The Christian meaning of Christmas is.......

I was woundering if many of us really know the true meaning of Christmas, most of us just think in presents, what we may recieve this year, what we can give out to family and friends. Not many of us know what Christmas is all about I have searched through the Internet and have found some answers about the meaning of Christmas, please forgive if I make any mistakes in the next text and feel free to add anything else about the true meaning of Christmas.

What is the True Meaning of Christmas?

Though the Church at Rome maintained that December 25th was the actual birth date of Jesus, the most likely date (according to civil and historical records) was sometime around the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, which was celebrated in autumn. The unanimous adoption of the December date came about as an attempt by the Church to integrate Christian ideals into the Winter Solstice festivals celebrated during that season. In the East, the Festival of the Invincible Sun was the major winter celebration. In Rome, meanwhile, the Saturnalia literally closed down the region for twelve days. As Christian missionaries ventured into Northern Europe, they were exposed to the Feast of Yule, a widespread solstice celebration for many tribes and clans. While adopting a Christian focus for these festivals, the Church allowed many of the customs and traditions associated with their older significance to remain.

GOD HIMSELF HAS COME TO US .-" 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 Savior; which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

GOD THE SON HAS BECOME MAN .-" Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Philipians 2: 5-8

Nearly two thousand years ago in an obscure village, a child was born of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village where He worked as a carpenter until he was thirty. Then for three years He became an itinerant preacher.
This Man never went to college or seminary. He never wrote a book. He never held a public office. He never had a family nor owned a home. He never put His foot inside a big city nor traveled even 200 miles from his birthplace. And though He never did any of the things that usually accompany greatness, throngs of people followed Him. He had no credentials but Himself.
While he was still young, the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His followers ran away. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was sentenced to death on a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth - the simple coat He had worn. His body was laid in a borrowed grave provided by a compassionate friend.
But three days later this Man arose from the dead - living proof that He was, as He had claimed, the Savior whom God had sent, the Incarnate Son of God.
Nineteen centuries have come and gone and today the risen Lord Jesus Christ is the central figure of the human race. On our calendars His birth divides history in two eras. One day of every week is set aside in remembrance of Him. And our two most important holidays celebrate His birth and ressurrection. On church steeples around the world His cross has become the symbol of victory over sin and death.
This one Man's life has furnished the theme for more songs, books, poems and paintings than any other person or event in history. Thousands of colleges, hospitals, orphanages and other institutions have been founded in honor of this One who gave His life for us.
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the governments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned have not changed the course of history as much as this One Solitary Life.
Over the centuries millions have found a new life of forgiveness from sins and peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Best Gift.-Once again it is the season for the giving of gifts. In the atmosphere of secrecy, love and thoughtfulness combine to plan surprises of delight. The home is aglow with the fervent expectancy, as something desired - something needed is carefully selected, wrapped and hidden away until the day arrives. In it all, however, there is a fresh reminder of God's eternal plan of love to meet the dire need of man's soul, and provide THE BEST GIFT to completely satisfy and delight his heart. This is the gift of unspeakable worth. This is God's gift of eternal life. Romans 6:23

THE GIFT PROMISED.-As soon as our first parents sinned, the Lord God came down to them in the garden of Eden to search them out. After bringing them to confession, He gave the first promise of a coming Deliverer in the Person of the Seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15). As the years passed, the words concerning the coming Saviour became clearer. In type and picture, He was set forth to Israel as a Lamb without blemish - the Sacrifice to cancel guilt and deliver from Satan's power. Through the prophets, God clearly foretold (1) How He was to come: " Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14); (2) Where He was to come: " But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet our of thee shall He come forht unto Me that is to be Ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting" (Micah 5:2).

THE GIFT GIVEN.-" In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him " ( I John 4:9 ). Man by his sin brought death upon all. God by His grace brought salvation to all who believe in the Person of His Son. At Calvary, Jesus " gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity" ( Titus 2:14 ). In resurrection, He is now crowned with glory and honor at the Father's right hand. Through the revelation of the Word of God, and by the power of the Spirit of God, He is now offered to all - to YOU - as the best gift . Best, since no other gift is more needed - " Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" ( Acts 4:12 ). Best, since no gift is more desirable - He is "altogether lovely" (Song of Solomon 5:16). However, that you may have Him for your own need, and possess Him as the joy and delight of your soul, He must be...

THE GIFT ACCEPTED.-A gift offered to you does not become yours until you receive it. So it is with salvation. Faith is the empty hand that reaches out to receive God's gift of life. It is the personal appropriation of His offer. It is believing in your heart that Christ's suffering and death were for your sins; that His ressurrection from among the dead was for your justification. It is believing that THE BEST GIFT IS YOURS!

Millions have already received this Gift and been made to be eternally grateful for the blessing it has brought them. Eternal life as a present possession, the forgiveness of sins, peace with God, and much more are all wrapped up in this invaluable gift of God's beloved Son. Will YOU accept HIM NOW? Take Him by faith as your very own Savior, and you will find Him to be the best gift you have ever received.
" For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" Ephesians 2 : 8 - 9

Well there is something that I have found, Hoping you guys have understood the meaning if Christmas. Love you all. I wish you all an awesome Christmas with your loved one. And keep God always in heart, trust him with everything. God bless you all.

