The Sixth Day of Christmas
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Imagination
I envision only the best for my life.
My imagination is the spark for creating a new reality. As I imagine activities, achievements or positive encounters with others, I set the stage for possible results.
Since doubt and worry are a misuse of my power of imagination, I choose instead to expect the best for myself and from others. I live in a world of infinite possibilities. Visualizing a positive future prepares me to make those possibilities reality.
For all the land that you see I will give to you. ---Genesis 13:15
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
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Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
HUMOR FOR HAPPINESS (God Creates Eve)
Top Ten Reasons God Created Eve
10. God worried that Adam would always be lost in the garden because He knew that men would hate to ask for directions.
9. God knew that Adam would one day need someone to hand him the remote.
8. God knew that Adam would never BUY a new fig leaf when his seat wore out and would, therefore, need Eve to get ine for him.
7. God knew that Adam would never make a doctor's appointment for himself.
6. God knew that Adam would never which night was garbage night.
5. God knew that if the world were to ever be populated, men would NEVER be able to handle childbearing.
4. As "Keepers of the Garden", Adam would never remember where he put his tools.
3. The Scripture account of creation indicates Adam needed someone to blame his troubles on when God caught hium hiding in the garden.
2. As the Bible says, "It is not good for man to be ALONE!"
1. When God finished the creation of Adam, He stepped back, looked at Adam, studied Adam, scratched His head and said, "I can do better than that!"
10. God worried that Adam would always be lost in the garden because He knew that men would hate to ask for directions.
9. God knew that Adam would one day need someone to hand him the remote.
8. God knew that Adam would never BUY a new fig leaf when his seat wore out and would, therefore, need Eve to get ine for him.
7. God knew that Adam would never make a doctor's appointment for himself.
6. God knew that Adam would never which night was garbage night.
5. God knew that if the world were to ever be populated, men would NEVER be able to handle childbearing.
4. As "Keepers of the Garden", Adam would never remember where he put his tools.
3. The Scripture account of creation indicates Adam needed someone to blame his troubles on when God caught hium hiding in the garden.
2. As the Bible says, "It is not good for man to be ALONE!"
1. When God finished the creation of Adam, He stepped back, looked at Adam, studied Adam, scratched His head and said, "I can do better than that!"
INSPIRATIONAL STORY (No Greater Love)
No Greater Love
It was a quiet morning in Korea. In a small valley, there was a little wooden building with a corrugated steel roof. It was an orphanage that housed many young children who had lost their parents in the war.
Suddenly, the quiet of the morning was shattered when a mortar shell fell and landed squarely on top of the orphanage. The roof was ripped apart by the blast and pieces of the metal roofing were blasted all through the orphanage, wounding many of the children. One little girl was hit in the leg by the flying metal and her leg was immediately amputated just below the knees. She was laying in the rubble of the orphanage quietly when they found her. A touniquet was immediately applied and a runner was sent to the MASH hospital to fetch medical help for the children.
When the doctors and nurses arrived, they tended to the wounded children. But when the doctor noticed the little girl, he realized that her greatest need at that moment was blood. He immediately called for records from the orphanage to find someone with her blood type.
A nurse, who could read and speak Korean, began to call out the names of all the children with the same blood type searching for someone to volunteer to donate blood.
After a few minutes, there was a group of wide-eyed children assembled. The doctor spoke to the group, through the nurse translating, "Would one of you be willing to give this little girl your blood?"
The children looked shocked and no one said a word.
Again the doctor pleaded, "Please, will one of you give her your blood because if you don't, she is going to die!"
Finally, a boy in the back of the room, raised his hand. The nurse took his hand, led him to another room, laid him down on an bed and prepared to take his blood. When the nurse asked for his arm so that she could sterilize the skin, the boy began to whimper. "Relax", she said. "It will only take a minute and won't hurt."
When the doctor took his arm and inserted the needle, the boy began to cry. "Does that hurt?" the doctor asked. But the boy only cried louder. "I'm hurting him?" the doctor thought and he tried to ease his pain and comfort him but to no avail.
Finally, after what seemed like a long time, the blood was drawn and the needle was remove. The little boy just laid still and sobbed.
After the blood was given to the little girl and her condition was stabilized, the doctor, and the nurse interpreter, returned to the little boy. The nurse asked the boy, "Did it hurt?'
The boy said, "No, it did not hurt."
"Then why were you crying?"
"Because I was afraid of dying." he answered.
The doctor was stunned, "Why did you think you would die?'
With tears in his eyes, the little boy replied, "Because I thought that in order to save her you would have to take all of my blood."
The doctor didn't know what to say. Then he asked the boy, "But if you thought that you were going to die, why did you offer to give her your blood?"
With tears still streaming down his face, he said, "Because she is my friend and I love her!"
John 15:13 "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friend." NLT
It was a quiet morning in Korea. In a small valley, there was a little wooden building with a corrugated steel roof. It was an orphanage that housed many young children who had lost their parents in the war.
Suddenly, the quiet of the morning was shattered when a mortar shell fell and landed squarely on top of the orphanage. The roof was ripped apart by the blast and pieces of the metal roofing were blasted all through the orphanage, wounding many of the children. One little girl was hit in the leg by the flying metal and her leg was immediately amputated just below the knees. She was laying in the rubble of the orphanage quietly when they found her. A touniquet was immediately applied and a runner was sent to the MASH hospital to fetch medical help for the children.
When the doctors and nurses arrived, they tended to the wounded children. But when the doctor noticed the little girl, he realized that her greatest need at that moment was blood. He immediately called for records from the orphanage to find someone with her blood type.
A nurse, who could read and speak Korean, began to call out the names of all the children with the same blood type searching for someone to volunteer to donate blood.
After a few minutes, there was a group of wide-eyed children assembled. The doctor spoke to the group, through the nurse translating, "Would one of you be willing to give this little girl your blood?"
The children looked shocked and no one said a word.
Again the doctor pleaded, "Please, will one of you give her your blood because if you don't, she is going to die!"
Finally, a boy in the back of the room, raised his hand. The nurse took his hand, led him to another room, laid him down on an bed and prepared to take his blood. When the nurse asked for his arm so that she could sterilize the skin, the boy began to whimper. "Relax", she said. "It will only take a minute and won't hurt."
When the doctor took his arm and inserted the needle, the boy began to cry. "Does that hurt?" the doctor asked. But the boy only cried louder. "I'm hurting him?" the doctor thought and he tried to ease his pain and comfort him but to no avail.
Finally, after what seemed like a long time, the blood was drawn and the needle was remove. The little boy just laid still and sobbed.
After the blood was given to the little girl and her condition was stabilized, the doctor, and the nurse interpreter, returned to the little boy. The nurse asked the boy, "Did it hurt?'
The boy said, "No, it did not hurt."
"Then why were you crying?"
"Because I was afraid of dying." he answered.
The doctor was stunned, "Why did you think you would die?'
With tears in his eyes, the little boy replied, "Because I thought that in order to save her you would have to take all of my blood."
The doctor didn't know what to say. Then he asked the boy, "But if you thought that you were going to die, why did you offer to give her your blood?"
With tears still streaming down his face, he said, "Because she is my friend and I love her!"
John 15:13 "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friend." NLT
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (Day Five)
The Fifth Day of Christmas
Friday, December 30, 2011
Power
I use God's power for good in my life and in the world.
God's presence sustains, protects and expresses through all I think, say and do. The more I recognize and acknowledge the power of God, the more I use it with intention.
I align with God through conselors awareness, and I experience a natural flow and order in my life; Stress subsides and stamina increases -- I live more fully.
You are the God who works wonders; you have displayed your might among the peoples.
--- Psalm 77:14
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Friday, December 30, 2011
Power
I use God's power for good in my life and in the world.
God's presence sustains, protects and expresses through all I think, say and do. The more I recognize and acknowledge the power of God, the more I use it with intention.
I align with God through conselors awareness, and I experience a natural flow and order in my life; Stress subsides and stamina increases -- I live more fully.
You are the God who works wonders; you have displayed your might among the peoples.
--- Psalm 77:14
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
INSPIRATIONAL STORY (You Took My Place)
"You Took My Place!"
One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, then got out and began walking toward the building. Another car pulled up next to the "visitor", almost running him over. The driver got out of his car and yells to him, "I ALWAYS park there!!!! You took my place!"
But the "visitor" continued walking to the building so that he could attend Sunday school. As he went inside, he went to a room and upon entering, he found an empty seat and sat down. Fivc minutes later, a young woman approached him and berated, "That's MY seat!!! You took my place!"
The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome but said nothing. He politely rose up from the seat and allowed the young woman to sit down as he went to stand at the back of the room.
After Sunday school was over, the "visitor" went into the Santuary and sat down. A member of the church walked upto him and gruffly spoke, "That's MY seat!!! I ALWAYS sit there!!! You took my place!"
