Tag Archives: Christmas

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HOLIDAY SEASON 2018

This time of year,  Jesus is supposed to be reason right? Isn’t all of this about the savior coming into the world? In some places he gets some attention, while in others, maybe just an honorable mention. But, at the very least, there is some attention on God sending His Son, the savior of the world!

Wherever you may be, I sincerely hope you have a joyful season filled with God’s love, remembering the greatest gift ever given to mankind: the savior of the world, God’s only begotten Son.

And it is worth remembering that for some people you may encounter, it is not “the most wonderful time of the year.” I posted an article about that last year.

Below are some links to past posts, including topics like the Magi, Christmas trees, swaddling clothes, Simeon and Anna and even holiday stress!

Have A Very Blessed Season And A Great New Year!

holly-bowA Social Network Christmas
A video about Joseph and Mary on Facebook. And while Facebook has changed dramatically, this is still one of my favorites!

holly-bowHoliday Stress
Short article with some helpful hints to avoid holiday stress

holly-bowSimeon And Anna
From “The Eastern Eye” the great blessing to these senior believers in seeing the Christ child. A song about them by Lisa Tracy at the end of the article.

holly-bowThe Christmas Dilemma, and, ‘Twas the night before…
Do you say, Merry Christmas, or, Happy Holidays? Some thoughts on that, and some other choices.

holly-bowChristmas Tree Or Holiday Tree?
A podcast with some history of the “tree,” and, find out about a Jewish man who does not like it referred to as a Holiday tree.

holly-bowWho Were The Magi? Part 1
Who Were The Magi? Part 2
A couple of articles explaining who they were, where they came from, how they knew, what they saw, etc.

holly-bowSwaddling Clothes
What were they? What’s the significance?

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A Social Network Christmas

My neighbor, and friend, Len, emailed this to me today.  I thought it was pretty cool.  What do you think?

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
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You Might Also Enjoy:
Swaddling Clothes
Who Were The Magi Part 1
Who Were The Magi Part 2

Share This!
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There’s More!
For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above.  For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above.  Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!

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The Christmas Dilemma

When it comes to getting all uptight about the exact date of Christ’s birth, and what phrase you should or should not use, I don’t let it bother me.  The bigger picture is that Jesus was not only born, but he lived and carried out God’s plan of redemption for all of mankind.

And those who choose to accept Jesus as lord of all men, and believe that God raised him from the dead, shall be saved.

So, do you say, “Merry Christmas,” or, do you say, “Happy Holidays?”  Some people are furious that the word, “Christmas,” is being called politically incorrect.  Others, who are indeed Christians, for a long time have been fine with saying, “Happy Holidays,” instead.  But in the past few years, attacks on this long held holiday have frustrated many, and for some, caused a dilemma.

First of all, there are many people who do believe that Jesus was born December 25th, and that “Christmas” is a celebration of the savior of mankind, Jesus Christ.  For them, it is outrage to have the word, “Christmas” banned.  For years we have even seen shopkeepers, afraid of offending someone, put up “Happy Holiday” signs, instead of, “Merry Christmas” signs.

On the other hand, there are plenty of Christians who do not believe that Jesus was born on December the 25th.  They are aware that the Roman Church, in an effort to convert pagans, incorporated a new feast day at the same time of year that the pagan feast of Saturnalia was held.  The Roman Church introduced a special “mass” for Christ, and called it Christ Mass.

There are a number of scholars who point to a September birth for the Christ child.  There is historical, astronomical, as well as biblical evidence to support that as well.  Many theologians do not believe that Jesus was born in December.

Those Christians who don’t believe that Jesus was born in December have had a bit of a hard time for quite awhile with the word “Christmas.”  They know and understand the origins.  Some are happy to have their own beliefs, simply saying, “Happy Holidays,” during this time of year.

But things have changed in the “politically correct” arena, haven’t they?  Today, if a person doesn’t say, “Merry Christmas,” he must be a pagan, or an unbeliever.  In other words, if you really want to show that you are a Christian, then these days you need to belt it out with pride:  “Merry Christmas!”

But, there are many places that you are not allowed to say, “Merry Christmas.”  Government workers are not allowed.  Many non government workers face the same rules too.  For those who believe in the December 25th birth of Christ it is frustrating.

That’s really quite a dilemma, don’t you think?  If you don’t say, “Christmas,” you are somehow denying Jesus; but there are places that you cannot say it.  And if you don’t believe in the December 25th birth, and you know where “Christmas” came from, to say Happy Holidays makes you sound like an unbeliever.

What is one to do?  It is really quite a dilemma.  On the one hand, there are those who now feel compelled to shout, “Merry Christmas,” from the rooftops, to make a point, and show defiance to the entire politically correct crowd. Others now don’t feel so good about saying, “Happy Holidays,” like they used to.

If someone says, “Happy Holidays,” to me, I respond with the same.  If they say, “Merry Christmas,” I respond with the same.  The Apostle Paul said that he became all things to all men, that he might by all means save some.  For me, I find that is the loving thing to do.

However, there are times where I do draw the line.  There are those who do not recognize that Jesus is the Son of God.  They recognize him as a prophet and teacher, but not the Son of God.  If they tell me that, I will lovingly correct them, and tell them they are absolutely wrong.

