It is Time..."Let the New Year's Celebrations"...begin!!

New Year's...an event celebrated throughout the world! This is an event almost every culture has acknowledged...since the days of the Ancients....

 In America, we have some grasp on the meaning of holiday celebrations. We have been taught that Valentine Day is about romance, July 4th is a celebration of our independence, Thanksgiving is a time to offer grateful prayers to God and reflect on Pilgrims and Native Americans forging together to establish this great nation, and Christmas...the very birth of the Christ-Child...when the Son of God came and chose to become...one of us.

 As for the time of New Years...what exactly are we suppose to do?

 My take on New Year's, particularly New Year's Eve, as the midnight hour "approacheth", it is a moment in time where romantic thoughts are expressed, a toast to trusting friendships, and  at that very stroke... of midnight....magic happens!!...the coveted kiss! After the long awaited moment, you then look your true love in the eyes, and with the sexiest voice a person can muster...you whisper in the ear..."Happy New Year". Then, gently wrapping your arm around the arm of your other...you take a sip from the other's goblet...and from that moment on... you are destined to live..."Happily Ever After!" 
  Well...so I have heard... 

 For centuries, the ending of one year and into the next, has been a long lasting event filled with various customs from almost every culture man has ever known of.
 In the days of "Glory of the Roman Empire", their very New Year's festivities has similarities to our New Year's celebrations of today. In 742 A.D., A Saint Boniface, a Christian missionary from England, made this comment concerning the "Kalends of January", the title the Roman Empire acknowledged as the New Year. Saint Boniface is quoted: " I was overwhelmed with the dancing in the streets, heathenish cries, sac religious songs, tables laden with food, and women wearing amulets...offering them for sale."
 { I know...what is an amulet? An amulet is a small piece of jewelry or an ornament worn by one with the assurance that by wearing this item of choice would protect a person from evil, danger, and even disease.}

 Ok...here is a "Did you know?". A survey was taken and found most Americans average 1.8 resolutions for the New Year (.8?..maybe we fall asleep before we can finish the second one). The "Big 3" or most popular resolutions you might ask?...1) losing weight 2) healthier eating habits and 3) smoke less or quit altogether.

 New Years traditions usually is associated with a more thoughtful type of holiday...given to the physical, mental, and spiritual meanings to life itself. Subjects arise like being more patient with your children, improving self-esteem, and reflecting on one's moral character... become a part of this holiday tradition.
 What's up with this?

 For many of us, both in the present and in times past, New Year's is a time to "turn the page" in our lives and incorporate a higher standard of values that bring a deeper sense of purpose to everyday life. The mental drive to accomplish, the need to gain confidence, and to move closer to the secret of happiness and contentment...are all a part of our New Year's event.
 In ancient times, New Year's was associated with the Winter Solstice...a turning point in the calendar year. It is a reminder that only in a few short months the daylight hours would be returning and lengthening, know to numerous ancient cultures as "The Return of the Sun". As Christianity became more involved with the Winter Solstice celebrations, the church attempted to replace "the Sun" with "the Son", by introducing the Birth of the Christ-Child event, aligning with the ancients hope...of a better future.

 Many ancient beliefs of various cultures have embraced the thought of "New Year's Celebrations". The ancient Babylonians considered this time of year as a struggle; a struggle with Chaos vs. Order. Other cultures like Hindu, Celtic, and Chinese would reverse the various orders within the classes of society, including the wearing of costumes and singing...until the time of New Year's had passed and the order within a society was restored.
 In England, the "12 Days of Christmas" was a time for weather predictions for the upcoming year, while Ireland considered the "12 Days of Christmas"  as a period in time when if anyone should pass away during the twelve day period...it was an "instant ticket to the gates of Heaven itself".

 The common objective among many cultures in observance of New Year's was... it was a time of year to resolve issues in an individual's life, a type of personal "housecleaning". Goals included paying off debt, reflecting on the shortcomings of the past year and looking for solutions to improve, forgiving others for quarrels that had developed, and being more helpful to the poor and needy.
 In the country of Ecuador, people have made straw-filled dummies and at midnight of the New Year, the "Ano Viejo" event was performed. The straw-filled dummies would be set on fire as a symbolic gesture to be rid of the past.
 In Rio de Janeiro Brazil, thousands gather at the beaches on December 31st to honor "Yemanjo"...the "Mother of the Sea"...to receive blessings for a good future.
 Brazil even considers the color of your underwear as symbolic on New Year's Day! If you choose pink underwear...then love is bound to come your way...for those who choose yellow...prosperity, and for the "tightie whities"... you will receive peace and happiness!
 In Vienna Austria, pigs are let loose on New Year's and the idea is if you can touch one of the "escaped pigs"...good luck is bound to embrace you.
 In the countries of "Romance"...like Italy and France, particularly those Spanish speaking cultures, a unique tradition appears. During the New Year's celebrations, a person will receive a glass of wine...with 12 grapes in the goblet itself. As the midnight hour arrives, a toast is given and the 12 grapes are eaten...each grape consumed with a wish given to each one.