The "visitor" was even more troubled by this treatment but still he said nothing. He politely remained seated as the church member stormed off to another section to sit.
Thirty minutes later, as the church congregation began praying for Christ to make His presence known amongst them, the "visitor" stood up and "HIS" appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on His hands and His sandaled feet. Both hands and feet showed large holes in the center.
Someone from the congregation noticed and shouted to "Him", "What happened to you?"
As "His" hat became a crown of thorns and a tear fell from His eye, the "visitor" replied, " I took you place."
Galatians 1:4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. NLT
Matthew 25:40 "And the King will say, "I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me."
One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, then got out and began walking toward the building. Another car pulled up next to the "visitor", almost running him over. The driver got out of his car and yells to him, "I ALWAYS park there!!!! You took my place!"
But the "visitor" continued walking to the building so that he could attend Sunday school. As he went inside, he went to a room and upon entering, he found an empty seat and sat down. Fivc minutes later, a young woman approached him and berated, "That's MY seat!!! You took my place!"
The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome but said nothing. He politely rose up from the seat and allowed the young woman to sit down as he went to stand at the back of the room.
After Sunday school was over, the "visitor" went into the Santuary and sat down. A member of the church walked upto him and gruffly spoke, "That's MY seat!!! I ALWAYS sit there!!! You took my place!"
The "visitor" was even more troubled by this treatment but still he said nothing. He politely remained seated as the church member stormed off to another section to sit.
Thirty minutes later, as the church congregation began praying for Christ to make His presence known amongst them, the "visitor" stood up and "HIS" appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on His hands and His sandaled feet. Both hands and feet showed large holes in the center.
Someone from the congregation noticed and shouted to "Him", "What happened to you?"
As "His" hat became a crown of thorns and a tear fell from His eye, the "visitor" replied, " I took you place."
Galatians 1:4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. NLT
Matthew 25:40 "And the King will say, "I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me."
Thursday, December 29, 2011
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (The Meaning)
The Twelve Days of Christmas
What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?
This week I found out
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;
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testament.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
Four calling birds were the four gospels of: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law.
which is the first five books of the Old Testament.
which is the first five books of the Old Testament.
Six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit-- Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
Eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-- Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
Ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the Apostles' Creed.
This is your history lesson for today. q=^)
Merry (12 days of ) Christmas and remember the 12 days of Christmas are the 12 days following December 25th. The Christmas Season runs until Epiphany, January 6th.
God bless!
GOD'S RECALL NOTICE
God's Recall Notice
The Maker of all human being units is recalling the following units manufactured by HIM:
Year: All
Make: Male or Female
Model (American, Aisan, Hispanice, etc.): All
The reason for the recall is a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units -- code named "Adam and Eve" -- which resulted in the reproduction of the same defects in all subsequent units.
This defect has been identified as "Subsequential Internal Non-morality". More commonly known and expressed as --- S.I.N.
Some symptoms include but are not limited to:
The Manufacturer, who is neither responsible nor liable foir the defect, is providing factory authorized repairs and services FREE of charge to correct the malfunction.
The Repair Technician, JESUS CHRIST, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of all repairs with no additional fees.
For repairs, the toll free number to call in all areas is:
PRAYER
Once connected, please "press 1"---
to activate the REPENTANCE procedure for the burden of S.I.N.
Next "press 2"---
to confirm the ATONEMENT into the heart component by The Repair Technician, JESUS CHRIST
No matter how big or how small the S.I.N. defects are, JESUS CHRIST will replace it with:
Check your "CONCORDANCE" to find out what services are needed. Use only recommended SCRIPTURES conformed to specifications
The HOLY SPIRIT is designed and readily available to provide the best performance in your human being unit.
Please assist where possible by notifying others of this very important and vital recall notice.
If your human being unit needs further professional service, YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER, a.k.a. GOD, can provide all necessary parts and service. You may contact GOD by KNEE-MAIL or call the toll free number PRAYER 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. NOTE!!!! ALL EMERGENCIES WILL BE GIVEN TOP PRIORITY AND MOVED TO THE TOP OF THE LIST!
Thank you for your cooperation in this important matter. We look forward to assisting you soon.
GOD
WARNING!!!! Continuing to operate the human being unit without proper specified repairs voids The Manufacturers warranty, thereby, exposes the unit to dangerous and hazardous elements.
For any and all emergency service, " call on JESUS" toll free!
DANGER!!!! The human being units NOT responding to this recall notice will ultimately be irrepairable. If this occurs, it will cause the unit to be permanently impounded, upon which it will have to be discarded into the furnace.
To protect and not jeopardize Heaven, the S.I.N. defected unit will NEVER be permitted to enter. This will prevent any contamination of the pure and sterilized facility.
The Maker of all human being units is recalling the following units manufactured by HIM:
Year: All
Make: Male or Female
Model (American, Aisan, Hispanice, etc.): All
The reason for the recall is a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units -- code named "Adam and Eve" -- which resulted in the reproduction of the same defects in all subsequent units.
This defect has been identified as "Subsequential Internal Non-morality". More commonly known and expressed as --- S.I.N.
Some symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Loss of direction, confusion, amnesia of origin
- Fool vocal emissions, gossiping, cursing, slandering
- Selfishness, pride, arrogance
- Depression, loneliness, constant isolation
- Fearfulness, paranoia, timidity
- Idolatry, lust, sexual immorality
- Rebellion, lack of respect for other units
- Feelings of hatred, violent behavior, hot-tempered
- Jealousy, greed, materialism
- Theft, cheating
- Lieing, deceiving, dishonor
- Nursing grudge, unforgiveness, negative emotions
- Stress and anxiety
- Darkness
- Addictive behaviors and/or substances
- Lack of Peace,Joy and Harmony
- Loss of love for The Maker, other units and self
The Manufacturer, who is neither responsible nor liable foir the defect, is providing factory authorized repairs and services FREE of charge to correct the malfunction.
The Repair Technician, JESUS CHRIST, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of all repairs with no additional fees.
For repairs, the toll free number to call in all areas is:
PRAYER
Once connected, please "press 1"---
to activate the REPENTANCE procedure for the burden of S.I.N.
Next "press 2"---
to confirm the ATONEMENT into the heart component by The Repair Technician, JESUS CHRIST
No matter how big or how small the S.I.N. defects are, JESUS CHRIST will replace it with:
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Kindness
- Goodnes
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness
- Self-Control
Check your "CONCORDANCE" to find out what services are needed. Use only recommended SCRIPTURES conformed to specifications
The HOLY SPIRIT is designed and readily available to provide the best performance in your human being unit.
Please assist where possible by notifying others of this very important and vital recall notice.
If your human being unit needs further professional service, YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER, a.k.a. GOD, can provide all necessary parts and service. You may contact GOD by KNEE-MAIL or call the toll free number PRAYER 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. NOTE!!!! ALL EMERGENCIES WILL BE GIVEN TOP PRIORITY AND MOVED TO THE TOP OF THE LIST!
Thank you for your cooperation in this important matter. We look forward to assisting you soon.
GOD
WARNING!!!! Continuing to operate the human being unit without proper specified repairs voids The Manufacturers warranty, thereby, exposes the unit to dangerous and hazardous elements.
For any and all emergency service, " call on JESUS" toll free!
DANGER!!!! The human being units NOT responding to this recall notice will ultimately be irrepairable. If this occurs, it will cause the unit to be permanently impounded, upon which it will have to be discarded into the furnace.
To protect and not jeopardize Heaven, the S.I.N. defected unit will NEVER be permitted to enter. This will prevent any contamination of the pure and sterilized facility.
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (Day Four)
The Fourth Day of Christmas
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Love
I keep my heart open to the love of God.
The love of God is a powerful force for good. Divine love mends differences, creates oy and opens hearts and live to unlimited blessings.
Where love is, there can be no disharmony. Only good is at work and only good prevails.
Love is "the fulfiling of the law," the assurance that there is something greater to experience and enjoy. Love is magnetic. It draws to itself every good thing.
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love s the fulfilling of the law. --Romans 13:10
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Love
I keep my heart open to the love of God.
The love of God is a powerful force for good. Divine love mends differences, creates oy and opens hearts and live to unlimited blessings.
Where love is, there can be no disharmony. Only good is at work and only good prevails.
Love is "the fulfiling of the law," the assurance that there is something greater to experience and enjoy. Love is magnetic. It draws to itself every good thing.
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love s the fulfilling of the law. --Romans 13:10
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (Day Three)
The Third Day of Christmas
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
WISDOM
I am a channel through which Divine wisdom expresses.
A constant flow of light within me brings understanding and wisdom, imparts a feeling of security, and enables me to step forth in faith.
