NEW YEAR 2014 (with pictures)

     

I love this famous poem sometimes referred to as ‘The Gate of the Year’.

(King George VI quoted it in his 1939 Christmas broadcast to the British Empire.)

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year

“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

And he replied:

“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.

That shall be better than light and safer than a known way!”

So I went forth and finding the Hand of God trod gladly into the night.

M. Louise Haskins (1875-1957)

“The Gate of the Year” is the popular name given to a poem by Minnie Louise Haskins.

The title given to it by the author was “God Knows”.

She studied and then taught at the London School of Economics in the first half of the twentieth century.

Background

The poem, published in 1908, was part of a collection titled The Desert. It caught the public attention and the popular imagination when Queen Elizabeth handed a copy to her husband, King George VI, and he quoted it in his1939 Christmas broadcast to the British Empire.

The poem was widely acclaimed as inspirational, reaching its first mass audience in the early days of the Second World War. Its words remained a source of comfort to the Queen for the rest of her life, and she had its words engraved on brass plaques and fixed to the gates of the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle, where the King was interred. The Queen Mother was also buried here in 2002, and the words of “The Gate of the Year” were read out at her state funeral.

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New Year Meditation – (Inspiration from King George VI )

‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

Many folk by now will have broken their New Year resolutions. But does it really matter? The Bible doesn’t tell us to put our trust in man-made resolutions, but in God. During these uncertain and troubling times, we especially need to put our hand into his, and trust him to guide, strengthen and support us.

*‘Stop stressing. I’m here for you. Hold on to me and let me sort things out.’ (Isaiah 41:10) (* My translation!)

To put your hand into God’s requires surrender – a letting go into God.

I sometimes visualize this as falling back into his arms.

So let’s imagine putting our hand into the hands of God now. Can you visualize this?

PSALM 46 verse 10

                

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HOW OFTEN WE WISH FOR ANOTHER CHANCE

How often we wish for another chance

To make a fresh beginning.

A change to blot out our mistakes.

And change failure into winning.

And it does not take a special time

To make a brand-new start,

It only takes the deep desire

To try with all our heart,

To live a little better

And to always be forgiving,

To add a little sunshine

To the world in which we’re living.

So never give up in despair

And think that you are through,

For there’s always a tomorrow

And a chance to start anew.

~Author Unknown~

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, for as long as ever you can.”    John Wesley

4 Verses from Colossians chapter 3

¹⁷ And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

²² Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

²³ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

²⁴ Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

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A New Year’s Plea

Lord, let me stand in the thick of the fight,

Let me bear what I must without whining;

Grant me the wisdom to do what is right,

Though a thousand false beacons are shining.

Let me be true as the steel of a blade,

Make me bigger than skilful or clever;

Teach me to cling to my best, unafraid,

And hearken to false gospels, never.

Let me be brave when the burden is great,

Faithful when wounded by sorrow;

Teach me, when troubled, with patience to wait

The better and brighter to-morrow.

Spare me from hatred and envy and shame,

Open my eyes to life’s beauty;

Let not the glitter of fortune or fame

Blind me to what is my duty.

Let me be true to myself to the end,

Let me stand to my task without whining;

Let me be right as a man, as a friend,

Though a thousand false beacons are shining.

Edgar Guest

     

LIFE I AM THE NEW YEAR

Life I am the new year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.

I am your next chance at the art of living.

I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.

All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me,

waiting for you to search it out with more determination.

All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve

is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do,

all that you hoped but did not will,

all the faith that you claimed but did not have —

these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.

I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Him who said,

“behold, I make all things new.” I am the new year.

~Author Unknown~

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I recommend that you watch The Revelation TV Channel on Sky channel number 581 or Freesat channel 692 and Roku Box UK and USA. You can also watch programmes on their website at http://www.revelationtv.com/ They are a Christian channel. They have live, interactive programmes, which are wonderful for people who are lonely, and many programmes that help people learn about the love of God and how to live the Christian life. The presenters and guests make you feel that you are part of the Church family. They have really helpful programmes to help people grow in their Christian life. Their programmes also help you if you are not sure about your faith and want to understand more. They have live interactive programmes too. These are really good if you are lonely, afraid or worried. We all go through times when we need spiritual help. They also have programmes where you can send your prayer requests.

