With Christmas just a few days away now, and with that the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, and the great gift he represents in our lives; I thought I would post an appropriate Bible verse.

 

" For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."--- Romans 6:23, NIV

 

It's Christmas time, and with the world facing an economic crisis, and people worldwide struggling; it is hard to feel joy and celebrate. Many look at the elaborate decorations and constant TV ads for gifts; with a sense of despair and loss. But, why is that? I believe it is because we've lost the true meaning of Christmas, and what the focus should be.

 

No matter our financial or physical state when the holidays come around; we do have cause to celebrate. We do have cause to open our hearts and feel joy. Christmas isn't about outdoor lighting displays or going into debt to buy expensive presents. Christmas is about Christ. The light of Christmas won't be found on your January electric bill. The hope won't be under your tree wrapped up. The joy cannot be purchased from a store. The greatest gift ever given isn't a new gaming system. It is the Christ child, who was born of a virgin long ago in Bethlehem. That baby is our forever hope; and the reason we can celebrate no matter what is going on in our personal lives, or in the world.

Just as lowly shepherds and wise men alike were filled with joy, hope and love after the birth of Jesus Christ in that stable; we can be filled with joy, hope and love celebrating Christ's birth once again. Christ's birth gave all of mankind the greatest of gifts--the promise of eternal life, and the hope that we can rise above, and overcome all earthly trials and sorrows. If you have no money for gifts take solace in this greatest gift which you were already presented with. If you are ill this Christmas; let the loving arms of Christ comfort you. Hang on to the knowledge he will erase all suffering one day. If you are depressed know that this world and all it's sadness is not the end. There is much beyond it, and better days to come. Put your hope in Christ, and look to him for guidance. If you are lonely, know that in God's eyes you are important. He came for you too! He came for us all and he loves us all.

This Christmas season when things seem hard; remember the hardness of the conditions in which our Savior was born. When you read the story of the birth of Jesus in the Bible; think of how difficult times were for Mary and Joseph. Jesus in his birth presented to us a perfect message. Things will never be perfect for us on earth(in his absence). In the midst of trial however; Christ wants us to know he is there. Just as he came all those years ago as a tiny baby bringing hope--he is still the hope which lives, and which we should cling to.

 

So, no matter what we may or may not get to open this Christmas under the tree; know in your heart that you were already given the gift of life in Jesus Christ. The most wonderful, unselfishly given thing you could possible imagine. I hope you treasure that gift, accept that gift, and may that gift bring you peace and joy.

God Bless You!

Merry Christmas!
Unhitched 

 

 

 

***John 3;16(NIV)--"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." 

 

Merry Christmas

 

Freedom has a sound, like the smell of a Newborn Baby's head!

Good mention, Dori

 

Through Christ we can indeed be free of all our shackles.

 

 

 

 

Song= U2 'Sunday Bloody Sunday'
"How long, how long must we sing this song?"

Biblical= But how sweet the victory already won once we in union sing a new song; one of peace, when our Lord Jesus Christ returns to reign on earth.

 Song= U2 'Sunday Bloody Sunday'

" But I won't heed the battle call"

 

Biblical= We should affect the kingdom by peaceful measures.

*** With 2009 approaching, I think of the lyrics from "Sunday Bloody Sunday'. Why it comes to mind in particular is because of the encompassing plea within the song for all the fighting to end. A weariness of the horrible acts of violence men are capable of. How wonderful it would be to truly live in a peaceful world. This New Years Eve, let us all make a resolution to both pray for for peaceful solutions to the world's conflicts; as well as vowing to do whatever we can to affect peace.

 

U2 fans are a community of individuals who hold strong to common beliefs of hope, justice, peace, charity and love. We are not simple, quiet armchair warriors. We embrace activism whatever the scale to bring about positive changes in the world. In 2009 let's remember this boldly, and as our own community let us continue to "carry each other". Let's continue to make a difference! Let us sing our own song of unity, and that song will be our collective prayer for peace.