 The types of food given to New Year's Day is said to effect the outcome of the next year. In ancient Rome, the eating of sweets, dates, and figs would symbolize a year of fertility and pleasant blessings, along with prosperity.
 In the United States, the "Southern hospitality" thing to do on New Year's Day is to eat cornbread, cabbage, and the ever so popular...black-eyed peas. The peas represent coins are bound to come to you, cornbread brings you gold, and cabbage?...folding money!
 For those who live farther up north in the U.S.....cabbage with sauerkraut will bring blessings for the nest year.

 So, as you celebrate the New Year...in whatever tradition you incorporate to your celebration...keep in mind what the Scriptures say in regard to our New Year....

                                           Gleanings from the Scripture

Isaiah 43: 18-19 " Forget about it."...the former life is over! God is creating something entirely new...and it is happening in your life! You really can't see it? It doesn't matter what type of "wilderness" you have faced...I have made a way out for you! It doesn't matter how dry life has been for you...those deserts that seem to go on and on. Look!...there are fresh streams now flowing...even in your most desolate and dry places!"

Ecclesiastes 3:1: "Everything has it's time...and your time has come! This is your time!...regardless of what season in life you have experienced!"

Proverbs 16:9  " We can plan...we can set new goals...we can make new resolutions all we want. Always remember...it is the Lord who decides where we go...it is He who determines our steps!"

Habakkuk 1:5  " Look around you...look around good...do a 360 if you want! Take a look at all the nations...Look, Watch, and be Amazed! I am putting into effect a work...in your very lifetime! So, brace yourself!...take the "shock of it all" with calmness. Even if I told you of it now...you wouldn't believe it!"

Jeremiah 29:11  " I am aware...very much aware of your thoughts! What you need to do...is be aware...very much aware...of My thoughts and plans for...you! My plans for you are filled with hope...a future for your success...not one of disaster or evil. Trust Me...I am giving you a future...filled with hope!"

The Greatest Commands to follow...in any of our pursuits in life. Mark 12: 29-31

Before going further in the power of a romantic relationship...I think it would be better for me to "lay down some guidelines"...to clarify where I am coming from and where I am going in reference to...romantic relationships...

 First, from a Christian perspective, it is important that no matter what facet, vocation, or relationships we have in life, putting our faith in the Lord, adhering to how He would have us live, and allowing Him to be a part of life's pursuits, is critical to the the outcome of how we develop ourselves.
 In the New Testament, the Gospel of Mark, chapter 12, an interesting array of questions happen to be going on that were being asked to Jesus.
 In this scenario, the Pharisees and Sadducees, church leaders within the Jewish faith, were often found asking Jesus questions about God and the Commandments...because their motive was to trap Him and expose Him as the liar they considered Him to be...yet, not all of them.
 There were a few of the church leaders who were sincere in wanting to know more about Him, and considered the answers He gave to the Jewish leaders with respect and were intrigued by His accurate passion in the way Jesus answered them...even though many of the questions asked to Him was conceived out of ulterior motives and hopefully to find a way to trap Him.

 In this particular setting in Mark 12, one church leader kind of burst out with a question...that came from his heart...a real question...wanting real answers. After hearing the answers Jesus had been giving to his fellow church leaders, this man then asks: " Of all the many Commandments we are required to follow, which one would You deem...most important?"
 Jesus seemed to like the question this man had asked Him, and did not perceive it to be a "trick question" or one of wrong motives. Jesus accepted this question with a sincerity and answered this question..."straight up" as we would say today. In other words, in the midst of a number of "hostile questions"...suddenly an innocent one appears.

                                      A Gleaning from Mark 12: 29-31

" The first and most important commandment you can ever adhere to is this...I need to have you listen up to this: "The Lord your God is the only Lord...of all heaven and earth. As for you, you must make it a priority, a daily practice, and allow passion to grow within your hearts in learning to love Him. For the Lord of all heaven and earth desires from you these very elements: all your heart, all your thoughts and ideas, all your trust in Him...that you might follow Him with an intelligence and energy that develops into a passion for Him and His plans for you." 
 There is one other Commandment of equal importance...needing to be instilled into your lives as well...in fact these 2 Commandments are so intertwined you cannot do one of these 2 Commandments without the other. The 2nd Commandment is this: " You must learn to love others...your very neighbors...as much as you love yourself". 
 Jesus then concluded: "There are no greater Commandments than these."

