Tags |
|
|
Links |
|
|
Casual Articles - The True Christmas Story - It's Worth Telling
Al Queda has often been referred to as a franchise like organization and indeed in one of my early Blog posts I had mentioned this. But if you really look at Al Queda it is more like a MLM Multi Level Marketing Company than anything else. If you study multi level marketing, net-work marketing or pyramid schemes you can see the evolution of their hybrid business plans and models, which have come forth and you can quickly understand how Al Queda has changed over the years too.The Franchising or Branding of Al Queda has seemed to embraced a renewed theme of Jihad and has enabled them to recruit new members, especially weak minded individuals looking for a sense of purpose. With the Middle Eastern religion so pervasive in every aspect of life the defeated individual is looking for something more. The well-branded Al Queda was able to use this to recruit more holy warriors to fight and die for Allah.Stopping a franchise organization or a MLM organization is not so hard. First you divide their message and brand and weaken the strength of their brand n
Matthew 2:10-11 "...After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him... they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
First, the Gold is telling of His royalty, that He is the true King of kings.
Second, the Frankincense tells of His true reason for leaving the glory of Heaven and becoming man...His priesthood. We read in Hebrews 2:17 that He became like us that He might be our "faithful high priest in things pertaining to God."
And, third, the Myrrh represents His death on the cross "to make propitiation for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17).
After
While most folks today trust mutual funds and their professional managers with their investments, it’s still important to understand the basics of the stock market. Although investing in individual stocks may not be right for everyone, a basic understanding of the stock market is essential to understanding the workings of our economy and business sector.A stock is a portion of ownership in a company. Commonly referred to as a share, it is a small percentage of the total ownership pool for the corporation. Shareholders are stock owners, or people who have an ownership interest in the corporation. Today, shares are usually tracked electronically, but in previous decades shareholders would actually receive a certificate stating their ownership.Why own stocks? First, you are sharing in the company’s profits. When a corporation shows a profit, they will sometimes distribute these profits to each shareholder, based on how much stock they own. This distribution is called a dividend. Company’s can elect to pay out their profits or reinvest them
Before we Christians get our lederhosen in a twist in defense of our beloved holiday, let's consider a few things about this celebration of "the night of our dear Savior's birth." We may be surprised to find that Christ - and many Christian traditions - had little to do with Christmas as we know it.
I'M NOT BEING A GRINCH BUT...
When it comes to Christmas Pageants and Nativity scenes, let's acknowledge how erroneous they are. Invariably, they combine the visit of the Shepherds (found in Luke’s Gospel) with the visit of the Magi (from Matthew’s Gospel) into one harmonized birthday celebration.
See, in Luke’s Gospel, the account goes something like this: Shepherd’s are in the field and an angel appears to them and directs them to visit Bethlehem where the baby has been born (Luke 2). Verse 16 declares, " So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger." Let's not overlook that point: a BABY in the manger. The Greek word used there means clearly refers to a newborn baby. Nowhere does Luke mentions “wise men” or “magi."
Then, as we examine Matthew, we read nothing about shepherds or a manger. Here’s how Matthew tells his story (Chapter 2): “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, etc." After Jesus was born, these Magi showed up in Jerusalem and asked where a king would be born in this particular kingdom. They are told, in Bethlehem. So, off they go. The story picks up in verse 11: “After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Did you catch that? When the Magi arrive, they enter a HOUSE and find, not an infant - as in Luke - but a toddler, older than an infant, according to the Greek definition.
These facts demonstrate two things for us:
1) The Shepherds arrived immediately after Jesus’ birth and visited him while he was still in the manger.
2) The Magi arrived about two years later and visited the toddler in his parent's house in Bethlehem.
Matthew and Luke are telling two different stories that we have somehow attempted to blend together. The birth accounts need NOT be combined because they describe different phases in the childhood of Jesus. The fact that Herod killed all Bethlehem boys age 2 and under could be evidence that Jesus was about that age.
Hence, when Christmas Pageants and Nativity Scenes include both Shepherds and Wise Men, they do so against Biblical testimony and contrary to the Gospels themselves. In short, they telescope two separate, distinct events into one. Does this mean such pageants are evil? No, but it does mean they are inaccurate.