Remembering Maria.

Hi Everybody, Hope all is well with everyone, hope everyone is enjoying this christmas Holidays. Well today I woke up and took a look at my calender and saw it was December 21st. Today is exaclly 7 months that Maria went home. I never met her but she seemed like a pretty little funny girl. I have seen many pictures and videos of her and I gotta say she really has opened up my heart to Jesus. She has made me see how strong her family is, the big Faith and Trust they have in God. I pray each day to god to help the Chapman family in this Journey without Maria to give them all stregnth each day to keep going on, doing what they do best, Help others and spread the word of God to everyone, specially on this coming christmas.

I would like to share this poem I found on Internet a while back and it remains me a lot of Maria.

GOD LOANS A CHILD

"I'll lend to you for a little time,A child of mine," God said,"For you to love while she livesAnd mourn for when she's dead."
"It may be six or seven yearsOr twenty-two or three,But will you till I call her back,Take care of her for me?"
"She'll bring her charms to gladden youAnd should her stay be brief,You'll have these precious memoriesTo comfort you through grief."
"I cannot promise she will staySince all from earth return.But there are lessons taught down thereI want this child to learn."
"I've looked this world over,In my search for teachers true.In the crowds of this great land,I have selected you."
"Now will you give her all your loveNot think the labor vain,Nor hate me when I come to callTo take her back again?"

God bless you all..

Hi Everyone, hope all is well, my best wishes to everyone..

Well, just here at home, freezing my butt off, sharing here a picture that was taken about 3 months ago (I think:) )

This picture is of the daughter of my fathers girlfriend. This was our first time to meet, and she is a sweet heart, just incredible little girl. Here we are a my grandmothers ranch, this is where all the family gets together to party, and have great moments on holidays or just weekends. I love to be outdoors, to see how god has blessed this places and to see nature grow on its own. Its about an hour away from home but I was love to go.

There have been a couple of times that a vehical gets stuck in the mud....but it's always fun to watch the family get dirty trying to get it out....

Well guess thats all for today, I wish everyone an awesome day tomorrow....

Faith

Hi everybody hope you all have had a great week. I have had an awesome week. Here I give you a photo of little baby Lizeth, She is now 1 month and 23 days. She is getting bigger each week I see her.

God bless this child and her mother. I pray for your help for all those people that are in need of your protection and strenght. Guide us each day closer to you.

Here I leave you with this context of Faith from the book of Romans 10:17:

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (NIV)
So faith comes by hearing , and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ . (AMP)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (KJV)

7 "or 'Who will descend into the deep?" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead)."" 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, "Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him 13 For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" 16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." 19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, "I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding." 20 And Isaiah boldly says, "I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me." 21 But concerning Israel he says, "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people." (NIV)

Presenting My cousins Baby Girl.

Hello Everybody, I would love to present you to Lizeth Alejandra, she was born October 10 2008, I don't know how much she weighted, but all I gotta say is that she is a very beautiful girl, a wounderful gift from god.

I pray to god for him to protect her and help her mother (my cousin) to raise her very well.

*"A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities."
Eda J. Le Shan

*"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for"

* "If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle."
Vincent van Gogh

*"Ten fingers, Ten toes She's laughter and teardrops So small and brand new And amazingly angelic She's sent to bless you She's one special Baby The best of life's treasure And will grant and bless you Many hours of great pleasure."

God bless you all.

Catching up.....

Hi Everyone, Hope all is well. its been a crazy two weeks,

* On Friday 10 Of October 2008. My cousins baby girl was born, I don't know how much she weighted, but she is very cute, her name is Lizeth Alejandra, I took pictures with my cel phone, but I can't upload them to my computer, but when I take pictures with my Digital camara I will post the pictures.

*My Aunt Francisca got operated on, She still needs prayers. Last time I heard from her she was still weak and depressed, Please keep her in your prayers.

*My Internet signal was't working at all, I hadn't checked my email for two weeks, almost 3 weeks. I finally decided to contract another Internt, and this one does work. And I had about 54 messages in my hotmail account. :0

*And today I found out that my Uncles wife, had a miscarriage, this would of had been their first child. I am praying for them. Please keep them in you prayers too.

I really have hope in god that all the good and the bad that happens, happens for a reason. That all this is to prepare us for when Jesus Returns. Hope that this is part of the will god has prepared for all of us.

+But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish. Psalm 9:18

+Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.Psalm 1:24

+But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,Psalm 33:18

+May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.Psalm 33:22

+For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.Psalm 71:5

+"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him."Jeremiah 17:7


Hope evryone has a great weekend.

New Baby on the way.

