or couth or compassionate....
"Stop your sillyness."
That's all.
Posts: 4684 | From: Southern Black Hills of South Dakota | Registered: Jun 2002
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TEXASGRANDMA
Advanced Member
Member # 847
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posted
God may one day take you down the path I have been on WildB. I can assure the path is painful to bear.
betty
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Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/mm (son-in-law)http://www.myspace.com/mireles
Posts: 4985 | From: Washington State | Registered: Jan 2003
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WildB
Moderator
Member # 2917
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by shadowmaker:
It was directing at whoever is attacking Betty. And I will not, sit down and be quiet if thats what youre doing. We re talking about Christmas and some of you are bringing up a horrible memory in her life and you need to stop.
As far as this goes, "Kindly refraim from accuseing me of your own mighty defects." I didnt accuse you of anything but maybe you should check "your own mighty defects".
So your saying you put forth a stone into a bunch of dogs and I barked?.
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That is all.....
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shadowmaker
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Member # 3696
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posted
It was directing at whoever is attacking Betty. And I will not, sit down and be quiet if thats what youre doing. We re talking about Christmas and some of you are bringing up a horrible memory in her life and you need to stop.
As far as this goes, "Kindly refraim from accuseing me of your own mighty defects." I didnt accuse you of anything but maybe you should check "your own mighty defects".
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WildB
Moderator
Member # 2917
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by shadowmaker:
So now that you cant get someone to stop celebrating Christmas, youve resort to attacking her and bringing up something completely unrelated? You call yourself a Christian but yet you continue to bring up a moment in her life that hurts her? And then you re going to tell us why we shouldnt celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior? ![[mad2]](graemlins/mad2.gif)
If this post is to me. I do not follow you.
Kindly refraim from accuseing me of your own mighty defects.
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That is all.....
Posts: 8775 | From: USA, MICHIGAN | Registered: Mar 2004
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TEXASGRANDMA
Advanced Member
Member # 847
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posted
thanks shadowmaker for your encouragment and kindness.
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For grandmothers, calling young people hon is a compliment. I am sorry you did not see that.
betty
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Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/mm (son-in-law)http://www.myspace.com/mireles
Posts: 4985 | From: Washington State | Registered: Jan 2003
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shadowmaker
Advanced Member
Member # 3696
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posted
So now that you cant get someone to stop celebrating Christmas, youve resort to attacking her and bringing up something completely unrelated? You call yourself a Christian but yet you continue to bring up a moment in her life that hurts her? And then you re going to tell us why we shouldnt celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior?
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WildB
Moderator
Member # 2917
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by SoftTouch:
This is Sad... WildB, remember this passage?
quote:
1 Corinthians 13
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Charity is but one daughter. Faith and Hope are the girls that keep the wall strong.
Isa.52
1. [8] Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.
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That is all.....
Posts: 8775 | From: USA, MICHIGAN | Registered: Mar 2004
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SoftTouch
Advanced Member
Member # 2316
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posted
This is Sad... WildB, remember this passage?
quote:
1 Corinthians 13
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
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Psalm 119:104Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. 105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
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WildB
Moderator
Member # 2917
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posted
The thief has sifted manny as wheat.
Luke.22
[31] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
[32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
You may address me son. I am far from being a hon.
http://www.answers.com/hon&r=67
hon
abbr.
Honorable
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That is all.....
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TEXASGRANDMA
Advanced Member
Member # 847
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posted
i tell you what hon, you go through losing a loved one to violence then we will talk.
thanks
betty
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Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/mm (son-in-law)http://www.myspace.com/mireles
Posts: 4985 | From: Washington State | Registered: Jan 2003
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WildB
Moderator
Member # 2917
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by helpforhomeschoolers:
WildB! Betty's sister committed suicide. It is for her today a great source of continued pain and anguish. Please try to have some tact. Sometimes your comments are so completely ... tactless and you speak like an oaf. That was the nicest word I could think of.
Please try to read a post before you go over to the emotional. The Post I answered said a gun killed. I don't buy that type of Lodic.
Please read your Bible more prayerfully.
John.10
1. [10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
~
log·ic (lŏj'ĭk) pronunciation
n.
1. The study of the principles of reasoning, especially of the structure of propositions as distinguished from their content and of method and validity in deductive reasoning.
2.
1. A system of reasoning: Aristotle's logic.
2. A mode of reasoning: By that logic, we should sell the company tomorrow.
3. The formal, guiding principles of a discipline, school, or science.
3. Valid reasoning: Your paper lacks the logic to prove your thesis.
4. The relationship between elements and between an element and the whole in a set of objects, individuals, principles, or events: There's a certain logic to the motion of rush-hour traffic.
