How did Christmas start? "As" lyrics featuring Stevie Wonder

How did Christmas Start?

excerpt from the Re posted CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS - THE REAL MEANING  2005 @http://empoweringspiritsfreeingurmind.blogspot.com/2013/12/re-posted-celebrating-christmas-real.html

Since about 400 AD, Christians have celebrated the birth of Jesus. 'Christ' means 'Messiah' or 'Anointed One' - the title given to Jesus - and 'Mass' was a religious festival.

In the West today, the real meaning of Christmas is often forgotten. It has become a non-religious holiday! More children believe in Father Christmas than in Jesus. Christmas Day is a time for eating and drinking too much and watching television.

But the real Christmas story is found in the Christian Bible. It is told in two different books: Matthew and Luke chapters 1 and 2. If you have no Bible, you can read these chapters online. You may think that the story of the birth of Jesus, and the way that the West celebrates Christmas today, do not seem to have many connections.

Mary says "yes"

These chapters tell how Jesus was born as a baby to Mary. This was no ordinary birth! She was not married, she was a virgin, (yes, really!) and an angel had told her she would bear a special baby. Her husband-to-be, Joseph, did not believe her at first. Who would? Then an angel told him in a dream that it was true! Probably no one else believed it. So when they had to travel from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem (near Jerusalem), to register their names with the ruling Roman government, they probably escaped many hard words from other people.

Arrival in Bethlehem brought worry and upset: there was no room for them to stay at the hotel. There was only space in the stable - the animal house for travellers' donkeys and horses.

Jesus was born that night, and as they had no bed for him, they used an animal feeding box filled with the dry grass the animals ate.

Christmas cards and pictures today make it all seem very nice. In truth, it must have been dirty and frightening for a young couple, far from their home and families. Possibly the birth was premature after the stress of the journey. This was a very poor place for Jesus to start his life on earth.

God's plan?

Christians believe that it was exactly God's plan that things happened this way. They say that it shows that Jesus came as a humble, poor person and not as a strong, rich king. They also claim that the birth of Jesus was told many years before in the books of the prophets.

Five hundred years before, the prophet Micah had said,

"But you Bethlehem, though you are small, out of you will come for me, one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

The prophet Isaiah had written,

"A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler.

He will be called, "Wonderful Counsellor," "Mighty God," "Eternal Father," "Prince of Peace." His royal power will continue to grow; his kingdom will always be at peace....

He will rule as King David's successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time."

These are only two of many prophetic words that told of the birth and life of Jesus, written hundreds of years before His birth.

The shepherds are frightened

At that time, sheep farmers were seen by other people as low and of no value. Yet it was to these shepherds that the birth of Jesus was first announced in an amazing dramatic way:

"That night there were some men looking after sheep in the fields nearby. Suddenly they saw a great light. It was an angel, who said, Don't be afraid. I have good news for you, and for all people. Someone great has been born today. He is Christ, the great King you have been waiting for. He will save you from all that is wrong and evil. You will find him dressed in baby clothes, lying on a bed of dry grass.'"

The story of the wise men

After Jesus was born, wise men came to look for Him, from an area which is now in either Iran or Saudi Arabia. Although they are often called the "Three Kings", the Bible does not say how many there were, or that they were kings. Three is only a guess because they brought with them three gifts. Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

They were certainly men of learning - probably today we would call them philosophers or scientists. They had seen an unusual new star in the sky, and knew that it told of the birth of a special king. (The star they saw was probably a exploding "supernova" and is known from astronomical records.) They followed the direction of the star- East - and eventually found the place where Mary, Joseph and Jesus were staying. To bring honour to the child, they brought rich gifts: gold, frankincense (a resin which burns with a beautiful smell), and myrrh (plant oil with a very strong sweet smell). These gifts tell us in pictures three key things about Jesus:

