🙂👍💯🎄⛄🦌🤶🎅 christian meaning of xmas decorations part 2
Posted : 19 Dec, 2022 08:51 AM
EVERGREENS: In cool climates, many plants are deciduous. That is, they lose their leaves in the fall, remain dead-looking all winter, and begin to sprout new growth in the spring. Evergreens are, broadly speaking, any type of plant that retains its green leaves or needles all year round. As Christian Christmas symbols, evergreens symbolize perseverance and resiliency to adversity. They remind us of Jesus' words, "The ones who persevere to the end shall be saved." Our faith must remain vibrant in all spiritual, economic, political, and social environments.
CHRISTMAS TREE: In the early 700’s, Saint Boniface, who converted the German people to Christianity, demolished the Oak of Thor, the mighty sacred tree worshipped by the Saxons. From its roots grew a fir tree which Boniface took as a sign of the Christian faith. About the year 1500, inspired by a snow covered fir tree, a small tree was brought indoors and decorated with candles in honor of Christ’s birth. By the 18th century, the custom of decorating a Christmas tree was well established in France, Germany, and Austria. Thus, the Christmas tree represents the original Tree of Paradise, the burning bush which spoke to Moses, the branch of Jesse from which Jesus was born, the life-giving tree of the cross of Christ, and the tree which St. John the Apostle saw in the Book of Revelations whose leaves have medicine for the people and which yields fruit each month for the healing of the nations. Because it is green year-round, the evergreen tree represents hope. Its needles and its narrow crest point upward, turning our thoughts to heaven. Because the tree is cut down and then erected again, it is a symbol of Christ’s resurrection.
TINSEL: Tinsel are the thin, metallic strands that are used in Christmas decorations. A legend tells of a poor, faithful family who wished to decorate a Christmas tree in honor of the Christ Child but who had no money for decorations. In the night, spiders came and spun webs across the tree. Then the Christ Child, honoring the family's faith, turned the threads into silver.
CANDLES AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Candles and Christmas lights represent Christ, the Light of the World. Candles and Christmas lights also remind us that we are to be light to others, to show them the way to Christ.
BELLS: Bells were part of the Jewish high priest's garb. Christmas bells not only symbolize the joy of Christmas; they also remind us that Christ is the High Priest.
Christmas is filled with symbols, many of which have lost their Christian symbolism in a secular world. Here you will find the Christian meaning of Christmas symbols.
Let us pray, Lord, the symbolism of Christmas is replete with many secular symbols, all of which point to You. You are the Beginning and the End, the Word made flesh, God in a manger. Help me, Lord, to imitate Your lowliness so that I can serve You well. Amen.
HOLLY: Holly is an extremely hardy shrub that can be grown most places, making it one of the few plants that can withstand temperatures from 110 degrees F to – 40 degrees F. Holly plants are noted for their attractive red berries and glossy, sharp-toothed green leaves which remain on the plant year round. The holly bush represents immortality, a trait that God has given to each human being. We are all destined to live forever, either with the Lord or separated from Him. The sharp-toothed edge of the holly leaf reminds Christians of the crown of thorns with which the soldiers mocked Our Lord during His Passion. As a Christmas symbol, the red holly berry represents Christ's blood, shed for all people including those who reject Him.
GIFTS: For many people, gifts define Christmas. They focus on the giving and receiving of gifts instead of on our greatest Gift Jesus Who gave Himself to us at Christmas. The wise men who brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the infant King in Bethlehem's manger have inspired the concept of gift giving at Christmas. God also gives us the gifts of the Holy Spirit which help us to follow God's direction in our lives. The seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Piety, Fortitude, and Fear of the Lord (Awe of God's Greatness and Power).
FRUIT: People give fruit baskets as gifts. At the turn of the last century, good children would receive their only orange of the year as a Christmas gift. As a Christmas symbol, fruit recalls the twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits result from the activity of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit are: Charity (Love), Joy, Peace, Patience, Benignity (Kindness), Goodness, Long-Suffering (Patiently Bearing Suffering over a Long Period of Time), Mildness, Faith, Modesty, Continency (Purity), Chastity.
MISTLETOE: Mistletoe is an aerial parasite that has no roots of its own. It lives off the tree to which it attaches itself and, without that tree, it would die. Mistletoe is a Christmas symbol of our love which derives from and exists only because God loves us. God, Who is Love, created us in love and caused us to be able to love
🤔🕵️ is it okay to say Xmas rather than Christmas ❓❓ let's take a l@@k
Posted : 8 Dec, 2022 05:16 PM
there are many who view the word Xmas as part of an overall “war on Christmas.” They view it as a blatant attempt to take Christ out of Christmas. While it is undeniable that some use Xmas in that manner, the actual origin of the word Xmas has nothing to do with taking Christ out of Christmas.
in Greek, the original language of the New Testament, the word for “Christ” is Χριστός, which begins with the Greek letter that is essentially the same letter as the English letter X. So, originally, Xmas was simply an abbreviation of Christmas. No grand conspiracy to take Christ out of Christmas. Just an abbreviation
🤔🕵️🎅 striking parallels between Jesus Christ and Santa Claus ❗❗
Posted : 29 Nov, 2022 11:40 AM
1. Jesus has white hair like wool in Revelations. (Rev 1:14).
Santa has white hair like wool.