Notes on this passage of Scripture: The Torah...that is to say the Old Testament from Genesis through Deuteronomy, during the time when Jesus lived among us, had 613 separate commandments to follow ( some from the "written" Torah, and yet many from the "oral" Torah...that is to say commands added to the Torah by Jewish church leaders in order to follow the commandments of the written Torah...or so they thought).
  Another thought to be aware of when Jesus answered this honest question about the most important Commandment to follow. When Jesus asked everyone around Him to "Listen up"...the Hebrew for this word is called "Shema". The first Commandment Jesus points out is from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. It was read twice daily and were probably the best known verses in the Old Testament.  When this verse was spoken twice a day...it would begin with..."Shema". 

 The 2nd Commandment is given to remind us how others need us in all kinds of various scenarios we find ourselves in...during life. It is very contrary to the teaching we often hear "God helps those who helps themselves"...a saying not found in the Sacred Scripture. Learning to support and help in what is best for others...is a selfless act...the kind God does for us.

 So...what does this have to do with a "romantic relationship"?...Well, this is a foundation to having a relationship with meaning and having some real joy in it. Much more to come....

The Power within a "Romantic Relationship"...Part One

The power to encourage others, be unique in our views on life, or to offer our thoughts and insights that stirs the hearts of others...are often determined by the relationships we find ourselves in.

 Relationships...we all have them. We have them with family, with our friends, and of course...the romance within our lives. Romance...a fine and wonderfully carved word, and yet presents itself with power to enhance a person...or destroy one. The choice lies in our hearts, our beliefs, and our interpretation of what the values of life are...including our interpretation of the Sacred Scripture itself.

 The origin of the word Romance dates back to the Middle Ages. It was actually a word that was used to describe passages and letters that had been translated into the vernacular (present day language) from the ancient language of Greek and in particular Latin. Romance comes from the Latin word Romanicus...meaning Roman.
 So...is the word Romance to be equated with the word we know... as love?

 The word Romance is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as: " a feeling of excitement, a mystery associated...with love." Romance is associated in different forms...bound in sentimental feelings forged with tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia. Romance can take a person to an exaggerated train of thoughts, leading to self-indulgence if not checked and contained.
 Romance can present itself with the thought of Idealism...even Perfection...making things appear better than the reality of life itself.
 Romance presents itself in various settings including historical stories, sensual pleasures, and even in the time of war.
 I think there are times in our lives we get the two mixed up...the word love and the word romance. Although they have the power to intertwine...romance left by itself can sometimes invite...harm. It mirrors the relationship between forgiveness and reconciliation...reconciliation without forgiveness...also has the power to invite harm.

 The first thing about involving ourselves in a romantic relationship...is to understand it does not require the loss of your inner individual freedom, rather, a healthy relationship should encourage and increase your freedom through the expression of your thoughts. I remember a quote by C.S. Lewis, the great Christian apologist and lay theologian in the first half of the twentieth century. He wrote: " The more we let God take over, the more truly ourselves we become...because He made us...He invented us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be. It is when I turn to Christ, when I give up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own."

 Four main elements that are involved in a romantic relationship: 1) romance 2) love 3) forgiveness and 4) reconciliation. For a Christian, our romantic relationship with another...begins in our relationship with Him. The relationship we have with Him is the key influence to our relationships we have on earth...including our romantic relationships.
 Without His influence on our relationships, including our romantic relationships,  the threat of toxin..like a sickness of the heart, can infect the relationship. For some, they live their entire lives, never reaching the potential...not only within themselves...but in their romantic relationships as well. It can even become like an "emotional cancer"...destroying the healthy part of an individual.

Uh oh...emotions...how much of a part do they play...in a romantic relationship? What then is the true foundation...to a healthy romantic relationship?   More to come....

"Christmas Carols"...they have endured....part two

Continuing on with Christmas Carols, The Reformation in the 1500's brought some good things with it: 1) the Sacred Scripture was now available in the vernacular (present day language), including the sacrifice of great men to make this happen like John Wycliffe (The Morning Star), William Tyndale, and many others. 2) with Martin Luther leading the way, the whole meaning of Christianity took on a major change, going from the religious rituals of the Church to a personal relationship with Christ Jesus, and 3) the meaning and depths to our church year calendar of events like Christmas was now enriched with the emphasis now on knowing Jesus and the reading of the Scriptures.
 Yet, with a sudden interest in Christmas Carols and their meaning, which Martin Luther also enjoyed and did in deed write some of his own carols for the Christmas season, Christmas itself was now a problem during its celebration.
 The Christmas Season was not like we know of today. By the late 1500's Christmas was more like a Mardi Gra event...a time to relax and indulge yourself with wild parties, getting drunk, and indulge in sex. It was a time when people worked long hours every week, poor wages, and little hope for their future. Add to this the fear of the dreaded winter, many facing death from the bitter cold about to cover Europe, and the shortage of food to make it through the winter, the general state of mind was to simply "Eat Drink and be Merry, for tomorrow we will surely die". 
 So, Christmas caroling did  become popular...if you liked people at your door step drunk and sometimes naked people singing folk songs and bar tunes to drown their misery away. For many of those who faced poverty throughout the year, Christmas and Christmas caroling had become a time to "forget the pain they faced in real life". Christmas...was simply...a "pain killer".