I am already the channel of love that i desire to be. I reach out through prayer and pray for each and every person who is asking for God's wisdom and inspiration.
I am open and receptive, letting the inspiration I desire to flow freely in me, through me and for me.
For wisdom will come into your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. --Prov.2:10
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
WISDOM
I am a channel through which Divine wisdom expresses.
A constant flow of light within me brings understanding and wisdom, imparts a feeling of security, and enables me to step forth in faith.
I am already the channel of love that i desire to be. I reach out through prayer and pray for each and every person who is asking for God's wisdom and inspiration.
I am open and receptive, letting the inspiration I desire to flow freely in me, through me and for me.
For wisdom will come into your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. --Prov.2:10
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (Day Two)
The Second Day of Christmas
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Strength
The glorious power of spirit is within me.
Every day is a gift from God, a gift filled with promise. Each day, I find opportunities to express my God-given talents and abilities, and to bless others and myself.
The presence of God gives me strength of spirit that keeps me moving forward. With Spirit guiding me, I remain strong in mind, in body and in spirit. I sing a song of praise, for God's spirit is present within me and throughout all creation.
The Lord is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him. --- Exodus 15:2
reprint from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Strength
The glorious power of spirit is within me.
Every day is a gift from God, a gift filled with promise. Each day, I find opportunities to express my God-given talents and abilities, and to bless others and myself.
The presence of God gives me strength of spirit that keeps me moving forward. With Spirit guiding me, I remain strong in mind, in body and in spirit. I sing a song of praise, for God's spirit is present within me and throughout all creation.
The Lord is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him. --- Exodus 15:2
reprint from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Monday, December 26, 2011
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (Day One)
THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Monday, December 26, 2011
Faith
Monday, December 26, 2011
Faith
My faith in God provides strength and confidence.
Even the tiniest amount of faith can open my life to God's abundance. This is the truth I hold in my heart today and going forward.
Remembering that God is my one true source changes me at depth and gives me the confidence to boldly affirm: "I am faith in action!" And in faith, I become an agent for positive change in the world.
For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
--- Matthew 17:20
Sunday, December 25, 2011
SEASON OF ADVENT (Christmas Day)
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Today is Christmas!
A MESSAGE FROM SILENT UNITY
Today we celebrate God's gift to all humankind. Today we honor and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ---our Master Teacher and Way Shower. With his birth, divine light and love entered our world to illuminate the ultimate reality and to show all people the way to harmony and to peace and goodwill on earth.
Today we celebrate the Christ, the divine principle, that is born--- and reborn---in us whenever we realize its mighty presence and power. This gift is ours in each moment, to discover and express its inherent qualities of new life, boundless love, unceasing joy, divine wisdom, eternal peace and more.
Today we celebrate the Christ in one another by encouraging an awakening to our divine potential through loving acceptance and gentle example.
This Christmas and always, we open ourselves to fully experience the beauty and joy of the Christ presence within and around us. Our hearts delight in the love of Christ within and the opportunity to express this love to others.
To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior. ---Luke 2:11
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Today is Christmas!
A MESSAGE FROM SILENT UNITY
Today we celebrate God's gift to all humankind. Today we honor and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ---our Master Teacher and Way Shower. With his birth, divine light and love entered our world to illuminate the ultimate reality and to show all people the way to harmony and to peace and goodwill on earth.
Today we celebrate the Christ, the divine principle, that is born--- and reborn---in us whenever we realize its mighty presence and power. This gift is ours in each moment, to discover and express its inherent qualities of new life, boundless love, unceasing joy, divine wisdom, eternal peace and more.
Today we celebrate the Christ in one another by encouraging an awakening to our divine potential through loving acceptance and gentle example.
This Christmas and always, we open ourselves to fully experience the beauty and joy of the Christ presence within and around us. Our hearts delight in the love of Christ within and the opportunity to express this love to others.
To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior. ---Luke 2:11
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Saturday, December 24, 2011
SEASON OF ADVENT (Day Twenty-eight)
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Be Still My Heart!
By Enola Chamberlain
Be Still My Heart!
By Enola Chamberlain
Be still my heart! The stars hold sway
Above the world tonight
Far in the east one pulses with
A pure and holy light.
Be still my heart! The bells will soon
Their joyous anthem ring.
But now above their towers I hear
An angel chorus sing.
Be still my heart! This song I hear.
This glowing star I see,
Bear witness to the fact that Christ
Is born again in me.
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
INSPIRATIONAL STORY (I Love You Anyway)
I Love You Anyway
The fear of rejection may be one of the most basic fears of the human experience. Dr, Joe Harding tells a heart-warming story of a man who finally decided to ask his boss for a raise in his salary:
It was Friday, he told his wife that morning what he was about to do. All day, the man felt nervous and apprehensive. Late in the afternoon he summoned the courage to approach his employer. To his delight , the boss agreed to a raise!
The man arrived home to a beautifuk table set with their best china. Candles were lit. His wife had prepared a festive meal. Immediately he figured that someone from the office had tipped her off. Finding his wife in the kitchen, he told her the good news. They embraced and kissed then sat down to a wonderful meal. Next to his plate the man found a beautiful card.. It read, "Congratulations darling. I knew you'd get the raise! These things will tell you how much I love you!"
While on his way to the kitchen to get some dessert, he noticed that a second card had fallen from her pocket. Picking it off the floor, he opened it and read, "Don't worry about not getting the raise! You deserved it anyway. These things will tell you how much I love you!"
Total acceptance! Total love! Her love for him was not contingent upon his success at work. In fact, just the opposite. If he were to fail there, if he were to be rejected by his boss, he'd be all the more accepted at home. She stood by him no matter what, softening the blows, healing the wounds, believing in him, loving him.
We can handle rejection from almost anyone if we're loved by one.
That's the way families can be with each other. And I'd like to think that's the way God is with us too. "We love because He first loved us"
John 13:34 "So now I am giving you a new commandment, Love each other just as I have loved you, you should love each other."
The fear of rejection may be one of the most basic fears of the human experience. Dr, Joe Harding tells a heart-warming story of a man who finally decided to ask his boss for a raise in his salary:
It was Friday, he told his wife that morning what he was about to do. All day, the man felt nervous and apprehensive. Late in the afternoon he summoned the courage to approach his employer. To his delight , the boss agreed to a raise!
The man arrived home to a beautifuk table set with their best china. Candles were lit. His wife had prepared a festive meal. Immediately he figured that someone from the office had tipped her off. Finding his wife in the kitchen, he told her the good news. They embraced and kissed then sat down to a wonderful meal. Next to his plate the man found a beautiful card.. It read, "Congratulations darling. I knew you'd get the raise! These things will tell you how much I love you!"
While on his way to the kitchen to get some dessert, he noticed that a second card had fallen from her pocket. Picking it off the floor, he opened it and read, "Don't worry about not getting the raise! You deserved it anyway. These things will tell you how much I love you!"
Total acceptance! Total love! Her love for him was not contingent upon his success at work. In fact, just the opposite. If he were to fail there, if he were to be rejected by his boss, he'd be all the more accepted at home. She stood by him no matter what, softening the blows, healing the wounds, believing in him, loving him.
We can handle rejection from almost anyone if we're loved by one.
That's the way families can be with each other. And I'd like to think that's the way God is with us too. "We love because He first loved us"
John 13:34 "So now I am giving you a new commandment, Love each other just as I have loved you, you should love each other."
Friday, December 23, 2011
SEASON OF ADVENT (Day Twenty-seven)
Friday, December 23, 2011
Love Came Down at Christmas
By Rev. Claudia Naylor
Christ is born anew in hearts and minds around the world at Christmastime. And for those with eyes to see and ears to hear, love fills the earth with glory, the theme for the fourth Sunday of Advent. We come to the Nativity with minds and hearts open and receptive to the Word of God.
The angels are messengers of God pointing the way to the Christ. The shepherds keeping watch over their sheep will come to symbolize Jesus as the Good Shepherd---one who protects and guides. The Wise Men from the East represent the inner resources of Spirit giving birth to the One who would be called Teacher. His birth in a stable with a manger for his bed signifies the humble beginnings of all people everywhere.
When we follow his star and let love shine through every thought, word and action, we, too, shall grow beyond the humble to the glorious.
Abide in my love. --- John 15:9
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Love Came Down at Christmas
By Rev. Claudia Naylor
Christ is born anew in hearts and minds around the world at Christmastime. And for those with eyes to see and ears to hear, love fills the earth with glory, the theme for the fourth Sunday of Advent. We come to the Nativity with minds and hearts open and receptive to the Word of God.
The angels are messengers of God pointing the way to the Christ. The shepherds keeping watch over their sheep will come to symbolize Jesus as the Good Shepherd---one who protects and guides. The Wise Men from the East represent the inner resources of Spirit giving birth to the One who would be called Teacher. His birth in a stable with a manger for his bed signifies the humble beginnings of all people everywhere.