Gold: a gift fit for a King

Frankincense: burnt in worship of God

Myrrh: a sign of mortal human-ness - it was used to bury the dead

Jesus a refugee

Herod, the evil king of the area, heard about the child, saw Him as a threat, and sent soldiers to kill Jesus. But God told Joseph in a dream to take Mary and the baby and escape to Egypt. They lived there till King Herod died and then went back to live in Nazareth. We read nothing more about the life of Jesus, except for one story when he was 12, until He reached 30. By the way - note one important thing: Jesus was not a white European, and Christianity is not a Western religion. Christmas cards from different countries often show Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the landscape of that country, and with the racial appearance of that nationality, be it black African, Indian, or Japanese. This is good and right - Jesus came to identify with every racial group. He is "Everyman" for us all.

"As"

Songs In The Key Of Life. It was written by Stevie Wonder.

As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving

And the rose buds know to bloom in early May
Just as hate knows love's the cure you can rest your mind assure
That I'll be loving you always

As now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow
But in passing we'll grow older every day
Just as all that's born is new you know what I say is true
That I'll be loving you always

Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky, always
Until the ocean covers every mountain high, always
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea, always
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream

Did you know true love asks for nothing  And acceptance is the way we pay?
Did you know life has given love a guarantee  To last through forever and another day?

Just as time knew to move on since the beginning
And the seasons know exactly when to change
Just as kindness knows no shame know through all your joy and pain
That I'll be loving you always

Until the day is night and night becomes the day, always
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away, always
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4, always
Until the day that is the day that are no more

As today I know I'm living, but tomorrow Could make me the past, but that I mustn't fear
For I know deep in my mind the love of me I've left behind  'Cause I'll be loving you always

Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky, always
Until the ocean covers every mountain high, always
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea, always
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream

We all know sometimes life's hates and troubles  Can make you wish you were born in another time and space But you can bet your life times that and twice its double
That God knew right where He wanted you to be placed

Until the day is night and night becomes the day, always
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away, always
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4, always
Until the day that is the day that are no more

Always

Songwriter 

 STEVIE WONDER

With that #MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you!

@Lovleeannwise All rights reserved 2014

Marvelous by Bishop T.D. Jakes and the Potter's House Mass Choir featuri...

Party Dont Cry

The World Is A Ghetto/Amazing Grace How sweet the sound, AGAPE unconditional Love…

Amazing Grace How sweet the sound, AGAPE unconditional Love…
War The World Is A Ghetto Lyrics
Songwriters: Oskar, L; Scott, H; Miller, C; Dickerson, M; Allen, S; Brown, H; Jordan, L;

Walkin' down the street, smoggy-eyed
Looking at the sky, starry-eyed
Searchin' for the place, weary-eyed
Crying in the night, teary-eyed

Don't you know that it's true
That for me and for you
The world is a ghetto

Don't you know that it's true
That for me and for you
The world is a ghetto

Wonder when I'll find paradise
Somewhere there's a home sweet and nice
Wonder if I'll find happiness
Never give it up now I guess

Don't you know that it's true
That for me and for you
The world is a ghetto

Don't you know that it's true
That for me and for you
The world is a ghetto

------ long instrumental break ------

There's no need to search anywhere
Happiness is here, have your share
If you know you're loved, be secure
Paradise is love to be sure

Don't you know that it's true
That for me and for you
The world is a ghetto


(The world is a ghetto)
{21 times and fade}

Suffering for Doing Good - 1 Peter 3 8-17

3:8 Finally, all of you be harmonious,sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble. 3:9 Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing. 3:10 For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit.
3:11 And he must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer.

But the Lord’s face is against those who do evil.

3:13 For who is going to harm you if you are devoted to what is good? 3:14 But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken. 3:15 But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. 3:16 Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you. 3:17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if God wills it, than for doing evil.

3:18 Because Christ also suffered once for sins,

the just for the unjust,

to bring you to God,

by being put to death in the flesh

but by being made alive in the spirit.

I often pay attention and listen when I"m hearing a sermon or during my moment of meditation - prayer, and praise. It often happens around dawn or just before..