If you feel you need God in your life and you don’t know how to find Him and you feel alone, lost, guilty and frightened, I recommend the website from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association http://www.PeaceWithGod.net

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Keep Your Poinsettia Plant For Next Year

      

The Legend of the Poinsettia 

Maria and Pablo lived in a tiny village in Mexico. Because Christmastime at their house did not include many gifts, Maria and Pablo looked forward to the Christmas festivities at the village church with great joy and anticipation.

To honour the birth of Christ, the church displayed a beautiful manger that drew crowds of admirers. Villagers walked miles to admire the manger, bringing lovely, expensive gifts for the Baby Jesus. As Maria and Pablo watched the villagers place their gifts in the soft hay around the manger, they felt sad. They had no money to buy gifts for their family and no money to buy a gift for the Baby Jesus.

One Christmas Eve, Maria and Pablo walked to the church for that evening’s services, wishing desperately that they had a gift to bring. Just then, a soft glowing light shone through the darkness, and the shadowy outline of an angel appeared above them.

Maria and Pablo were afraid, but the angel comforted them, instructing them to pick some of the short green weeds that were growing by the road. They should bring the plants to the church, the angel explained, and place them near the manger as their gift to the Baby Jesus. Then just as quickly as she had appeared, the angel was gone, leaving Maria and Pablo on the road looking up into the dark sky. Confused but excited, the children filled their arms with large bunches of the green weeds and hurried to the church.

When the children entered the church, many of the villagers turned to stare. As Maria and Pablo began placing the weeds around the manger, some of the villagers laughed at them. “Why are those children putting weeds by the manger?” they asked each other.

Maria and Pablo began to feel embarrassed and ashamed of their gift to the Baby Jesus, but they stood bravely near the manger, placing the plants on the soft hay, as the angel had instructed.

Suddenly, the dull green leaves on the tops of the plants began to turn a beautiful shade of red, surrounding the Baby with beautiful blooms. The laughing villagers became silent as they watched the green plants transform into the lovely star-shaped crimson flowers we call poinsettias. As they watched the weeds bloom before their eyes, Maria and Pablo knew they had no reason to be ashamed anymore.

They had given the Baby Jesus the only gift they could–and it was the most beautiful gift of all.

Today, poinsettias are a traditional symbol of Christmas, thanks to young Maria and Pablo and their special gifts to the Baby Jesus. — By Stephanie Herbek.

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Poinsettias are another of my favourite flowers (I wrote about Lewisia in my recent blog ‘The Promise of Heaven’). I particularly like the way we, in Great Britain love to have them to decorate our homes at Christmastime. It is a joyful time when we remember Jesus; The Saviour of the world came to earth as a newborn baby. I love the way Poinsettias can be nurtured after they have finished blooming and they appear to be dead, but again towards the end of another year, they come to life again, gradually growing shoots, leaves and red or pink coloured bracts or blooms. This reminds me of Jesus living on earth, dying on the cross, being buried for three days and then He rose from the, dead conquering sin and death for each one of us. He ascended into Heaven and lives for evermore. He sends His Holy Spirit to us to remind us that we need Jesus to save us. The Holy Spirit also helps us to lead the Christian life, as we cannot do this on our own. All we have to do is, accept that we need Jesus to be our personal Saviour and Lord of our life, and ask Him into our heart and life. He wants us to ask, because He does not force anyone to believe, He wants us to make the choice willingly.

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     All about Poinsettias.    

  Location

Poinsettia is native to the tropical areas of Central America and Mexico. They are now grown and enjoyed nearly worldwide wherever Christmas is celebrated.