When we follow his star and let love shine through every thought, word and action, we, too, shall grow beyond the humble to the glorious.
Abide in my love. --- John 15:9
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Thursday, December 22, 2011
SEASON OF ADVENT (Day Twenty-six)
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The Virgin Mary
Metaphysically, the birth of Jesus of Nazareth into a human lifetime is far less important than the birth of Christ Awareness that He will achieve --- and which he calls us to achieve as well.
Mary is our own feminine energy of love, faith, acceptance and creativity. It is that part of our conciousness tha first receives the seed of awareness --- that we are innately one with the divine. That seed grows through faith, love and patience --- until we are ready to give birth to a new expression of the divine. The process can be challenging and painful --- as it was for Mary --- and the immediate results may not be as dramatic and glorious as we had hoped. The infant awareness has to grow --- to be nurtures through distractions and shadows --- until its full Christ energy can express.
Mary, then, is a symbol of our spiritual potential --- and of the Christ possibility that is always seeking to move through us, into the world, with its transformative power of light and love.
Love... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
--- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
The Virgin Mary
Metaphysically, the birth of Jesus of Nazareth into a human lifetime is far less important than the birth of Christ Awareness that He will achieve --- and which he calls us to achieve as well.
Mary is our own feminine energy of love, faith, acceptance and creativity. It is that part of our conciousness tha first receives the seed of awareness --- that we are innately one with the divine. That seed grows through faith, love and patience --- until we are ready to give birth to a new expression of the divine. The process can be challenging and painful --- as it was for Mary --- and the immediate results may not be as dramatic and glorious as we had hoped. The infant awareness has to grow --- to be nurtures through distractions and shadows --- until its full Christ energy can express.
Mary, then, is a symbol of our spiritual potential --- and of the Christ possibility that is always seeking to move through us, into the world, with its transformative power of light and love.
Love... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
--- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
INSPIRATIONAL STORY (In The Shadow)
In the Shadow
In 1967 while takimg a class in photography at the University of Cincinnati, Tim became acquainted with another man named Charles Murray, who was a student at the school and training for the summer Olympics of 1968 as a highdiver.
Charles was very patient with Tim as he would speak to Charles for hours about Jesus Christ and how He had saved him. Charles was not raised in a home that attended any kind of church, so all that Tim had to tell him was a fascination to him. He even began to ask questions about forgiveness of sin.
Finally, the day came that Tim put a question to Charles. Tim asked Charles if he realized his own need of a Redeemer and if he was ready to trust Christ as his own Savior. Tim saw his countenance fall and the guilt in his face. But his reply was a strong, "NO!"
In the days that followed, he was quiet and Tim often felt that Charles was avoiding him, until Tim got a phone call and it was Charles. He wanted to know where to look in the New Testament for some verses that Tim had given him about Salvation. Tim gave him the reference to several passages and asked if he could meet with Charles. He declined Tim's offer and thanked him for the scriptures. Tim could tell Charles was greatly troubled, but did not know where he was or how to help him.
Because he was training for the Olympic games, Charles had special privledges at The University pool facilities. Some time between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m. he decided to go swim and practice a few dives. It was a clear night in October and the moon was big and bright. The University pool was housed under a ceiling of glass panes so the moon shone bright across the top of the walls in the pool area.
Charles climbed up to the highest platform to take his first dive. At that moment, the Spirit of God began to convict him of his sins. All the scriptures he read, all the occasions of my witnessing to him about Christ, flooded his mind.
He stood on the platform backwards to make his dive, spread his arms to gather his balance, looked up to the wall and saw his own shadow caused by the light of the moon. His shadow was the shape of the Cross. He could bear the burden of these signs no longer. His heart broke and he sat down on the platfrom and asked God to forgive him and save him. He trusted Jesus Christ twenty some feet in the air.
Suddenly, the lights in the pool area came on. The attendant had come in to check the pool. As Charles looked down from his platform, he saw an empty pool which had been drained for repairs. He had almost plummeted to his death but the Cross had stopped him from disaster.
INSIGHT: We CAN reach others by spreading God's Word and living Christlike. Take some time to reach out in the world.
Romans 10:13 For " whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." NKJV
Romans 5:21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. NLT
In 1967 while takimg a class in photography at the University of Cincinnati, Tim became acquainted with another man named Charles Murray, who was a student at the school and training for the summer Olympics of 1968 as a highdiver.
Charles was very patient with Tim as he would speak to Charles for hours about Jesus Christ and how He had saved him. Charles was not raised in a home that attended any kind of church, so all that Tim had to tell him was a fascination to him. He even began to ask questions about forgiveness of sin.
Finally, the day came that Tim put a question to Charles. Tim asked Charles if he realized his own need of a Redeemer and if he was ready to trust Christ as his own Savior. Tim saw his countenance fall and the guilt in his face. But his reply was a strong, "NO!"
In the days that followed, he was quiet and Tim often felt that Charles was avoiding him, until Tim got a phone call and it was Charles. He wanted to know where to look in the New Testament for some verses that Tim had given him about Salvation. Tim gave him the reference to several passages and asked if he could meet with Charles. He declined Tim's offer and thanked him for the scriptures. Tim could tell Charles was greatly troubled, but did not know where he was or how to help him.
Because he was training for the Olympic games, Charles had special privledges at The University pool facilities. Some time between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m. he decided to go swim and practice a few dives. It was a clear night in October and the moon was big and bright. The University pool was housed under a ceiling of glass panes so the moon shone bright across the top of the walls in the pool area.
Charles climbed up to the highest platform to take his first dive. At that moment, the Spirit of God began to convict him of his sins. All the scriptures he read, all the occasions of my witnessing to him about Christ, flooded his mind.
He stood on the platform backwards to make his dive, spread his arms to gather his balance, looked up to the wall and saw his own shadow caused by the light of the moon. His shadow was the shape of the Cross. He could bear the burden of these signs no longer. His heart broke and he sat down on the platfrom and asked God to forgive him and save him. He trusted Jesus Christ twenty some feet in the air.
Suddenly, the lights in the pool area came on. The attendant had come in to check the pool. As Charles looked down from his platform, he saw an empty pool which had been drained for repairs. He had almost plummeted to his death but the Cross had stopped him from disaster.
INSIGHT: We CAN reach others by spreading God's Word and living Christlike. Take some time to reach out in the world.
Romans 10:13 For " whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." NKJV
Romans 5:21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. NLT
HUMOR FOR HAPPINESS (God Send Me Money!)
God Send Me Money!
Little Johnny wanted $100 for a new bike and prayed for two weeks, but nothing happened.
Then he decided to write God a letter asking for the money.
When the local postman saw the letter addressed to "God, USA", he decided to send the little boys letter to the President of the United States.
The President was so impressed, touched and amused that he instructed his secretary to send the little boy $5.00 bill.
Little Johnny was delighted with the $5.00 and wrote a thank you note to God. It read, "Dear God, thank you for sending the money. However, I noticed that for some reason you had to send it through Washington, D.C. As usual, those crooks deducted $95.00"
Little Johnny wanted $100 for a new bike and prayed for two weeks, but nothing happened.
Then he decided to write God a letter asking for the money.
When the local postman saw the letter addressed to "God, USA", he decided to send the little boys letter to the President of the United States.
The President was so impressed, touched and amused that he instructed his secretary to send the little boy $5.00 bill.
Little Johnny was delighted with the $5.00 and wrote a thank you note to God. It read, "Dear God, thank you for sending the money. However, I noticed that for some reason you had to send it through Washington, D.C. As usual, those crooks deducted $95.00"
SEASON OF ADVENT (Day Twenty-five)
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
You Are God's Gift to the World
By Rev. Felicia Blanco Searcy
Spirit designed each and every one of us as channels to stream blessings into our world. So, just like Jesus, when we are centered in the reality of Spirit, God's fullness flows freely through us expanding exponentially.
When we affirm "I am God's gift to the world," we claim our capacity to shine God's light wherever we go. Now if I simply exchange the word God for love, it is a bit easier to see ourselves as the word or the acts of love instead of God. But they are the one and the same. God is love and love is God and when Jesus woke up to that reality, he made love manifest here on earth.
You are God's gift to the world. You are the way that God expresses and expands. As you open your heart to the fullness of God and allow all that God is to flow through you easily and without interruption, you shower those around you with the gift of God. You are God's gift to the world!
