Merry Christmas! ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net Shangrala Family Fun: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP * Don't forget to follow us on social media for our latest updates and uproarious funny and inspiring pages! On Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y8dcm8x7 On X (Twitter): http://tinyurl.com/n5uf3dxv ================ __,_,_,___) _______ (--| | | (--/ ),_) ,_) | | | _ ,_,_ | |_ ,_ ' , _|_,_,_, _ , __| | | (/_| | (_| | | || |/_)_| | | |(_|/_)___, ( |___, ,__| \____) |__, |__, | _...._ \ _ / .::o:::::. (\o/) .:::'''':o:. --- / \ --- :o:_ _::: >*< `:}_>()<_{:' >0<@< @ `'//\\'` @ >>>@<<* @ # // \\ # @ >@>*<0<<< __#_#____/'____'\____#_#__ >*>>@<<<@<< [__________________________] >@>>0<<<*<<@< |=_- .-/\ /\ /\ /\--. =_-| >*>>0<<@<<<@<<< |-_= | \ \\ \\ \\ \ |-_=-| >@>>*<<@<>*<<0<*< |_=-=| / // // // / |_=-_| \*/ >0>>*<<@<>0><<*<@<< |=_- |`-'`-'`-'`-' |=_=-| ___\\U//___ >*>>@><0<<*>>@><*<0<< | =_-| o o |_==_| |\\ | | \\| >@>>0<*<<0>>@<<0<<<*<@< |=_- | ! ( ! |=-_=| | \\| | _(UU)_ >((*))_>0><*<0><@<<<0<*< _|-,-=| ! ). ! |-_-=|_ |\ \| || / //||.*.*.*.|>>@<<*<<@>><0<<@>>>>>| ( ~~~ )/ (((((((()))))))) ~~~~~~~~ '""""`------' `w---w` `------------' *~* May You Have A Most Blessed, Safe And Happy Christmas! :) -<>- >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from our friend StuJ. This one will put a smile on the face of all those who like our President Trump. Check it out here... _.-"""-. .' \ `\ .' .-' '. _ | /.__ ) C, ^ \ .' `'-. ( ;-.-' / '. ) | / \ / _., ; . ';-"`;_.'\ | '. \ | / .* ** *, |___ `'-..___.|__/--' * .--. * | ```"""-----'/ '*/_ _`\*'`\ )"""----....___.; _.`.|^.^ ?;` .' .' '.`'. .;-.-'\_- /-.',( / '. \ /_.' ;.| |'--....___ ___..--` \ .;' .-' .; L.._ __ ```` __..-' /; / `.' / ;._`__````""--""`` \ .'( _.'`.' /` 7 | ``""";--.._ | /`,'`'"".`"` '.' .' | 7 | | `' | \__.` '. _`;.' .' \__| .--'._; / |_`""-'` | .' \__/` jgs `'-.___.; .-; `\...._/-' {_}-' \ \ `-.._ | / `"-' Trump Saves Christmas! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trumpchristmas.html --- ...A sweet and very funny cute one! Thanks StuJ! Our steaming hot new page is from our friends LouiseAu and KarenF. This photo contest has some absolutely stunning images. They captured some of the very best from around the world. Be sure to check this page out here: ^^ @@@@@@@@@ ^^ ^^ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ ^^ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ ~~~~ ~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ ~~ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~~~~~ ~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ pjb Awesome Northern Lights! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/northernlights.html --- ...Most beautiful! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: _jgs_____________________________________ | ___ ___ _ _ _____ ___ .-""", | | / __/ . \ \| |_ _| . \ /____, \ | | \__ \ | ` | | | | | {_____}`{} | | \___/_|_|_|\_| |_| |_|_| (/ . . \) | | ___ _ ___ _ _ ___ {`-=^=-`} | | / _/ | | . \ | | __/ { ` } | | | (_ |__| | | |__ \ { } | | _ \___\____|_|_|___/___/ { } | | (_)_______ `-,-` | | |/| NORTH | aka: "St. Nicholas" | | |/| POLE | "Kris Kringle" | | |/|"""""""` "Father Christmas" | | |/| "Pere Noel" | |_________________________________________| >THERE IS A SANTA -- I MARRIED HER by Michael T. Smith One of the my wife's duties at work is to go to the post office every day and pick up the company mail. As November rolled into December, she noticed a Salvation Army Santa standing on the corner. Each day she saved her coins and dropped them in his bucket. He'd smile, wish her a Merry Christmas, and continue to ring his bell. The second week of December came with a cold front. At night the temperature dropped below 0 and the daytime temperatures barely made it to 14. Santa stood in the frigid winds and continued to ring his bell. "You must be freezing," she said to him, as she dropped her coins in his bucket. "I'm so cold!" he shivered. "I can't feel the bell in my hands. And my feet? I don't know if they're there anymore." The next day, she dropped her coins in the bucket and handed him several chemical hand and foot warmers. "Try these," she smiled. "We had them in our car in case of and emergency. I think a Santa freezing is an emergency. Don't you?" Santa took her offering. "God bless you, ma'am. I cannot thank you enough." A week later, a new Santa stood ringing the bell. "What happened to the other Santa?" she asked. He paused his ringing to inform her, "I'm sorry to say, he's very sick today." She dropped her coins in the bucket and walked away with a heavy heart. Her hand and foot warmers were not enough to prevent Santa from getting sick. She prayed for his health. Later that day, a co-worker came into her office in tears. "I don't know what I'm going to do." "What's wrong?" she asked. "It's my ex-husband." Her co-worker wiped a tear from her eye and continued. "I don't have any money to buy my boys anything for Christmas. I called my ex last night and asked if he was sending money for them. He told me times were tough and the boys would have to suck it up and that they'd get over it." She began to cry harder. "I don't know what to do. They're teenagers and will understand, but it breaks my heart that they won't have anything this year." My wife hugged her co-worker. "I'm sure everything will work out. It's Christmas. Believe in miracles." That evening, she sat down with me and told me about her co-worker's situation. "Hun, I know we don't have much to help, but I'd like to get her a gift card from Walmart or something. Maybe fifty or a hundred dollars. We'll just get ourselves less this year. Last year we couldn't afford to buy anything for ourselves and still had a wonderful Christmas. It's the giving that counts." She paused and looked at me. "I feel bad for those boys," she continued. "I want to send it to her anonymously. She'll never know where it came from. It will make her so happy." I saw the look in her eyes and knew she wanted my blessing, but I also knew she was going to do it anyway. "Hun?" "Yes?" he smiled. "Give her the hundred. She needs it more than we do." She reached up and held me. Warmth spread through my body -- a glow like no other. I held her and realized there really is a Santa Claus -- I married her. Amazingly, at the same time Ginny was picking up the gift card, my company was handing out Walmart gift cards to all of its employees. "Give and thou shalt receive" was proven to be true today! -- Michael T. Smith __________________________________________________ Michael lives and works in Idaho. His stories have recently been published in two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Catholic Digest and Thin Threads - Life Changing Moments. =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >A Starry Night 'And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy'1 When I was a little girl, my favorite part about long road trips was when it got dark outside of the city. Away from the city lights, I would look out my window, up at the night sky, and admire the twinkling lights on the black canvas up above. It was a wonder that was always camouflaged by the bright lights of the city. I used to try and find the Big Dipper or Orion's belt, the constellations I was most familiar with. I remember trying to count the stars and I always kept a sharp eye out for "wishing" stars shooting across the vastness of space. I can imagine the days leading up to the birth of Jesus, as the astronomers of that day studied the night sky. Maybe even sensing an excitement among the celestial bodies awaiting the appearance of a