The True Christmas Story - It's Worth Telling

The secular world is always attacking Christmas. Oh, how the economy would suffer if we ever STOPPED celebrating this holiday! There's no denying that there are many who would prefer that Christ had nothing to do with Christmas.

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...

The True Christmas Story - It's Worth Telling

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 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 better thing to celebrate than the birth of Jesus Christ? The natural thing to do was to give the Christians a holy event to celebrate while their neighbors were busy celebrating their pagan holiday. That is why we celebrate December 25th as the birth of Jesus Christ.

If you think about it, we should be celebrating His birth every day for there is no greater gift than that free gift given to us by God, the birth of His Son who came to be our be our King of kings, to be our High Priest, and, to die in our place, that we might have an opportunity to be born again, free from sin.

Share this priceless gift with your family. Tell them the TRUE story of Christmas.

Have an incredible Christmas! Uh...by the way, the word "Christmas" comes from the Middle English "Cristemas" and from the Old English "Cristes Messe," or Christ's festival....in case you were interested.

Every blessing,

Michael Tummillo

A servant of God

[http://www.YourTown4Jesus.org]

The True Christmas Story - It's Worth Telling
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His mission is to bring Discipleship and Encouragement to the Body of Christ. Since '99, he has broadcast over 600 inspirational articles and a dozen booklets on subjects sure to interest the thinking Christian and accelerate the process of spiritual development.

He is the founder of t.e.a.m. ministries. An Author, Pastoral Counselor and Teacher, his eMail broadcasts, known as "Your Town for Jesus" are read around the globe. Subscribe at team1min@our-town.com.com

A licensed/ordained minister, a Certified Workplace Chaplain, and a Professional Member of NIBIC, he has ministered in Methodist, Pentecostal, Charismatic, Baptist, Disciples of Christ, College and Cowboy churches. He is the Workplace Chaplain for a Texas firm, overseeing the Spiritual Development of over 500 employees at ten facilities throughout the state. He is a strong advocate for the House Church Movement, readily available to assist Christians feeling that same inclination. A Speaker on the Christian Speaker Network, he may be available to speak to your church or Christian group.

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How to Write a Short Story About School Life: An Example

When you write a story about school or school life, you should think it from the end. A short story is different from a novel which sometimes finds its own way when writing it; you need a plan and a structure that is almost complete, if you want to make it a good story.

Take the example of one important action (for a short story, this is sufficient!): a boy of 12 years has been thrown out of his school. The question is, how to make an exciting and understandable story that ends with this negative event.

This is the moment to construct a flow of action leading to his exclusion. Of course, it means that you think the story from its ending, but you write it from the beginning. Use your experience and your fantasy to find reasons or motives why such a young boy might be excluded from his school.

How to Write a Short Story About School Life: An Example

You know some central elements and patterns that can lead to it: very bad behaviour, being often absent without any excuse, bad performance and grades, destroying something, and other grave problems. You need to look for really serious aspects, otherwise the story cannot be logical or understandable to the readers.

Imagine a class conference with all the teachers and the director where they talked only about this one boy. What did they say there? How did the teachers judge him? Were they looking for hints towards an improvement? Was it a question of sympathy? What was the form teacher's opinion? Was there a teacher who stated that it was not right to send him home forever?

Try to search for other facts in his situation, his life. Normally, the teachers will be right when they find that the behaviour of a pupil or a student is intolerable. But the task of an author is, I believe, to look at the things behind the visible action. What are his conditions at home like? Has he got friends who play with him, help him? How do his siblings act towards him?

Maybe you can find some serious problems in the family or in his daily life beyond school. Maybe his father is an alcoholic, his mother is drug addicted - or his best friend was killed in a car crash? Maybe he is very unhappy with a problem he cannot solve on his own?

Managing this background question, an author of a short story about school can help to explain problematic behaviour and bad performance of a student, without simply putting the blame on someone. So the focus can be set on the solving of a problem - even if the story only makes the problem visible.

If these relevant aspects are part of your plan, you can write the story, no matter where you begin: with the exclusion of the boy, with the class conference or with the decisive reason of his misery. You can write a successful story now!

How to Write a Short Story About School Life: An Example
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Henry Arnold, author of 'School Stories', writes about ways and methods to construct and make short stories dealing with topics at and around school. He has published several books on English and American novels and considers his own experience as a High School teacher when writing. You can look at his blog: http://smartschoolstories.blogspot.com and discuss with him.

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What to Write in Newspaper Obituaries, Death Notices and Funeral Obituaries

There are subtle differences between Newspaper Obituaries, Death Notices and Funeral Obituaries. Knowing what to write for each can save you money, time and frustration. Here is a checklist and description of what is commonly accepted for each type of obituary.