 

 James 3:17(KJV)--" But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."

 

1st Peter 3:10&11(KJV)--"For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they may speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it."

Proverbs 16:7(KJV)-- "When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him."

 

May God Bless You in 2009!!

Re Sunday Bloody Sunday:

 

"Blessed are the persecuted peacemakers, for they shall see God."

 

Praying  for peace in the Holy Land and everywhere.

 

 Beginnings

 

 

 Happy 2009! I pray this year will be a fruitful one for all; full of many blessings. We've made it through another year(sigh!). For a lot of us 2008 was a very difficult year. There seemed to be trouble plaguing the entire world in fact. Troubles...much trouble. Troubles and trials--they are a certainty in life. Job 5:7 says: " Man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward." Job 14:1 says:"Man that is born of a woman is of a few days, and full of trouble." But synonymous with trouble is hope. Hope is right there in the mix. Hope is right there beside us because God is right there beside us. Our ultimate hope is God, and in his promises to us.

 

 God promises to be with us always--to never forsake us-- to listen and love us unconditionally as his children; the way any loving Father would. He promises to forgive, and even forget all our sin if we ask his forgiveness. He promises to keep us from eternal death if we trust in him. Pretty heavy stuff! Pretty loving stuff. As the years go by I find it hard to believe in any hope of this world. I see there are no guarantees. There are no infallible leaders; no people without agendas; no honest governments; no greedless societies. But, I also realize this is the humanity of mankind. It is all our collective imperfections.

 

We are all here waiting. We wait, missing something or someone (Psalms 39:7&8KJV). We cannot fix things on our own. Our hope lies with God. In 2009 I am going to try focusing on the one person who can help me. That is God. I believe absent of looking to him for answers; I am looking shy of true help and true love. People... things...they put a band aid on your pain and troubles. They may sincerely care and love you, but they cannot ultimately save you, change you or carry you in the competent way God can. He alone is the true Hope and Salvation.

 

I've always loved the line from U2's 'New Years Day' which says: "I --I will begin again". I've had a few times in my life where I have had to "begin again" physically. In those times I had support and love from loved ones; especially my parents...yet they couldn't solve or fix the problems. They were watching things unfold just the same as I was. Only God could give me the strength, resolve and peace of mind I needed to get through those times. I will testify to you of feeling his peace, strength and mercy in the midst of my own weakness, fears and self- doubt(Proverbs 8:34, 2nd Timothy 4:5,Isaiah 30:18-21, Lamentations 3:32, John 16:33, Isaiah 54:7& 8 KJV). I also believe one day I will "begin again" with a new self; when Christ returns( 1st Thessalonians 4:16 & 17KJV). I have this hope because of my choice years ago to "begin again" by being born again(John 3: 3-18 KJV). It all goes back to hope. It all goes back to God. It really is that simple. and isn't that what we all crave in 2009?--something easy and simple?! Simple hope, simple love...a simple promise. I do.

 

Romans 8:31-37(NKJV)--"If God is for us, who can be against us?...In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

 

God Bless You!
Love In Christ; Unhitched

 

 

What a very moving pic Unhitched.

 

Beginnings

 

 

Thank-You both, Susan and Hjay

Reading your posts make me feel good. It is heartening to read the hope you both have.

 No one can ever underestimate hope. Everyone needs hope through every day of their lives(and recall that with Hope is God). Hope for things to get easier. Hope for a friend. Hope for a job or a home. Hope for their pain to lessen. Taking things in small steps or one day at a time helps a great deal, Hjay. You are right! In all struggles it is best to think small and hope big. Think about the next minutes...the next hour...the next day. Hope for the next month and the next few years. Through it all remember God loves us all, and he is with us all. Unlike us he never tires, becomes discouraged or gives up.

 

Here is a link to the Faith Matters board at the new site: http://u2graffitiwall.aimoo.com/Spiritual-Matters/Faith-Matters-1-229769.html