THE MEANINGFUL GIFTS OF THE MAGI
The gifts were given to the baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men (Magi) from the East. Were there REALLY three? Probably not but there were at least two. Let's look at what those gifts were and what they represent. The three gifts we read of in Matthew 2 are a BIG part of the Gospel story for they are symbolic of the reason that Jesus was born in a human body; they are an expression of His ministry on earth.
Matthew 2:10-11 "...After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him... they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
First, the Gold is telling of His royalty, that He is the true King of kings.
Second, the Frankincense tells of His true reason for leaving the glory of Heaven and becoming man...His priesthood. We read in Hebrews 2:17 that He became like us that He might be our "faithful high priest in things pertaining to God."
And, third, the Myrrh represents His death on the cross "to make propitiation for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17).
After
I am a [by default, in Arizona, a “limited” attorney] Real Estate Broker. Real estate brokers are held to a high standard in tenant and landlord real estate law. Thus, on several Expert web sites, I answer questions about “what can I do, my landlord is……..” Or “my tenant has……………, what can I do”?It is known that across America, people move from their primary residence about seven times in their lifetime. Much of that occurs during the summer, either after a vacation or in lieu of one. It is my hope that for those of you in that mainstream who are moving,and I mean from one rental property to another, that these bits and pieces of data will help you so you don’t wind up with someone mad at you and money lost.First, all tenants are lease-holders, in writing or otherwise. IF not specifically a week to week [out of the ordinary but quite legal] agreement, and if not in writing, your lease is a month- to- month. If it is in writing, it is for 2 months or longer. Its duration can be for any mutually agreeable length—agreeable between landlord and tena
See, in Luke’s Gospel, the account goes something like this: Shepherd’s are in the field and an angel appears to them and directs them to visit Bethlehem where the baby has been born (Luke 2). Verse 16 declares, " So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger." Let's not overlook that point: a BABY in the manger. The Greek word used there means clearly refers to a newborn baby. Nowhere does Luke mentions “wise men” or “magi."
Then, as we examine Matthew, we read nothing about shepherds or a manger. Here’s how Matthew tells his story (Chapter 2): “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, etc." After Jesus was born, these Magi showed up in Jerusalem and asked where a king would be born in this particular kingdom. They are told, in Bethlehem. So, off they go. The story picks up in verse 11: “After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Did you catch that? When the Magi arrive, they enter a HOUSE and find, not an infant - as in Luke - but a toddler, older than an infant, according to the Greek definition.
These facts demonstrate two things for us:
1) The Shepherds arrived immediately after Jesus’ birth and visited him while he was still in the manger.
2) The Magi arrived about two years later and visited the toddler in his parent's house in Bethlehem.
Matthew and Luke are telling two different stories that we have somehow attempted to blend together. The birth accounts need NOT be combined because they describe different phases in the childhood of Jesus. The fact that Herod killed all Bethlehem boys age 2 and under could be evidence that Jesus was about that age.
Hence, when Christmas Pageants and Nativity Scenes include both Shepherds and Wise Men, they do so against Biblical testimony and contrary to the Gospels themselves. In short, they telescope two separate, distinct events into one. Does this mean such pageants are evil? No, but it does mean they are inaccurate.
THE MEANINGFUL GIFTS OF THE MAGI
The gifts were given to the baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men (Magi) from the East. Were there REALLY three? Probably not but there were at least two. Let's look at what those gifts were and what they represent. The three gifts we read of in Matthew 2 are a BIG part of the Gospel story for they are symbolic of the reason that Jesus was born in a human body; they are an expression of His ministry on earth.
Matthew 2:10-11 "...After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him... they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
First, the Gold is telling of His royalty, that He is the true King of kings.
Second, the Frankincense tells of His true reason for leaving the glory of Heaven and becoming man...His priesthood. We read in Hebrews 2:17 that He became like us that He might be our "faithful high priest in things pertaining to God."
And, third, the Myrrh represents His death on the cross "to make propitiation for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17).