Culture

Poinsettias have a reputation as being hard to maintain, but if you follow the following tips, they should thrive well past Christmas. I found two different, but similar articles on the Web about how to look after Poinsettia plants.

Looking after a poinsettia

Position the plant in good light away from direct sunlight and draughts.

Poinsettias originate from warmer climates than Britain’s, so avoid temperatures below 55F (13C)

Over watering will quickly damage the plant. Wait until the surface of the compost begins to dry out, then water thoroughly.

Place the pot on a pebble tray, as a humid atmosphere will prolong the bract life.

Trying to keep the plant from year to year is usually disappointing as it is difficult to provide optimum growing conditions. However, you can give it a try, as follows:

In March, gradually reduce watering. Prune hard back once the plant drops its leaves and keep fairly dry.

In early May, increase watering. Re-pot when new shoots start to develop.

Once established, feed weekly with a balanced liquid fertiliser.

Feed your poinsettia with a general-purpose houseplant food after the bracts fade if you want to keep the plant for the following year.

Keep feeding through spring and summer, then in late September place your poinsettia where it will get bright light during the day but no extra light at night.

As the days shorten, from October, allow the plants to have 12 hours of light each day. For the remaining 12 hours, they need to be kept in darkness at a minimum temperature of 65F (18C). Artificial light is acceptable to supplement daylight.

After an 8-week period without light at night, your poinsettia should develop bracts and blooms.

With this treatment, the red bracts and tiny yellow flowers should be brightening up the winter gloom from December.

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Poinsettias (Poinsettia) are easy to maintain, but it takes some effort to make them bloom a second time. To grow them after the Christmas holidays, all you need to do is treat them similar to other houseplants: Give them bright light, allow them to slightly dry between watering, and feed them with a liquid houseplant fertilizer according to label directions. That’s the easy part. The bracts (those are the leaves that look like flower petals) will eventually fade and fall off the plant. At that point, cut back the stems to just below the flowers and let them continue to grow. Getting the plants to re-bloom is the hard part. In spring, once night time temperatures are consistently above 50F, place your poinsettias outside where they’ll receive bright, indirect light. They will grow but will remain completely green all summer. Prune back the plants by one-half to one-third in midsummer, and re pot them in the same pot, or in one that’s slightly larger if the plant has grown significantly. Use a commercial potting soil. Feed the plants with a standard houseplant fertilizer during this time of new growth. Bring the pots indoors before night time temperatures fall below 50F. From September through to the end of October, the plants need 14-15 hours of uninterrupted darkness daily, and night time temperatures around 65F. This is the secret to triggering new flowers to form and for the bracts to change colour. This means that every day at about 5 p.m. you’ll need to cover the plants. Uncover them between 7 and 8 the following morning. Absolutely no light can penetrate the darkness. If you place a box over them, it must not permit light to enter. If you place plants in an extra bedroom, no light can enter the room beneath the crack of the door or through a window. Even car headlights shining through a window are enough to interrupt the required darkness. Greenhouse growers use thick black cloths to cover their poinsettia crops, blocking out all light from passing cars and nearby shopping centres. If you successfully carry out the darkness routine, by early November your plants will be developing colour, and you can end the daily darkness ritual and set the plants in bright, indirect light. By the end of November, the bracts should be colouring up nicely, and you’ll be able to enjoy them through the next Christmas holiday season.

     Poinsettias growing. 

      

Poinsettias growing in a Vietnam garden.

  

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I recommend that you watch The Revelation TV Channel on Sky channel number 581 or Freesat channel 692 and Roku Box UK and USA. You can also watch programmes on their website at http://www.revelationtv.com/ They are a Christian channel. They have live, interactive programmes, which are wonderful for people who are lonely, and many programmes that help people learn about the love of God and how to live the Christian life. The presenters and guests make you feel that you are part of the Church family. They have really helpful programmes to help people grow in their Christian life. Their programmes also help you if you are not sure about your faith and want to understand more. They have live interactive programmes too. These are really good if you are lonely, afraid or worried. We all go through times when we need spiritual help. They also have programmes where you can send your prayer requests.