new star that had been foretold. And then suddenly they see it! The brightest star ever to light up the Heavens - not just a star, but an announcement telling the whole world that a King had been born! The brightness of that star must have dimmed every other star that night. How amazing it must have been to witness that celestial event. Even as I write, I cannot help but look out my window and search the skies for the brightest star. The birth of our Lord was announced in the heavens that Christmas night, just as His second coming will also be announced in the skies above. Let us keep looking to the skies for the announcement that Jesus is coming again! Let us prepare our hearts this season to receive the KING! This time, HE will be the brightest star in the Heavens. Suggested Prayer: Dear God, 2000 years ago, the greatest event in History, the birth of your Son, was announced to the world in the form of a bright and shining star. A star whose light guided the way to Jesus. Tonight, as I look up at the sky, I ask that you shine a light in me to guide me to Jesus' feet, so that I might bow before Him and worship the King of Kings. Allow me to keep looking to the sky in preparation for the day that Jesus comes again. In the holy name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen. 1: Matthew 2:10. Today's Encounter was written by: Veronica B. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Love IS the Greatest Gift 'The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us'.1 'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends'.2 In the 1800s, are mote Hawaiian island called Molokai was used as a leper colony. It was a place of isolation, despair, and death. Those sent there were considered untouchable, and were rejected and forgotten by society. But a Catholic priest from Belgium, called Father Damien, heard about Molokai and decided that he needed to send more than prayers and resources. He needed to go! He could not, and would not, forget. Knowing full well that leprosy was very contagious and in most cases fatal, Father Damien sailed to the island to live among the people. He was not bothered by what might happen to him. He did not keep his distance from the sick and dying, in fact, he embraced them, bandaged their wounds and held their hands as they took their last breaths. He eventually caught the leprosy himself. He went to become what they were because of love. Father Damien had gone to his death willingly. Jesus came to this sick and sinful world willingly. Knowing full well that He would be rejected, betrayed and murdered. He could have, very well, saved us from a distance and spoken the words down to us. But that is how the unconditional love of God for us is! Jesus came to live among us. John 1:14 says, 'The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.' He came to where we are. He suffered among us. He lived in our brokenness, in our bitterness, in our ugliness. He touched the untouchable and embraced the unlovely. He took our disease our sin and died among us. Love IS the Greatest Gift of all! Suggested prayer: Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your love toward us. When we were drowning in the ugliness of our sin, You decided that we were worth loving, worth saving, and worth sending Your only begotten own precious Son to die for us. This Christmas, and always,it is our Greatest Gift! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 1. John 1:14 2. John 15:13. Today's Encounter was written by: Veronica B. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: * /.\ /..'\ /'.'\ /.''.'\ /.'.'.\ "'""""/'.''.'.\""'"'" jgs ^^^[_]^^^ >Christmas 1914 The war in Europe was only four months old, yet it had already reached a savagery unknown until that time. After the initial success of the German army, the war became a desperate trench struggle with a very high casualty count. The promise of early success seemed like a far away dream. The snow and the cold of 1914 made things even worse, but as the darkness fell on Christmas Eve something happened that would never occur again. Sir Edward Hulse, a 25-year-old lieutenant, wrote in his diary about this strange occurrence. "A scout named F. Marker went out and met a German Patrol and was given a glass of whisky and some cigars, and a message was sent back, saying that if we didn't fire at them they would not fire at us." That night, where the fighting only five days earlier had been fierce, suddenly just stopped. The following morning, Christmas day, German soldiers walked towards the British lines while the British came out to greet their enemy. They exchanged souvenirs with each other and the British gave the German soldiers plum pudding as a Christmas greeting. Soon arrangements were made to bury the dead British soldiers whose bodies were lying in no man's land. The Germans brought the bodies over and prayers were exchanged. The spirit of Christmas overcame the horror of war as peace broke out across the front. The Germans, who previously were viewed as demonized beasts by the British and French, almost always initiated it. This contact was followed by song. The Germans sang 'Die Wacht Am Rhein' and the British soldiers sang 'Christians Wake.' It was in many ways a miracle. Sapper J. Davey, a British soldier, wrote this in his diary. "Most peculiar Christmas I've ever spent and ever likely to. One could hardly believe the happenings." Hate, for a moment, disappeared along the Western front. Another British soldier, Second Lt. Dougan Chater wrote, "About 10 o'clock this morning I was peeping over the parapet when I saw a German, waving his arms, and presently two of them got out of their trenches and came towards ours. We were just going to fire on them when we saw that they had no rifles so one of our men went out to meet them and in about two minutes the ground between the two lines of trenches was swarming with men and officers of both sides, shaking hands and wishing each other a happy Christmas." This continued for nearly an hour before their superiors ordered the men back to their trenches. The powers to be objected to this display of humanity by the common soldier. For a brief moment, their gesture ended a war that the leaders of both sides would continue to fight for nearly four more years. Millions more would die, indeed many of the men who greeted each other would perish, but their spirits live on in history as an example to all of us. We have much more in common with each other than the differences that divide us. Peace is better than war. Understanding is more important than division. Love can overcome hate. Always question our leaders. Happy Holidays! Sources: The First World War, Martin Gilbert -<>- * . . . | . * \|/ -->*<-- . /|\ . ' | ' * | . | . ' >"In Search of the "Spirit of Christmas" by Bob Perks Bob@BobPerks.com A message to the world: "Where will I find Christmas this year?" I asked my wife. Jokingly she replied, "Why? Is it missing?" "I'm afraid so. I haven't found it in my heart yet. It's December 3rd and you know by now I always have the outside of the house decorated. Next week we go for our tree. But I'm not ready," I said. "I know. They rush Christmas earlier every year. The department stores..." she said, but I interrupted her. "No, I'm not talking about the commercial side of Christmas. I'm in search of the "Spirit" of Christmas," I told her. "Honey, I don't understand," she replied. "I heard on the news the other day that they decided to cancel Christmas in the city of Bethlehem. There will be no celebrations, no services," I told her. "Bob, you're kidding, right?" "No, I'm serious. They have canceled all celebrations