Again, when it comes to getting all uptight about the exact date of Christ’s birth, and what phrase you should or should not use, I don’t let it bother me.  I know that the bigger picture is that Jesus was not only born, but he lived and carried out God’s plan of redemption for all of mankind.

And those who choose to accept Jesus as lord of all men, and believe that God raised him from the dead, shall be saved.

Michael Verdicchio
2010

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)

You Might Also Enjoy:
Swaddling Clothes
Who Were The Magi Part 1
Who Were The Magi Part 2

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There’s More!
For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above.  For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above.  Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!

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The Lost Message

What Is Pentecost All About?

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday on the Church calendar.  What exactly do we celebrate? We are told that the celebration is all about commemorating the descent of the holy spirit upon the Apostles.

But could Pentecost be of even greater importance and significance than the birth of Christ?

I don’t normally do this, but for this occasion, I am posting yesterday’s article from The Pep Letter, my weekly newsletter.  I thought it would be some really good information for those who don’t subscribe to The Pep Letter.

What Is The Significance?

In the article below, you will discover the significance of the day of Pentecost spoken of in Acts  2. I believe that the message of Pentecost has been lost. Read and see what you think.

When it comes to Christmas, people understand they are celebrating the birth of Christ.  But when it comes to Pentecost, there are many who wonder what it is really all about.

The Lost Message of Pentecost

When it comes to Pentecost, what exactly do we celebrate? We are told that the celebration is all about commemorating the descent of the holy spirit upon the Apostles.  That event was recorded with a number of details in the book of Acts. But is Pentecost of even greater importance and significance than the birth of Christ?

There are a number of popular celebrations on the Church calendar.  The biggest and most popular is Christmas.  People understand they are celebrating the birth of Christ.  But when it comes to Pentecost, there are many who wonder what it is really all about.

What is the real significance of what occurred to those twelve apostles?  Is it possible that it was the greatest event to date in the history of mankind?  Has the great message of Pentecost been lost?

Ever since the book of Genesis, when man first came on the scene, having body, soul and spirit, there have been a number of events that have affected all of mankind.  Through the centuries there have been hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and volcanoes.  But what happened in the Garden when Adam sinned was the worst disaster for human beings that has ever happened.

Even though there were only two people immediately affected, the consequences would be felt by billions and billions; the consequences would affect every single human being ever born, with the exception of Jesus Christ.

It is because of not understanding what happened when Adam sinned that results in not understanding what happened on the original day of Pentecost.  Adam was told that if he ate of the tree in the midst of the garden he would surely die.  If you are familiar with the record then you know that both Adam and Eve ate of that fruit.

Yet, if you continue reading in the Bible, they both lived for many, many years.  But God had said, “In the day you eat, you will die,” meaning that very day. By taking a closer look one can see that Adam and Eve were formed made and created with two life forms: soul and spirit.

The absence of life is indicated by the word, “death.”  What died that day for Adam and Eve was the spirit life that God intended for all human beings to have.  It is very significant to note that it was the spirit life that enabled them to have a close personal relationship with God.

When they lost spirit life, they still had body and soul life. But they had lost their connection with the Creator.  And, this loss was passed on to all men and women. This was a cataclysmic event, with devastating consequences on all of mankind.

Since very few understand what happened back in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, they fail to see its connection to Pentecost.  But it was after the fall of mankind that God set in motion a plan to redeem mankind.  Because of Adam’s sin, human beings were now incomplete; they were lacking the spirit of God.

During the process of God’s plan, you can read about how God gave certain individuals His spirit on a temporary basis.  But it was not available to any and all human beings.  It took the completed work of Jesus Christ, the savior of mankind, to fulfill all that was necessary.

On that first day of Pentecost, Peter delivered quite a sermon.  It contained a number of references to God’s gift of holy spirit.  He concluded his message by exhorting those listening to change their minds, get baptized, and told them that they too would receive the gift holy spirit.   About 3,000 accepted the invitation.

Jesus taught his followers on many occasions about the coming of holy spirit. It was a major topic at the last Supper.  And after he was resurrected, the first time he got together with his disciples he talks to them about receiving the holy spirit.

On the day of the ascension, right before he left, the very last thing he talked about was about receiving the holy spirit.

If you look closely at Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost, it is filled with information about the spirit of God.

The lost message of Pentecost is the beginning of holy spirit for all of mankind.  That was the day when God officially made His holy spirit available to anyone and everyone.  The reason God wants everyone to have His spirit is so that He can have a close personal relationship just like He had with Adam and Eve in the Garden before the fall.

And while Adam and Eve could and did, lose the spirit of God, this time around, God made it permanent.  He has given us all eternal life which means you cannot lose it.

What a great day in the history of mankind Pentecost was!  God has opened the door for anyone and everyone to receive His gift of holy spirit.  No wonder Peter later referred to that day as, “the beginning.”  Now it is up to us to learn how to utilize and operate this gift of holy spirit that God has freely given us.

Mike Verdicchio
2010

Leave A Comment!
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Related Posts:
Is He Willing?
He Made Bare His Holy Arm

Share This Article!
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For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above.  For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above.  Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!