A T I M E W E S E T A S I D E I N O U R B U S Y L I V E S
T O G I V E R E C O G N I T I O N T O
A N D P A Y H O M A G E T O
T H E C O S M I C C H R I S T
by Lois J. Crawford
DECEMBER 2016
GREETINGS, DEAR FRIENDS!
THANK YOU FOR COMING THIS WAY.
AS YOU KNOW I LOVE CHRISTMAS .
FURTHER YOU KNOW THAT I TAKE
A MYSTICAL AND SPIRITUAL APPROACH TO LIFE.
SO WHEN I COME TO YOU AT THIS TIME OF YEAR IT IS TO ASK
YOU TO LOOK AWAY FROM SOLELY HUMAN ACTIVITY FOR
A MOMENT....AND SHARE BOTH A HUMAN AND SOUL TRIP
WITH ME.
I ASK YOU TO LOOK BEYOND THE PHYSICAL SETTING IN
WHICH YOU ARE LIVING ....AND A SK YOURSELVES,
'HOW CAN ONE NOT 'KNOW' OR AT LEAST 'SENSE' THAT
THERE ARE 'MAJESTIC POWERS' DIRECTING ALL THAT HAPPENS
IN NOT ONLY THE PHYSICAL WORLD...BUT THE HEAVENLLY ONES ALSO.
HOW CAN ANYONE NOT 'SENSE' THERE IS COSMIC
DIRECTION FOR ALL LIFE....INCLUDING A PLAN ESPECIALLY DESIGNED
FOR THIS PLANET ....AND NOT EQUATE THAT WITH A BELIEF
IN BASIC 'GODNESS'...WITH A BELIEF IN
BROTHERHOOD.... AND THE 'SENSE' THAT THERE EXISTS
DIVINE JUSTICE AND MERCY....WHICH
IS PRECIOUS AND MAY NOT BE
TAMPERED WITH WITHOUT TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES.
THE STORY WE COME TO TELL HERE IS OLD....AS OLD AS HUMANITY ITSELF....
IT IS A STORY THAT REPEATS AND REPLAYS ITSELF EVERY FEW THOUSAND YEARS
WHENEVER MANKIND IS READY FOR AN EVOLUTIONARY UPDATE OF
BOTH BODY AND SOUL!
'SOME ONE' IS WATCHING.
'SOME ONE' CARES.
'SOME ONE' WILL TRY TO GET OUR ATTENTION.
TWO THOUSAND YEARS THE CHRIST STORY WAS ENACTED AGAIN AND
SINCE THEN, THERE HAS BEEN A GREATER FLOW OF COSMIC
CHRISTNESS TO ALL LIFE ON EARTH.
THIS IS THE LOVE THAT COMES DIRECTLY FROM THE HEART OF CREATION ITSELF.
DURING THIS PARTICULAR TIME OUR EARTH IS EXPERIENCING
A POWERFUL FLOW OF HEALING, ILLUMINING CHRIST ENERGY
THAT INCREASES IN INTENSITY EACH DAY.
IT IS COSMIC CHRIST LOVE THAT BLESSES AND RAISES EVERY ONE EVERY DAY
AND MOST POWERFULLY AT THIS TIME OF YEAR.....
THUS THE IMPORTANCE OF
CHRISTMAS
AND A LL THIS IS IN MY MIND AS WE GET READY TO CELEBRATE
THIS HOLIDAY AGAIN....A CELEBRATION OF BROTHERHOOD....
A CELEBRATION OF LOVE..
WE CAN SEE AS WE LOOK AROUND THAT THERE IS STILL MUCH TO DO
TO INSURE BROTHERHOOD AND TO EXPAND THE LOVE BROUGHT BY THE
ONE KNOWN TO MANY SIMPLY AS 'JESUS'....A COSMIC CHRIST.
WE ARE ACUTELY AWARE TODAY THAT MANY OF MANKIND
HAVE RESISTED THE IDEA OF BROTHERHOOD..BLOOD STILL
FLOWS IN MANY PARTS OF THE PLANET. ...BARBARISM STILL EXISTS.
BUT TWO THOUSAND YEARS AGO IT WAS MUCH WORSE. AND FORTUNATELY
IT WAS TIME TO SEND TO MANKIND AGAIN A POWERFUL TEACHER WITH
THE POWERFUL MESSAGE OF BROTHERHOOD.
IT WAS TIME FOR THE 'CHRIST MESSAGE' TO BE TAUGHT ONCE AGAIN ON EARTH....
THIS BELOVED BEING 'JESUS' CAME AND PERSONALLY TAUGHT A CHANGE
IN HUMAN ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR..... HE CAME TO SHARE A MESSAGE OF SOUL
EVOLUTION THROUGH DEMONSTRATING BROTHERHOOD, AS AGAIN AND AGAIN HE SAID,
'LOVE YE ONE ANOTHER'!!