He will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love. --Zephaniah 3:17
reprinted from Unity's booklet Your Journey To Christmas
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
SEASON OF ADVENT (Day Twenty-four)
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Divine Love
By Charles Fillmore
(Excerpt from Dynamics for Living)
Love is the drawing power of mind. It is the magnet of the universe, and about it may be clustered all the attributes of being, by one who thinks in divine order. Many who have found the law of true thinking and its effect wonder why supply does not come to them after months and years of holding thoughts of bounty. It is because they have not developed love. They have formed the right image in mind, but the magnet that draws the substance from the storehouse of Being has not been set into action.
Love never sees anything wrong in that which it loves. If it did, it would not be pure love. Pure love is without discrimminating power. It simply pours itself out upon the object of its affection, and takes no account of the result. By doing so, love sometimes casts its pearls before swine, bu its power is so great that it transforms all that it touches.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. --- Deuteronomy 6:5
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Divine Love
By Charles Fillmore
(Excerpt from Dynamics for Living)
Love is the drawing power of mind. It is the magnet of the universe, and about it may be clustered all the attributes of being, by one who thinks in divine order. Many who have found the law of true thinking and its effect wonder why supply does not come to them after months and years of holding thoughts of bounty. It is because they have not developed love. They have formed the right image in mind, but the magnet that draws the substance from the storehouse of Being has not been set into action.
Love never sees anything wrong in that which it loves. If it did, it would not be pure love. Pure love is without discrimminating power. It simply pours itself out upon the object of its affection, and takes no account of the result. By doing so, love sometimes casts its pearls before swine, bu its power is so great that it transforms all that it touches.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. --- Deuteronomy 6:5
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Monday, December 19, 2011
HUMOR FOR HAPPINESS
If Noah Built an Ark in 2011
And lo, in the year 2011, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States, and said:
"Once again the world has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans."
He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard, but there was no Ark.
"Noah! I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"
"Forgive me, Lord." begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision."
Noah continued, "Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I told them that the sea was coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it."
"Getting wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls, but no go!"
"When I started gathering animals, an animal rights group sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodations were too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space."
"Then the EPA rulled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on Your proposed flood. I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew. Immigration and Naturalization are checking the green-card status of most of the people who want to work."
"The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience. To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species."
"So forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."
Suddenly, the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"
"No," said the Lord, "The government beat me to it."
And lo, in the year 2011, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States, and said:
"Once again the world has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans."
He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard, but there was no Ark.
"Noah! I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"
"Forgive me, Lord." begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision."
Noah continued, "Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I told them that the sea was coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it."
"Getting wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls, but no go!"
"When I started gathering animals, an animal rights group sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodations were too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space."
"Then the EPA rulled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on Your proposed flood. I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew. Immigration and Naturalization are checking the green-card status of most of the people who want to work."
"The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience. To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species."
"So forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."
Suddenly, the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"
"No," said the Lord, "The government beat me to it."
Driver's Prayer
Driver's Prayer
Dear Lord,
Protect me today in all my
travels along the road's way.
Give Your warning signs if
danger is near so that I may
stop until the path is clear.
Be at my window and direct
me through when objects
appear from out of the blue.
Defend this vehicle and everyone
inside, keep me always focused,
be my watchful guide.
Carry me safely to my destined
place and bless this journey
with Your constant grace.
Amen.
-- Stephanie Wilcox-Hughes
SEASON OF ADVENT (Day Twenty-three)
Monday, December 19,2011
Seeds
By Rev. Phillip White
Seeds bring new life into expression. So remarkable is this process that I wonder if seeding is not God's way of helping us heal our lives and our world. Is that what the birth of Jesus is about? We celebrate his birth because he, seeing in us what we find difficult to see in ourselves, opened his life of love to us and showed us the full beauty, exuberant color and texture of God's flourishing in him.
In the birth of Jesus we see the real presence of the seed of love in every person. No matter how much fear of resentment or anxiety or unhappiness we have accumulated, thepower to love is stored in us -- a seed waiting for the spring of our soul. When it finds lodging and germination in our own souls, like seeds everywhere it will release the imprisoned splendor within it.
You, O God, are my fortress the God who shows me steadfast love. --- Psalm 59:17
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Seeds
By Rev. Phillip White
Seeds bring new life into expression. So remarkable is this process that I wonder if seeding is not God's way of helping us heal our lives and our world. Is that what the birth of Jesus is about? We celebrate his birth because he, seeing in us what we find difficult to see in ourselves, opened his life of love to us and showed us the full beauty, exuberant color and texture of God's flourishing in him.
In the birth of Jesus we see the real presence of the seed of love in every person. No matter how much fear of resentment or anxiety or unhappiness we have accumulated, thepower to love is stored in us -- a seed waiting for the spring of our soul. When it finds lodging and germination in our own souls, like seeds everywhere it will release the imprisoned splendor within it.
You, O God, are my fortress the God who shows me steadfast love. --- Psalm 59:17
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Sunday, December 18, 2011
SEASON OF ADVENT (Day Twenty Two)
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Love
Dear God,
I open my mind and heart to Your loving, harmonizing spirit. Fill me now to overflowing with love. Let my words and actions be Yours as I express love and harmony wherever I go.
I radiate a friendly spirit to others-- a spirit of gentleness, patience and loving kindness. My words are words of peace. In every situation, I see beyond appearances to Your indwelling presence.
I have unlimited love to share with others. My disposition is sweetened by Your spirit flowing through me. My relationships are harmonized and transformed as Your finds espression through me. Peace, contentment and happiness are mine.
Thank You, God, for blessing me as I express Your harmony in my life.
If we love one another, God live in us, and his love is perfected in us. -- 1 John 4:12
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Love
Dear God,
I open my mind and heart to Your loving, harmonizing spirit. Fill me now to overflowing with love. Let my words and actions be Yours as I express love and harmony wherever I go.
I radiate a friendly spirit to others-- a spirit of gentleness, patience and loving kindness. My words are words of peace. In every situation, I see beyond appearances to Your indwelling presence.
I have unlimited love to share with others. My disposition is sweetened by Your spirit flowing through me. My relationships are harmonized and transformed as Your finds espression through me. Peace, contentment and happiness are mine.
Thank You, God, for blessing me as I express Your harmony in my life.
If we love one another, God live in us, and his love is perfected in us. -- 1 John 4:12
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Saturday, December 17, 2011
SEASON OF ADVENT (Day Twenty-one)
Saturday, December 17, 2011
The Hallowed Hour
By Eleanor Halbrook Zimmerman
How sweetly hallowed is the hour
That brings Christmastime once more!
Within us holy visions flower;
The Christ Child knocks at every door;
The anthems sing His holy name;
The bells ring out His wonderous worth;
And lighted cnadles lift their flame
In honor of His lowly birth.
Down all the centuries we hear
The angels' song. We see the star
And, as the shepherds did, draw near
To all the lovely things that are;
For this peace, to know Him well,
And this joy without an end,
In His eternal light to dwell,
Our Lord, our Shepherd and our Friend!
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
The Hallowed Hour
By Eleanor Halbrook Zimmerman
How sweetly hallowed is the hour
That brings Christmastime once more!
Within us holy visions flower;
The Christ Child knocks at every door;
The anthems sing His holy name;
The bells ring out His wonderous worth;
And lighted cnadles lift their flame
In honor of His lowly birth.
Down all the centuries we hear
The angels' song. We see the star
And, as the shepherds did, draw near
To all the lovely things that are;
For this peace, to know Him well,
And this joy without an end,
In His eternal light to dwell,
Our Lord, our Shepherd and our Friend!
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Friday, December 16, 2011
INSPIRATIONAL STORY (The Master Calls)
The Master Calls
The Master called my name one day because He needed someone to go. I said, "Lord, in my spare time between school, spending time with my husband, working 8-6 and trying to coordinate a program for my community to help our children do better, I will look for someone for You. See, I know I can't go right now 'cause I have so much to do."
He said, "Well, where shall I find such a person? I thought I saw your name on my list of available people."
"Well, Lord, that was the prayer that I prayed last year. But since then, things have changed."
"Like what?" He asked.
"Well, I'm working on my P.H.D. and I'm needed by so many people, and my husband is always wanting something done, and on top of that, my community EXPECTS me to help and give to them so..."
"Well, seeing that you're busy. I'll let you go. But we will talk again. If YOU have some time."
I went on through the days, weeks, and months completeing my tasks as always. One evening while studying for my comp exams, I received a call from the hospital concerning my husband. He had been in a terrible accident and was in critical conditon. I dropped everything and ran to the hospital where I found my husband hanging on for dear life. I immediately began to pray, "Lord, don't take him away now. I can't bare it." But my prayer echoed off the wall and returned into my own ear.
That next morning, I left the hospital tired and weary and walked in the door of my classroom just in time to begin my comps. As the professors began questioning me, I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. In my mind, I began praying, praying hard, but my prayer echoed again and I found myself upset at God because He was no where to be found. I could not explain to them what was happening.