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That is all.....
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TEXASGRANDMA
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Member # 847
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posted
my sister's death is nothing to laugh about and I refuse to play your game.
betty
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Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/mm (son-in-law)http://www.myspace.com/mireles
Posts: 4985 | From: Washington State | Registered: Jan 2003
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helpforhomeschoolers
Advanced Member
Member # 15
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posted
WildB! Betty's sister committed suicide. It is for her today a great source of continued pain and anguish. Please try to have some tact. Sometimes your comments are so completely ... tactless and you speak like an oaf. That was the nicest word I could think of.
Posts: 4684 | From: Southern Black Hills of South Dakota | Registered: Jun 2002
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WildB
Moderator
Member # 2917
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by TEXASGRANDMA:
not amused. I have never shot a gun in my life. Nor do I like guns. A gun killed my sister, so thank you for the memory.
betty
the difference in me and you, is I wish you no ill will. In fact I feel very sorry for you that you would choose the ACLU over Jesus.
So please do tell the baseball fans How a gun
killed your sister? My 45 needs a large hand to hold in the safty grip. And it still could not kill untill I racked a bullet into the chamber and I aimed it and I took the safty off and Ipulled the trigger.
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That is all.....
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TEXASGRANDMA
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posted
yet they all, so the error of their ways and celeberated Jesus birthday, which is more than you are willing to do. Instead you crawl in bed with the ACLU. hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
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Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/mm (son-in-law)http://www.myspace.com/mireles
Posts: 4985 | From: Washington State | Registered: Jan 2003
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hardcore
Advanced Member
Member # 4492
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by TEXASGRANDMA:
Even the Charlie Brown Christmas show reads the Christmas story from the Bible. I think it is great that every year the Bible is read to children all over the world on TV.
betty
Charlie Brown, The Grinch, A Christmas Carol ... are you kidding me with this?
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hardcore
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posted
becauseHElives,
Thank you for posting some facts again. Maybe the truth will start to sink in with somebody (anybody?); that is if they're willing to read it.
I'm afraid that this issue boils down to pride, selfishness, and disobedience; not unlike most other things we wrestle with.
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becauseHElives
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Member # 87
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posted
TEXASGRANDMA
please read my post just prior to this one ![[Prayer]](graemlins/prayer.gif) and comment
and Watcher please meditate on your profile signature...
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
Proverbs 17:13,15
What do you think your are doing every time you abserve "Christmas"
Every day is the same to be lived and honour in the same way unless commanded by Yahweh otherwise
Christmas isn't on one of those days
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
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TEXASGRANDMA
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Member # 847
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posted
Even the Charlie Brown Christmas show reads the Christmas story from the Bible. I think it is great that every year the Bible is read to children all over the world on TV.
betty
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Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/mm (son-in-law)http://www.myspace.com/mireles
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becauseHElives
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posted
The Church and much of Judaism is entrenched deep in the ancient Babylonian mystery religion, only today it is referred to as 'culture' or 'traditions.' The seventeenth chapter of the book of Revelation speaks of a mysterious woman who rides a beast. It shows that at the end of the age, most of the earth would be drinking out of her hand. With the excessive compromise that has taken place in Judaism and Christianity, that time has arrived. Her method of intoxication is merriment, festivity, drink, and most of all, materialism. This materialism is the free enterprise, or capitalistic system.
It is so amazing that the Roman Catholic Church has so enjoined itself into the Church today with its pagan influence, that people are blind and deaf to the Truth.
December 25th is the day recognized by pagans as their high holy day.
The Pagan History of Christmas
Revelation 17:1-2
1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great ***** that sitteth upon many waters; 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
Revelation 18:3-4
3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
All of G-d's people, as well as the secular earth, are guilty of giving in to Babylon's pageantry and paganism. Most Christians and Jews either don't know or care to know the truth of these pagan ties. Christians rationalize that they are worshipping Jesus, while Jews see no harm in Hellenizing their Channukah to spice it up. These people have become drunk from drinking from this ancient mystery cup. They don't even recognize the sign of their drunkenness, which is complacency and indifference. Refusing to heed G-d's call to be sanctified and to come out of Babylon, they express their hypocrisy by refusing to honor G-d's ordained feasts and holidays.
A recent news article from the Scripps Howard News Service states in their article, "Christmas Celebration Crosses All Faiths."
"Christmas remains America's favorite holiday-a religious celebration that transcends the nation's increasingly multicultural society. Eighty-three percent of the adult residents of the United States-including Jews, Muslims and atheists-say they put a decorated tree in their homes. Fifty-nine percent say there is no holiday they love more than Christmas."