because of the threat of violence. They fear what would happen if the faithful gathered there. There is so much violence and hatred right now. My God, Marianne. They canceled the celebration of the birth of Christ in the town where He was born. The sacredness of that city, the birth place of Jesus closed because of violence and hatred. You don't even have to be of that faith to understand the impact of that. They canceled Christmas Day celebrations," I said with a tone of horror and disbelief. "I didn't hear that. How awful," she said. "Then we headed to New York City. We've been planning to do that for years. Christmas in New York. It sounded so exciting and wonderful," I said. "And it was to a point. I loved the lights. The crowds of people hustling around looking for just the right gift. But the Spirit of Christmas wasn't there either," I told her. "You know how crazy it gets in the big city. That's just not the right place to find the peace and tranquility that comes to my mind when I think about the Spirit of Christmas," Marianne said. "I know you're right about that. But did you hear those two ladies who were talking in Macy's? One of them turned to the other and said, "You know Christmas shopping is so much more fun this year. The mayor kept his promise. He cleaned up the streets." Then the other lady said, "Oh, you mean the homeless people. Yes, I only saw one or two. It used to be so difficult to shop with all those people begging on corners. It ruined my spirit for the holidays. Who wants to see people begging when you're trying to get shopping done?" "Who wants to see people begging when you're...shopping. Can you imagine? Homeless people affected her ability to shop. I remember standing at that one corner and as I looked across the sea of people I thought how terribly spoiled we were. My building is bigger than yours. My suit is more expensive than yours. My billboard is taller, flashier, more expensive than my competitor's. All I kept thinking about was the missing homeless people tucked away somewhere so that more tourists would come into town to spend more money. They needed a "cleaner" place to spend their money so they got rid of the homeless people." Not knowing how to reply, Marianne said, "I'd like to think that they were in a safe, warm place." "And I'd like to think there would be Christmas in Bethlehem," I said. So my friends, I know you come from all backgrounds and beliefs. You have no idea how much I treasure that thought. Your diversity is a reflection of the world and is the core of what excites me about life itself. As we walked around New York, I saw different people, I heard different languages and I was thrilled to be a part of that picture. I know we are not all of the same faith. But I believe in my heart you all understand the "Spirit" I speak of. It is that same spirit that ignites in your soul when you pray to your God, Creator, or Holy One. This "Spirit" I am in search of is the one thread that connects us all. So tell me. Where is it? Where can I find it? What does it look like, feel like, smell like? Describe to me the that feeling in your life and help me to discover it again in mine. Send this message out to the world. Tell them there is a man looking for the Spirit of Christmas. I need proof that it exists. In one of my favorite songs, "I heard the bells on Christmas Day" there is a part that reflects my concern. -<>- _ .-(_) / _/ .-' \ / '. ,-~--~-~-~-~-, {__.._...__..._} ,888, ,888, /\##" 6 6 "##/\ ,88' `88, ,88' '88,__ |(\` (__) `/)| __,88' `88 ,88' .8(_ \_____\_ '----' _/_____/ _)8. 8' 88 (___)\ \ '-.__ __.-' / /(___) 88 (___)88 | '--' | 88(___) 8' (__)88,___/ \___,88(__) __`88,_/__________________\_,88`__ / `88, |88| ,88' \ / `88, |88| ,88' \ /____________`88,_\88/_,88`____________\ /88888888888888888;8888;88888888888888888\ /^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^`/88\\^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^\ jgs / |88| \============, \ /_ __ __ __ _ __ |88|_|^ MERRY | _ ___\ |;:. |88| | CHRISTMAS! | | |;;:. |88| '============' | |;;:. |88| | |::. |88| | |;;:' |88| | |:;, |88| | '---------------------""""---------------------' >THE GREAT CHRISTMAS MEMORY Copyright 2002 Len Evans. (A true story from Shelley Batty, written by Len Evans. Permission is granted to send this to others, but not for commercial purposes.) Over time Christmas memories begin to fade or blur. The ones that you recall years later can involve heartache, jubilation or both. As the oldest of two brothers and a sisters, I often bore the weight of being the "big sister." We lived in a rural area of eastern Oregon. My Dad had been out of work for a while as Christmas approached. Money was tighter than we could have imagined at such a young age. I was only eight with brothers who were seven and six and a little sister who was five. We didn't know exactly what was happening, but we knew things weren't normal. Our meals were a little different but the biggest difference was our Christmas tree. It wasn't a sad "Charlie Brown" tree, but the gifts under the tree forced us to realize this would be a unique Christmas. Actually, there weren't any multicolored boxes or any exquisite bows. Instead we had one present, but it was a huge box wrapped with care. We tried for days, but we could not imagine what it was. Christmas day finally arrived and anticipation consumed us. As always, Dad read the Christmas story from Luke before we could open any present. After the reading he put the big box in the middle of the floor. He directed each us to stand by one side of the present. He told us that the gift was for all of us and we had to share it nicely, then he gave us the motion to open our present. We ripped the wrapping paper faster than a chain saw! We had waited all that time for a refrigerator box?! But we discovered that there was something else inside that refrigerator box. Large appliance boxes with medium-sized moving boxes inside of them. Inside the medium boxes were other boxes and then shoe boxes and even more boxes until we finally arrived at the tiny jewelry boxes! Believe it or not but at the bottom of all those boxes was a book called "Things to Make with Boxes." We made forts and castles, cars and airplanes, boats and trains, sets and scenery for make-believe plays, and all sorts of cool things. My parents still have a box of snapshots of all the things we made with our boxes. The four of us are now straddling forty. If asked individually for our best Christmas memory, you will get four variations of the story of a box full of boxes. -<>- ( ,=(,)=, |'==='| _, | |,)/( | |)/<_, >>>\, _/<8<-_/ >>>>>>oo<<)\( jgs >>>>>>o<<<\/ >"My Christmas Angel" The night was hectic. It often is when you are a nurse in a long- term care facility. Some times are worse than others. Change-over night is always one of the worst. Every first day of the month, comes change over. December the first. Change-over night. Anyone who works long-term care will tell you, change-over and full moons. On change-over things will be crazy. There are papers to be shuffled. Books to be carefully examined, or the potential for error is too great. When you are responsible for another person`s life, you just can't have errors. The job doesn't let up, just because it is change-over. There are many routine things that still must be done. There are... Call lights to answer. Bedpans to place, remove, empty, and clean. Pillows to fluff. Blankets to add to the bed. Ice to pass, so a cool drink of water can be offered. Medication carts to stock. Medication boxes to be checked for ones that need to be reordered. Calls to lab to ensure blood work gets drawn in the