After leaving from my exams, I called in to work because I was so distraught at all that was going on. I explained to my supervisor what had happened and she demanded that I take some time off. After visiting my husband in the hospital that evening, I went home and fell into a sunken state of crying and dispairing. Just then I heard someone calling my name.
"Lord, is that You?"
"Well, yes it is. Do YOU have some time? I wanted to see if I could talk..."
Instead of waiting to hear His question, I lashed out in anger and resentment, "How is it that when I needed You today, YOU couldn't be found? And last night I cried and cried but all I heard were echoes from the walls. My husband is dying, I'm flunking out of school, I may not have a job and You can just sit and say YOU want to talk!"
The Lord interrupted me in my foolish speaking, "My child, I was busy, out looking for someone to go and tell others about Me, when you cried. By the time I came to answer, you had moved onto something else. So, I decided to let your husband rest, and keep you home a few days. That way, MAYBE, you would get in touch with Me! If YOU had some time. For you see, before your husband, your school or your job needs you, I NEED YOU! And if all these things take you away from Me, I have to almost take them away from YOU, in order to get a moment."
I calmed down and began to cry. For I remembered my prayer of wanting to go and do something for the Lord.
He said, "I just wanted to recheck with you to see if you knew of ANYONE that I could send to be a witness for Me and tell others about Me... anyone at all?"
With tears in my eyes and feeling so unworthy I said, "Lord, send me. I'll go."
INSIGHT: God should never have to ask us if we have some time. When He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the Cross, He put aside EVERYTHING to insure us eternal life. We should be MORE THAN GRATEFUL to do service for the Lord -- to witness and to tell anyone we can about Jesus. Don't let your "things", WHATEVER they may be, get you so tied up that God has to become a meeting time in your yearly planner. He had more than enough time for us. The least we could do is have time for Him
Psalm 81:11-12 "But no, my people wouldn't listen.
Israel did not want me around.
So I let them folloe their own stubborn desires,
living according to their own ideas,"
When God calls us, if we DON'T answer immediately, then He will let us do our own thing. But He NEVER lets go of us! He keeps returning and calling until we answer. Because He calls us so that we may do according to HIS plan so HIS WILL shall be done. So if God calls you to do something... DO IT NOW! DON'T make God keep chasing you! It's the first move toward receiving all the promises God has for you.
The Master called my name one day because He needed someone to go. I said, "Lord, in my spare time between school, spending time with my husband, working 8-6 and trying to coordinate a program for my community to help our children do better, I will look for someone for You. See, I know I can't go right now 'cause I have so much to do."
He said, "Well, where shall I find such a person? I thought I saw your name on my list of available people."
"Well, Lord, that was the prayer that I prayed last year. But since then, things have changed."
"Like what?" He asked.
"Well, I'm working on my P.H.D. and I'm needed by so many people, and my husband is always wanting something done, and on top of that, my community EXPECTS me to help and give to them so..."
"Well, seeing that you're busy. I'll let you go. But we will talk again. If YOU have some time."
I went on through the days, weeks, and months completeing my tasks as always. One evening while studying for my comp exams, I received a call from the hospital concerning my husband. He had been in a terrible accident and was in critical conditon. I dropped everything and ran to the hospital where I found my husband hanging on for dear life. I immediately began to pray, "Lord, don't take him away now. I can't bare it." But my prayer echoed off the wall and returned into my own ear.
That next morning, I left the hospital tired and weary and walked in the door of my classroom just in time to begin my comps. As the professors began questioning me, I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. In my mind, I began praying, praying hard, but my prayer echoed again and I found myself upset at God because He was no where to be found. I could not explain to them what was happening.
After leaving from my exams, I called in to work because I was so distraught at all that was going on. I explained to my supervisor what had happened and she demanded that I take some time off. After visiting my husband in the hospital that evening, I went home and fell into a sunken state of crying and dispairing. Just then I heard someone calling my name.
"Lord, is that You?"
"Well, yes it is. Do YOU have some time? I wanted to see if I could talk..."
Instead of waiting to hear His question, I lashed out in anger and resentment, "How is it that when I needed You today, YOU couldn't be found? And last night I cried and cried but all I heard were echoes from the walls. My husband is dying, I'm flunking out of school, I may not have a job and You can just sit and say YOU want to talk!"
The Lord interrupted me in my foolish speaking, "My child, I was busy, out looking for someone to go and tell others about Me, when you cried. By the time I came to answer, you had moved onto something else. So, I decided to let your husband rest, and keep you home a few days. That way, MAYBE, you would get in touch with Me! If YOU had some time. For you see, before your husband, your school or your job needs you, I NEED YOU! And if all these things take you away from Me, I have to almost take them away from YOU, in order to get a moment."
I calmed down and began to cry. For I remembered my prayer of wanting to go and do something for the Lord.
He said, "I just wanted to recheck with you to see if you knew of ANYONE that I could send to be a witness for Me and tell others about Me... anyone at all?"
With tears in my eyes and feeling so unworthy I said, "Lord, send me. I'll go."
INSIGHT: God should never have to ask us if we have some time. When He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the Cross, He put aside EVERYTHING to insure us eternal life. We should be MORE THAN GRATEFUL to do service for the Lord -- to witness and to tell anyone we can about Jesus. Don't let your "things", WHATEVER they may be, get you so tied up that God has to become a meeting time in your yearly planner. He had more than enough time for us. The least we could do is have time for Him
Psalm 81:11-12 "But no, my people wouldn't listen.
Israel did not want me around.
So I let them folloe their own stubborn desires,
living according to their own ideas,"
When God calls us, if we DON'T answer immediately, then He will let us do our own thing. But He NEVER lets go of us! He keeps returning and calling until we answer. Because He calls us so that we may do according to HIS plan so HIS WILL shall be done. So if God calls you to do something... DO IT NOW! DON'T make God keep chasing you! It's the first move toward receiving all the promises God has for you.
COMMITMENT (Just for Today, Lord)
Just for Today, Lord
I will live through the next 12 hours
and not try to tackle all of life's problems at once.
I will improve my mind, I will learn something useful.
I will learn something that requires effort, thought and concentration.
I will be agreeable. I will look my best,
speak in well-modulated voice, be courteous and considerate.
I will not find fault with friends, relatives, or colleagues.
I will not try to change or improve anyone other than myself.
I will have a program. I might not follow it exactly, but I will have it.
I will save myself from two enemies... hurry and indecision.
I will do a good deed and keep it secret.
If anyone finds out, it won't count and I will do another.
I will do two things I don't want to do... just for exercise.
I will believe in myself. I will give my best to the world
and feel confident that the world will give it's best to me.
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing!
HUMOR FOR HAPPINESS (Build Me a Bridge)
Build Me a Bridge
A man walking along a California beach was deep in prayer. Suddenly, the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, the Lord said,"Because you have TRIED to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish."
The man said, "Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can drive over anytime I want."
The Lord said, "Your request is very materialistic. Think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking. The supports required to reach the bottom of the Pacific! The concrete and steel it would take! It will nearly exhaust several natural resources. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of something that would honor and glorify Me."
The man thought about it for a long time. Finally he said, "Lord, I wish that I could understand my wife. I want to know how she feels inside, what she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what she means when she says, "nothing's wrong." and how I can make her truly happy."
The Lord replied, "You want two or four lanes on that bridge."
A man walking along a California beach was deep in prayer. Suddenly, the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, the Lord said,"Because you have TRIED to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish."
The man said, "Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can drive over anytime I want."
The Lord said, "Your request is very materialistic. Think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking. The supports required to reach the bottom of the Pacific! The concrete and steel it would take! It will nearly exhaust several natural resources. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of something that would honor and glorify Me."
The man thought about it for a long time. Finally he said, "Lord, I wish that I could understand my wife. I want to know how she feels inside, what she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what she means when she says, "nothing's wrong." and how I can make her truly happy."
The Lord replied, "You want two or four lanes on that bridge."
SEASON OF ADVENT (Day Twenty)
Friday, December 16, 2011
Be a Star
By Martha Smock
At Christmastime, we think of stars and lights and candles; we think of the birth of light into the world. This is a time when Christ is born anew in us, emerges from the wings of our waiting consciousness, comes center stage and shines.
This is "the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations ... Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:26 - 27). To realize this is to find the answer to our search for meaning and purpose in life. To know that Christ in us is our hope of glory is to know that our desire to be more, to express more, is not a vain dream but a spiritual intention. With this awareness, the Christ is born again in our hearts and takes the starring role in our lives.
The Christ is light. We are to express the Christ light, to let it shine through us.
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.
--- Luke 2:9
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Be a Star
By Martha Smock
At Christmastime, we think of stars and lights and candles; we think of the birth of light into the world. This is a time when Christ is born anew in us, emerges from the wings of our waiting consciousness, comes center stage and shines.