If you feel you need God in your life and you don’t know how to find Him and you feel alone, lost, guilty and frightened, I recommend the website from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association http://www.PeaceWithGod.net

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The Twelve Days Of Christmas 2013 (with pictures)

Luke Chapter 2  Verses 15-21

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,

¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

²¹ On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Over the month of December we shall see the nativity story in school plays, in displays at church or in pictures etc.  As I thought of the story of Jesus’ birth, I began to remember verse 19 of the above passage of scripture “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. It made me think of the births of my own children.  If you are a parent you will know the joy and love you feel when, at last the baby is born.  There have been the discomforts of pregnancy and the pain of labour,  yet all that is suddenly forgotten in this wonderful moment.  Then I remember all the wishes for this child, that seem to come in a rush of pride and hope for their future.  Mary was a devout woman.  She would have believed the angel’s words, that her Son would be the Saviour of the world.  But as I have learned in life, God unfolds the future slowly as we go along.  He shows us what to do only a step at a time.  He doesn’t show us what will happen to us all at once.  He leads us step by step, one day(or even hour) at a time.  When  Jesus was born, Mary would have known that He was to be the promised Saviour.  She probably would not have known, at that time, how this was to happen but she must have beem filled with love, joy and wonderment.  I think everyone thanks God for the safe delivery of their child.  Every child is a miracle sent by God and He loves each one.  Each one has a special part to fulfil in the world.

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Explanation of the Twelve days of Christmas Song.

The Twelve Days of Christmas 

On the twelfth day of Christmas,

my true love sent to me

Twelve drummers drumming,

Eleven pipers piping,

Ten lords a-leaping,

Nine ladies dancing,

Eight maids a-milking,

Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree!

     

Origins

The twelve days of Christmas, as a festival, have a long history. According to one source, it was first mentioned as a festal tide by the eastern Father, Ephraem Syrus, at the end of the fourth century, and was declared to be such by the western Council of Tours in 567 A.D. The laws of Ethelred (991-1016) ordained it to be a time of peace and concord among Christian men, when all strife must cease — perhaps the beginning of the traditional Christmas truces observed up through World War I. The twelve days count from Christmas day to the feast of the Epiphany, January 6.

This song has its origins as a children’s game of forfeits; if one of the children fail to recall the full listing, then the child shall pay a small “forfeit.” These are the words in The Nursery Rhymes of England, James Orchard Halliwell

THE first day of Christmas

My mother sent to me, A partridge in a pear-tree.

The second day of Christmas… Two turtle doves

Three French hens

Four canary birds

Five gold rings,

Six geese a laying,

Seven swans a swimming,

Eight ladies dancing,

Nine lords a leaping,

Ten ships a sailing,

Eleven ladies spinning,

Twelve bells ringing.

        

Religious symbolism of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.

It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

True Love refers to God

1 The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments

3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues

4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the “Pentateuch” the Torah or Law, which gives the history of man’s fall from grace.

6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation

7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments – Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes. *

9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments. **

11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles. ***

12 Drummers Drumming refers to the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed. ****

*  The Beatitudes   Matthew Chapter 5  verses 3-12

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,                ² and he began to teach them. He said:

* The Beatitudes

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

⁵ Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

**  The Ten Commandments

     

Exodus Chapter 20

1 And God spoke all these words:

² “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

³ “You shall have no other gods before me.

⁴ “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.

⁵ You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

⁶ but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

⁷ “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

⁸ “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

⁹ Six days you shall labour and do all your work,

¹⁰ but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.

¹¹ For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

¹² “Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

¹³ “You shall not murder.

¹⁴ “You shall not commit adultery.

¹⁵ “You shall not steal.

¹⁶ “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.

¹⁷ “You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.”

¹⁸ When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance ¹⁹ and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.”

²⁰ Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.