But moving forward I’m trying to get a clear word or sense of direction from the LORD so I’m cautious still when it pertains to whose feeding my soul. Discernment of the Spirit becomes more complex if you’re wounded. I find it hard to be vulnerable these days so prayer is important and listening to the Word of GOD becomes more prevalent to me no one else seems to be able to make sense of what has happened to me these past few months. While still seeking job opportunities and other major challenges unemployed more obstacles that would have devastated most who are accustomed to having some of the finer things.. Even if you stop and ponder about how I’ve been able to maintain communicate via Internet That’s simply GOD+AGAPE his Grace and Mercy. Nothing I’ve done haven’t gotten any help not soliciting either just sharing nobody is paying me to write. I’m not selling anything to anybody this is right where you can stop reading… The way GOD moves is a mystery just like soon as you think you know guess what time to go back to school again..

You have to be where I’m sitting to understand what I’m about to drop on you now. People can only do what they are able and have to accept when GOD’ places it on their heart to serve HIM to reach out to others that don't always make sense to those in your circle. But only to the Father, the Son, & the Holy Spirit…. Truth is hard to accept for many of us hard reality about ourselves but love is as Infinite as the Omnipotent it has dimensions like looking into a tri- mirrors seeing your reflection on all sides. Well, for you lay people think of it like good sex what’s next, like Joy and Pain, Agony & Ecstasy it parallels itself. Then to come through the storm and struggle with the same feelings you originally had for the person who might have hurt or harmed you with a good attitude, well not too many can claim that type of forgiveness, tolerance and love in this world.

For to see how GOD gives us plenty to meet our daily needs in spite of what we give back to HIM and each other. When we limit our ability to give either through guilt or complaining it becomes a wasted effort because it’s conditional – if it makes me feel good then I’ll reflect a giving spirit. If I give you this then you must repay me double! Some of us even say to GOD give me double for my trouble...Your expectations are of human instinct that we can’t overcome unless we actually enter into a relationship to commune with GOD, (notice I said WE as me too and I refer to GOD as but one person, one place, one thing), to rely on for counsel. Fellowship is mandatory to survive in a community helping each other achieve mutual goals, lending a helping hand up instead of a handout. Taking it to the LORD in prayer is one thing but allowing Him to teach us, guide, and direct us learning to Sacrifice something in order to really grow. Because no one can mess with what GOD has blessed even you - then HE'll convict your conscious (soul) to let go release - give up the things that would jeopardize you often times to stifle our growth but instant gratification in any form makes us feel good…but the effects can cause pain or discomfort. You know what I’m saying those things or person(s) that hurt you sometimes maybe all the time! Just start right there ask youself honestly. He will not do this until We become willing but GOD loves us so unconditionally the WORD spoke that He will never foresake or leave His sheep and it is impossible for GOD to lie!

Have you loved anything or anyone enough to let them go for a greater good that has nothing to do with how it left you feeling? Have you tried trusting GOD do you believe that He does love you in all ways exactly for who you are, and thus far has guided you into the place where you are in life right now?

What have I sacrificed lately, to experience true Joy because to let go of anything or someone we love causes much pain which often leaves us feeling vulnerable and therein is when Faith comes. Faith comes by hearing the word and believing in those things that are unseen (a plan, dream, vision), which will manifest (by doing the footwork), then it becomes reality.. speak Boldy! If you can conceive it believe it, then recieve this..........enjoy this one.

GOD gave us everyone of us FREE WILL and with that comes a responsibility that man has never fully been able to understand it’s powerful.
Free Will in itself allows you to speak into being what you call blessed or curse those that you call cursed the old saying is what comes around goes around simply put it's "KARMA";The tongue is the smallest member of the body but carries so much power and gives weight if you think I’m lying look at what just happened to America. Inspired by the words of one Man to do better become greater started a movement the result still has some people trying to figure out what just happened.

He was free to believe being President could happen, trusted GOD, and he walked humbly from the process into the promise.