What is Christmas and from where did it originate? Yule is the Chaldean name for 'infant' or 'little child.' In ancient Babylon, the 25th of December was known as Yule day or the birth of the promised child day. This was the day of the birth of the incarnate sun, who appeared as a baby child to redeem a world bound in darkness. It was an essential belief of the Babylonian religious system, that the sun god, also known as Baal, was the chief god in a polytheistic system. Tammuz was also worshipped as the god incarnate, or promised baby son of Baal, who was to be the Savior of the world.
It is interesting that a review of the New Covenant Scriptures reveals that no early believers reverenced Yeshua's birth. Instead, as is the Jewish custom of faith, they were told to commemorate his death. [I Corinthians 11:26]
We find in the Catholic encyclopedia that Christmas was not even among the earliest church festivals. It was not until the latter part of the fourth century that the Roman Church began observing December 25th as Jesus' birthday. By the fifth century A.D., the Roman Church ordered the birth of Messiah to be forever observed on December 25th. At the time of this decree, the Roman Church knew full well that the pagan religious cults throughout the Roman and Greek worlds celebrated the pagan sun god, Mithra, on this self same day. This winter festival was known as the Nativity of the Sun. It was also known in the Roman Empire as Saturnalia [another name for sun worship].
Note: In 46 BC, when the Roman "Julian Calendar" was adopted, December 24th was the shortest day of the year. Therefore, December 25th was the first annual day that daylight began to increase. Thus, the origin of the REBIRTH or Annual Birthday of the Invincible SUN.
In accordance with the Roman "Julian calendar," the "Saturnalia" festival appears to have taken place on December 17th; it was preceded by the "Consualia" near December 15th, and followed by the "Opalia" on December 19th. These pagan celebrations typically lasted for a week, ending just before the late Roman Imperial Festival for "Sol Invictus" (Invincible Sun) on December 25th.
In 1582 AD. Roman Catholic Pope Gregory the XIII caused the current "Gregorian Calendar" to be adopted, in order to eliminate the solar time shift error introduced by the "Julian Calendar."
By December 1582 AD the shortest day of the year had shifted 12 days on the Roman "Julian Calendar" to Wednesday, December 12, 1582.
However, the Original December 25th 'Birth Date' was retained for all pagan Sun gods by the Roman "Saturnalia" and "Sol Invictus" traditions; which were now called the "Twelve Days of Christ Mass."
On the new Roman Catholic Gregorian calendar the shortest annual day was numerically shifted back 10 days to the 22nd of December, where it remains to this day; while the original order of the days of the week remained unchanged.
Therefore, Wednesday, December 12th, 1582 AD, became Wednesday, December 22nd, 1582 AD, and the True Sabbath Day remained unchanged.
Yahweh, the Only True Yahweh, would never have allowed The True Messiah to be born on or near the December 25th birthday period of the pagan Sun gods; during the time in which virgins were sacrificed, murder was commonplace, and orgies the norm. This would be an entirely unacceptable association.
The winter festival was very popular in ancient times, and marked a time of rejoicing and festivity. Much of our present day customs involved in the Christmas season are a direct inheritance of the Roman winter festival of Saturnalia. These days involved gift giving, colored lights to ward off evil spirits, festive meals, and of course, decorated trees.
The present day Christmas tree also goes back to the worship of sacred trees in the ancient Babylonian system. The green evergreen symbolized the incarnate Baal coming to life through the incarnate baby Tammuz. The custom of decorating and worshipping trees spread throughout the known world, with the variety of tree used selected according to the natural growth of each area of the world. The Druids worshipped the oak tree, the Egyptians worshipped the palm tree, while in Rome it was the fir tree.
There are at least ten references in the Bible warning that these green trees were associated with idolatry and pagan worship. Jeremiah 10:1-4 details the Israelites following the very pagan customs practiced today.
Jeremiah 10:1-4
"Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O House of Israel: Thus saith the LORD, learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain; for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."
The reason G-d warns against the worship of the signs of heaven in association with this custom is that it was associated with the worship of the sun.
The very term, Christmas, comes from the sacred Christ-mass, where the Pope in the role of the High Priest of the mystery Babylon religion introduces the people to the concept of trans-substantiation. Using the wine and round wafers to reflect the life of Baal, the sun god, the name of Jesus replaces the ancient pagan custom. The wine and wafers are now said to be the transformation of the actual blood and body of Messiah within the person who ingests them. People, thereby, relive again and again the death and resurrection of the incarnate god.
Israelites performed this same ritual in their worship to the Queen of heaven and the incarnate god Tammuz.