 By 1647, the Puritans were able to gain some control of English rule...and Christmas was banned because of it's "carnality". The Scriptures had taken hold in people's lives during the Protestant Reformation, and the "fight" against  the very lopsided relationship between the Roman Catholic church and it's people ( control and dictating what the people should do when in truth it was for selfish motives)....was now infecting the Protestant Puritan church itself. 
 Witch hunts began to make it's way into the Puritan church, strict guidelines were set for this sect to follow, and the church services themselves would be perhaps 3 hours in length with an "Iron Hand" mentality. As for Christmas...and Christmas carols...if you were caught doing either...pity you my friend. 
 As the Puritans arrived in America, Christmas in it's entirety was banned because of the "Mardi Gra" image. In places like Boston Mass., fines were enforced to anyone found observing Christmas in their households or neighbor hoods. As late as 1789, the United States Congress with George Washington...met on Christmas Day, considering it just a normal day in the work week. 

 But then... a turn of events was soon to happen that changed the entire world's view...on the meaning of Christmas.

 The Industrial Revolution had begun...and England was the leader. By the 1830's, the selling and trade of items had shifted, from merchandise made in the home and small "Ma and Pa" shoppes...now were made in commercial places...like factories and large companies beginning to emerge and change the economic climate.
 The beginnings of the Industrial Age...were simply horrible...for those who were already poor. It was a time in England where the rich (less than 5% of England's entire population) obtained much more wealth, while the rest of English society got poorer...and poorer.
  The common man and woman in England were now forced to work 16 hours a day, 7 days a week...for very meager wages. Even children, as young as 4 or 5 years old were forced into labor because of poverty being so widespread. Children were sent for example to work in tin mines, crawl into crevices within the mines that adults could not reach, and dig out the mineral,  facing the long hours and days like everyone else...until...they simply died. 
 By 1840, although England was experiencing a population growth, death was climbing at an alarming rate because of the severe work conditions. In London for example, it was estimated that as high as 40% of the poor population were dying under such extreme conditions , and a large percentage of the funerals at that time...were children 10 years old and younger. The condition of life was simply deplorable, and as for Christmas and the singing of Christmas carols....the Mardi Gra idea was reinforced...and drinking, sex, and general partying continued...a welcome break from hopeless futures...for many.
 In fact, numerous first class passengers aboard the Titanic in 1912 were heirs and recipients to the fortunes made during this time period. Christmas and Christmas carols...had become nothing more than a time to party...party...party, because there was nothing left...to live for.
 That is...until a young boy named "Tiny Tim" got the world's attention.

 An Englishman named Charles Dickens wrote a novel entitled " A Christmas Carol" in 1843. Dickens himself had seen and experienced the poverty many in England were facing at that time...and his novel literally changed the entire world's view on...Christmas. Christmas, much like how the Industrial Revolution changed the economics of the entire world, now experienced a tremendous shift...for the good of mankind. Dicken's novel put emphasis on what the meaning of Christmas was meant to be...for children, on the needs of the poor, and exposing the greed of the wealthy. Christmas in only a few short years was no longer a "Mardi Gra" atmosphere...but one that promoted family togetherness, gifts for children, candle lit services, and Christmas carols that no longer were sung of drinking and revelry...but of the Christ-child and the hope of mankind. From a literary standpoint...it was a true miracle...and the entire world responded. Tiny Tim, Mr. Scrooge, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future...has forever changed the meaning of Christmas...including Christmas carols! Dicken's novel also fueled the beginning of labor laws...which gave great relief to the many who suffered during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution.

And Christmas lives on...today!

 As far as Christmas carols?...many of the Christmas carols we sing today became popular after Dicken's novel "A Christmas Carol" in 1843. Some were written before Dicken's novel was published...yet his novel gave "fuel" to a world already crying out for a Savior...and God heard the cries of the people...and answered....using his humble servant Charles Dickens.

 Here are but a few Christmas carols that came out around the time of..."the days of Tiny Tim". 
1. O Holy Night...written by Adolphe Adam in 1847. He wrote this song using a French ballad tune that was known in that era.
2. Silent Night...a few years before Dicken's novel, in 1818 a priest named Joseph Mohr and a school master named Franz Xavier Gruber introduced this song on a Christmas Eve mass in Obernorf Austria.
3. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear...written in 1849 by Edmund Sears.

Even in America, Christmas carols took on meaning and acceptance:
1. What Child is This?...William Dix wrote this song from an old English ballad "Greensleeves" around 1865. Dix was an insurance manager who had become severely ill and had a spiritual renewal and recovered.
2. Jingle Bells...John Pierpoint wrote this song in 1857 in Savannah Georgia. He was a pastor of a church there and even today the church is called "The Church of the Jingle Bells". Piermont went on and became a soldier in the cavalry of the Confederate Army.