THE LESSON IS NOT YET LEARNED BY MANY.
THUS, TODAY 'GOD' IS GETTING OUR ATTENTIONWITH FLOODS....FIRES....
EARTHQUAKES...DISEASE...DISTRESS OF MANY KINDS...
THE PURPOSE OF WHICH CAN ONLY BE TO FURTHER THE PURPOSES OF 'GOD'...
WHICH IS TO EVOLVE AND EXPAND THE CHRISTNESS PLACED BY 'GOD' IN EVERY
PHYSICAL BODY....
SO, IT IS MY HOPE THAT ALL WILL WISH TO JOIN ME IN
EXPANDING THE FLAME OF CHRISTNESS IN THE HEART OF
EVERY ONE OF GOD'S PEOPLE.... THAT FLAME OF
PURE LOVE FROM OUT GOD'S OWN HEART...
IT IS THAT POWERFUL COSMIC CHRIST FLAME THAT WILL
PUT OUT THE FIRES OF HATE THROUGHOUT THE
WORLD. AS WE CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF A CHRIST
DURING THE SEVEN SACRED WEEKS WE WILL
DO IT WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WE ARE EXPANDING THE
POWER OF THAT CHRISTNESS THROUGHOUT THE EARTH....
AND THAT WE ARE KEEPING ALIVE THE SACRED MEANING OF
CHRISTMAS...OF CHRISTNESS.
We'll start here:
The story of Christmas that is familiar to most of us, comes from the King James Bible.
It is a tale borrowed from the Ages....one that is relived every few thousand years for a
new humanity who needs to hear the story....needs to have the Christ Spark re-lit or rekindled.
Here is the way it comes to us as told by Saint Luke....and the many ways we continue to celebrate it today.....
The Birth of Jesus:
"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.' When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'
So they hurried off and
found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had
seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this
child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them."
(Luke 2:1-18).
And she brought forth her first born
son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger in a nearby
cave because
there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch
over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the
glory of the Lord shone around about them; and they were sore afraid. And the
angel said unto them,
"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to
all people. For unto to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the
babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
Many
Christmas customs are based on the birth of Christ. Such as giving presents
because of the Wise Men, who brought presents to the baby Jesus. Christmas
carols based on Christ's birth and scenes of the birth with figures of
shepherds, the Wise Men, and animals surrounding the baby Jesus.
But some of the ways people celebrate Christmas have nothing to do with Christ's birthday. Many bits of older holidays have crept into Christmas!
It wasn't until about 200
years after Christ's death that Christians even thought about celebrating his
birth. No one knows the exact date of his birth. It is believed that December
the 25th was chosen to turn people away from celebrating other holidays in this
time of the year.
Saturnalia, was the Romans holiday that they celebrated
in December. It was a time of feasting and parties. Also, in northern Europe
there was a holiday known as Yule. They celebrated this holiday by making great
fires. They then would dance around the fires, yelling for the winter to end.
Last
but not least is Saint Nick. A long time ago, a bishop named Nicholas lived in
what is now the country of Turkey. No one knows much about him. There are
stories that he often helped children in need. Many years after his death,
Nicholas was made a saint. In time, he became the patron saint of children.
SOME HISTORY....F again from the World Book
Christmas is the happiest and busiest time of the year
for millions of Christians throughout the world. People of different Countries
celebrate the holiday in various ways, depending on national and local customs.
In the United States and Canada, people decorate their homes with Christmas
trees, wreaths, and ornaments. City streets sparkle with colored lights, and the
sound of bells and Christmas carols fills the air.
During the weeks before Christmas, children write letters to Santa Claus and
tell him what presents they would like to receive. Many department stores hire
people to wear a Santa Claus costume and listen to children's requests. People
share holiday greetings by sending Christmas cards to relatives and friends.
Many companies give presents to their employees.
A Christmas tree is the main attraction in most homes.
Relatives and friends may join in trimming the tree with lights, tinsel, and colorful ornaments. Presents are placed under the tree. Many young children believe the presents are brought by Santa Claus, who arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Some youngsters hang up stockings so Santa can fill them with candy, fruit, and other small gifts. Families open their presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.
The word Christmas comes from Cristes
Maesse, an early English
phrase that means Mass of Christ.
The story of Christmas comes chiefly from the Gospels of Saint Luke and Saint
Matthew in the New Testament. According to Luke, an angel appeared to shepherds
outside the town of Bethlehem and told them of Jesus' birth. Matthew tells how
the wise men, called Magi, followed a bright star that led them to Jesus.
