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AtricleZine - The True Christmas Story - It's Worth Telling
It’s amazing what a well-written and nicely presented resume can do for your job search. Before you send yours out, follow this checklist to ensure you are sending out an excellent quality representation of yourself.1. Grammar, spelling, punctuation – Use the grammar and spell check function, then print it out and read the document word for word. Spell checker doesn’t know that you meant “manager” when you actually typed “manger.”2. Capitalization – Use a manual such as the Gregg Reference Manual if you do not know capitalization rules.3. Punctuation – Check for proper use of commas and semi-colons. Again, if you are unsure, refer to the Gregg Reference Manual.4. Run-on sentences – Check to make sure you do not have run-ons that are hard to read.5. Consistency – You must be consistent with your number usage (dates, money, numbers), plurals, and abbreviations. For example, don’t list one date as 8/2004 and then list another date as 3/15/2004.
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 stor
I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is that 98% of businesses are small businesses. That bodes well for the entrepreneurial spirit that has made our nation great. The bad news is that 80%, that’s right, four out of five new businesses will fail in their first five years.After years of building my own companies and consulting growing businesses, I’ve come to the realization that too many business owners can’t see their business through an objective eye, which often leads to their demise. It takes an incredible amount of intense drive, determination and a strong ego to breathe life into a business and create products from scratch, but it’s also that same ego that won’t let a business owner be objective about what their business needs to succeed. The business is up and running at light-speed and management doesn’t have the time or willingness to stand back and take a real look at what they have created. They are too close to the problems to see them. Just like a proud parent, they have spent sweat and time creating this “baby,” and they refuse
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 stor
Nokia N95 hardly leaves anything to complain about, rarely gives you a chance to rue and probably would never summon the best carper out of you. Is this a piece of literary pursuit? No, not my cup of tea! The above statement should not be viewed more than an involuntary gush of words which may seem partisan, yet it reflects the fact.So what makes Nokia N95 worthy of this eulogy? Well, what else but an unparalleled set of technical specifications and compelling looks (can't miss the wide screen) at a restrained mass of 120g. Nokia N95 is a double way slider phone which reveals keypads and multimedia buttons on either side of the slider. Though, the display integrated is not the best in the market, however it still looks brilliant in 240 x 320 pixels 16M colours. Owing to the GSM QuadBand technology, Nokia N95 is capable of global roaming. So, here is another power-packed phone ready to tread the globe! Let us see how different it is.The 5 megapixels camera with Carl Zeiss optics, autofocus and video capturing at an impressive 30 fps is arguably t
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 stor
Those who often surf the Internet might have come across various offer sites and program blogs appearing before automatically reverting to the target site. These offer sites occur in the shape of a new window coming to the visitor of a site. The new window is packed with offers and lucrative services that compel the visitor to go to the link of the new window. This is a deliberate way to raise the number of visitors to one’s site by making an alliance with some other websites with related topics.If the visitor of your website chooses to go to a particular program by clicking on it or fulfilling other criterions, such as giving some information of him or herself, giving the email address, or filling out certain online forms, the website with which the program was affiliated gives the main website a lot of money. Usually the calculation is done on the basis of the number of visitors of these affiliated programs.Pay-per-click affiliate programs are the most profitable affiliate programs for any website. As the name itself suggests, your website wil
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 stor
Custom-made lapel pins are one of the most cost effective promotional tools on the market right now. Whether you are a small organization or a multi-national conglomerate, they are a very affordable way of subtly conveying your message to an applicable industry. They are also an excellent way to display pride in sports or achievement and can even be used as fund raising merchandise.But a custom lapel pin’s purpose is not solely as an effective merchandising or advertising tool. Let’s look at a few different types so that you can get some ideas for uses in your own organization or group.SportingTrading pins are the hottest item going for youth sports teams these days. This is a great and economical hobby for younger adults and also a good way for them to achieve a sense of pride as they develop and expand their collection.AwarenessRibbon pins are a great way to show your support for any you support. If you company or group is looking to promote a specific cause, you can even include a logo on any custom ribbon pin.Awar
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 stor
Are you more likely to have more debt according to what state you live in? In a recent report done by Experian on the debt averages per state, the answer is yes! The report, compiled from approximately 3 million consumers nationwide, shows that the North East states of New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island have the highest average overall debt in the nation of $16,845, $15,314 and $14,643. The report measures overall debt of a consumer; everything present on a credit report, including credit cards and installment debts but excluding mortgage debt. Massachusetts, Maine and Delaware also followed closely behind the top three.The states listed with the lowest average debt were Mississippi, Washington D.C., and Oklahoma. These states reported around half of the debt of the northern states with $8,420, $8,655 and $8,823. So what factors make the debt averages so different between these states? Cost of living plays a role with the higher cost of living in the New England and coastal areas versus the South and Midwest areas.Another contrib
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 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, JES
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