This is "the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations ... Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:26 - 27). To realize this is to find the answer to our search for meaning and purpose in life. To know that Christ in us is our hope of glory is to know that our desire to be more, to express more, is not a vain dream but a spiritual intention. With this awareness, the Christ is born again in our hearts and takes the starring role in our lives.
The Christ is light. We are to express the Christ light, to let it shine through us.
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.
--- Luke 2:9
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
INSPIRATIONAL STORY (Ruth)
Ruth
Ruth went to her mailbox and there was only one letter. She picked it up and looked at it before opening and she noticed the envelope had no stamp and no postmark. It only had her name and address. But she opened it anyway and began reading the letter;
Dear Ruth,
I'm going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I'd like to stop by for a visit.
Love always,
Jesus
Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table. "Why would the Lord want to visit me? I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer." With that thought Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets. "Oh my goodness. I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to go down to the store and buy something for dinner."
She reached for her purse and counted her money... $5.40 "Well, Ican get some bread and cold cuts, at least." she threw on her coat and hurried out the door.
Leaving the grocery store, Ruth had a loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey and a carton of milk. Now she had a grand total of twelve cents to last her until the following Monday. Nonetheless, she felt as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm would be sufficient.
"Hey lady, can you help us, lady?"
Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alleyway. A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags.
"Look, lady. I don't got no job, ya know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and well, now it's getting cold and we're getting kinda hungry and, well, if you could help us, lady, we'd really appreciate it."
Ruth looked at them both. They were dirty, they smelled bad and frankly, she was certain that they could get some sort of work if they really wanted to. "Sir, I'd like to help you but I'm a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread and I'm having a very important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him."
"Yeah, well, ok lady. I understand. Thanks anyway." The man put his arm around his wife's shoulder, turned and headed back into the alley.
As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart. "Sir, wait!"
The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them.
"Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to serve my guest." she handed the man her grocery bag.
"Thank you, lady. Thank you very much."
"Yes, thank you!" said the man's wife. Now Ruth could see that she was shivering.
"You know, I've got another coat at home. here, why don't you take this one." Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoulders. Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street... without her coat and nothing to serve her guest.
"Thank you, lady! Thank you very much!"
Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front door and worried too. The Lord was coming to meet her and she didn't have anything to offer Him. She fumbled through her purse for her keys and as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox. "That's odd," she thought "the mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day." She took the envelope, opened it and began to read the letter:
Dear Ruth,
It was so good to see you again. Thank you for the lovely meal. And thank you, for the beautiful coat.
Love always,
Jesus
The air was still cold but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed.
BE A BLESSING AND BE BLESSED!
Matthew 25:35-36 "For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. NLT
Matthew 25:40 "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of those my brothere and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" NLT
Ruth went to her mailbox and there was only one letter. She picked it up and looked at it before opening and she noticed the envelope had no stamp and no postmark. It only had her name and address. But she opened it anyway and began reading the letter;
Dear Ruth,
I'm going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I'd like to stop by for a visit.
Love always,
Jesus
Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table. "Why would the Lord want to visit me? I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer." With that thought Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets. "Oh my goodness. I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to go down to the store and buy something for dinner."
She reached for her purse and counted her money... $5.40 "Well, Ican get some bread and cold cuts, at least." she threw on her coat and hurried out the door.
Leaving the grocery store, Ruth had a loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey and a carton of milk. Now she had a grand total of twelve cents to last her until the following Monday. Nonetheless, she felt as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm would be sufficient.
"Hey lady, can you help us, lady?"
Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alleyway. A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags.
"Look, lady. I don't got no job, ya know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and well, now it's getting cold and we're getting kinda hungry and, well, if you could help us, lady, we'd really appreciate it."
Ruth looked at them both. They were dirty, they smelled bad and frankly, she was certain that they could get some sort of work if they really wanted to. "Sir, I'd like to help you but I'm a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread and I'm having a very important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him."
"Yeah, well, ok lady. I understand. Thanks anyway." The man put his arm around his wife's shoulder, turned and headed back into the alley.
As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart. "Sir, wait!"
The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them.
"Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to serve my guest." she handed the man her grocery bag.
"Thank you, lady. Thank you very much."
"Yes, thank you!" said the man's wife. Now Ruth could see that she was shivering.
"You know, I've got another coat at home. here, why don't you take this one." Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoulders. Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street... without her coat and nothing to serve her guest.
"Thank you, lady! Thank you very much!"
Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front door and worried too. The Lord was coming to meet her and she didn't have anything to offer Him. She fumbled through her purse for her keys and as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox. "That's odd," she thought "the mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day." She took the envelope, opened it and began to read the letter:
Dear Ruth,
It was so good to see you again. Thank you for the lovely meal. And thank you, for the beautiful coat.
Love always,
Jesus
The air was still cold but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed.
BE A BLESSING AND BE BLESSED!
Matthew 25:35-36 "For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. NLT
Matthew 25:40 "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of those my brothere and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" NLT
Thursday, December 15, 2011
CHRISTMAS POEM (Just a Baby in a Manger)
Just a Baby in a Manger
Just a Baby in a manger ---
Why, who would ever guess
That such a tiny miracle
Would forever mankind bless!
He was small, just like a baby is
And so soft, gentle too --
Oh, the love that He would give away
And wonders He would do!
The manger that He lay in
Was not a crib, both clean and warm,
But God saw it fit for His Son
On the day that He was born.
Just a Baby in a manger
A long, long time ago,
Will grow up to teach us wisdom --
So much mercy to bestow.
On this another Christmas Season
Pause and remember Christ Our King --
That tiny Baby once in a manger
Causing weary hearts to sing!
Linda C. Grazulis
CHRISTMAS POEM (Love at Christmas)
Love at Christmas
We think of peace at Christmas,
Along with love and Joy...
This very special feeling
Came with a Baby Boy.
Born in a humble manger
So many years ago...
He changed our lives forever
As on God could know.
The love we feel at Christmas
Would never go away,
If, with our friends and family
We shared it every day.
Anna M. Matthews
We think of peace at Christmas,
Along with love and Joy...
This very special feeling
Came with a Baby Boy.
Born in a humble manger
So many years ago...
He changed our lives forever
As on God could know.
The love we feel at Christmas
Would never go away,
If, with our friends and family
We shared it every day.
Anna M. Matthews
CHRISTMAS POEM (untitled)
With every little trinket I hang
Upon our tree,
I'm thankful for the gifts of life
God has given me.
I'm thankful for my family and their
Love of many years;
I'm thankful for my faithful friends
Through days of joys and tears.
All these gifts not bought nor
Wrapped in fancy trimmings,
But from the hearts of humans who know
The real gift of giving.
Hazel K. Boyd
CHRISTMAS POEM (Heart Gifts)
Heart Gifts
Dear Father, at this Christmastide,
I ask for gifts that will abide;
For "Heart Gifts" that will stronger grow
Throughout the days which come and go.
Most trusting faith in thee, I need,
A child-like faith, for this I plead;
A faith in goodness, truth and love,
All wrapped in beauty from above.
Much kindness, Lord, enough to share
With friends and mankind everywhere;
For ties that bind all human hearts
Are loving deeds kindness imparts.
I'd like to find beneath my tree
A package marked, "humility,"
and please leave there, some patience too,
A liberal aum, if You so choose.
Grant understanding, so I may
Not judge my brother on life's way.
Help me to feel another's woe
And true compassion always show.
These presents money cannot buy,
For only You, Lord, can supply
Such "Heart Gifts" that will stronger grow
Throughout the days which come and go.
Beverly J. Anderson
Ezekiel 11:19 And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender responsive heart. NLT
Dear Father, at this Christmastide,
I ask for gifts that will abide;
For "Heart Gifts" that will stronger grow
Throughout the days which come and go.
Most trusting faith in thee, I need,
A child-like faith, for this I plead;
A faith in goodness, truth and love,
All wrapped in beauty from above.
Much kindness, Lord, enough to share
With friends and mankind everywhere;
For ties that bind all human hearts
Are loving deeds kindness imparts.
I'd like to find beneath my tree
A package marked, "humility,"
and please leave there, some patience too,
A liberal aum, if You so choose.
Grant understanding, so I may
Not judge my brother on life's way.
Help me to feel another's woe
And true compassion always show.
These presents money cannot buy,
For only You, Lord, can supply
Such "Heart Gifts" that will stronger grow
Throughout the days which come and go.
Beverly J. Anderson
Ezekiel 11:19 And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender responsive heart. NLT
CHRISTMAS POEM (There Will Always Be a Christmas)
There Will Always Be a Christmas
There will always be a Christmas
With its message of wonderous love;
It's a blessed, Holy Season
Pointing hearts to Heaven above.