***  The 11 Apostles

Matthew chapter 10 verses 1-4

1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

² These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;

³ Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;

⁴ Simon the Zealot.  (and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.)

****  The Apostles Creed

I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen.

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I recommend that you watch The Revelation TV Channel on Sky channel number 581 or Freesat channel 692 and Roku Box UK and USA. You can also watch programmes on their website at http://www.revelationtv.com/ They are a Christian channel. They have live, interactive programmes, which are wonderful for people who are lonely, and many programmes that help people learn about the love of God and how to live the Christian life. The presenters and guests make you feel that you are part of the Church family. They have really helpful programmes to help people grow in their Christian life. Their programmes also help you if you are not sure about your faith and want to understand more. They have live interactive programmes too. These are really good if you are lonely, afraid or worried. We all go through times when we need spiritual help. They also have programmes where you can send your prayer requests.

If you feel you need God in your life and you don’t know how to find Him and you feel alone, lost, guilty and frightened, I recommend the website from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association http://www.PeaceWithGod.net

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I Have A Dream

     

I HAVE A DREAM

 (Song by Abba) Written By Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus

Also sung by Westlife

 

I have a dream, a song to sing

To help me cope with anything

If you see the wonder of a fairy tale

You can take the future even if you fail

I believe in angels Something good in everything I see

I believe in angels When I know the time is right for me

I’ll cross the stream – I have a dream

I have a dream, a fantasy

To help me through reality

And my destination makes it worth the while

Pushing through the darkness still another mile

I believe in angels Something good in everything I see

I believe in angels

When I know the time is right for me

I’ll cross the stream – I have a dream – 

I’ll cross the stream – I have a dream

I have a dream, a song to sing

To help me cope with anything

If you see the wonder of a fairy tale

You can take the future even if you fail

I believe in angels Something good in everything I see

I believe in angels When I know the time is right for me

I’ll cross the stream – I have a dream

I’ll cross the stream – I have a dream.

 

This song reminds me that when Jesus Christ is our Saviour and The Lord of our lives, we have a final home in heaven.  Then it will not be a dream. It will be real. There will be no more sin, pain or tears forever more.  We shall meet again our loved ones who have died, who are believers.  Although life on earth can be quite hard sometimes, the hope of Heaven and all its beauty keeps us pressing on cheerfully, knowing it will all be worth it in the end!  We can only imagine the wonder of seeing God.  We can only imagine the splendour of heaven.  Meanwhile we can serve Jesus faithfully every day, loving Him and loving all people (because Jesus loves all people) as best we know how. We can face the future bravely, knowing that God loves us and forgives our mistakes and that He forgives all our sins, if we repent and confess them. He does this because Jesus paid the full price for all our sins and failures on the cross at Calvary. 

What a hope we have, looking forward to the day when Jesus welcomes us with the words

“Well done my good and faithful servant”.  

                                           

Margaret Mainwaring

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I recommend that you watch The Revelation TV Channel on Sky channel number 581 or Freesat channel 692 and Roku Box UK and USA. You can also watch programmes on their website at http://www.revelationtv.com/ They are a Christian channel. They have live, interactive programmes, which are wonderful for people who are lonely, and many programmes that help people learn about the love of God and how to live the Christian life. The presenters and guests make you feel that you are part of the Church family. They have really helpful programmes to help people grow in their Christian life. Their programmes also help you if you are not sure about your faith and want to understand more. They have live interactive programmes too. These are really good if you are lonely, afraid or worried. We all go through times when we need spiritual help. They also have programmes where you can send your prayer requests.

If you feel you need God in your life and you don’t know how to find Him and you feel alone, lost, guilty and frightened, I recommend the website from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association http://www.PeaceWithGod.net

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Christmas 2013 Including The Holy Bible Story of The Birth of Jesus

                   

I hope you have many happy memories of Christmastime in past years and that Christmas 2013 will bring you more happy moments and memories to treasure. For some people Christmas can be a lonely and sad time. For these people I pray that they will feel God’s presence very near to them and that they are able to rejoice at the celebration of the birth of the Saviour Jesus Christ.