morning. There are antibiotics to give for infections, and temperatures to take. There are blood pressures to obtain. There is medication to give to control, or decrease pain level. Testing for blood sugar levels to do. There are Insulin shots to give to the diabetics. There are bandages and ointments to be applied. And the list goes on. And there is an occasional confused, unsteady walker to pickup off the floor. After you have carefully examined them, and are assured they aren't hurt. I have one such person who falls often. Three falls this weekend alone. I have often joked with her that an angel wraps wings around her. Because she has never been seriously hurt. I have told her she needs to stop working her angel such overtime! She can be quite the handful for our staff. She can't understand why we want to walk along beside her. Her mind takes her to a time and place she can recall. She can't understand why so much is different now. Tonight she furrows her brow, and repeats "Where is my husband? He should be home by now!" "Mrs. Smith, Where did you live before you came here to be with us?" My reply provides some acknowledgment. I know things aren't the same. It also reinforces to her, that she isn't at the `home' shared with him any longer. She studies for a moment, with no particular answer. "Didn't you live up around Selvin or Jockey?" I ask. I have an unfair advantage. I have read her chart. "Well, yes!" she recalls. She chats a bit about home. The furrow in her brow relaxes a bit. Her long-term recall is much better than her short-term memory. "You might know my folks," I add. "Rainey, My maiden name is Rainey" Her face lights. "Kenny Rainey, I know a Kenny Rainey! He was a wonderful man. He would give you the shoes off his back." "He had this thing, over his..." as she covers her mouth with her hand, on one side. "Didn't he...? Young." "And he married Deloris Bass, didn't... He didn't see a stranger. He loved to talk, kind words. He went to Eben..ez..knee..benzer." Ebenezer. Ebenezer Church. I help to her find the word. "Yes! He was a deacon!" My eyes began to well up. I laid my head against her chest. She stroked my hair with a loving touch. It was a touch, not unlike my own father's. I looked up at her. "He's my Daddy." "Well, You are JUST like him!" Daddy had a tumor, which covered a portion of his mouth. It was removed when I was a child. Daddy both married, and died young. Daddy was a deacon. Daddy was a storyteller. I could spend hours at his knee as he wove words into fabric that clothed me in comfort. He gave me a sense of belonging. He told parables that helped me understand human nature. Through his stories I learned the power of compassion. I learned how pain could be inflicted by not only a harsh word, but also by the lack of a kind one. I learned of God and his mercy. It was a hurried night. It would have saved time to simply walk on by. I would have missed the chance to feel Daddy's kind gentle touch just once more. She gave to me a gift you cannot buy or tie up in pretty packages. When she falls, maybe the protective wings that wrap around are her own. - Patricia Uhde Grannywrslr@csl.com -<>- . | . | . | \|/ \ / -= * =- '. .----. .' /|\ / \ ' | ' -= | .----. | | / /""\ | / \( / m m ' ) ) - ) / /-./~` ( ( `.`\ /| . ) )\ \/_/ / . | . ( ( \_.-'` \ ' / \ \.| -= <*^*^*> =- jgs |\____\\ | ( " ) | _) \ |()'"'()| _.-' , | | (___) | /| . ` ; (`-.___.-') /_/____________/ '-.___.-' >More Questions, Mary Although she couldn't view a sonogram, she knew the gender of the child she carried. The news came to her through the angel Gabriel, not technology. Mary, a young Jewish woman, expected the Son of God. In seasonal lyrics, Mary is asked if she knew she was kissing the face of God? "Mary, Did You Know" words by Mark Lowery and music by Buddy Greene, caused me to long for an interview with Mary. If I could talk to her, I'd ask how many prophecies she heard. How many of Isaiah's words about Messiah did you hear in synagogue? Did you understand that a different ruler came into the world? "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders" (Isaiah 9:6). Did you know his governing wouldn't supplant the Roman rule? Did you grasp the nature of his reign -- his throne room in hearts? "And he will be called Wonderful Counselor . . . Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end" (9:6b). Did you perceive the world's greatest hope for calm came through the babe you laid in a manger? Later, when Jesus was twelve and said, "I must be about my Father's business," did you realize the magnitude of the endeavor? Were you aware of the blessings to come through this stunning prophecy? "Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning" (Isaiah 9:5)? Mary, while you carried him safe in your womb, you sang a praise song for your role in God's drama. Later, in his ministry, when exposed to his hands-on way of loving others, did you marvel at being swept up in his cause? When Jesus last ate Passover bread in your kitchen, by then did you know he would become the staff of life, the bread of life? To the confused, the lonely, did you know his sustenance would be better than any loaf baked by women's hands? From a crowd, a woman cried out to Jesus, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you." I can almost see his gentle eyes when he responded, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it" (Luke 11: 27,28). Were you witness to that event? Mary, you knew about the Garden of Eden, did you know about the garden of Gethsemene? Did you know a cross shadowed his and your future? At its foot, did you understand when he dissolved the earth- bond of mother and son and became your Lord? I suspect many events puzzled you, Mary. That you, like so many of us, didn't have all the answers. But, like you, our hope rests in gentle Jesus. For "the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:1.2). --- ...See this page here: Mary, Did You know? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mary.html -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) Our Valuable ANCHOR!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/ouranchor.html Face of Christ! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/faceofchrist.html Festivals Around The World! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/worldfestivals.html Kids Christmas Stories! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/kidschristmas.html Huddling Birds! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/huddlingbirds.html Winter Wildlife 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/winter2.html Christmas Time!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmastime.html Important Life Truths!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifetruths.html Church Mouse Wisdom!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/churchmouse.html New Night Before Christmas! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/nightbefore.html Love Thoughts!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/love.html Dreamy Ladies!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dreamy.html All About Hugs!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hugs.html The 23rd Psalm!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/psalm23.html When God Paints!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints.html Blind Woman Sees!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/blindsees.html Jesus Laughing Art!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/Jesusart.html Playing With Words!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wordplay.html I Believe...!