Jeremiah 44:18, 19, 23
18 But since we left off to burn incense to the Queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine. 19 And when we burned incense to the Queen of heaven, and poured out drink offerings unto her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drink offerings unto her without our men. 23 Because ye have burned incense, and because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, nor walked in His law, nor in His statutes, nor in His testimonies, therefore, this evil is happened unto you, as at this day.
It would surprise most Christians to learn that the history of the church is filled with historic battles over these very doctrinal issues. Many of the reformation movements in the church made drastic attempts to get away from these pagan holidays.
Calvin, in 1550, instigated an edict concerning church holidays. A ban was passed against observing various church festivals, which included Christmas. In a tract on the necessity of reforming the church, Calvin exclaimed: "I know how difficult it is to persuade the world that Yahweh disapproves of all modes of worship not expressly sanctioned by His Word."
John Knox, in the Scottish reformation, repeatedly confronted the Catholic Church, contending that true worship must be instituted by G-d, not derived from the traditions of men. At the heart of his argument was an appeal to Torah, especially, references to Deuteronomy 4 and 12, which states that one must not add to nor subtract from G-d's word.
John Knox, History of the Reformation in Scotland, 1950, Vol. 1, page 91 states the following: "That Yahweh's word damns your ceremonies it is evident; for the plain and straight commandment of Yahweh is, 'Not that thing which appears good in thy eyes, shalt thou do to the LORD thy Yahweh, but what the LORD thy Yahweh has commanded thee, that do thou; add nothing to it; diminish nothing from it.' Now unless that ye are able to prove that Yahweh has commanded your ceremonies, this His former commandment will damn both you and them."
The holidays of Christmas and Easter were banned from the Church of Scotland.
David Calderwood [1511-1651], representing the Scottish ministries, asserted in reference to Christmas and Easter: "The Judaical days had once that honor, as to be appointed by Yahweh Himself; but the anniversary days appointed by men have not like honor. This opinion of Christ's nativity on the 25th day of December was bred at Rome."
David Calderwood then exposed the Roman claims made for the 25th of December as the day of Messiah's birth. He argues that the Apostles never ordained it. He said the following: "Nay, let us utter the truth, December-Christmas is a just imitation of the December-Saturnalia of the ethnic [heathen] Romans, and so used as if Bacchus [another name for the sun god], and not Messiah, were the Yahweh of Christians."
George Gillespie [1613-1649], a premier Scottish theologian, wrote in a book published in 1637 called A Dispute Against the English Popish Ceremonies Obtruded Upon the Church of Scotland. "The holidays [reference to Christmas and Easter] take a severe beating on a number of accounts. Sacred significant ceremonies devised by man are to be reckoned among images forbidden in the second commandment in regards to worshipping idols."
The English Puritans fought to ban the worship of Christmas and Easter. They resorted to Galatians 4:8-11, which many Christians have used to say that it is referring to G-d not wanting believers to worship Jewish holidays. However, this is wrong on several accounts:
1. These scriptures are specifically referring to a people brought near to G-d through Messiah, who were former pagans.
2. Apostle Paul himself, as detailed throughout the book of Acts, worshipped the LORD ordained feasts.
3. If we were taking these scriptures as an argument for Messiah doing away with Torah, then this would put it in direct conflict with Yeshua's statement in Matthew 5:17, where he stated he did not come to do away with Torah, nor the prophets.
Galatians 4:8-11
8 How best then, when ye knew not G-d, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods [obviously referring to pagan heathen practices]. 9 But now, after that ye have known G-d, or rather are known of G-d, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, where unto ye deserve again to be in bondage? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years [reference to pagan holidays]. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain.
History records that when the Puritans came to power in England, Parliament, in June,1647, passed legislation abolishing Christmas and other holidays. In this legislation, they wrote the following: "For as much as the feast of the nativity of Christ, Easter, and other festivals, commonly called holy days, have been here-to-fore superstitiously used and observed; be it ordained that the said feasts, and all other festivals, commonly called holy days, be no longer observed as festivals."