GOD is living and believe what I’m saying this is getting edited for personal reasons what has been revealed in my life is due process. People make the mistake of putting GOD on their level and minimize his Omnipresence but HE is far greater than we all can imagine and nothing, no thing or no Man has ever really been able to understand or explain fully we believers just trust HIS WORD for me it's the Bible. Sometimes GOD does takes us into a strange place in order to elevate us even while we are bruised and hurting not just to get our attention but to move us out of the way to do something more significant to serve his purpose not our own foolish sense of want and needs. Then there are times family the closest loved ones not just your enemies enjoy observing while others are in pain, naked, and bleeding; but GOD knows no boundaries when it comes to divine healing. He'll use your situation to teach you and others HIS way is the only way! What HE has put in me is enough to survive anything even mankind and our limited ability to truly love on one another without conditions. Now, That's so priceless

HE is greater in me than he that is of this World....Then once you've walked through the fire as did Shad rock Me shac and Abendigo(sp) everybody wants some of that; what did you do; how did you do and blessings bestowed many upon you. For with that level of Ecstasy arrives Victory then comes the Agony of winning… Everybody wants some of you. So you see Love defined shows up in three dimensions. Human form, Soul’s realm, and Spirit realm. You need to be able to accept and embrace humbly all three. Study the Word; hear the word, and listen to the word of GOD no matter where you are in your walk in His Grace. He loves you exactly where you are at, and one last thing what GOD has called blessed in your life is meant for you so enjoy it;always give Him Glory because everything comes from El Elyon (the most high God); Adonai (our master). So when he moves you to give or serve your brother/sister remember how Cain messed up when he was faced with that question; his response “Am I my brothers keeper”…. my response to Cain woulda been, "Yes I AM." because He lives in ALL of us remember that GOD is always with you AGAPE.

Jesus said, "I am . .

the resurrection
the way
the truth
the life
the light of the world
the bread of life
the good shepherd
the door of the sheep
the true vine."
"Before Abraham was, I AM.

 Be Blessed!!! Repost

@Lovleeannwise 2010  all rights reserved

Re posted CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS - THE REAL MEANING 2005

Where did it come from?
Where is it going?
In many countries of the world, the celebration of Christmas on December 25th is a high point of the year. But why? Can it have any real meaning for us today? Is there a 'real' Christmas message?

Christmas celebrations in the West todayFrom November onwards, it is impossible to forget that Christmas is coming. Coloured lights decorate many town centres and shops, along with shiny decorations, and artificial snow painted on shop windows.

In streets and shops, 'Christmas trees' (real or plastic evergreen 'conifer' trees) will also be decorated with lights and Christmas ornaments.

Shopping centres become busier as December approaches and often stay open till late.Shopping centre speaker systems systems will play Christmas 'carols' - the traditional Christmas Christian songs, and groups of people will often sing carols on the streets to raise money for charity. Most places of work will hold a short Christmas party about a week before Christmas. Although traditional Christmas foods may be eaten, drink (and plenty of it) means that little work will be done after the party!

By mid-December, most homes will also be decorated with Christmas trees, coloured lights and paper or plastic decorations around the rooms. These days, many more people also decorate garden trees or house walls with coloured electric lights, a habit which has long been popular in USA.

In many countries, most people post Christmas greeting cards to their friends and family, and these cards will be hung on the walls of their homes. In UK this year, the British Post Office expects to handle over 100 million cards EACH DAY, in the three weeks before Christmas.

Christmas cards
The custom of sending Christmas cards started in Britain in 1840 when the first 'Penny Post' public postal deliveries began. (Helped by the new railway system, the public postal service was the 19th century's communication revolution, just as email is for us today.) As printing methods improved, Christmas cards were produced in large numbers from about 1860. They became even more popular in Britain when a card could be posted in an unsealed envelope for one half-penny - half the price of an ordinary letter.

Traditionally, Christmas cards showed religious pictures - Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, or other parts of the Christmas story. Today, pictures are often jokes, winter pictures, Father Christmas, or romantic scenes of life in past times.