After
It is possible to find a no interest California home equity loan even if the market is seller strong, as a lot depends on the area where the house is located, and equity established by the homeowner. These home equity loans can be used for repairs, home improvement, and other unexpected expenses. The reason these home equity loans are preferred is that there is no rate of interest. As the borrower is allowed to make small withdrawals, they can also pay back the existing credit before applying for a new one. This helps improve the credit score and the limit granted, for an equity loan next time might be higher.A home equity loan is normally taken for a short term, but is never given for a very long term. In order to avail for a no interest home equity loan, the credit rating of the borrower must be outstanding. The sum that is withdrawn must be in small amounts. The payment history should be good without any defaults.Borrowers have to file documents and make sure they contain evidence of possession, mails of reference, contracts, tax returns, fin
These facts demonstrate two things for us:
1) The Shepherds arrived immediately after Jesus’ birth and visited him while he was still in the manger.
2) The Magi arrived about two years later and visited the toddler in his parent's house in Bethlehem.
Matthew and Luke are telling two different stories that we have somehow attempted to blend together. The birth accounts need NOT be combined because they describe different phases in the childhood of Jesus. The fact that Herod killed all Bethlehem boys age 2 and under could be evidence that Jesus was about that age.
Hence, when Christmas Pageants and Nativity Scenes include both Shepherds and Wise Men, they do so against Biblical testimony and contrary to the Gospels themselves. In short, they telescope two separate, distinct events into one. Does this mean such pageants are evil? No, but it does mean they are inaccurate.
THE MEANINGFUL GIFTS OF THE MAGI
The gifts were given to the baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men (Magi) from the East. Were there REALLY three? Probably not but there were at least two. Let's look at what those gifts were and what they represent. The three gifts we read of in Matthew 2 are a BIG part of the Gospel story for they are symbolic of the reason that Jesus was born in a human body; they are an expression of His ministry on earth.
Matthew 2:10-11 "...After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him... they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
First, the Gold is telling of His royalty, that He is the true King of kings.
Second, the Frankincense tells of His true reason for leaving the glory of Heaven and becoming man...His priesthood. We read in Hebrews 2:17 that He became like us that He might be our "faithful high priest in things pertaining to God."
And, third, the Myrrh represents His death on the cross "to make propitiation for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17).
After
Light boxes are quickly becoming the next trade show craze. There is something magical about back lit graphics that works really well in the trade show environment. Although I haven't seen anything on the order of an entirely back lit display, I have seen hundreds of kiosks and towers set up to be used as light boxes. Kiosks and towers give your company a great point at which to begin conversation, and the lightbox only adds power to the demonstration.The primary difficulty with light box kiosks is getting electricity to your kiosk without leaving an unsightly cord in the middle of your trade show booth. This is really easy if you have purchased trade show flooring, but it can be incredibly difficult if you have not. The last thing you want is to have your booth staffers tripping over an unsightly cord while they are trying to present information to attendees. If you have no way to hide the electrical cord that will be running from behind your booth to your kiosk, you should at least align your kiosk with one edge of your exhibiting space instead of ha
Hence, when Christmas Pageants and Nativity Scenes include both Shepherds and Wise Men, they do so against Biblical testimony and contrary to the Gospels themselves. In short, they telescope two separate, distinct events into one. Does this mean such pageants are evil? No, but it does mean they are inaccurate.
THE MEANINGFUL GIFTS OF THE MAGI
The gifts were given to the baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men (Magi) from the East. Were there REALLY three? Probably not but there were at least two. Let's look at what those gifts were and what they represent. The three gifts we read of in Matthew 2 are a BIG part of the Gospel story for they are symbolic of the reason that Jesus was born in a human body; they are an expression of His ministry on earth.
Matthew 2:10-11 "...After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him... they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
First, the Gold is telling of His royalty, that He is the true King of kings.
Second, the Frankincense tells of His true reason for leaving the glory of Heaven and becoming man...His priesthood. We read in Hebrews 2:17 that He became like us that He might be our "faithful high priest in things pertaining to God."
And, third, the Myrrh represents His death on the cross "to make propitiation for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17).