 Today, Christmas and the singing of Christmas carols is a permanent custom within the cultures of many societies. As Tiny Tim made his now famous comment at the end of Dicken's novel: "A Merry Christmas to us all; God Bless us, every one!"...I remember the words of Tiny Tim's father, Bob Cratchit who responded: "I say...God Bless it!"

 May God always bless...our Christmas season...and the singing of Christmas carols!!

"Christmas Carols"... They have endured...part one

I think the commercialism that comes with Christmas...puts a damper on enjoying what we are suppose to be doing. It's a time to receive Hope, to receive Peace, to experience Joy, and to express Love with your family, friends, and neighbors. Christmas is a fast and fleeting time in the year, yet with all the constant modern day pressures we face during this festive season...it has the potential to take the "fun" out of what the intent of the season is really about.. Instead of Hope...we worry, Instead of Peace...we experience anxiety, instead of Joy...we face depression, and instead of Love...we fear rejection.
 Along with all these "ups and downs" this season brings...Christmas carols are even looked upon  with disdain and attitudes that respond: "I don't want to hear it". Why?...because they are not true...right? Christmas is no longer a "happy family gathering", no longer a time to enjoy relationships, and instead of the simplicity of life... we experience pressures, ongoing plans, and  never ending parties, planning, and meetings that drain "the life out of you". 
 So, what about these songs we know as "Christmas Carols?"

 The word "carol" is an old word....dating back to European cultures thousands of years ago. It's original definition actually means to "gather in a circle and perform a dance." It was a time of "pressures" as well...getting through the winter season and having enough food to tell about it in the Spring. Long before Christianity made it's mark in the known world, cultures of different regions and religions were aware of what this time of year meant.
 The Winter Solstice could be a fearful time of year. During Christmas time in the Dark and Middle Ages throughout Europe, it was the time the winter season was about to go into high gear...particularly in the upcoming months of January, February, and on into March. Members of families and various tribes throughout the northern regions of Europe could lose as many as 50% of their people due to malnutrition and the severe cold. Along with that, there was always a concern of food shortage...to make it through the winter. Scurvy, the dreaded disease stemming from lack of vitamins found in fruits and vegetables was common, along with the general food supply.
 As a result, many cultures offered sacrifices to their gods during this time we call Christmas, and this festival activity would bring hope to the calamities of winter.
 The Feast of Juul is a festival during the Christmas season that was celebrated long before Christianity arrived in Scandinavia. It's where we get the "Christmas Yule Log" from, and in ancient times this celebration was dedicated to the god Thor. The French believed gathering the ashes from a Yule Log and placing them under your bed would protect you from lightning and thunder.
 In the days of ancient Rome Saturnalia was the winter festival during our Christmas season that was celebrated and included forgiveness from quarrels and grudges, gifts exchanged (usually in hope of fertility), candles were lit, and some other customs that we celebrate in our Christmas season even today. Saturnalia was a winter festival dedicated to Saturn, the father of the gods. 

 The Roman Catholic church...as Christianity spread throughout Europe, particularly in areas like the Scandinavian countries and the British Isles, began to replace these "pagan" festivals with this relatively new idea...the celebration of Jesus birth. It really wasn't a concept spoke of in the Scriptures, in particular the New Testament, yet the motive was to turn people's eyes away from other gods to the Lord Jesus.
 The other problem was...Jesus was most likely not born on December 25th...more likely in April or early May. The Scriptures are silent on the date of His birth...yet those who study the area in Galilee of Israel...December 25th was not the time of year shepherds would be "watching their flocks by night"....it was not the season to graze.
 Yet, the idea of replacing these festivals in various lands with the birth of Jesus...was the "perfect solution" to what the Roman church intended to do.

 It is recorded that as early as 129 A.D., a Roman bishop of the Christian church announced a hymn should be sung entitled " Angel's Hymn" during Christmas...in the church at Rome.
 The idea seemed to be of little interest to the Christian community and later...in 760 A.D. the Greek Orthodox church began to insert Christmas Carols during the Celebration of the Virgin's birth and include these carols in the church calendar year.
 Yet...there was a problem.
 These "Christmas Carols" were in ancient Latin...not the vernacular...so again the songs at Christmas did not generate public appeal...no one spoke Latin. By 1200 A.D., the whole idea of Christmas Carols had become a thing of the past.
But wait......