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/believe.html Lean On Me!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/leanonme.html 90/10 Principle!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/giving.html God's Ice Creations! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gice.html FULL CHRISTMAS And NEW YEARS MENU! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/christmasindex.html -<>- How to Become a Christian - How to Get Born Again / How to Get Saved / Romans 10:9 & 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzblR8YDQ0 Bible Genealogy https://tinyurl.com/bddfn6vd All Bible Seminars https://stfi.org/seminars Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm The Way Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ Truth Or Tradition.com Index: https://www.truthortradition.com/ Bible Teaching Videos - John Schoenheit Spirit And Truth https://tinyurl.com/2gyn3f35 The Lion Weekly Digest is a newsletter delivering the week's top articles from The Lion straight to your inbox. Find all of the stories: https://readlion.com/ Latest From PragerU: https://www.prageru.com/ Latest From Mommy Underground: https://mommyunderground.com/ Latest From Christian Life Daily: https://www.christianlifedaily.com/ -<>- >In The Worldly News: President Donald J. 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Yes, as the song says: "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" It really is wonderful! We are flooded with Christmas music, Christmas lights, and lots of Christmas "activities." And although the season contains many distractions which attempt to pull us away, we generally make time to gather with family and friends and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. But many will find this time of year to be very painful. The memories of past hurt, which may remain hidden throughout the year, are now driven to the surface. Many are required to face someone who caused them pain, or face the memory of a past Christmas which brings the person, and pain, back into view. Obviously, this is not the turmoil which God intends for our life... especially not as we celebrate the birth of His Son. Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you." We cannot properly celebrate the birth of Jesus without reflecting on why He was born. Through His life He offered us a message of eternal hope, and through His death on the cross He offered us the complete forgiveness of sin. With this single act of unbelievable love, Jesus removed the sin which would otherwise keep us eternally separated from our Heavenly Father. This is the manner in which we are to love and forgive others. Jesus told a parable about a servant who had an enormous debt canceled: "The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go" (Matthew 18:26-27). But when the servant went away, he refused to cancel the relatively minor debt a fellow servant owed him; "Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt" (Matthew 18:30). Jesus used this parable to show that unless we completely forgive others from deep within our heart, we have somehow failed to understand the forgiveness we have already received; "Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?" (Matthew 18:33). Any sin which others may commit against us is small when viewed in light of the many sins we have committed against God! We have been completely forgiven of sooooo much!! During this most wonderful time of the year, let's reflect on the awesome gift we have been given through our Savior. Then, let's give to others as we have already received. Let's love and give the gift of true forgiveness. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Zechariah 2:1-3:10; Revelation 13:1-18; Psalm 141:1-10; Proverbs 30:18-20 --- * * * * * * .===.""* * /'::::\ *\_ (` '::|* / \ _.,--`-.`_;/.-/ ; _.-'; \ _`'._.' /| .-'/. ` '._(_\_.' / | .-'` | `. .-' .' | \`. `-.__..--' _.-' .' \ '-._ _.-' _.' \_ '--._.-'` _.' '._ \ _.-' jgs '-._\_.-' ...Reflecting Happy Birthday to our Wonderful Lord And Savior Jesus Christ! I saw on TV this morning 'Christmas from around the world' and it still amazes me how so many do not believe in Jesus Christ and be saved by the Grace of God from eternal death. With so many all around the world celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, how can one thumb their nose up and say they do not believe in Him? It is amazing to me that they can. Millions do. It like saying you do not believe the earth is round or that there are millions and millions of stars and galaxies in the sky just because you can't see it up close for yourself. It does not mean it isn't true. Our calendar system is wrapped around Jesus Christ whether you believe in Him or not. The terms we use of BC and AD refer to before His birth and after His crucifixion, AD stands for anno Domini and is Medieval Latin for "in the year of the Lord". Every day is a reflection of our remembrance of this historic event of Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son. If you don't believe in Him, why not? _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` To be saved, the bible in Romans 10:9 says all you need do is say out loud, 'Jesus Christ is my Lord', while you totally believe in your heart that God rose Him from the dead. Once you do that, you are saved and are given spirit to be in God's family as His child. You'll be heaven bound and all hell can't stop you from receiving eternal life! See this teaching: The Simplicity and Grace of THE NEW BIRTH [Romans 10: 9 and 10] https://tinyurl.com/3cp5jyh5 <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Day of Remembrance (edited) The early church did not give much thought to the birth of Jesus. Of the four Gospels, only Matthew and Luke even mention His birth, and these accounts are relatively brief. Certainly, the emphasis of the Gospels was on Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. And after Jesus ascended to Heaven, the focus of the church was on living for Him, sending out His message, and waiting for His return. No one is really sure when Jesus was born. The first recorded celebration didn't occur until 200 years after His birth, and it wasn't until the year 330 that the birth of Christ was assigned to December 25th. Some say Jesus was actually born in September or October and others are sure He was born in March or April; in fact, a case has been made for His birth in each of the twelve months! But its generally agreed that, due to the relatively colder weather, December was an unlikely time for the birth of our Savior, at least as it is recorded in the Bible. So what really is Christmas? John 1:1,14 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." The very Word of God became flesh! Though it is difficult to understand, the Word of God came to live among us and began life as a little baby. He "made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). This sacrifice of transformation represents a whole lot of love! Christmas is a day to remember the most profound event in the history of the world. On that first Christmas (whenever it was), God's only begotten Son came to earth to live among us! He was born into the most humble circumstances, grew and taught us God's truths, died on a cross for our sin, and was raised by God, all so we might live with Him and God for all eternity. December 25th is a day to celebrate with quiet reflection, as Mary "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). Its also a day to celebrate with great rejoicing, as the shepherds "returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen" (Luke 2:20). The world has tried to remove Christ and insert many activities into this season which do not glorify God, but this need not hinder our worship. We have the ability to turn away the evil and embrace that which is honoring and good. We can (and should) glorify God and celebrate the gift of our Savior every day throughout the year. But let's take the opportunity to make this season, and this specific day, special. Let's celebrate with a focused and thankful heart, and make December 25th a blessed day of remembrance. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Zechariah 4:1-5:11; Revelation 14:1-20; Psalm 142:1-7; Proverbs 30:21-23 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See These Teachings: In The Beginning Was The Word https://tinyurl.com/6377uw32 THE MYSTERY REVEALED http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/THE_MYSTERY_REVEALED.htm The Christmas Story http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/christmasstory.html When Was Jesus Born? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/whenjesusborn.html ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: | '.|.' -= + =- ___ .'|'. ___ ******* | ******* /-====) | (_.- )) | / '( )' ) )) / / _/ \_( (( | |-( _ _ )) ) ) / | \ //| |\\ /'-( ( / \ \/\/ *** \/\/ / ) ) | |\ / .=. \ / ( ( `-;./ ;-' _\/(")\/_ '-; ) ) | \ |'---'| / ( ( | \ _| |_ / ) ) _/ | /\ /\ | ( ( jgs .-/ / '=' \ ( )-. `""---`-----` `----`----`""` >Happy Birthday, Jesus! Mary Southerland Today's Truth Luke 2:8-12 "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger" (NKJV). Friend to Friend \*/ __\\U//__ |\\ | | \\| | \\| |\ \|()-() |\ \| |\\ |/. .\ |\\ | | \\|\ Y /_ .--.| \\| |\ O__`&`__O /____\\ \| |\\ |/ \ \~~~~/"[B]"""""()/^\() jgs `--` [A][C] Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday, dear Jesus! Happy Birthday to You! Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ. I have always wondered why we typically celebrate His birth by giving gifts to everyone but Him. What gifts does He want from us? What gifts are fit for the King? To answer that question let's go back to that first Christmas and see what gifts He received that holy night. The gift of trust Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, was a teenage girl, probably fourteen or fifteen years old, engaged to Joseph when an angel appeared to her with the startling message that she would have a baby, a son named Jesus. Since she was still a virgin, Mary did not understand the message but she knew the One who had sent it - and that was enough. Trust is a gift fit for the King. The gift of obedience John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command." Joseph's engagement to Mary was legally binding. Imagine his shock and confusion when he learned that Mary was pregnant. Knowing that he could not possibly be the baby's father, Joseph's first reaction was to divorce Mary quietly. An angel from God appeared and told Joseph to "keep her but do not sleep with her!" Now Joseph's response could have been many things - but he chose obedience. A small child riding in the car wanted to stand in the front seat by his father. The dad explained the importance of a seat belt and told the little boy to sit down. He refused, crossing his little arms in defiance. The father physically sat his son down and buckled him into the seat, bragging on the little boy for his obedience. With a defiant glare, his son said, "I may be sitting down on the outside but I'm still standing up on the inside." Obedience is an active choice to do what God wants us to do. Obedience is not just an outward motion - it is also an inward attitude - and a gift fit for the King. The gift of praise Psalm 50:6 "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." When the shepherds heard the angels' news, they went to see Jesus for themselves. After they saw the baby, they left praising God! Anytime we are in the presence of God, praise will result. Praise is also a continual choice that we make again and again until it becomes a habit. Don't let anyone or any circumstance keep you from praising God! Praise keeps us kneeling before the manger and is a gift fit for the King. The gift of sacrifice The Wise Men came; bringing gifts that required sacrifice because they knew that true worship always involves sacrifice. Gold, a precious metal, Incense, a rare and expensive product used in worship and Myrrh, an expensive perfume were the gifts they brought to Jesus. Sacrifice goes beyond what is required or expected. The best gift - the most expensive and extravagant gift - should go to the one whose birthday we celebrate. Gifts of trust, obedience, praise and sacrifice please God and are gifts fit for the King. In other words, the best gift that we can give God at Christmas is US! May the words of this children's song be the prayer of our hearts this Christmas season: "I'm gonna wrap up myself for Christmas And tie me with a big red bow. That's what I'm giving to Jesus. It's a present He'll like I know." Let's Pray Lord, today I celebrate Your birth. Thank You for the gift of life and love I find in knowing You. My Christmas gift to You is everything I am, everything I have, everything I hope to be. I love You, Lord. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. Now it's Your Turn Have a birthday party for Jesus. Bake a cake, sing "Happy Birthday" and worship Him by surrendering to His plan and provision for your life. Leave one Christmas decoration out this year as a reminder of His birth and what His presence means every single day. Consider the following questions: What is the meaning of Christmas in your life? How can you lead your family to celebrate the birth of Jesus? What has been the most meaningful part of this Christmas season so far? Why? as seen in Girlfriends in God --- ...See These Teachings * . . . | . * * . \|/ . . -->*<-- . /|\ . ' | ' * | . * . | . ' _ _ .:. . ( | .-. ___ .'_`. WWW \w/ \V/ |/(_)\ .'.-.`. `(_)' (_) (_) (_) |// \\ `/(_)\' // \\ _/ | _/ | _/ | _ _ \/| |/ //)_(\\ \| |/ %%__/| $$__/| &&__/| _-(_)- _-(_)- | | | /(o___))\ | | | | | | | | `(___) `(___) | | | ` / \' | | | | | | | | jgs // \\ // \\ | |_| /_____\ |_| |_| |_| |_| The Christmas Story http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/christmasstory.html When Was Jesus Born? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/whenjesusborn.html -<>- ..'''::::... .::' `'''':::.. '...::' `.----. /_.--._\ , | =-| ,/ \,|=- | ,/ /`\ \, -| ,/ /'.-.`\ \, | ,/ /`//_|_\\`\ \| ,/ /` ||_|_|| `\;/\, ,/ /` ||_|_|| ,/ /\ \, ,/ /` ==_ `-----',/ /`/\`\ \, ,/ /` __| ,/ /` ~\/~=`\ \, ,/ /`==_ _|___- ,/ /` ==-= `\ \, ,/ /` --= ,/ /` |-- `\ \, ,/ /` |__ .... = ,/ /`o = .-""""-. o`\ \, / /`| .'_.._'./ /; {_} .'.-""""-.'. {_} `\ \ |/` |_| =/.; || ;|/` | |:|/.' ____ '.\|:| | `\| | |/_|_||_|_\| |=\:/|| /|__|\ ||\:/ | | -=|| | || | || | | || |_|__|_| || ||_| | , ||-|-||-|-||=| T || |_|__|_| || T | |/_\||_|_||_|_||-|' || .::. ||= _ | /_ (|| | || | || | =_|| /::::::\ || __P|_ /_\ \|-|-||-|-|| | || |::()::| ||/\ | `\ `>/ _\\_|_||_|_||-|-'|_|| \/`\/`\/ ||||_____| /_/ <---------' | ||()\_/\_/ ||/ || / ` \_ ( ==_ __| |_|_ || /\ \ || =_|| `/_) | _ <` _ | || /_/\_\ || || > / \ == _ = | - || ||= || jgs /_/ ( \ `\ __ =|-_|_||----------||_| || )-._/ _\ _,-(' __.;-'- `""""""""""` `||-. '-,._ \__.-`-;''` ``--'`""'""`""""`-- `-- ' ``` `""""`"""'"`""" ----' >NO LONGER A VICTIM Domestic violence must stop A million women seek medical treatment for domestic violence each year - and millions more do not. Battering is the single major cause of injury to women, even more significant than the number injured in car accidents, rapes, and muggings combined. Not only that, but nearly half of all female murder victims in this country are killed by a husband or boyfriend. Sadly, in more than one-third of families where spousal abuse occurs, child abuse is also present. Domestic violence can be sexual (in the form of spousal rape) and psychological (efforts to make a person powerless by controlling her thinking and/or behavior), as well as physical. 