The old man with the sack'Father Christmas' (or 'Santa Claus') has become the human face of Christmas. Pictures will be seen everywhere of the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas (or in some countries on December 6th - St. Nicholas' Day), and many children up to the age of 7 or 8 really believe this is true. In most countries, it is said that he lives near the North Pole, and arrives through the sky on a sledge (snow-cart) pulled by reindeer. He comes into houses down the chimney at midnight and places presents for the children in socks or bags by their beds or in front of the family Christmas tree.

In shops or at children's parties, someone will dress up as Father Christmas and give small presents to children, or ask them what gifts they want for Christmas. Christmas can be a time of magic and excitement for children.

Who was he?
Father Christmas is based on a real person, St. Nicholas, which explains his other name 'Santa Claus' which comes from the Dutch 'Sinterklaas'. Nicholas was a Christian leader from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) in the 4th century AD. He was very shy, and wanted to give money to poor people without them knowing about it. It is said that one day, he climbed the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. It landed in the stocking which a girl had put to dry by the fire! This may explain the belief that Father Christmas comes down the chimney and places gifts in children's stockings.

Making sense of Christmas
Today in the West, not many people consider the religious meaning to Christmas. Most people in UK or Europe will not go to a religious church meeting, even at Christmas. It has become a busy race to spend money on presents, and get ready for the Day. In UK, our shops stay open till late Christmas Eve and often open again on Boxing Day with the cut-price 'sales'. (Not much holiday for the poor shop workers!) A visitor from another world would think that Christmas was a festival to the gods of money and shopping.

What do you want from Christmas?
Many people do hope for more than presents at Christmas. We want to somehow return to a time in our childhood (or some other good time in the past), when life was simpler and made more sense, before the troubles of adult life arrived. We feel sure that behind all the fun and decorations, there must somehow be a message, something more, some key to life, hope and happiness.

So can we look beyond the way Christmas is celebrated today, and find any real meaning, any message for our lives today?

The Manger by Pearlie Walker - Poem'C H R I S T M A S' by Joan Clifton Costner - Poem'~ Christmas in the Air ~' by Marie Williams - Poem'Christmas Memories' by Marie Williams - PoemMohinder's true story

Christmas was just a good time to drink extra whisky and beer for Mohinder, until he found the real meaning of Christmas.

The problem page
Christmas can often be a time of debt, stress, worry, loneliness, even suicide.
Our problem pages try to help.

How did Christmas start?
Since about 400 AD, Christians have celebrated the birth of Jesus. 'Christ' means 'Messiah' or 'Anointed One' - the title given to Jesus - and 'Mass' was a religious festival.
In the West today, the real meaning of Christmas is often forgotten. It has become a non-religious holiday! More children believe in Father Christmas than in Jesus. Christmas Day is a time for eating and drinking too much and watching television.
But the real Christmas story is found in the Christian Bible. It is told in two different books: Matthew and Luke chapters 1 and 2. If you have no Bible, you can read these chapters online. You may think that the story of the birth of Jesus, and the way that the West celebrates Christmas today, do not seem to have many connections.
Mary says "yes"



These chapters tell how Jesus was born as a baby to Mary. This was no ordinary birth! She was not married, she was a virgin, (yes, really!) and an angel had told her she would bear a special baby. Her husband-to-be, Joseph, did not believe her at first. Who would? Then an angel told him in a dream that it was true! Probably no one else believed it. So when they had to travel from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem (near Jerusalem), to register their names with the ruling Roman government, they probably escaped many hard words from other people.
Arrival in Bethlehem brought worry and upset: there was no room for them to stay at the hotel. There was only space in the stable - the animal house for travellers' donkeys and horses.
Jesus was born that night, and as they had no bed for him, they used an animal feeding box filled with the dry grass the animals ate.

Christmas cards and pictures today make it all seem very nice. In truth, it must have been dirty and frightening for a young couple, far from their home and families. Possibly the birth was premature after the stress of the journey. This was a very poor place for Jesus to start his life on earth.