The American Puritan movement took an even stronger stand against these pagan holidays. Samuel Miller, a Puritan and professor of history and church government at Princeton Seminary, stated in 1896 in his book, why Presbyterians reject the holy days of Christmas and Easter. He stated that "the Scriptures were the only infallible rule of faith and practice, and that no rite or ceremony ought to have a place in the public worship of Yahweh, which is not warranted in Scripture. Not only does the celebration of non-biblical holidays lack a scriptural foundation, but the scriptures positively discount it." [Miller, pgs. 65,74]
Presbyterians were not the only ones who maintained a strong stand against Christmas, as there were many other Christians who held to similar convictions. As a matter of fact, the famous preacher, Charles Spurgeon, stated in a sermon given on Christmas Eve, December 24th, 1871, the following:
"We have no superstitious regard for times and seasons. Certainly we do not believe in the present ecclesiastical arrangement called Christmas: first, because we do not believe in the mass at all, but abhor it, whether it be said or sung in Latin or English; and secondly, because we find no scriptural warrant whatever for observing any day as the birthday of the Savior; and, consequently, it's observance is a superstition, because not of divine authority." [C. H. Spurgeon, Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, 1971, pg. 697]
Opposition to these church holidays remained in American Presbyterianism through the latter half of the 19th century. Speaking following the Civil War, historian Ernest Trice Thompson wrote the following:
"There was no recognition of either Christmas or Easter in any of the Protestant churches, except the Episcopal and Lutheran. For a full generation after the Civil War, the religious journals of the South mentioned Christmas only to observe that there was no reason to believe that Jesus was actually born on December 25th; it was not recognized as a day of any religious significance in the Presbyterian Church" [Ernest Trice Thompson, Presbyterians In the South, 1973, Vol. 2, pg. 434.]
FSCG Note: Alabama was the USA State to recognize Christmas, and did not do so until 1836. ["Tidbits," Cheyenne, Wy. 82007, Burchett Publishing, Issue #271 ]
It was not until the turn of the 19th century that various Christmas customs began appearing in Presbyterian churches. There began to be reports of: 1) Frivolities like Saint Nicholas in children's Sunday schools. 2) Use of Christmas trees and other festivities.
The appearance of Easter and Christmas in the official calendar of the Southern Presbyterian church did not actually occur until the late 1940s and 1950s, as a work of growing apostasy in the church. Even so, as late as 1962, the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland stated that they rejected the celebrations of Christmas and Easter [History of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, 1893-1970, pg. 383].
Christmas has clearly brought an infusion of paganism into the church that was initially prohibited among all of G-d's people.
II Corinthians 6:14-18 states
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Messiah with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of G-d with idols? For ye are the temple of the living G-d; as G-d hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their G-d, and they shall be My people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the LORD Almighty.
It is certainly clear from all that we have read, that an end time apostasy has come upon both Jews and Gentiles. Both have strayed far from the original precepts of the faith, and there will be a heavy accounting before the LORD for this. These holidays represent only part of the great apostasy that has come upon G-d's people in the latter days. They cumulatively fulfill what are known as the latter day prophesies that predict a great apostasy before the coming of Messiah. G-d is calling for both Christians and Jews to come out of their compromised faith and return to their original calling, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
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Watcher
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Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is one of the most beloved Christmas hymns of all time. It was written by Charles Wesley in 1739 while the music was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840. Let’s look at a few stanzas of this beautiful carol.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
”Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
“God and sinners reconciled through Christ”. This is the true meaning of Christmas and, even more, the true meaning of Christianity. Jesus Christ was sent “through the tender mercy of our God to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death." (Luke 1:78-79) We are reconciled with God because Christ has “made peace through the blood of His cross.” (Colossians 1:20)
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
“Where was the Christ was to be born?” Herod asked the chief priests and scribes. "In Bethlehem of Judea,” they answered.
Bethlehem. This little, insignificant town would be the last place we would have chosen for God to enter the world. But, just as the Lord chose a place unworthy to host Him He chooses to save us, who are unworthy of such an honor. (Luke 1:52; 1 Corinthians 1:27)
Our righteousness, our good standing before God, comes not from what we have done, but from what Christ has done on our behalf. (1 Peter 2:24)
Christ, by highest Heaven adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time, behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus our Emmanuel.
The miracle of Christmas isn’t that a little baby was born in a manager, or that a star appeared, or that angels filled the sky.
“Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)
That Christ, in some mysterious way, laid aside His divine rights, clothed Himself in humanity, dwelt among us, and served His creation by going to the cross...this is the miracle of Christmas.
Such sacrifice and love is beyond human comprehension. All we can do is join the angels in praise of the King of kings.
”Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Refrain
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Christ, by highest Heav’n adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time, behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus our Emmanuel.
Refrain
Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris’n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Refrain
Come, Desire of nations, come,
Fix in us Thy humble home;
Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring Seed,
Bruise in us the serpent’s head.
Now display Thy saving power,
Ruined nature now restore;
Now in mystic union join
Thine to ours, and ours to Thine.
Refrain
Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface,
Stamp Thine image in its place:
Second Adam from above,
Reinstate us in Thy love.
Let us Thee, though lost, regain,
Thee, the Life, the inner man:
O, to all Thyself impart,
Formed in each believing heart.