What is an Obituary?

An obituary is a notice that announces the death of someone with a description of the person's life and list of family members. An obituary can be published in a newspaper, online or in the funeral program. There are subtle differences in the obituary based on where it will be published.

Writing a Death Notice for a Newspaper.

A newspaper obituary is sometimes called a death notice because it simply announces that the person has passed away and gives funeral information. Before you begin to write, contact the newspaper to find out about length restrictions and costs.

What to Write in Newspaper Obituaries, Death Notices and Funeral Obituaries

In any case, a death notice or a newspaper obituary must be kept brief due to length restrictions. Usually the announcement will contain most of the following:

Full name of the deceased City where they resided Surviving Family Date, time and address of memorial service Date, time and address of burial service Officiating Clergy Memorial contributions to be made in lieu of flowers to: Photo - if there's room

You can find examples of death notices at obituarieshelp.org.

Writing a Newspaper Obituary for the Online Edition

All national and many local newspapers have online editions and will publish newspaper obituaries online for free or for a small fee, depending on the newspaper and the length of the obituary. Make sure you ask before you start to write and also be aware that many major newspapers only allow your obituary to be online for a short while. This can be frustrating to people who look for it after the fact and it makes genealogy and family search difficult at a later date.

When writing a newspaper obituary for the online edition you will have an opportunity to write a little more, but space will still be a consideration for most online newspapers. You'll be able to include the above information, plus the additional information below:

Cause of Death Education Religious Affiliations Professional Memberships Participation in local or national organizations Military Service Occupation and employment history Accomplishments, achievements, awards Publications either written about or by the deceased Hobbies or Activities Acts of humanitarianism
Writing a Funeral Obituary

A funeral obituary can contain as much information as the funeral program will allow. Usually one page of the program is devoted to the obituary and it focuses on the education, accomplishments and activities of the deceased as well as lists surviving friends and family. A funeral obituary is much more personal and tells the story of the person's life more than just the facts of the death and internment. See examples of funeral obituaries at obituarieshelp.org.

A Final Word About Obituaries

No matter how much you're allowed to write, remember that an obituary is not only an announcement of a person's death; an obituary honors the deceased and is their final farewell. It's also a way for people to find out about the deceased's accomplishments and family ties. In many cases, an obituary is the only way for families to know their ancestors and relations. The focus should be on the positive aspects of the person's life. Any negative aspect should be put in the best possible light or omitted.

What to Write in Newspaper Obituaries, Death Notices and Funeral Obituaries
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Melanie Walters recommends ObituariesHelp.org for Newspaper Obituaries , free genealogy resources, guides to building a family tree, sample letters of sympathy and condolence, written examples of eulogies as well as help with all aspects of funeral planning.

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Are Indoor Humidity Levels Affecting Your Health?

The ideal indoor humidity level is either 35% to 45% or 40% to 50% depending on who you ask. Thankfully, the human body is quite flexible and you do not have too aim at an exact figure. The important thing is to avoid extremes. Living indoors is not entirely natural. The artificial environments that we create for ourselves can sometimes cause extremes of humidity to occur. For short periods of time this is nothing to worry about, but the long term effects can be quite unpleasant.

If the humidity level regularly exceeds 50% you are likely to experience a rapidly increasing dust mite population, which will affect allergy sufferers. Permanently damp rooms tend to have a musty smell. The damp air is a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew and fungus, which can cause serious health problems. Where ever possible the cause of such conditions should be removed, but it is not always that simple and a dehumidifier may be required. A modern dehumidifier with built in humidistat can be programmed to maintain a humidity level below 50%. There are a wide variety available, so it is important to find the correct type for your situation. A useful guide to dehumidifiers can be found at DehumidifierTips.com

Consistently low humidity levels are also bad. This tends to occur when the weather is cold outside and we turn up the heat in our homes. The most noticeable effects are a sore throat and sinus pain, symptoms that are common in modern society at certain times of year. You can also get dry skin and itchy eyes. The solution is to buy a humidifier that will put moisture back into the air. Like dehumidifiers, these can be programmed to operate automatically, and there is a huge range available that make the most of a variety of different humidification techniques. These techniques are explored in detail at HumidifierInformation.com together with everything else you need to know on the subject.

Are Indoor Humidity Levels Affecting Your Health?

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, maybe you should buy a hygrometer (humidity meter) and take some readings to find out if humidity is the cause. With modern technology at your disposal there is no need for your health to suffer.

Are Indoor Humidity Levels Affecting Your Health?
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You can find out more about optimum indoor humidity levels at http://www.humidifierinformation.com

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