2. Jesus has a beard (Isaiah 50:6).
Santa has a beard.
3. Jesus comes in red apparel (Isaiah 63:1-2).
Santa comes in red apparel.
4. Jesus’ hour of His coming is a mystery (Luke 12:40; Mark 13:33).
Santa’s hour of his coming is a mystery.
5 Jesus comes from the North where He lives (Ezekiel 1:4; Psalm 48:2).
Santa comes from the North where he lives: North Pole.
6. Jesus is a carpenter (Mark 6:3).
Santa is a toy carpenter.
7. Jesus comes as a thief in the night (Matthew 24:43-44).
Santa comes like a thief in the night and even gains entrance to homes down a chimney like thieves have done.
8. Jesus is omnipotent — all powerful (Rev 19:6).
Santa is omnipotent — he delivers all the toys of the world in one night.
9. Jesus is omniscient — knows all (Hebrews 4:13; 1 John 3:20).
Santa is omniscient — knows if every single child has been good or bad for the entire year.
10. Jesus is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10; Ephesians 4:6; John 3:13).
Santa is omnipresent — sees when you are awake or asleep. Has to be everywhere at once.
11. Jesus is ageless and eternal (Rev 1:8; 21:6).
Santa lives forever
12. Jesus lives in men (1 Cor 3:16; 2 Cor 6:16-17).
Santa lives in the hearts of children.
13. Jesus is a giver of Gifts (Ephesians 4:8).
Santa is a giver of Gifts.
14. We are told to boldly go to the throne of Jesus’ Grace for our needs (Heb 4:16).
Children are asked to approach Santa’s throne to ask for anything they want.
15. Jesus commands children to obey parents (Colossians 3:20).
Santa tells children to obey parents.
16. Jesus wants little children to come to Him (Mark 10:14).
Santa bids children to come to him.
17. Jesus judges (Rom 14:10; Rev 20:2).
Santa judges whether we are naughty or nice.
18. Jesus is called the Everlasting Father (Isa 9:6).
Santa is called Father Christmas.
19. Jesus is the Christ Child (Matt 1:23; Luke 2:11-12).
Santa is also called “Kris Kringle” which means the Christ Child in Austrian and German lore.
20. Jesus is worthy of Prayers and Worship (Rev 5:14; Hebrews 1:6).
Children make wishes to “St.Nick” and have deep love for him.
21. God says, “Ho, ho … (Zechariah 2:6).
Santa says, “Ho, ho, ho …”.
22. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, the Image of God (Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 1:3).
Santa is the symbol of World Peace, an image of the Christmas Season.
23. Jesus knows all of our sins (Hebrews 4:13).
Santa knows who is naughty or nice.
WOW!!
So you can see why there is such a big debate whether these similarities are coincidence or not.
Regardless of the parallels listed above there is one enormous difference to remember.
Jesus is the REAL reason for the season (Luke 2:10-14).
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Jesus can forgive us and save us from our sins if we ask Him by His loving grace –– making us righteous Children of God so we can enter Heaven (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).
Santa Claus is a tradition we hand down to our children to see them filled with wonder when they open presents on Christmas day but Jesus is absolute Truth (John 14:6) He is the wonder of wonders. Don’t leave Jesus out of your Christmas this year
🤔🕵️🎅 striking parallels between Jesus Christ and Santa Claus ❗❗
Posted : 29 Nov, 2022 11:39 AM
1. Jesus has white hair like wool in Revelations. (Rev 1:14).
Santa has white hair like wool.
2. Jesus has a beard (Isaiah 50:6).
Santa has a beard.
3. Jesus comes in red apparel (Isaiah 63:1-2).
Santa comes in red apparel.
4. Jesus’ hour of His coming is a mystery (Luke 12:40; Mark 13:33).
Santa’s hour of his coming is a mystery.
5 Jesus comes from the North where He lives (Ezekiel 1:4; Psalm 48:2).
Santa comes from the North where he lives: North Pole.
6. Jesus is a carpenter (Mark 6:3).
Santa is a toy carpenter.
7. Jesus comes as a thief in the night (Matthew 24:43-44).
Santa comes like a thief in the night and even gains entrance to homes down a chimney like thieves have done.