Refrain
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/h/hheralda.htm
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Watcher
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
Proverbs 17:13,15
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becauseHElives
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TEXASGRANDMA
As befits the occasion, God appointed an angel to be the first evangelist. It was appropriate that he was called to bring this inaugural evangelistic message to shepherds - since Christians are to be under-shepherds serving under the Great Shepherd (I PE 2:25). The place where this message was delivered was a remote field far away from the bustling crowds of Jerusalem - reminding us that personal evangelism is the usual mode of evangelism. And the shepherds heard the message as they were doing their work -reminding us that the "mission fields" are in our workplaces.
When the shepherds were told that "Christ the Lord" had come, they must have thought that He would surely be born in a palace, under the most impressive conditions. Instead they are given a most unusual sign - "Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." God's greatest gift to mankind is "wrapped" in torn strips of cloth, lying in a humble food-box in a lowly stable! The great promises of the world are empty promises gorgeously "wrapped" in impressive credentials and false claims. God's gifts, on the other hand, though unimaginably wonderful, are 'wrapped' in the simplest and lowliest coverings. For example, all the wisdom that we need for our earthly journey is found between the covers of the little book called the Bible. And the greatest joy that we can enjoy on this earth is found in that simple message called the Gospel. The greatest source of power in the world is available to us in that simple exercise called prayer. And every ordinary-looking Christian is a real superman, a real temple of God because the Holy Spirit of God lives in us (GAL 2:20).
And so the firstborn son is born. Born to Mary. Conceived by the Holy Ghost nine months before. Begotten of His Father before all worlds.
Oh, this Baby is not just any baby. Nor is He just a symbol of peace and life today, as the world would have you believe. He does not symbolize peace and life: He is your peace and life. And even as He spends His first night out of the womb, He is already at work for your redemption.
II. And wrapped Him in swaddling clothes
There He is, wrapped up tight in swaddling clothes: And while the sight may be cute, it is far more amazing than that. Of this Infant, John says, "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made" (Jn 1:3). Though impossible to fathom, it is still true: Mary has given birth to her own Creator. The Maker of heaven and earth is now wrapped tight and immovable, bound firm by strips of cloth.
All you see is an Infant, but do not be deceived. He is helpless there only because He permits Himself to be, like a father who permits his child to best him in a footrace. He appears powerless and immobile; and according to His human nature, He is. Yet, the mysterious miracle is true that In Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).
So there He is, this Baby who is both God and man: He is the Son of God from Eternity, but He has just been born. He is all-present throughout the heavens and earth, and He's lying immobile in a manger. He is all-knowing according to His divine nature, but according to His human nature He has yet to find His toes. He is all-powerful, and the earth melts when He utters His voice; yet He lies helpless in a manger, held immobile by a little bit of swaddling cloth. This Child is a mystery far beyond our understanding; for as one pastor wrote with utmost reverence, this Baby is nothing less than God in diapers.
He's not just a Baby and He's not just a symbol. He's the Son of God incarnate, "in [human] flesh." And He is born and wrapped in swaddling clothes for a reason.
The reason is your redemption. Mankind is helplessly lost in sin and is facing death-physical and eternal-because of it. Jesus is born a helpless infant, as infants are until they grow up. He will grow up, and He will redeem the world by His death on the cross, for only He can. As the only human being without sin, He can pay the wages of sin for somebody beside Himself. As the Son of God, He can pay the price for the whole world. That's why He's born-to redeem us by His death. That's why He's lying in the manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Wrapped in clothes: As His life begins, so it ends. When He is all grown up, He will be wrapped up, helpless and immovable, again: There was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. (Lk. 23:50, 52-53).
It may seem a bit gruesome to speak of the cross and death at Yeshua’s birth. But that is why the Baby is born: To live a perfect, sinless life so that He can credit you with His holiness. To die and pay the price for the sins of the world. To rise again three days later to deliver us from death. To wrap you in a robe of righteousness in your Baptism so that you might be assured of your salvation.
So behold the Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and remember:
The Infant's swaddling clothes foretell
The Savior's shroud at burial.
This Babe will Kingdom-tidings tell
From cradle to grave and beyond.
III. and laid Him in a manger
A manger. Hardly a place for any baby, much less the King of kings and Lord of lords. Kings have palaces and silk and pillows stuffed with down; they have servants and chambers and warmth. This King is the Son of God, and His birth is announced by heavenly hosts of angels as they sing glory to God. He deserves a royal bed; He deserves to be worshiped by all.
But His humble birth goes unnoticed by the powers that be. His arrival is greeted by a ragtag band of faithful shepherds who crowd into the stable. He's laid in a manger, and thus a cattle trough becomes His first bed. Not much of a crib, I'm sure: the workman who put the manger together likely didn't use the same care as a master craftsman assembling a wardrobe. The Savior lies in a bunch of rough boards slapped together for use by animals.
