(Twinkle Twinkle Little Star tune...)
Twinkle twinkle Christmas Star
How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high
Lighting up the Christmas sky
Star of hope, star of love
Twinkle twinkle from above.
Twinkle twinkle Christmas Star
How I wonder what you are
Shine on meadows, shine on sheep
Shine on shepherds as they sleep
Wake and see a light so bright
What is happening tonight?
Twinkle twinkle Christmas Star
How I wonder what you are
Shine on angels as they sing
Can you hear they news they bring?
"Born this night-oh what a joy!
God's own Son, a baby boy!"
Twinkle twinkle Christmas Star
How i wonder what you are
Shine on Joseph, Mary too
Shine & shine the whole night thru
Oh now watch, see them lay
Baby Jesus on the hay.
I love the stars that twinkle bright
I love the stars on Christmas night
Christmas night is for me too
Jesus came for me, it's true
Thank you God for what you've done
Thank you God, for your own Son.
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Advent Notes
- The reason for the Advent season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent or Coming, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent or Coming. We look forward to both, and remember that Christ could return at any time, and we must be ready.
- In some churches and especially Eastern Orthodox ones, Advent has become a time to fast. In a similar way to Lent, it has become a time to clear their lives and minds and make space to allow God to move. Fasting allows people to concentrate on God, and makes the feasting of the celebration of Christmas all the more enjoyable.Jesus
- “Gaudete Sunday” is the old name for the third Sunday in Advent, when people moved from fasting and praying , and started to look forward to Christmas. “Gaudete” means ‘rejoice” in Latin, and reminds us that the coming of Jesus really is something to rejoice about!
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
The Son - A Story to Share at Christmas
The Son - A Story to Share at Christmas
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate. The widowed father looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. But the day came when war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram that his beloved son had been killed while carrying a fellow soldier to a medic.
On Christmas morning a knock came at the door of the old man’s home, and as he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.” “I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of his son. Though the art critics would never consider the work a piece of genius, the painting did feature the young man’s face in striking detail, and seemed to capture his personality.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation! According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned. The day soon arrived, and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked. Minutes passed with not a sound from those who came to buy. From the back of the room someone callously called out, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the important paintings.” There were other voices which echoed in agreement. But the auctioneer replied, “No, we have to sell this one first. Now, who will take the son?” Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. “I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it. I will bid the $100.” “I have a bid for $100,” called the auctioneer. “Will anyone go higher?” After a long silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once. Going twice. Gone.” The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone was heard to say, “Now we can get on with it!” But the auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art here! We demand that you explain what’s going on!” The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son... gets it all.”
That is the essence of the story of Christmas: Whoever takes the Son gets it all. The Bible puts it like this: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11_12).
On Christmas morning a knock came at the door of the old man’s home, and as he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.” “I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of his son. Though the art critics would never consider the work a piece of genius, the painting did feature the young man’s face in striking detail, and seemed to capture his personality.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation! According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned. The day soon arrived, and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked. Minutes passed with not a sound from those who came to buy. From the back of the room someone callously called out, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the important paintings.” There were other voices which echoed in agreement. But the auctioneer replied, “No, we have to sell this one first. Now, who will take the son?” Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. “I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it. I will bid the $100.” “I have a bid for $100,” called the auctioneer. “Will anyone go higher?” After a long silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once. Going twice. Gone.” The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone was heard to say, “Now we can get on with it!” But the auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art here! We demand that you explain what’s going on!” The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son... gets it all.”
That is the essence of the story of Christmas: Whoever takes the Son gets it all. The Bible puts it like this: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11_12).
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Ten Commandments for Christmas
1. You shall not leave "Christ" out of Christmas, making it "Xmas". To some, "X" is unknown.
2. You shall prepare your soul fro Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts that your soul is forgotten.
3. You shall not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of its spiritual reality.
4. You shall not burden the shop worker the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands.
5. You shall give yourself with your gift. This will increase its value a hundredfold, and the one who receives it shall treasure it for ever.
6. You shall not value gifts received by their cost. Even the least expensive may signify love, and that is more priceless than silver and gold.