 In 1223 A.D., Saint Francis of Assisi introduced Christian "plays" in Italy...including the Nativity Scene. These Christmas plays brought another round of Christmas carols...and were even sung in Italian! Yet, there arose another problem.
 During this Middle Age time period, the Roman Catholic church had established two conditions with its followers in regards to the Sacred Scripture: 1) The Scriptures remained in Latin...so the common man did not understand it's meaning 2) the Church felt one must be "qualified" to read and understand Scripture...like a trained priest or monk ( even many of the local priests could not read and understand Scripture ). So, as Christmas Carols were written during this time, many were loosely connected to the Scripture or....just flat out untrue altogether in light of the Scripture itself. So, once again Christmas Carols faded from the mainstream.
 In the 1500's The Reformation had begun throughout Europe led by Martin Luther. Luther favored Christmas time...and Christmas Carols...he wrote some of his own.
 Yet, there arose another problem. 

"The Christmas Heart"...a transformed heart

The Christmas Season usually includes a transformation within our homes...decorations with wreaths, Christmas trees and greenery of various kinds...yet does this time of year bring a transformation...of our hearts?.....

 The "Christmas Heart" is a heart that enables us to welcome Him! Saint Paul writes of the condition of our hearts during this time of year through a letter to to the Philippians.
 During those days, one of the titles of a Roman Emperor included the name "Savior"...for Roman citizens experienced a time of "Pax Romana", a 40 year period where the Empire lived in peace, economies thrived, and the Roman Empire ruled the world...including the colony of Philippi in Asia Minor. 
 Roman citizens of Philippi had an understanding about allegiance, obeying Roman Law and following the customs dictated from Rome itself. It was a strict adherence for all Roman citizens to understand not only the duties of a Roman citizen...but to consider it a privilege as well, and enjoy the honor and benefits of being called...a Roman citizen. When a Roman citizen received Christ Jesus into their hearts, the meaning of being a citizen of Heaven...had a depth of meaning to this new citizenship. The Roman citizen knew their allegiance and faithfulness to Him must not only match their Roman citizenship...but exceed the Roman standard...even if death may result in their hearts given to Him.  Now, their "homeland" was not Rome...rather in Heaven with the Lord Jesus...as their true and only Savior, superseding the Roman Emperor.  
 Philippi was a colony in Asia Minor where Roman soldiers were given land when they retired for their service to the Roman Empire. These ex-soldiers were well trained to the meaning of obeying Roman Law and following all "orders" given. 
 Yet, when they gave their hearts to the Lord Jesus...they also understood the consequences  this could bring as well. Now, their supreme allegiance is given to a new authority, a new "Emperor", and a new "Homeland" that was not in Rome, rather in Heaven itself.

 Unlike the Roman way of life,  when our physical body becomes old and weak, this new citizenship in Christ Jesus offers the security of an eternal life where our old physical bodies will be transformed...just as Christ Jesus demonstrated when He walked out of the tomb. As a Christian citizen, we actually become strong and are made perfect...through Him...even in the temporary and weak bodies we have now, we have His promise of an Eternal Life...one that is forever! As Paul describes in this passage of Sacred Scripture..we are likened to athletes who have entered a race...and is given the "ring of leaves" for running, completing, and winning the race of life that is set before us.

                                                A Gleaning from Philippians 3:20 - 4:1

" Our true Homeland...that is to say believers who give their allegiance to the Christian faith, is not located anywhere in this physical world. Our hearts have been given to Him...and now our citizenship is where He is...in Heaven!
 And we wait with an eagerness that demands patience as we stand at attention...waiting for our King's return...the true Savior to all mankind.
 When our King's arrival is evident, we too will be changed...just like Him! He will take our old war-torn, aging, and dying bodies and transform them into eternal bodies...made to give glory to Him. His Supreme Rule and Power includes making us beautiful...just as He is, and we will forever be citizens to His Eternal Reign.
 As for you, I cannot express how I miss each one of you, and yet every time my heart thinks of you...there is a warmth felt in my very soul.
 Although our physical bodies become old and weak, and enemies of the Cross presently face us, we do not grow old and weak within our hearts. Instead, our hearts grow strong...just as an athlete...who completes and wins his race, receives the "ring of leaves"...the most desired of all crowns an athlete can ever attain."

 May our Christmas wreaths...all our decorations we place throughout our homes during this season...remind us of the transformation...that takes place in our hearts.

 Saint Paul wrote...the church in Philippi...was closest to his heart....

Christmas..."Does it make sense...to you?"

In the world I live in today, what meaning or value does Christmas really have on people? We do a little decorating, make plans to see loved ones and friends, make sure the kids have presents, and maybe "pop-in" for a Candle Light Service...then...back to the real world...right?

  Christmas does have some virtues I appreciate; people seem to be a little more sensitive to the homeless in our society, little 'ole ladies getting help crossing the streets, and people do stop and pull the stranded out of snow banks. I like this kind of stuff and it gives your heart a little boost when you see or read of people reaching out to others...cool stuff!
  And yet, deep within I have to wonder...Why does "Christmas" seem so temporary and fragile to me? It's a time that sweeps into our everyday lives and seems to vanish as quickly as it came.