Given the quality of care in our lifetime, a baby in a manger isn't a romantic vision: It's shockingly crude and unsanitary. One would think that placing the Son of God into a manger would do nothing else than anger His Father in heaven.
But this is part of His Father's will, that the Savior have such a beginning, for it sets the tone for much of His humble, inauspicious life. He will never live in anything remotely resembling a palace. From Bethlehem, He will be taken to Egypt because King Herod wants Him dead. He'll return to grow up in backwater Nazareth. When He grows up, He will be a traveling teacher who has no place to lay His head (Mt. 8:20). It's not much of a life for a King who deserves to be served by all mankind.
But there's a reason for this, a reason that Jesus Himself gives: The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mt. 20:28). This Infant is not placed in the manger to live a life of luxury and be catered to by all. If He desired simply to be worshiped, He could have stayed in the far more comfortable heaven. No, He came to serve-to serve by giving His life as a ransom for many. It is why He is born, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.
As humble as his birth and life are, His death is far more humiliating. The Son of God dies stretched on a cross for the sins of the world. As His life begins, so it ends: The throne of His nativity is a crude wooden manger. The throne of His victory over sin is a crude wooden cross.
That's why the Baby is born-to go to the cross for you. So behold the Infant in the manger, and remember:
The manger's rough-cut wooden case
Portends the cross-shaped throne of grace.
This Infant runs redemption's race
From cradle to grave and beyond.
IV. because there was no room for them in the inn.
There's no room in the inn. The Savior comes to save mankind; but in all the inn of Bethlehem, not one can be found who will give up his room for the mother in labor with the Lord. So the Son of God is born in a stable, certified completely acceptable for use by animals. Given the area around Bethlehem, some scholars believe that the stable may not have been a building at all, but rather a small cave. In any event, building or cave, that stable is a dank, dark grotto and no place for the newborn Infant. Right off the bat, the Savior is kicked out of the house and assigned to a far worse place. Right from the start, His own receive Him not.
But that is the lot of the sinless Savior on earth, and He will endure many inhospitable places. He will battle the devil in the wilderness for forty days and nights for us. He will announce to His hometown that He is their Savior, and they will respond by trying to throw Him off a cliff; yet rather than abandon ungrateful sinners, He persists in His saving work for us. He is invited to a nice meal with the Pharisees, only to be rejected by them because He tries to give them salvation. He stands before Pilate and speaks the truth about sin and grace, only to be scourged; as He bleeds, He still endures because He sheds His blood for us. His next stops are only worse: a hill called Golgotha and a cross, so that He might suffer the hellish punishment for our sin; and a borrowed tomb after sinful man puts the Savior to death.
As His life begins, so it ends. The Infant who first rests in a cold, dark stable is laid to rest in a tomb carved out of rock. There is a reason: He endures the cross in your place, so that you are delivered from the eternal punishment of sin and delivered to the glory of heaven. For Him there is a tomb, that He might be raised and make yours and empty grave for eternity.
So behold the Infant in the stable, and remember:
The dank and drafty stable-room
Predicts the rock-hewn borrowed tomb.
This Child is born to rout your doom
From cradle to grave and beyond.
V. The Greatest Gift
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.
Behold the Child in the manger. With your eyes you can see a newborn, but there is so much more we know by faith. That Baby is the Savior whose name is Jesus. Conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary, He is fully both God and man. The all-powerful Prince of Peace is in the cradle to go to the cross and win salvation for you. He is born to make your cross His cross, to suffer for your sin in your place. Therefore, there is no cross left for you to suffer, because He shares His with you in your Baptism. By water and the Word, you are born anew, wrapped in a robe of righteousness and cradled in His care. You are nursed by His Word and fed by His Supper, that you might have a far better resting place than a tomb: For the sake of this Child Jesus, you have life everlasting.
Behold your Savior. He is by far the greatest gift.
The Infant's swaddling clothes foretell
The Savior's shroud at burial.
The manger's rough-cut wooden case
Portends the cross-shaped throne of grace.
The dank and drafty stable-room
Predicts the rock-hewn borrowed tomb.
To Bethlehem, Jerusalem,
To grave and hell and back again,
He passes on the honor due
And runs this Passion course for you.
Dear hearers of th' Incarnate Lord,
Rejoice to hear His holy Word!
The greatest gift ever
You do not see, but yet believe:
This Infant is your soul's reprieve
From cradle to grave and beyond
We that HE came to save are commanded to “Remember HIS death”
Traditions make the Word of GOD “Yahweh” of non effect
Look at the world we live in, it continually is getting worse, just as Yeshua promised it would.