Years of time brings many changes,
There's nothing can change this day;
There will always be a Christmas,
Its meaning will never pass away.
It's a special day to remember,
The gift sent from God above,
The precious gift of a Savior
Because of His marvelous love.
There will always be Christmas,
Through the years it'll always remain
More than just a day or a season
When we join in the carol's sweet refrain.
For each day it's wonderous message
Within our hearts will always stay;
When in us the Christ is born again,
Christmas will never pass away.
Eva Elmquist
There will always be a Christmas
With its message of wonderous love;
It's a blessed, Holy Season
Pointing hearts to Heaven above.
Years of time brings many changes,
There's nothing can change this day;
There will always be a Christmas,
Its meaning will never pass away.
It's a special day to remember,
The gift sent from God above,
The precious gift of a Savior
Because of His marvelous love.
There will always be Christmas,
Through the years it'll always remain
More than just a day or a season
When we join in the carol's sweet refrain.
For each day it's wonderous message
Within our hearts will always stay;
When in us the Christ is born again,
Christmas will never pass away.
Eva Elmquist
CHRISTMAS POEM (Gift of Love)
Gift of Love
Gift of love, on Christmas Day
For us to Heaven paved the way,
The Child was sent to conquer sin,
Redeeming those who believe in Him.
Gift of love, oh blessed One,
His work on Calvary now is done.
He earned for us salvation free
That we might Heaven's glory see.
Gift of love, in sin and shame
He rescued us to share His name.
Holy, pure, He took our sin
So we in Heaven could enter in.
Gift of love, He suffered long
So we could sing redemption's song.
He came, redeemed, now leads our way--
Earth celebrates His birth this day.
Helen Gleason
Let Your love come to me, Lord, salvation in accord with Your promise. Psalm 119:41
Gift of love, on Christmas Day
For us to Heaven paved the way,
The Child was sent to conquer sin,
Redeeming those who believe in Him.
Gift of love, oh blessed One,
His work on Calvary now is done.
He earned for us salvation free
That we might Heaven's glory see.
Gift of love, in sin and shame
He rescued us to share His name.
Holy, pure, He took our sin
So we in Heaven could enter in.
Gift of love, He suffered long
So we could sing redemption's song.
He came, redeemed, now leads our way--
Earth celebrates His birth this day.
Helen Gleason
Let Your love come to me, Lord, salvation in accord with Your promise. Psalm 119:41
SEASON OF ADVENT (Day Nineteen)
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The Christ Is Born
By Mary L. Kupferle
Our hearts rejoice in the birth of Jesus, for it tells us that the story of the Christ child born in Bethlehem is the story of the Christ born within every person.
Listen to the echo of the words: "I am bringing you good news of great joy." Realize this is your own message direct from God to you. Let these glad, good tidings swell into a song of thanksgiving as you awaken to the truth that Christ is born, not only in Jesus of Nazareth, but in you today.
You ae born the beloved of God, worthy of all earth's rejoicing. Glory to God in the highest, for the Christ is born in you.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see --- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people." ----Luke 2:10
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
The Christ Is Born
By Mary L. Kupferle
Our hearts rejoice in the birth of Jesus, for it tells us that the story of the Christ child born in Bethlehem is the story of the Christ born within every person.
Listen to the echo of the words: "I am bringing you good news of great joy." Realize this is your own message direct from God to you. Let these glad, good tidings swell into a song of thanksgiving as you awaken to the truth that Christ is born, not only in Jesus of Nazareth, but in you today.
You ae born the beloved of God, worthy of all earth's rejoicing. Glory to God in the highest, for the Christ is born in you.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see --- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people." ----Luke 2:10
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Special Poem (Thinking of You)
Thinking of You
This morning as I rose from bed
and saw the sun above,
I softly said, "Good Morning, God,
bless everyone I love."
And right away I thought of you
and said a loving prayer
That He would bless you specially
and keep you free from care.
I thought of all the happiness your
day could hold in store
And wished it all for you because
no one deserves it more;
I felt so warm and good inside,
my heart was all aglow
I know God heard my prayer for you,
He hears them all, you know.
author unknown
This morning as I rose from bed
and saw the sun above,
I softly said, "Good Morning, God,
bless everyone I love."
And right away I thought of you
and said a loving prayer
That He would bless you specially
and keep you free from care.
I thought of all the happiness your
day could hold in store
And wished it all for you because
no one deserves it more;
I felt so warm and good inside,
my heart was all aglow
I know God heard my prayer for you,
He hears them all, you know.
author unknown
SEASON OF ADVENT (Day Eighteen)
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Christmas: The Best or Worst of Times?
By Rev. Jim Gaither
Feelings about Christmas tend to be closely related to feelings about family. That can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you feel about your family. People from happy and loving homes, that joyfully celebrated Christmas, will tend to have very positive feelings about Christmas. People from dysfuntional or abusive homes will tend to experience Christmas as stressful, disturbing and melancholy...
The baby Jesus is a profound symbol for how God is related to the world. As God is present everywhere at all times, God would certainly be present in even the poorest and most helpless infant. That infant would have the potential to grow in knowledge and might even make mystical contact with the omniscient Mind of God. The omnipotence of God could work through that child, over the course of a lifetime, to work miracles of love and inspire the world. Omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient Spirit is within ech one of us, and can work through us to overcome any obstscle and achieve any height.
I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me. --- Phillippians 4:13 (NKJV)
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Christmas: The Best or Worst of Times?
By Rev. Jim Gaither
Feelings about Christmas tend to be closely related to feelings about family. That can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how you feel about your family. People from happy and loving homes, that joyfully celebrated Christmas, will tend to have very positive feelings about Christmas. People from dysfuntional or abusive homes will tend to experience Christmas as stressful, disturbing and melancholy...
The baby Jesus is a profound symbol for how God is related to the world. As God is present everywhere at all times, God would certainly be present in even the poorest and most helpless infant. That infant would have the potential to grow in knowledge and might even make mystical contact with the omniscient Mind of God. The omnipotence of God could work through that child, over the course of a lifetime, to work miracles of love and inspire the world. Omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient Spirit is within ech one of us, and can work through us to overcome any obstscle and achieve any height.
I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me. --- Phillippians 4:13 (NKJV)
reprinted from Unity's booklet Advent 2011 Your Journey To Christmas
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
MY CHRISTMAS GIFT TO GOD
Heavenly Father,
During this festive season people are talking about what they will be giving to others or they may be talking about what they are receiving from others. Father, I can joyfully tell others af ALL the wonderful gifts you've given to me: Your Son, Jesus Christ, my life, my family, this earth, the animals, other people, and the list goes on and on. It never ends!
But, I wonder, Lord... what about the gifts I give to you? How long would that list be? Reflecting on that, I realize... I OWE YOU so much! So, Father, my gift to You right now... is ME!!!!! I give You all of me!
I pray You will allow me to be a blessing to someone for all of Your Glory. Allow me to give a smile to someone who is feeling down and out, place me next to the doors at a store, that I may hold open for the elderly couple ambling into, position me at a check out register where the person in front of me is short of cash and I can make up the difference, whisper to my heart the name of a lonely person that I need to go visit, give me the humorous joke to tell someone who is feeling depressed, steer my car onto the road where the stranded motorist is needing assistance.
Lord, my gift to You is me! I trust You will use me in many ways -- big and small -- to reach Your people.
HERE I AM, LORD! TAKE ME! USE ME!
Use me to be a blessing to someone else today. All for the Glory and Honor Of Your Mighty Name and Your Sacred Son, Jesus Christ. In this I pray. Amen.
During this festive season people are talking about what they will be giving to others or they may be talking about what they are receiving from others. Father, I can joyfully tell others af ALL the wonderful gifts you've given to me: Your Son, Jesus Christ, my life, my family, this earth, the animals, other people, and the list goes on and on. It never ends!
But, I wonder, Lord... what about the gifts I give to you? How long would that list be? Reflecting on that, I realize... I OWE YOU so much! So, Father, my gift to You right now... is ME!!!!! I give You all of me!
I pray You will allow me to be a blessing to someone for all of Your Glory. Allow me to give a smile to someone who is feeling down and out, place me next to the doors at a store, that I may hold open for the elderly couple ambling into, position me at a check out register where the person in front of me is short of cash and I can make up the difference, whisper to my heart the name of a lonely person that I need to go visit, give me the humorous joke to tell someone who is feeling depressed, steer my car onto the road where the stranded motorist is needing assistance.
Lord, my gift to You is me! I trust You will use me in many ways -- big and small -- to reach Your people.
HERE I AM, LORD! TAKE ME! USE ME!
Use me to be a blessing to someone else today. All for the Glory and Honor Of Your Mighty Name and Your Sacred Son, Jesus Christ. In this I pray. Amen.