 This whole "born in a manger" story...is mind boggling to say the least. God has only One Son...right? So, in order to turn mankind from "Darkness", originating back to the Fall in Eden, the requirement for mankind to be delivered from this vast Darkness...is God's Only Son has to come and become "one of us"..there simply is no other way.
  Christ Jesus didn't arrive on earth with an entourage of Heavenly angels that could destroy anyone and everyone who might stand in His way, He didn't come and become the greatest political leader the world has ever known, nor did He establish an earthly Empire that could never be penetrated or it's "laws of the land" modified... He didn't do any of that.

 He arrived totally helpless...a baby needing the care and attention of others...just like any of us...if we are to make it...even into childhood. He came to an place that was under foreign rule and oppression, He was born in a region of Israel that had a poor reputation, and He was not even born in a hospital or a real home...He came into this world among farm animals. On top of all this...the family He was born into...were far from wealthy.
 And it only gets worse...the "Beginning of Sorrows" one might say. A short time after His birth it is thought between 6 to as many as 30 babies lost their lives in Ramah...because a Roman Governor of the region known as Galilee wanted this Son of God put to death...this very young toddler...because He was a threat to the Roman Empire. Through a Divine Warning, this baby Jesus along with His earthly mother and father had escaped to Egypt...and was not found by the fearful Roman governor named... Herod.
 Herod...according to the historical data available...was a "head case". He seemed to be a guy engulfed in paranoia. He would go to great lengths to keep any one from "knocking him off his throne"...including members of his own family. He had members of his own political staff killed, he had his own military leaders executed for treason, he had Pharisees of the Jewish sect killed for "foretelling he would be removed from his throne", and he even had 3 of his sons killed to eliminate any threat of a "coup'. The Roman Emperor remarked about Herod saying: " It is better to be Herod's pig than his son."
So, with the arrival of the "King of the Jews", a title Herod had been given, this Babe born in a manger became an immediate threat. 

 Some historians conclude the event at Ramah, known to many as "The Slaughter of the Innocents" never really happened. This story was nothing more than an old wives tale stemming from the bitter hatred between the Jewish people and the Roman Empire. One early and popular Jewish historian, Josephus, never wrote on the incident that happened in Ramah, so many conclude it never really took place. Yet, other historians write that it really did take place...and although it brought horrific tragedy to mothers with 2 year old boys or under in Ramah...it was a rather "small event" in relation to the greater news of the day. 
 For myself, I do think it happened, if for no other reason, it is recorded in the Sacred Scriptures. I think there is truth that it was not rather "big news" simply because this was not a totally uncommon thing to do...destroy your enemies...and their families. Yet, in light of the Scriptures it was "Big News", and speaks to me how God never takes any deaths lightly...even in a case like this... making God Himself look like the "bad guy"...Jesus being born brought death to others His age. This of course is not true...it is the choices people make in their own hearts...that can bring joy and blessings to others, or bring sorrow and death...because of their own  insecurities and godless lifestyles.

 Then...there are the "Wise Men". I did an article from last year about these "guys". The Scriptures never said there were "3", and personally I don't think they were "kings". Rather, I think they were "king makers". If you get a chance....read the article from last year...it gives you my opinion...on "what went down" the first few years of Christ Jesus coming to earth.

 So...if Christ Jesus chose not to arrive with a host of Heavenly angels, if He didn't come to gain a throne like the Roman Empire, or if He didn't have a lot of wealth or wanted earthly power...what was He after?

Hmmm?

In Search of Christmas..."The War Cry...from the Highest Heaven"...part three

Continuing on in Saint Luke, allow me to share this:

                                                   A Gleaning from Luke 2: 12-14

 "The angel continues: " The question in your minds at the moment..."Where exactly is He and how will we know who He is when we find Him?"...I will give you clear directions. Go to Bethlehem, and as you search for Him, you will soon discover a new born...dressed in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. That's Him!"
 No sooner had the angel been able to utter these words, there was an outburst from Heaven who could no longer contain themselves. For, suddenly, right before the shepherds eyes was a vast appearance of the Heavenly Army Angels, standing with the Angel giving this message to the shepherds...and they were "pumped"...pouring out their hearts and declaring with great emotion: " We give Glory to God...for this message come from the Highest in Heaven...Peace is declared on the earth, for He is here...and safely landed! The terms of His Peace are simple...your hearts are to be united in wanting to please Him!"

 The shepherds received the angel's message...and followed through as directed. 