1 The two most important things you can do are to (1) recognize it early and (2) put a stop to it immediately. 2 Start by assuming that if you think you're being abused, you probably are. Make an honest assessment of your circumstances. 3 Watch for warning signs: 4 Have you been struck physically? Has it happened more than twice? 5 Is your partner extremely jealous, perhaps attempting to control your life, your activities, or your contact with friends and family? 6 Have you been threatened if you tell anyone? 7 Have you been forced into any sexual activity you didn't want? 8 Are others in danger (e.g. children, family)? 9 How violent is your partner? Is he rational? Has he hurt others in the past? Does your partner use alcohol or other drugs to excess? 10 Consider your options: 11 You can try to continue putting up with it (not recommended). 12 You can try to fight back (not recommended). 13 You can report him to the police (a good idea). 14 You can walk out (another good idea). 15 Identify your resources: 16 Your own strength. 17 Family members or friends who are available to help. 18 A local women's shelter or other safe house. 19 Law enforcement agencies. 20 Act now. Don't assume "things will get better." 21 Consider assertive action: 22 At the earliest sign: confront and set limits. 23 In case of violent attack: seek professional intervention. Get out if necessary. Note: many authorities recommend getting out of a physically abusive situation at the very first incidence. Certainly if your health and safety are in danger, this is a wise choice. Each circumstance is unique. It is possible that counseling may improve the situation; however, staying in an abusive relationship could be dangerous - and even fatal. 24 In case of repeat attack: get out now. 25 Consider carefully the consequences of any action plan: 26 Have you thought carefully about the pros and cons of your plan? 27 Have you consulted an attorney, law enforcement official, or protective services agency regarding your options and rights? 28 Have you figured out where you can be safe? 29 Can you leave secretly, without being found? 30 Will you inform anyone of your plan? 31 Will anyone else be in danger (e.g. your children)? 32 Are you willing to press charges and face him in court? ----------- From The Assertive Woman by Stanlee Phelps and Nancy Austin, copyright (c) 1997. Used by permission of Impact Publishers, San Luis Obispo, Calif., 1-800-246-7228. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: "If Jesus were born one thousand times in Bethlehem and not in me, then I would still be lost." - Corrie ten Boom .-""```""-. ,-"```````"-, ; .-"-. ; ; .-=-. ; '=/=====\=' ', /=====\ ,' |/"""\| "=|/"""\|=" \ ^ ^ / |\^ ^/| /'._.'\ ||'-'|| / _ \ / | _ | \ / /|\ \ /\/ /|\ \/\ | \_/ | \_/ | | \_/ | \_/ | | |/ \| | | |/ \| | \__| |__/ \__| |__/ >=;=====< | | | | | | | | \'/ | | | | |-=*=-| | | | | /.\ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | .-------------, | | < ~-_~-_=`|( :) > | | \`"""""""""""`/ | | \ /____| jgs |;,;,;> <_/\_/ / \ `"""""""""""` >Don't Let Doubt Mute You: The Purpose of Jesus (by Kerry Doyal & Chris Long) (edited) Silenced due to his doubt - old men & women don't start having babies - Zechariah had many months to write a song of praise. When he saw that his older, previously barren wife Elizabeth was expecting a child, he knew the angel was telling the truth. Yet, he was now voiceless to share the good news. Finally, when their son John - Jesus' forerunner - was born, Zechariah received his voice back as a birth gift. Here is the first part of his dynamic doxology from Luke 1: "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago)," - Luke 1:68-70 Two Points of his Praise: 1. "He has come" - This is the glorious fact of Christmas: Immanuel, God with us, the creation of God's spirit born inside man, The Messiah is here at last! "He has come!" 2. "and has redeemed his people" - This is the focus of Christmas. A Savior has been born to us, Christ the Lord. Call Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21). He came to call sinners. He would give His life a ransom for many. He buys us out of slavery and pays our sin debt - "and has redeemed his people". WOW - even before John the baptist would prepare the way, his dad cut a pretty good path here. John would be taught by his re-voiced dad about the Messiah. Don't let doubt mute you. "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people." Hallelujah! Here is Zechariah' whole rich song of hope and the setting: Luke 1:62-80: "Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John." Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him. 67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68 "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us - 72 to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." 80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel." (ESV) ---- Note from Chris: | -=*=- (| (} | |/||\ {\ | || ___o /|/_ jgs | || X--X |__\ Hallelujah is right! :) :) I wanted to share with you all that there are two things that the Lord spoke to my heart today related to this text. The first is exactly what Kerry hits on when he mentions that Jesus will be named Jesus because He will save His people from their sins. I was reading earlier today in Matthew 1:21 where the angel basically told Mary that. I don't know about you, but I, honestly, in my many years now walking with Jesus had NEVER considered the actual REASON why Jesus was named Jesus - what Jesus meant. I had never considered it or thought about it and though I've read Matthew several times now had never seen that! I had always taken it on faith but never actually considered the name. Have you?? It turns out Jesus comes from the Hebrew meaning "the Lord is salvation" - it is literally a name formed in the Heavens for the One who was, is, and ever shall be Lord who is Salvation! He shall save His people from their sins! Even His name describes Him and His purpose so utterly clear!! The next thing that jumped out at me was in reading the start of the text above where it says that Zechariah wrote down "His name is John" and the following verse says that immediately his mouth was opened and he was able to speak again. That jumped out at me. Why was his mouth kept shut until that exact moment he wrote down "His name is John" in reference to the son that Gabriel told him that his elderly, barren wife would indeed have. The answer, I believe, lies a little earlier. In Luke 1:13 it says: "But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John." (ESV). Then a tad bit later it says: "And Zechariah said to the angel, 'How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.' And the angel answered him, 'I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.' (Luke 1:18-20 ESV) So Zechariah was silenced for disbelief. He did not initially believe God's truth that was presented to him by the angel Gabriel - the truth that his wife was going to have a son and of who his son was to be. Ironically he didn't believe this even though he and his wife had prayed for a child! How do we know? Because Gabriel said so when he said "your prayer has been heard." In other words, he prayed and then was surprised and disbelieving when the answer to his prayer came. Ever been in that place? I have. And so, because of his disbelief he was silenced from