      

I hope you find many of these stories, songs and hymns about Christmas interesting and inspiring. I hope they will bring you memories of previous happy Christmases and that they will help you to forget your troubles for a while and enjoy a really Happy Christmas this year.

Click on the link

A PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS MORNING              A PRAYER FOR A SNOWMAN

A SILENT NIGHT CHRISTMAS 1915                       A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS

CHRISTMAS                                                              ARE NO TWO SNOWFLAKES REALLY ALIKE

CHRISTMAS IN DIXIE                                            HOW SAINT NICHOLAS BECAME SANTA CLAUS

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR LOVE                      IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK LIKE CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS IS FOR SPECIAL LOVE                    JOY TO THE WORLD

CHRISTMAS PRAYERS                                             LEGEND OF THE RAINDROP

CHRISTMAS ROSES                                                     MESSAGE FROM SANTA CLAUS

COME AND SEE WHAT’S HAPPENIN IN THE BARN!        SILVER BELLS

DING A LING THE CHRISTMAS BELL                                    TELL OUT MY SOUL THE GREATNESS OF THE LORD

EXPLANATION OF 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SONG            THE CHRISTMAS GUEST

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS               THE KING IS COMING

I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY     THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO A CHRISTMAS TREE

I WISH IT COULD BE CHRISTMAS ALL YEAR LONG          THE LEGEND OF THE SNOWMAN

IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR                 THE MAN BEHIND THE STORY OF FATHER CHRISTMAS

THE SERVANT KING                                                                      THE STORY OF THE CAROL SILENT NIGHT

LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS SPIDER                                     WHERE TO SEARCH FOR THE LORD

LET IT BE CHRISTMAS EVERYWHERE                                     WHY IS JESUS BETTER THAN SANTA CLAUS

MARY’S LITTLE BOY CHILD

O HOLY NIGHT

O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM

STRANGE AND DIFFERENT ‘RUDOLPH’

THE ADVENT VIRUS

THE CANDY CANE

THE CHRISTMAS BIRTHDAY CAKE

THE GIFT

THE LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS ROSE

THE LEGEND OF THE POINSETTIA

THE LORD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY

TWAS A COMPUTER CHRISTMAS

              

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“A noted poet was once asked in an interview if he could explain one of his poems ‘in ordinary terms.’ He replied with some feeling, ‘If I could say what I meant in ordinary terms I would not have had to write the poem.’ From the time of Christ’s birth the people of God have ‘had to write a poem’ to Christmas, composing a single multi-stranded paean of praise spanning the centuries, because ultimately the meaning of Christmas resists being fully spelled out ‘in ordinary terms.’” Dr. Brian Linard

Here are some lovely Christmas poems. I hope you will find some favourites amongst them.

Click on the titles and enjoy the inspiring words!

A COWBOYS CHRISTMAS PRAYER

A KITTEN’S FIRST CHRISTMAS

AT CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS IS

CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS

DAY OF HOPE

LET ME NOT KEEP CHRISTMAS

ON THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

OUR JESUS FROM GALILEE

SOME SPECIAL GIFTS

THE BEST GIFT

THE CHRISTMAS BELL

THE DANCE OF THE CHRISTMAS TREES

THE GOSPEL TREE

THE JOY YOU GIVE

THE VERY FIRST CHRISTMAS LIGHT

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

 

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Luke 2 The Birth of Jesus

¹ In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,

⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

¹¹ Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,

¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Matthew 2 The star leads the wise men to Jesus.

¹Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

²Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

³When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

⁴And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

⁵And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

⁶And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

⁷Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

⁸And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

⁹When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

           

¹⁰When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

¹¹And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

¹²And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

¹³And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

¹⁴When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

¹⁵And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

¹⁶Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,

¹⁸In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

¹⁹But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

²⁰Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.

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