7. You shall not neglect the needy. Share your blessings with many who will go hungry and cold if you are not generous.
8. You shall not neglect your church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season.
9. You shall be as a little child. Not until you become in spirit as a little one are you ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
10. You shall give your heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of your Christmas list.
2. You shall prepare your soul fro Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts that your soul is forgotten.
3. You shall not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of its spiritual reality.
4. You shall not burden the shop worker the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands.
5. You shall give yourself with your gift. This will increase its value a hundredfold, and the one who receives it shall treasure it for ever.
6. You shall not value gifts received by their cost. Even the least expensive may signify love, and that is more priceless than silver and gold.
7. You shall not neglect the needy. Share your blessings with many who will go hungry and cold if you are not generous.
8. You shall not neglect your church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season.
9. You shall be as a little child. Not until you become in spirit as a little one are you ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
10. You shall give your heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of your Christmas list.
Saturday, 13 December 2008
Thursday, 27 November 2008
A Christmas Story
"Suppose there was a king who loved a humble maiden,"begins a parable by Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855). How could he declare his love for her? She might respond out of fear or coercion, but he wanted her to love him fro himself.
So the king, convinced that he could not appear as a king without crushing his loved one's freedom, resolved to descend.he stepped off his throne, took off his royal robes, and wrapped himself in a shabby cloak. It was no mere disguise, but a new identitiy. He took on the life of a servant to win the young woman's hand.
What a risk! She might love him or she might spurn him and send himaway, and he would lose her love forever. But that's a picture of the choice god gave to manking, and that, of course, is what the parable is about.
Philippians 2:5-7 "Christ Jesus, who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant..."
That is the true story of Christmas: God in a manger; God in a human form that no one could possibly fear. What is going to be our response to Jesus this Christmas?
So the king, convinced that he could not appear as a king without crushing his loved one's freedom, resolved to descend.he stepped off his throne, took off his royal robes, and wrapped himself in a shabby cloak. It was no mere disguise, but a new identitiy. He took on the life of a servant to win the young woman's hand.
What a risk! She might love him or she might spurn him and send himaway, and he would lose her love forever. But that's a picture of the choice god gave to manking, and that, of course, is what the parable is about.
Philippians 2:5-7 "Christ Jesus, who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant..."
That is the true story of Christmas: God in a manger; God in a human form that no one could possibly fear. What is going to be our response to Jesus this Christmas?
Monday, 17 November 2008
Sharing the Christmas Story With Preschoolers (ages 2-4)
Sharing the Christmas Story with Preschoolers
1. Be reminded that God’s Son Jesus came to earth as a little child to rescue humankind from their sins and to bring people back into relationship with God the Father for eternity. (John 3:16) Emphasize to your child that Jesus is a very special person. God’s Son. We can know and love him, thank him, sing songs to praise him. Jesus came to help us know what God is like.
In preparation to tell the Christmas story.
1. Be reminded that God’s Son Jesus came to earth as a little child to rescue humankind from their sins and to bring people back into relationship with God the Father for eternity. (John 3:16) Emphasize to your child that Jesus is a very special person. God’s Son. We can know and love him, thank him, sing songs to praise him. Jesus came to help us know what God is like.
2. Consider the age and stage of development of preschoolers. Also consider how children of this age group experience God and how they best learn. Any sharing of the Christmas story will be more effective if these factors determine your choice of story or approach.
Note particularly that the focus on faith development at this age is on experiencing the awe and wonder of God.
Children of these ages are literalists so be careful that you tell make clear what is the truth from the Bible and what is just a made up story.
Children of this age won’t remember all the details or the order of the shepherds, wise men, Mary & Joseph going to Bethlehem etc. The atmosphere of expectation, surprise, joy, peace, celebration are things that they will be able to identify with. Pray often that God will help your child trust him and love him.
Let your children see you read the story from a children’s Bible. Talk about how great it is that God has given us this special book so we can learn more about him.
The parent’s attitude to the sharing of the story will be a powerful communicator at this age. If the coming of Jesus as God’s Son into the world is important and wonderful to the parent then this will be seen by the child. There is the danger that children will rather hear their parents griping about Christmas- costs, advertising, family arrangements and this could overshadow the central truth.
Use even the ads on TV as a talking point with your children about what they are selling and what is important to your family about buying and giving.