speaking until John was born. And yet, God is gracious and merciful - he even told Zechariah when his speech would return through Gabriel. I'll bet it gave him time to ponder the seriousness of belief, faith, and obedience to God. Isn't it fitting, and incidentally just like God, to restore Zechariah's speech at the point at which Zechariah showed - in action, mind you - that he DID believe and would obey? That's what fascinates me. God could have restored his speech any time, but He choose the MOMENT that Zechariah showed his faith - that he DID believe and would obey the Lord. When the people asked him what the child's name was and he wrote down "His name is John," he was showing complete obedience to what the Lord had said. Gabriel had told him that he was to name the child John. When he did so, it was at that moment - "immediately" as the Scripture says - that he was able to speak again and his song of praise recorded above came forth! God promised that he and Elizabeth would be parents. Zechariah doubted. Zechariah was silenced. God proved Himself true. Zechariah responded in belief and obedience and received his speech back. (Just as the Angel had told him). With his re-gained voice, the Holy Spirit came on him and he praised the Lord with all his might - even declaring the "mercy of our God" and showing his full faith NOW in what God had said about his own son when he gave the words recorded above to his son. He declared, in full faith, that his son John would be used by God to "give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins" - in essence to prepare hearts for Jesus. Perhaps a tiny little tidbit you might say. But to me this is just one more story in a Bible full of stories of disbelief in God and of faith in God. To this day, God's people doubt God constantly - even when the answers to our prayers are staring us in the face!! May we not be the kind of people that need God to "prove" His word to us but that simply believe what He says because He is God (and we aren't). May we all be a people of faith as we are called to be. Let us start anew this day by humbling ourselves, in faith, before the Savior who came to save us from our sins. He came, as Zechariah prophesied, to "shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death." He came to "guide our feet into the path of peace." He came for me. He came for you. Jesus Christ. May you have a wonderful Christmas with your Savior, Chris Long Laugh & Lift SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com ========================================================== _________________________________ |.==============. .==============.| j| | | || g| | | || s| __ | | M E R R Y || || .' '. | | || || / \ | | CHRISTMAS! || || .-;.- \| | || ||_(___)________| |______________|| | ______________ ______________ | ||/ .-'````"-. | | || ||-` _..---. `-| | .-. || ||.-" o `'._| | /\/ \ || || \,_ .-. o | | _ / | || || '._\_/._, | | / `\ / || || ()\__.'-'| |`\ \.--' || || | | ',_/ || ||_____________/| |__/___________|| '=================================' >How Do You Say It? - "MERRY CHRISTMAS" IN 33 LANGUAGES Here's how to say "Merry Christmas" in over 33 languages! * Afrikaans - 'n Geseende Kersfees en 'n voorspoedige Nuwejaar * Afrikander - Een Plesierige Kerfees * Albanian -- Gezuar Krishtlindje * Arabic - I'D MIILAD SAID OUA SANA SAIDA * Armenian - Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand * Azeri - Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun * Basque - Zorionstsu Eguberri. Zoriontsu Urte Berri On * Bengali - Bodo Din Shubh Lamona * Bohemian - Vesele Vanoce * Breton - Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat * Bulgarian - Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo * Celtic - Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda=13=DF * Chinese - (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan (Catonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun (Hong Kong) Kung Ho Hsin Hsi. Ching Chi Shen Tan * Cornish - Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth * Cree - Mitho Makosi Kesikansi * Croatian - Sretan Bozic * Czech - Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok * Danish - Gladelig Jul * Dutch - Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! * English - Merry Christmas * Esperanto - Gajan Kristnaskon * Estonian - Roomsaid Joulu Puhi * Farsi - Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad * Finnish - Hyvaa joulua * French - Joyeux Noel * Frisian - Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier! * German - Froehliche Weihnachten * Greek - Kala Christouyenna! * Hawaiian - Mele Kalikimaka * Hebrew - Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova * Hindi - Bada Din Mubarak Ho * Hungarian - Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket * Icelandic - Gledileg Jol * Indonesian - Selamat Hari Natal * Iraqi - Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah * Irish - Nollaig Shona Dhuit * Italian - Buone Feste Natalizie * Japanese - Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto * Kala - Khristougena kai Eftikhes to Neon Etos * Korean - Sung Tan Chuk Ha * Latvian - Priecigus Ziemas Svetkus un Laimigu Jauno Gadu * Lettish - Priecigus Ziemassvetkus * Lithuanian - Linksmu Kaledu * Manx - Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa * Maori - Meri Kirihimete * Marathi - Shub Naya Varsh * Navajo - Merry Keshmish * Northern Sotho Matlhatse le matlhogonolo mo ngwageng o moswa. * Norwegian - God Jul Og Godt Nytt Aar * Pennsylvania German - En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr! * Papiamento - Bon Pasku i Felis Anja Nobo * Pig Latin - Errymay ristmaskay nday appyhay ewnay earyay * Polish - Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia * Portuguese - Feliz Natal * Rapa-Nui - Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua * Romanian - Craciun Fericit * Russian - Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva i s Novim Godom * Serbian - Hristos se rodi * Slovakian - Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce * Samoan - La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou * Scottish - Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ur * Serbian - Hristos se rodi! * Singhalese - Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa * Slovak - Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok * Slovene - Vesele Bozicne. Screcno Novo Leto * Spanish - Feliz Navidad! * Swedish - God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt Ar * Tagalog - Maligayamg Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon * Tamil - Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal * Thai - Sawadee Pee Mai * Turkish - Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun * Ukrainian - Srozhdestvom Kristovym * Urdu - Naya Saal Mubarak Ho * Vietnamese - Chung Mung Giang Sinh * Waray - Maupay nga Pasko ngan Mainuswagon nga Bag-o nga Tu-ig * Welsh - Nadolig Llawen * Zulu: - Nginifisela inhlanhla ne mpumelelo e nyakeni __,_,_,___) _______ (--| | | (--/ ),_) ,_) | | | _ ,_,_ | |_ ,_ ' , _|_,_,_, _ , __| | | (/_| | (_| | | || |/_)_| | | |(_|/_)___, ( |___, ,__| \____) |__, |__, | '.|.' -= + =- ___ .'|'. ___ ******* | ******* /-====) | (_.- )) | / '( )' ) )) / / _/ \_( (( | |-( _ _ )) ) ) / | \ //| |\\ /'-( ( / \ \/\/ *** \/\/ / ) ) | |\ / .=. \ / ( ( `-;./ ;-' _\/(")\/_ '-; ) ) | \ |'---'| / ( ( | \ _| |_ / ) ) _/ | /\ /\ | ( ( jgs .-/ / '=' \ ( )-. `""---`-----` `----`----`""` >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah, Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $35 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list readers. 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