8. Jesus is omnipotent — all powerful (Rev 19:6).
Santa is omnipotent — he delivers all the toys of the world in one night.
9. Jesus is omniscient — knows all (Hebrews 4:13; 1 John 3:20).
Santa is omniscient — knows if every single child has been good or bad for the entire year.
10. Jesus is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10; Ephesians 4:6; John 3:13).
Santa is omnipresent — sees when you are awake or asleep. Has to be everywhere at once.
11. Jesus is ageless and eternal (Rev 1:8; 21:6).
Santa lives forever
12. Jesus lives in men (1 Cor 3:16; 2 Cor 6:16-17).
Santa lives in the hearts of children.
13. Jesus is a giver of Gifts (Ephesians 4:8).
Santa is a giver of Gifts.
14. We are told to boldly go to the throne of Jesus’ Grace for our needs (Heb 4:16).
Children are asked to approach Santa’s throne to ask for anything they want.
15. Jesus commands children to obey parents (Colossians 3:20).
Santa tells children to obey parents.
16. Jesus wants little children to come to Him (Mark 10:14).
Santa bids children to come to him.
17. Jesus judges (Rom 14:10; Rev 20:2).
Santa judges whether we are naughty or nice.
18. Jesus is called the Everlasting Father (Isa 9:6).
Santa is called Father Christmas.
19. Jesus is the Christ Child (Matt 1:23; Luke 2:11-12).
Santa is also called “Kris Kringle” which means the Christ Child in Austrian and German lore.
20. Jesus is worthy of Prayers and Worship (Rev 5:14; Hebrews 1:6).
Children make wishes to “St.Nick” and have deep love for him.
21. God says, “Ho, ho … (Zechariah 2:6).
Santa says, “Ho, ho, ho …”.
22. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, the Image of God (Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 1:3).
Santa is the symbol of World Peace, an image of the Christmas Season.
23. Jesus knows all of our sins (Hebrews 4:13).
Santa knows who is naughty or nice.
WOW!!
So you can see why there is such a big debate whether these similarities are coincidence or not.
Regardless of the parallels listed above there is one enormous difference to remember.
Jesus is the REAL reason for the season (Luke 2:10-14).
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Jesus can forgive us and save us from our sins if we ask Him by His loving grace –– making us righteous Children of God so we can enter Heaven (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).
Santa Claus is a tradition we hand down to our children to see them filled with wonder when they open presents on Christmas day but Jesus is absolute Truth (John 14:6) He is the wonder of wonders. Don’t leave Jesus out of your Christmas this year
🤔🕵️🎅 striking parallels between Jesus Christ and Santa Claus ❗❗
Posted : 29 Nov, 2022 11:39 AM
1. Jesus has white hair like wool in Revelations. (Rev 1:14).
Santa has white hair like wool.
2. Jesus has a beard (Isaiah 50:6).
Santa has a beard.
3. Jesus comes in red apparel (Isaiah 63:1-2).
Santa comes in red apparel.
4. Jesus’ hour of His coming is a mystery (Luke 12:40; Mark 13:33).
Santa’s hour of his coming is a mystery.
5 Jesus comes from the North where He lives (Ezekiel 1:4; Psalm 48:2).
Santa comes from the North where he lives: North Pole.
6. Jesus is a carpenter (Mark 6:3).
Santa is a toy carpenter.
7. Jesus comes as a thief in the night (Matthew 24:43-44).
Santa comes like a thief in the night and even gains entrance to homes down a chimney like thieves have done.
8. Jesus is omnipotent — all powerful (Rev 19:6).
Santa is omnipotent — he delivers all the toys of the world in one night.
9. Jesus is omniscient — knows all (Hebrews 4:13; 1 John 3:20).
Santa is omniscient — knows if every single child has been good or bad for the entire year.
10. Jesus is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10; Ephesians 4:6; John 3:13).
Santa is omnipresent — sees when you are awake or asleep. Has to be everywhere at once.
11. Jesus is ageless and eternal (Rev 1:8; 21:6).
Santa lives forever
12. Jesus lives in men (1 Cor 3:16; 2 Cor 6:16-17).
Santa lives in the hearts of children.
13. Jesus is a giver of Gifts (Ephesians 4:8).
Santa is a giver of Gifts.
14. We are told to boldly go to the throne of Jesus’ Grace for our needs (Heb 4:16).
Children are asked to approach Santa’s throne to ask for anything they want.
15. Jesus commands children to obey parents (Colossians 3:20).
Santa tells children to obey parents.
16. Jesus wants little children to come to Him (Mark 10:14).
Santa bids children to come to him.