Hi everyone I just heard news about my Cousins pregancy, she is already nine months pregnat and she is right now in the hospital ready to recive her baby Girl. Praying to god that everything goes well.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Psalm 127:3

Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them,"Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me." Mark 9:36-37

HOPE

Hi everybody hope all is well, Its been a while since I posted a new blog, I have been having trouble wirh my Internet Signal, I doesn't work the same I have no idea why it doesn't function the same way it used to. I was reading the bible and I came upon some verses that have to do with hope, here are some that I found and have read:





1-.But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish. Psalm 9:18





2-.Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.Psalm 1:24





3-.But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,Psalm 33:18





4-.May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.Psalm 33:22





5-."But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you."Psalm 39:7



6-.For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.Psalm 71:5



7-.Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.Psalm 78:7





8-.May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.Psalm 119:74



9-.My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.





10-.Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,Psalm 146:5





11-."But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him."Jeremiah 17:7





12-.Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:Lamentations 3:21





13-.I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."Lamentation 3:24





14-.it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.Lamentations 3:26





15-.The LORD will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the sky will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.Joel 3:16





16-.Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.Zechariah 9:12

Hope everyone has a great night and a great day tomorrow and forever.

Happy Birthday

Well, today is my little brothers Birthday, he turns 18 today, we aren't together for his birthday, but I wish him the very best on this day, God bless him for this 18 years he has spent with us, and give him many more years ahead. Love you Cesar Javier.

Prayers

Hi, everyone, I am sorry for not keeping up on my blog. I am blogging right now to ask for your prayers for an Aunt of mine, Francisica. She has to be operated on, but doesn't really have enough money, the Doctors have told her that she can not do anything, she has to stay in bed. Another Aunt of ours, Esperanza, called us and told us that she is very depressed because of her condition. She is loosing her faith. Please just a little prayer for her. I don't really know my Aunt Francisca, but the times I have gotten to be with her family, they are very good people.
Please god help her get through this, help her family, give them strenght.
Thank you all for reading and for your prayers.

Hi everybody, just here checking my mail, hope all is well with evrybody. I was remembering that 4 motnhs ago Maria Sue Chapman went home to Jesus. She is very much missed here by her family and friends. I have been praying for the Chapman family. Hope they are doing well and keep their faith and trust in god.

Well last night was my cousin's birthday party and it was awesome, had an awesome time, I have to admite there were more people than we expacted, but everything went well.

Next saturday is my brothers birthday, unfortunenatly I will not be with him, I live in Mexico and he lives in Texas, Hope he has agreat day on his birthday.

Well it's a short blog, but just trying to keep up on my blogs.

OH, i almost forgot my Aunts brothers wife had a baby girl last night, Congragulations to her. Hope to get pictures up soon .

God bless you all.

Hi everybody, hope you all had a great day. Today was a good day for me. I have a birthday party this Saturday, hope everything comes out good on Saturday. Here I leave you with some bible verses that has to do with celabration of birtdays.

1-I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.1 Corinthians 1:4 NIV

2-This is the day the LORD has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it.Psalm 118:24

3-...I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you...3 John 1:2

4-...Let's have feast and celebrate...Luke 15:23

5-Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!Philippians 4:4

6-May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.1 Thessalonians 3:12

Bible Quotes

Hi, everybody hope all is well. I was reading the bible this afternoon and I came across some verses that I would love to share with you guys.
ve, and it shall be given to you.

For whatever measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt to you in return.”

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid...for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:10

"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD." Psalm 25:4-7

That you all for reading. I ask for anyone who reads this to pray for a couple of friends of mine, One friend is about to give birth to her baby girl sometime this week and I am asking for your prayers to keep her safe and her baby girl, another friend is going tomorrow to the hospital and is going to get operated, I don't excally know what she has but the doctors say it is critical that she is like a time bomb that can go off and she could die, I ask anyone who reads this to please keep her in your prayers and her family.

Greetings

Hi everybody, well today was an ok day. Today here in mexico we celebrate the day of independence, in the city we usually do firewoks and light up a gigantic castle full of fireworks, but it is raining do to the storm that is out here., so I didn't go out today.

In this picture is my stepsisters son, Juan, he looks like an adorable little boy. I have never met him, hope some day god gives me the prevelage of meeting him. If I am not mistaken I think he is four years old.

Today getting out of work it was rainy and lots of water in the streets, I was about to jump a puddle, when I sliped and fell. My brother just kepted walking like if he didn't know (what a great brother I have). Luckly nothing bad happen to me, I just got up and started walking. :)

Well, just trying to keep up on my blog if anyone out there is interested in reading this. Have a great day to eveybody and god bless you.

Praying for all the victams of hurricane IKE.

Becoming responsible adults is no longer a matter of whether children hang up there pajamas or put dirty towels in the hamper, but whether they care about themselves and others -- and whether they see everyday chores as related to how we treat this planet...Eda LeShan

Hello Everybody

Hi, Everyone My name is Diana, I am from Mexico, I am 23 years old. I would love to meet new people around this blog. I am a Christian, I believe in the word of god. I love to listen to music. I would love to learn about photography, I enjoy being around my family, I believe family is very important we can't live with out them, even when they bug and make us angry. Well just trying these out see how things turn out to be.