God's plan?
Christians believe that it was exactly God's plan that things happened this way. They say that it shows that Jesus came as a humble, poor person and not as a strong, rich king. They also claim that the birth of Jesus was told many years before in the books of the prophets.
Five hundred years before, the prophet Micah had said,
"But you Bethlehem, though you are small, out of you will come for me, one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

The prophet Isaiah had written,
"A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler.
He will be called, "Wonderful Counsellor," "Mighty God," "Eternal Father," "Prince of Peace." His royal power will continue to grow; his kingdom will always be at peace....
He will rule as King David's successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time."

These are only two of many prophetic words that told of the birth and life of Jesus, written hundreds of years before His birth.

The shepherds are frightened

At that time, sheep farmers were seen by other people as low and of no value. Yet it was to these shepherds that the birth of Jesus was first announced in an amazing dramatic way:
"That night there were some men looking after sheep in the fields nearby. Suddenly they saw a great light. It was an angel, who said, Don't be afraid. I have good news for you, and for all people. Someone great has been born today. He is Christ, the great King you have been waiting for. He will save you from all that is wrong and evil. You will find him dressed in baby clothes, lying on a bed of dry grass.'"

The story of the wise men
After Jesus was born, wise men came to look for Him, from an area which is now in either Iran or Saudi Arabia. Although they are often called the "Three Kings", the Bible does not say how many there were, or that they were kings. Three is only a guess because they brought with them three gifts. Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

They were certainly men of learning - probably today we would call them philosophers or scientists. They had seen an unusual new star in the sky, and knew that it told of the birth of a special king. (The star they saw was probably a exploding "supernova" and is known from astronomical records.) They followed the direction of the star- East - and eventually found the place where Mary, Joseph and Jesus were staying. To bring honour to the child, they brought rich gifts: gold, frankincense (a resin which burns with a beautiful smell), and myrrh (plant oil with a very strong sweet smell). These gifts tell us in pictures three key things about Jesus:

Gold: a gift fit for a King
Frankincense: burnt in worship of God
Myrrh: a sign of mortal human-ness - it was used to bury the dead

Jesus a refugee
Herod, the evil king of the area, heard about the child, saw Him as a threat, and sent soldiers to kill Jesus. But God told Joseph in a dream to take Mary and the baby and escape to Egypt. They lived there till King Herod died and then went back to live in Nazareth. We read nothing more about the life of Jesus, except for one story when he was 12, until He reached 30. By the way - note one important thing: Jesus was not a white European, and Christianity is not a Western religion. Christmas cards from different countries often show Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the landscape of that country, and with the racial appearance of that nationality, be it black African, Indian, or Japanese. This is good and right - Jesus came to identify with every racial group. He is "Everyman" for us all.

The end of the story?
But how did it end?" Jesus was crucified at the age of 33.
Jesus was indeed "the man born to die". Gave His life no man could take his life.  But that was not the end of the story. It is still going on, and you can be part of the story, if you wish.

"But how did it end?"

No other person has had such an effect on human lives as Jesus. He came back to life again, and millions say they know Him today as a friend and helper in their lives. You owe it to yourself to find out more about Him. Is He who He claimed to be? Can He help us in our lives today? You have nothing to lose! Christmas is the time to stop and think about these important questions.