17. Jesus judges (Rom 14:10; Rev 20:2).
Santa judges whether we are naughty or nice.
18. Jesus is called the Everlasting Father (Isa 9:6).
Santa is called Father Christmas.
19. Jesus is the Christ Child (Matt 1:23; Luke 2:11-12).
Santa is also called “Kris Kringle” which means the Christ Child in Austrian and German lore.
20. Jesus is worthy of Prayers and Worship (Rev 5:14; Hebrews 1:6).
Children make wishes to “St.Nick” and have deep love for him.
21. God says, “Ho, ho … (Zechariah 2:6).
Santa says, “Ho, ho, ho …”.
22. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, the Image of God (Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 1:3).
Santa is the symbol of World Peace, an image of the Christmas Season.
23. Jesus knows all of our sins (Hebrews 4:13).
Santa knows who is naughty or nice.
WOW!!
So you can see why there is such a big debate whether these similarities are coincidence or not.
Regardless of the parallels listed above there is one enormous difference to remember.
Jesus is the REAL reason for the season (Luke 2:10-14).
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Jesus can forgive us and save us from our sins if we ask Him by His loving grace –– making us righteous Children of God so we can enter Heaven (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).
Santa Claus is a tradition we hand down to our children to see them filled with wonder when they open presents on Christmas day but Jesus is absolute Truth (John 14:6) He is the wonder of wonders. Don’t leave Jesus out of your Christmas this year
🦃 have a happy thanksgiving and please share some bible passages 🙂💯👍🇺🇸🙏✝️⛪
Posted : 23 Nov, 2022 07:47 PM
The Bible teaches us to develop an attitude of gratitude and to give thanks to the Lord for His blessings in our life. This Thanksgiving, share these Thanksgiving Bible verses and scripture passages with your family and friends as you reflect on all that you have to be grateful for :
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-9
The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. Psalm 67:6
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Deuteronomy 8:10
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:1-2
Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. James 5:13
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:4-5
Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. Psalm 30:4
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:4
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:15-16
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19
From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you. Psalm 71:6
We can see a similarity between this Levitical offering and the way the Pilgrims gave thanks for their bountiful harvest. We also see this in our Thanksgiving Day. It is a special day, set apart, to thank God for His provision of food and for all He provides in our lives. Therefore, in pattern and type, our Thanksgiving celebrations are biblically grounded in the lessons of Levitical feasts.
Levitical Feasts Point to Jesus
In pattern and type, Jesus is the Bread of Heaven and His broken body is to be remembered by the breaking of bread. Jesus first offered His disciples the broken bread and then He offered the wine, representing His shed blood. His body was broken in His physical suffering on the cross, and then His side was pierced and His blood poured forth. The bread of the barley and grain harvests (Passover and Shavuot) represents the Lord’s body and the fruit of the vine from the grape harvest in the fall produced the wine that typified Jesus’ shed blood. Wine was produced by the crushing of the grapes until the juices flowed. Jesus also was “crushed.” He was “bruised for our iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:5)
Typology like this is interesting to see the types and patterns in the Bible that point to Christ. It’s also a wonderful revelation of God’s precision in revelation to His people; and it’s a fingerprint of the Holy Spirit’s perfection in His inspiration of the words of the Bible.
On Thanksgiving Day, and every day of the year, let’s remember that before we give thanks for the abundance we have received from God, to first give thanks for who God is. He is the Abundant Giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17)—and the most perfect gift of all is Jesus. Praise Him!
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I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving
🙂💯👍🇺🇸✝️⛪ happy veterans Day November 11th 2022 a very special thank you to all of our armed forces service people past and present
Posted : 10 Nov, 2022 05:06 PM
We honor the service and sacrifice of those who have fought for our freedom throughout the years. For those who have protected and served, we offer a heartfelt “thank you.” May you feel God’s presence in your life.
Here are a few Bible verses that celebrate the spirit of the soldier across time and for our Veterans:
There is “a time for war and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:8b NIV.
“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4 NIV.
“Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle; He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.” Psalm 144:1-2 NIV.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NKJV.
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3:1 NIV.
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 NIV.
"G" stands for the "Gift" of salvation. You and I can do nothing to earn his grace; it's a gift. Ephesians 2:8 says, For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God….
"R" stands for "Repentance." To repent means to turn. In our sin, we were walking away from God, but then we turned from sin and began to follow Christ!
"A" stands for "Almighty" God. We need to develop a relationship with Almighty God… the one who loves us and who has a wonderful plan for our lives.
"C" stands for "Commitment." You and I are called to live in a committed relationship with Jesus, the Bridegroom. He died for us, he lives within us, and he's coming again to receive us to himself!
"E" stands for "Eternal" life. We receive the gift of eternal life by faith the moment we come to Christ!