The first mention of Christmas
(World Book)
The first mention of December 25 as the birth date of
'Jesus' occurred in A.D. 336 in an early Roman calendar. The celebration of this
day as Jesus' birth date was probably influenced by pagan (unchristian)
festivals held at that time. The ancient Romans held year-end celebrations to
honor Saturn, their harvest god; and Mithras, the god of light. Various peoples
in northern Europe held festivals in mid-December to celebrate the end of the
harvest season. As part of all these celebrations, the people prepared special
foods, decorated their homes with greenery, and joined in singing and gift
giving. These customs gradually became part of the Christmas celebration.
In the late 300's, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman
Empire. By 1100 celebrating the Birth of 'Jesus' become one of the religious festivals in
Europe, and Saint Nicholas became a symbol of gift giving in many European
countries. During the 1400's and 1500's, many artists painted scenes of the
Nativity, the Birth of 'Jesus'.
The interest in Christmas grew until the Reformation, a religious movement of
the 1500's. This movement gave birth to Protestantism. During the Reformation,
many Christians began to consider Christmas a pagan celebration because it
included nonreligious customs. During the 1600's, because of these feelings,
Christmas was outlawed in England and in parts of the English colonies in
America. The old customs of feasting and decorating, however, soon reappeared
and blended with the more Christian aspects of the celebration.
The custom of giving gifts to relatives and friends on a special day in winter probably began in ancient Rome and northern Europe. In these regions, people gave each other small presents as part of their year-end celebrations.
Other customs
In the 1800's, two more Christmas customs became popular--decorating
Christmas trees and sending Christmas cards to relatives and friends. Many
well-known Christmas carols, including ``Silent Night" and ``Hark! The Herald
Angels Sing," were composed during this period. In the United States and other
countries, Santa Claus replaced Saint Nicholas as the symbol of gift giving.
The celebration of Christmas became increasingly important to many kinds of
businesses during the 1900's. Today, companies manufacture Christmas ornaments,
lights, and other decorations throughout the year. Other firms grow Christmas
trees, holly, and mistletoe.
The word Xmas is sometimes used instead of Christmas. This tradition began in
the early Christian church. In Greek, X is the first letter of Christ's name. It
was frequently used as a holy symbol.
ADVENT
For most Christians, the Christmas
season begins on the Sunday nearest November 30. This date is the feast day of
Saint Andrew, one of the 12 Apostles of Christ. The first
day of Advent begins a four-week period during which Christians prepare for the
celebration of Christmas.
The word 'advent' means 'a coming'; thus advent announces the coming of 'Jesus'
and gives recognition to His Message of Peace and Brotherhood and individual
Christhood.
Four candles, one for each Sunday of Advent, are placed among the branches.
On the first Sunday, the family lights one candle and joins in prayer. They repeat this ceremony on each Sunday of Advent, lighting one additional candle each time.
Three of the candles are dark purple, and the fourth is pink or light purple. It remains unlit until the third Sunday, when people celebrate the beginning of the second half of Advent.
A large red
candle, which symbolizes 'the Christ', is added to the wreath on Christmas Day.
In many countries, people use special Advent calendars or Advent candles to keep
track of the 24 days before Christmas. An Advent calendar has a colorful
Christmas scene, and each date is printed on a flap. One flap is lifted daily to
uncover a holiday picture or a Biblical verse. On an Advent candle, the dates
appear in a row down the side. Each evening, the candle is lit and then burned
down to the next date. By Christmas Day, the entire candle has melted.
During the Christmas season, many churches display a crèche (Nativity scene). It
shows figures of 'Mary and Joseph' keeping watch over the infant 'Jesus' in the stable.
Figures of the Magi, angels, shepherds, and various animals surround the Holy
Family.
For many Christians, the Christmas season reaches a climax at midnight Mass or
other religious services on Christmas Eve. Churches are decorated with candles,
lights, evergreen branches, and bright red poinsettias. People sing Christmas
carols and listen to readings from the Gospels of Saint Luke and Saint Matthew.
Priests and ministers speak to the congregations about the coming of the Christ and
of the need for peace and understanding among all people. Most churches also hold
services on Christmas Day.
The Christmas season ends on Epiphany, January 6.
In Western Christian churches,
Epiphany celebrates the coming of the Wise Men to the Christ child. Among
Eastern Christians, this day celebrates the baptism of the infant Jesus. Epiphany falls on the
12th day after Christmas. The song `The Twelve Days of Christmas' refers to the
12 days between Christmas and Epiphany.
From
comes
this fascinating information
Christmas is a very special time for many children -- the day presents are left by a magical person.