‪#‎WORD‬ 
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

More Christmas links
Send free Online Cards to your friends and loved ones. All cards are absolutely free123 Greetings Merry Christmas e page
Christmas eCards,Santa Claus Cards, Christmas Greetings, Happy Christmas from GreetingsneCards.com
Merry Christmas! Share the Christmas spirit, and wish everyone you know. Have Fun on Christmas with Merry Christmas Greeting Cards, Free Christmas ecards, Christmas Carols, Christmas GreetingsChristmas in Cyperspace
More on the real meaning of Christmas. A top collection of stories, poems, classic literature, calendars, traditions and customs, music and carols, dramas, clipart and more.Searching for the meaning of Christmas
Another very useful site with many links and lots of information on every part of Christmas. A large section on Christmas customs in many other countries.RealAudio drama presentation - 'The 12 Voices of Christmas'
If you have a soundcard and RealAudio plug-in, you can listen to the Christmas story, and hear the voices of Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, and the other people who saw the birth of Jesus. A great new way to look at the Christmas Story!Gospelcom.net Christmas resources:
Among the many resources offered are Bible Prayer Fellowship's online "Thoughts for Christmas" devotional, Christmas articles by Ron Hutchcraft, holiday-themed Reverend Fun cartoons and "A Top Ten Christmas at Peggie's Place." Visit the Gospelcom.net Christmas page and let these resources help you get into the true Christmas spirit!

courtesy of www.soon.org.uk/christmas.htm
submitted by: Shelle'
____________________

DiversityInc Bookstore

Losing the Race - Self-Sabotage in Black America

John McWhorter explores the three main components of this cultural virus: the cults of victimology, separatism, and antiintellectualism that are making blacks their own worst enemies in the struggle for success.
For More Information www.diversityinc.com


************************
Moderator's Comments
Your comments are welcome - Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza
PLEASE Be Safe this holiday season Drink Responsibly - Remember the life you save could be your own!
Most Taxi Cabs are sponsored for free - If you have too much Christmas Cheer :) Shelle'

SERENITY PRAYER ACCEPT ~ COURAGE ~ WISDOM

Who is without flaw?

God grant me the Serenity to Accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.

Today I began to write in response to my feelings, being inspired by the talking heads on TV and once I completed the first draft I accidentally hit the wrong button and poof it was gone... just like that.

My initial reaction was frustration, and anxious because I had alot to say and wanted to get it out here before this afternoon, but GOD had better plans.

Being half awake and hungry, my words were knee jerk reactions to the topic's of the day not positive reaction I lost my focus my ministry of spreading some good news about the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and how He can work in your life too.  Also how all of this will work together for His good! 

Well, it's voting season and here we stand once again at a crucial crossroads one that can change the entire course we all worked so hard to accomplish in 2008 AND 2012.

But, once again I must call upon my Faith in order to become more rational in my thought process about how all of this controversy will pan out.

As a Family we can strike a mighty blow to this mid-term election.

I believe the Democrats will achieve their goal to maintain the direction of this current Administration's strategy and vision for a New direction of our Nation.  If they stop being traumatized by the Congressional Republicans and the Tea Party candidates, Donald Trump (Won) and Ted Cruz running in this upcoming election  2016.

The Democrats need to run on their own record and stop taking on the Republican party, and talk about their vision for the country and we are heading for the remaining two years of this Administration.  Because the Republican Party has no plan but to destroy the Democratic Party and it's Barack Obama, not to address policy issues facing this Nation. The GOP has lost their way... sadly.

Anything that is derived from success has been a result of some struggle and sacrifices made along the way.

Remember the same politicians who claim they're for the people had 10 years 2 under the Clinton Administration and 6 years under the Bush Administration to create a health care bill, and maintain a surplus in 2000 when they did have a mandate, but they literally robbed the US Treasury drove it straight into the ground by 2008.

People, we may be hurting but we are not stupid, sometimes we like to forget those things that seek to harm our way of life, but it's was'nt President Obama.  He was ridiculed from the very start of his campaign to become President since Rev. Jeremiah Wright til now... hasn't stopped yet! 

This 112th, 113th, now 114th Congress hasn't accomplished anything spent more time on recess than the past  majority leaders - Republican Congress are running against themselves about past policies created and deficit spending,  continued resolutions one after the other, and they made a mockery while President Bush was in office there were no deficit hawks prior to rush to go into IRAQ!

The TARP bailout came under the Bush Administration during the lame duck period right before November election in 2008, and everybody who should have been indicted on criminal charges, and because everybody agreed to a smooth transistion of power; Attorney General Holder let them walk instead prosecute Wallstreet, or former VP Cheney.