 So, the shepherds sought out and located the baby Jesus...not in some palace dressed in the attire of royalty...they found Him in a hay trough in a type of stable, amidst farm animals and domesticated stock. I often wonder how Satan observed all this plan God had for rescuing mankind. Did he know or understand how Jesus was coming to us? And, even if he did, he must have thought this would be a "piece of cake" to disrupt and defeat this Kingdom that was now advancing and entering his self-proclaimed domain.
 The swaddling clothes...why did Saint Luke mention this? There is much written and symbolized in reference to the swaddling clothes Jesus was in when mankind first got a glimpse of Him, and probably "over" symbolized at that (in my opinion). Yet, the swaddling clothes, or cloths, or perhaps a "band" that covered a new born in that time...pretty much indicates Jesus came into this world helpless...just like anyone of us.

 In verse 14 in Luke chapter two, the angel along with an entire legion of other angels proclaimed Jesus was born in a stable that night with all intents and purposes to bring...Peace. 
"Peace"?...Peace to whom? When an invading force attacks, "Peace" is usually not on the minds of those involved in the conflict. Yet, as this story unfolds...this God of the Highest Heavens attacks this world we live in and takes on the kingdom of Darkness by...sending the Commander-n-Chief into battle...and arriving as a helpless babe in an animal trough...here to save all mankind...with an initial announcement He comes to bring..."Peace". Even as I write this today...doesn't this story seem doomed from it's start? Yet, this story was just starting to unfold...where is the great God of the universe...going with this?

 What "Peace" are the angels speaking of? Often times at Christmas I hear the phrase "Peace on earth and goodwill toward men". The phrase has always blended in well as part of the Christmas theme with joy, hope, and making efforts to be kind and give to one another.
 I remember in 1971 when Coca Cola came out with a TV ad singing a jingle "I'd like to buy the world a Coke". It was a really catchy tune and came out during the Christmas season giving the idea the whole world could have peace if we all just took the time and drank a Coke together. A little later a group called "The New Seekers" made a big hit with the song "I'd like to teach the world to sing...in perfect harmony" using the jingle Coke had used. The video showed people from cultures all over the world holding hands and singing together in harmony...a kind of "world peace".
 When Jesus came to be "one of us", there was an external peace throughout the known world. The Roman Empire had established the "Pax Romana" which basically meant there was a 40 year period the entire known world experienced peace. Now, in Saint Luke 2, our Commander-n-Chief comes into this world just like we have, and His Army of Angels proclaim He brings....Peace. So...what's up with all that?

 First, the phrase we often hear "Peace on earth and goodwill toward men"...is a reference to this passage in Luke 2...but that is not what it says.
 The New International Version reads like this: Luke 2:14 " Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace on whom His favor rests."
 I like how God's Word translation writes this verse: " Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those who have his goodwill."

 There is a vast difference to what the word peace means when we hear quotes like this given during our Christmas season. This "Peace" Saint Luke writes is not an external peace where everyone learns to accept one another for who they are...regardless which god they refer to as the True God...or even if you don't believe there is any God at all. This "Peace" the angels proclaimed that night to the shepherds...was a "War Cry"..and His Peace would be extended to all those who would accept Him. The latter part of verse 14 makes this clear by extending this Peace to all those who " has His favor rest on him, who is out to serve and please Him, who have embraced His good will for us..into our daily lifestyles. 
 The truth is...our Commander-n-Chief has come to us who live in a fallen world ruled by the kingdom of Darkness.. we don't have the manpower, the ammunition, military defense or general capabilities to overcome this Darkness by ourselves...
 Why?... because at the Fall of Man...we joined forces and gave our allegiance to this kingdom of Darkness...turning our backs on the God of the highest heaven...and even today follow the instructions of the Evil One...the Serpent... with things like revenge, grudges, or getting even with others...still a "creepy" part of who many of us today. Now, God comes to us..."Immanuel" meaning "God is with us"...and offers complete restoration of our friendship with Him...by becoming one of us in every way and rescuing us from the slavery of sin  ...which was the real intent of the kingdom of Darkness when we were first deceived. God offers reconciliation...and His Beloved Son voluntarily offers His own life to reunite us to an eternal security of enjoying life with Him...and by doing so, have real and meaningful friendships with one another! "This Peace" the angels proclaim in Luke 2 is not an external or physical Peace...rather it is receiving Peace in your heart and mind...regardless of external circumstances. 
 Otherwise, why would Isaiah write in 48:22 " There is no peace" says the Lord, "for the wicked."??

 "Christmas Peace"...is really not about holding hands and drinking Coke ...it's about the Darkness we allow to rule in our hearts...the "Battle Cry" has been initiated...and it started with a helpless Babe...born in a stable...lying in a feed trough...

 John Lennon of the Beatles wrote and sang the popular song "Imagine". He conveys through this song how if we would imagine a place where things that divide people like religion or possessions did not exist, we would find a better place.
 Yet, in reality I do think Lennon was wrong about this train of thought...it avoids matters of the heart because regardless of the external changes we make...it is our hearts that need changing.
 Scripture is clear we are made to give God glory, and it appears the angels on the night they appeared before the shepherds...had a similar train of thought.....