PACEM IN TERRIS, Peace on Earth

[bodybuilder1958]

http://www.trivalleycentral.com/articles...106636.txt
Glory to God in the highest

A little over 2000 years ago, some poor shepherds were herding their owners sheep out in the desert, in the middle of the night, when a bevy of holy Angels began to sing above them, lighting up the heaven over their heads with their glory. Saying to them, “Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people. For unto to you is born this day, in Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

This is just a fulfillment of prophecy given to many of the men of old, who loved and trusted in God enough, to be able to hear his voice tell them of this momentous event that was to take places thousands of years before it happened. When it happened even Kings from the far East traveled from a great distance, just to give this child homage and wealth gifts, knowing that He was a very special gift from God, for all mankind.

Eight days after His birth, Joseph and Mary took Him to the priest for His fulfillment of the law, for circumcision. A priest by the name of Simeon, who was a very devout man and filled with God’s Holy Spirit came in where they were at and said, “Lord now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word: for my eyes have seen your salvation here in the flesh, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and for the glory of your people Israel.” Then Simeon said to Mary, Jesus’ mother, “This child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; yes and even a sword that shall pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Here we have the reason, for the season we call Christ’s Mass, making it a Pagan holiday of over spending, over eating, over drinking and traveling great distances to be with family members that we don’t get to see very often, and who have established their own lives and customs that have very little to do with our lives anymore. We lie to our children about a mythical person we call Santa Claus, that brings them gifts, but very rarely tell them the truth about Jesus Christ’s birth and the reason for it happening. We sure don’t tell them about His horrible death when He shed His blood for our sin sacrifice at the age of 33 years, or that Dec. 25 is not His real birth-date. We are so steeped in our Christ-Mass, Holy Day, that we have forgotten why we are celebrating it and causing ourselves too much stress and hardship, when we should be overwhelmingly joyful to know someone paid the price for our sinful actions and nature! That is truly something to be celebrating and giving thanks and homage for! No longer do we have to fear death or punishment from a righteous and Holy God!

Then we come to the symbols we use for Christmas. Have you seen the new pink tinfoil Christmas trees? I saw where someone had bought one just to stick up in their fence as a protest against Christmas and its burden that greedy merchants have placed on the shoulders of parents. If their children don’t get a present as good as their friends do, parents carry a guilt load around on their shoulders all year long, just waiting to redeem themselves next Christmas with a better present, if they get last Christmas paid for before it comes around again. Evergreen trees, mistletoe, bright lights and gifts for one another all come from the Pagan Druids false religion. None of these items have anything to do with the real reason for Christmas, anymore so than the lighting of candles to help carry up our prayers.

Is there any hope of ever getting Jesus Christ back into our thoughts as we hustle and bustle through what we call now our Winter Holiday season that for some reason is no longer politically correct to be called Christ’s Mass in America? We have Hanukah for Jews, Ramadan for Muslims, Day of Enlightenment for Buddhists, and Christmas for Christ, only we can’t talk about Him anymore because He has become a hate message and is restrictive to our sinful natures in America. Just as Simeon told Mary, “This child shall be spoken against because His words make us look at the thoughts of our own evil hearts.” Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

[jayne]

BB Christmas isnt my favorite time of year....I tend to get very depressed about thanksgiving and dont get out of it till spring...I get waves of depression some good... some bad... some oh lord hide the pills days....and have since I was a child,that has only gotten worse since I got injured....I have always hated the damp and cold and now the cold hurts....today Christmas day my tree and all the decorations were down an hour after all the gifts were opened....I like my home open and uncrowded..and warm......I cant wait till spring we plan to go to pensacola for 2 weeks I cant wait 2 weeks at the beach Heaven