But,

They relied on light turnout from the progressives, and other minorities, and the disappointed independent voters to win this mid-term election to gain subpoena power to begin a dog hunt similar to

the Monica Lewinsky debacle that tied up the Clinton Administration last 4 years in legalities and scandal.

We've all as a body of people different races and cultures in our country consider ourselves

 " One Nation Under GOD,"  well then consider this...

Philippians 4 distinctly recites if we are under the authority of GOD know this;

4:6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.

4:7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.

4:9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things.

And the God of peace will be with you.

Cast your Vote in every election no matter where you stand for let's begin to walk as
 "One Nation Under GOD"

because

Together we Stand and Divided {a nation} we all Fall....

 Lovleeannwise 2015   all rights reserved 
 repost 
Published on 10/10/10

THE TRUE MEANING OF LOVE - GOD BLESS THE CHILD THAT'S GOT HIS/ER OWN (LOVE)

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

- Corinthians 13:4-7

This is a description of Agape Love. It is described as being patient, kind, truthful, unselfish, trusting, believing, hopeful, and enduring. It is not jealous, boastful, arrogant, rude, selfish, or angry. True love never fails. The description perfectly fits God's love toward us, and should be the way we love each other and God. However, I have never met any person who perfectly fulfills this biblical definition of love. The Bible says that this unconditional love is more important than everything else (a partial list includes oratory ability, prophecy, knowledge, faith, philanthropy and hope). All of these things, which are "good" things, will pass away. Only love is eternal, since love will be the basis of eternal life. In fact, when Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He said, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND." (Matthew 22:37)10 He then added that the second most important law was "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Jesus said that the entire law was dependent upon these two commandments

The most famous biblical chapter on love is from 1 Corinthians:

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)



This message was directed to Christians of that time teaching them how to achieve true greatest, inspiring others along the way to do the same..... divinely yours


Lovleeannwise
2010

I GOT FLOWERS TODAY

"YOU TAKE MY HAND AND I'LL TAKE YOUR HAND BABY, TOGETHER WE'LL GET AWAY... THIS MUCH SADNESS IS TO MUCH SORROW, IT'S IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO STAY. SHA LA LA THE WEATHER SHE COULD DRAG ME OVER THE RAINBOW AND SEND ME AWAY"

"DOWN BY THE RIVER I SHOT MY BABY.... SHOT HER AWAY DOWN BY THE RIVER....."

THE LATE DRUMMER BUDDY MILES - 1970 (Song - Down by the River FROM THE ALBUM BUDDY MILES CHANGES

We had our first argument last night, and he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me. I know he is sorry and didn't mean the things he said, because he sent me flowers today. I got flowers today. It wasn't our anniversary or any other special day. Last night he threw me into a wall and started to choke me. It seemed like a nightmare, I couldn't believe it was real. I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over. I know he must be sorry cause he sent me flowers today. I got flowers today, and it wasn't mother's day or any other special day. Last night, he beat me up again, it was much worse than all the other times. If I leave him, what will I do? How will I take care of my kids? What about money? I'm afraid of him and scared to leave. But I know he must be sorry because he sent me flowers today. I got flowers today. Today was a very special day. It was the day of my funeral! Last night, he finally killed me. He beat me to death. If only I had gathered enough courage to leave him, I would not have gotten flowers today.......If you are against domestic abuse, please pass this along to everyone, NOT just women.

submitted by: Shelle via - Lannie Hardy 2005

Domestic Violence is ugly, and it in no way does it demonstrate love or a kind of morbid affection for it's victim(s). Most of us either know of or have been touched by this vicious cycle. Growing up in a home where I witnessed first hand how ugly it can get on all levels. Now to add to the agony we have brothers on the DL (down low). It's time to open up the lines of communication - Can you stand the pain? 

Your comments and contributions are welcome or send us email.

@Lovleeannwise all rights reserved 2005