After
Multitudes are catching wind of the concept that “The Church” is the people and NOT the buildings or the Institution. While 80% of the Christian world – those who are NOT English-speaking Westerners – have embraced this concept, teaching their disciples, as John G. Lake did, to “run and pray,” the majority of elitist Western Christians have hunkered down in their sanctuaries and are making man in their own image, teaching new converts to find a seat (long as it's not THEIRS), carry a Bible, learn the songs, attend Sunday School, sing in the choir and, if you’re a good man - and in some cases, a good woman – maybe someone important will notice you and promote you to Deacon. A select few may Teach Sunday School. Even fewer may become an Elder, that is, if you endure long enough or make enough money. If you’re REALLY something special, you’ll skip eldership and become a Pastor. Do that long enough and you may become a Prophet, then an Apostle…then what?God?God is doing an old thing. Let me re-phrase that: for most of US, i
Matthew 2:10-11 "...After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him... they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
First, the Gold is telling of His royalty, that He is the true King of kings.
Second, the Frankincense tells of His true reason for leaving the glory of Heaven and becoming man...His priesthood. We read in Hebrews 2:17 that He became like us that He might be our "faithful high priest in things pertaining to God."
And, third, the Myrrh represents His death on the cross "to make propitiation for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17).
After Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, had been granted the right to remove Jesus from the cross and lay Him in the tomb built for Joseph himself; Nicodemus came, bringing embalming materials, to help with the burial of Jesus. We are told in John 19:39: "Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight." Myrrh was used as an embalming ointment. Myrrh was also an incense frequently used in perfumes. You will recall, in John 12:1-7, that Mary, sister of Lazarus, took a jar of costly perfume of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus. When Judas Iscariot chastised her for this, Jesus told him, ". . . Let her alone, in order that she may keep it for the joy of My burial."
On the web site, Bible Fragrances --- http://www.biblefragrances.net/nard.html --- we read:
In the Old Testament, nard is referred to in the Song of Songs, as a symbol of the intimate nature of the Bride’s love. This is the point at which relations with her beloved are initiated. When the perfume of nard is named, the bride recognizes her beloved as such. With that in mind, we see that Mary was representing what ALL Christians have been down through the ages, i.e., the Bride of Christ, recognizing, worshipping, and adoring the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. So, we see the Gold representing His royalty; the Frankincense representing His priesthood; and the Myrrh representing His death. That is the true meaning of gifts at Christmas as they tell the story of the Gospel of Jesus Christ all by themselves. If you want to really give your family, especially your children and grandchildren, the very best gift possible for Christmas, share with them the story of Jesus' birth and why He came to earth, as the Mediator between God and man.
Don't go broke buying gifts. Instead, give your family the most precious gift, Jesus Christ.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS?
I know that many will say that Christmas is not really the true time of Jesus' birth. That's true, for no one really knows the true date of His birth. We DO know that Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem for the census decreed by Caesar Augustus, that all must go to their own city to be registered and counted. Now, since the Roman government heavily taxed the Jews, they would certainly have waited until AFTER the fall harvest to call them to leave their fields Otherwise, the harvest to be taxed would be smaller. The Romans wanted more bang for their buck, one might say.
Also, I've read that it was most likely the early Fall when the shepherds were still in the fields with their flocks. In December, it would be too cold for them to have their sheep in the fields.
It is also true that December 25th was chosen because it was a pagan holiday, Saturnalia, a Roman festival and holiday, and it has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Put yourself in the place of the Christians during that time. They were seeing all the revelry of the Roman Saturnalia festival; they were seeing many of their friends and family being lured toward the good times of that festival. What could they do? Just as today many Christians offer Halloween "alternative parties" for their children to keep them from the pagan rituals of Halloween, the Christians in that day decided to celebrate an alternative to Saturnalia. What
HTTP = HTML link (for blogs, profiles,phorums):
<a href="http://www.casualarticles.com/article/196767/casualarticles-The-True-Christmas-Story--Its-Worth-Telling.html">The True Christmas Story - It's Worth Telling</a>
BB link (for phorums):
[url=http://www.casualarticles.com/article/196767/casualarticles-The-True-Christmas-Story--Its-Worth-Telling.html]The True Christmas Story - It's Worth Telling[/url]
Related Articles:
Advice on Picking and Developing a Career
Content Management for Websites and the Importance for the Small Business
Bookmark it:
|