Some discussion needs to take place by both parents about how your family is going to deal with Santa Claus/Father Christmas. Are you going to tell them he is real or not real and when?
In our family we decided to tell our children that Santa was a fun character like Professor Starshine or Humphrey Bear�. We enjoyed the fun surrounding Santa without going into the presents from Santa and putting food out for him etc..) At the same time we talked often to our children that the name CHRISTmas comes from Jesus CHRIST who is real and very special. So Christmas is really about Christ.
3. The sharing of the Christmas story should be many tellings of the story in different ways and in different contexts as the child grows.
Activities might include
. Making an Advent calendar or Christmas decorations, cooking, shopping, making gifts or cards for others. Talking together about why you are doing these things.
· Dressing up and acting out the nativity or using puppets to tell the story. (Why not turn out the lights and light a candle while the Christmas story is read or acted out.)
. Listening and singing Christmas carols like 'Away in a Manger' and talking about the words.
· Reading picture story books or making our own Family Christmas Book which the children illustrate. Drawing and colouring activities.
.· Experiencing worship together at Christmas time “ Advent,Come Celebrate, Children’s Christmas Eve service.
© Don Stott, Eliab.com, 2006
See Ted's Surprise Christmas. An original story to share with pre-schoolers.
Friday, 14 November 2008
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Christmas Prayer Response
Leader: Christ the Promised one has come
C: Help us recognize your Son.
Leader: Kept out from the inn that night
C: Open up those lives shut tight.
Leader: Angels singing, shepherds scared
C: Help us see God's peace is shared.
Leader: Shepherd gave praise from his heart
C:Lead us Lord to do our part.
Leader: Star shone brightly where He lay
C: Help us follow now His way.
Leader:Ruler, King- though baby small
C: Rule our lives, please use us all.
Leader:We decorate our Christmas tree
C: Remind us Lord, You died for me.
Leader: Jesus came to save from sin
C: Calls us now to welcome Him.
(C) Don Stott Eliab.com
C: Help us recognize your Son.
Leader: Kept out from the inn that night
C: Open up those lives shut tight.
Leader: Angels singing, shepherds scared
C: Help us see God's peace is shared.
Leader: Shepherd gave praise from his heart
C:Lead us Lord to do our part.
Leader: Star shone brightly where He lay
C: Help us follow now His way.
Leader:Ruler, King- though baby small
C: Rule our lives, please use us all.
Leader:We decorate our Christmas tree
C: Remind us Lord, You died for me.
Leader: Jesus came to save from sin
C: Calls us now to welcome Him.
(C) Don Stott Eliab.com
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
A Christmas Creed
I believe in Jesus Christ and in the beauty of the gospel begun in Bethlehem.
I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a little town; and whose spirit still brings music to persons all over the world, in towns both large and small.
I believe in the one for whom the crowded inn could find no room, and I confess that my heart still sometimes wants to exclude Christ from my life today.
I believe in the one whom the rulers of the earth ignored and the proud could never understand; whose life was among common people, whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts.
I believe in the one who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible.
I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother’s arms, whose modest home in Nazareth had love as its only wealth, who looked at persons and made them see what God’s love saw in them, who by love brought sinners back to purity, and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of GOd.
I confess my everlasting need of God: the need for forgiveness for our selfishness and greed; the need for new life for empty souls; the need for love for hearts grown cold.
I believe in God who gives us the best of himself. I believe in Jesus, the son of the living God, born in Bethlehem this night, for me and for the world.
Anonymous
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
Put CHRIST back in CHRISTmas
Santa rides in a sleigh…
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year…
JESUS is an ever present help in trouble.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies…
Jesus supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited…
JESUS stands at the door of your life and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.
You have to wait in line to see Santa…
JESUS is as close as the mention of HIS name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap…
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girls, what’s your name?”…
JESUS knew our name before we did.
Not only does he know our name,
He knows our address too.
He knows our history and future and
He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly…
JESUS offers a heart full of love.
All Santa offers is HO HO HO…
JESUS offers healing, help and hope.
Santa says “You better not cry”…
JESUS says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.”
Santa’s little helpers make toys…
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but…
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree…
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.
Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus.
It’s obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season.
(author unknown)
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