The Church has become of non effect, because it is at one with the world
I am not on the side of the ACLU on this or any other topic that I know of for the same reasons they hold.
My reasons are to challenge darkness, and traditions of men
December the 25th has been a day dedicated to the ancient Babylonian Worship of Mother and Son for almost 6000 years
Why taint the Entry of The Son of Yahweh who was from the beginning of time with His Father, by connecting it with the evil of Nimrod and Isis?
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
Posts: 4578 | From: Southeast Texas | Registered: Jun 2002
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Caretaker
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Member # 36
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posted
God bless you Brother Walt;
The Bereans were like a breath of fresh air for Brother Paul:
Acts 17:
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
Christ's Mass reminds me of the statues of the saints that the Italians and Hispanics parade down their streets on feast days. Decorated with glitz, and with money being draped and lavished upon the statue, one comes to understand idolitry.
Christ's Mass has been so legitimized by Christiandom for the last 300 years, so ingrained and indoctrinated into their people, that when one speaks the truth, they are drowned-out by the screeching "nays" as they stick fingers in their ears. The more the truth, the deeper go the fingers and the louder the "nays".
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A Servant of Christ,
Drew
1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..
Posts: 3978 | From: Council Grove, KS USA | Registered: Jun 2002
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shadowmaker
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Member # 3696
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posted
And yet you have NOT provide one Bible verus that said I cant celebrate Christmas. All the verus you do provide, you try and twist to mean what you want it to mean.
Actually, suicide rates are lower during the Christmas season. http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/suicide.asp
Dec is the 9th highest month for suicides, Aug is the highest, Sept the lowest.
If you dont want to celebrate Christmas, DONT. But until you have something in writing, in the Bible that says I m not suppose to, then I will continue to celebrate.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white.
Brad
Posts: 272 | Registered: Jul 2004
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wparr
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Member # 891
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posted
quote:
the difference in me and you, is I wish you no ill will
This is the lie I ment
quote:
Whats up my Brother wparr ?
Just tired - not sleepy tired
Posts: 1203 | From: Eagle Nest, NM | Registered: Jan 2003
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WildB
Moderator
Member # 2917
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posted
I will not give up Jerusalem without a fight.
Whats up my Brother wparr ?
Do we not fight against sillyness unseen?
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That is all.....
Posts: 8775 | From: USA, MICHIGAN | Registered: Mar 2004
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TEXASGRANDMA
Advanced Member
Member # 847
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posted
i guess you would like me to send my sister's death certificate. I do not lie. God will punish you for your false accusation.
betty
in fact I challenge you to show one lie by me.
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Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/mm (son-in-law)http://www.myspace.com/mireles
Posts: 4985 | From: Washington State | Registered: Jan 2003
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wparr
Advanced Member
Member # 891
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posted
Ya RIGHT
You lie sooooo much
Posts: 1203 | From: Eagle Nest, NM | Registered: Jan 2003
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TEXASGRANDMA
Advanced Member
Member # 847
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posted
not amused. I have never shot a gun in my life. Nor do I like guns. A gun killed my sister, so thank you for the memory.
betty
the difference in me and you, is I wish you no ill will. In fact I feel very sorry for you that you would choose the ACLU over Jesus.
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Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/mm (son-in-law)http://www.myspace.com/mireles
Posts: 4985 | From: Washington State | Registered: Jan 2003
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wparr
Advanced Member
Member # 891
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posted
I bet if I were holding my finger on the triger of a gun at my head you would be say (or praying) PULL PULL PULL
Such compassion
Posts: 1203 | From: Eagle Nest, NM | Registered: Jan 2003
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TEXASGRANDMA
Advanced Member
Member # 847
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posted
So celebrating our Lord and Savior's birth is more painful than death to you. I am sure He is happy to see that His birth meant nothing to you.
But, thankfully, little children all over the world will be singing Away in the Manager in honor of Jesus.
betty
don't forget to get on your hero's mailing list, the ACLU
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Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/mm (son-in-law)http://www.myspace.com/mireles
Posts: 4985 | From: Washington State | Registered: Jan 2003
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wparr
Advanced Member
Member # 891
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posted
More suicides during "christmas season"
More murders during "christmas season"
More family fights during "christmas season"
More depresion during "christmas season"
More drunk driving during "christmas season"
Ya right christmas is such a joyus time of Jesus
Posts: 1203 | From: Eagle Nest, NM | Registered: Jan 2003
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wparr
Advanced Member
Member # 891
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posted
I DON'T say that lightly
If christmas is what christianity is all about
I WOULD RATHER BE DEAD
Posts: 1203 | From: Eagle Nest, NM | Registered: Jan 2003
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