In the United States and Canada, his name is Santa Claus. He flies through the sky in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer
In England his name is Father Christmas. He looks much like Santa Claus, but he has a longer coat and a longer beard.
In Wales (a principality in the United Kingdom), Santa is called Sion Corn - this translates as "Chimney John" relating to the story that Santa comes down the chimney of each house to bring his gifts to the children within
In France, he's known as Pere Noel. He is also called Pere Noel in Canada
In Brazil and Peru, he's called Papai Noel
In Germany, children get presents from Christkind, the Christ Child on the 24th of December. Also, in Germany Knecht Ruprecht and his helpers come on the 6th of December. Krampus brings coal or a wooden stick to the children that have not been good, Knecht Ruprecht brings mostly cookies, nuts and a small toy to the good children. Belsnickel - German version of Santa who carries a switch to beat the bad children. In Germany, Father Christmas can also be called der Weihnachtsmann
In Poland, Santa is "Gwiazdor"
("star man") -- for the North Star. He visits children on Christmas Eve,
bringing presents. The Christmas Eve meal begins once the first star is
seen. "Swiety Mikolaj" (Saint Nicholas) was a cardinal in the Catholic
Church, he visits children on December 6th and he brings presents, mostly
sweets, which he leaves in children clean (it is very important) shoes.
In Costa Rica,
Colombia, and parts of Mexico, the gift bringer is El Nino Jesus, "the
infant Jesus."
In Puerto Rico,
children receive gifts from the Three Kings on January 6th. Each child
puts grass under their bed for the camels and in the morning the grass is
replaced with gifts.
Jultomten or Tomten
Sweden.
Jultomten visits in the evening before Christmas
day, pulling a big bag of julklappar (Christmas presents) in the deep
snow.
På norsk (in
Norwegian) "Julenissen" arrives on the evening of the 24th
In the Netherlands,
he is called Kerstman. He flies through the sky with his reindeers and
puts gifts under the Christmas tree on the 25th of December. De Kerstman
lives in Finland. His counterpart "Sinterklaas" is another saint, who is
celebrated on the 5th of December.
Sinterklaas comes back every year from
his home in Spain by steamboat, together with him are a whole group of "zwarte
pieten" who help him while he's riding on the roofs - distributing gifts
through the chimney
In Finland, he is
called Joulupukki and his home is in Lapland in the north part of Finland
called Korvatunturl. Also in Finland, the Swedish-speaking Finns (finlandssvenskar)
call him Julgubben
In Spain the children
the night of January 5th put their shoes under the Christmas tree and have
presents from the Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos: Melchor, Gaspar and
Baltasar). Santa Claus is called Papa Noel and there are children who have
presents both days on December 25th (from Papa Noel) and on January 6th
(from the Three Kings).
In Russia, he is
called Grandfather Frost or Ded Moroz. Also, there is Babooska the person
who was searching for Christ the night he was born. She spoke to the Three
Wise Men or Three Kings on their way to find him, they offered their
company to her. But she replied I am too old, so the Three Men went on
without her and she set search the following day but the "King" had gone
from his birth place and when Babooska heard the news she decided to give
her presents for Christ to the childern in her country Russia every year
on the 13th of Dec to make them happy.
He is also called
Kriss Kringle - origin unknown.
He is also called
St. Nick origin Turkey.
Karácsony Apó, is
Santa in Hungarian
In Italy, he is called Babbo Natale. Also, they recieve their presents on January 6th from the gift bringer an old lady called Befana
Black Peter, St Nick's helper which originates from Morocco or Liberia.
In China, he is called Shengdan Laoren.
In Denmark they call him, Julemand.
In Hong Kong they call him Sing dan lo ian in Cantonese.
In Slovenia they call him Bozicek.
In Latvia Santa Claus is called Ziemmassve'tku veci't
In the country Uruguay he is called Papá Noel.
In Lithuania Santa Claus is called Kaledu Senis.
In Portugal Santa Claus is known as Pai Natal. He brings presents on Christmas Eve. However, the Portuguese tradition says the presents in that night are brought by the Newborn Jesus "Menino Jesus
In Estonia he is called Jouluvana.
I
n Ireland he is called Santa Claus and children abbreviate this to just Santy.Many children in the Hindu religion receive gifts from their god Ganesha during the Holiday Season.
In Austria, children get presents from Christkindl, the Christ Child on the 24th of December.
In Greece, Santa Claus is called "Aghios Vassilis" and he comes on the night of 31st December leaving the presents under the tree for the children to find them on New Year's Day.
In Hawaii, Santa Claus is known as Kanakaloka.
In Armenian, Santa Clause is Gaghant Baba and he brings presents to all the good girls and boys.
The name for Santa in Yugoslavia is Deda Mra
In Croatia, he is called Bozicnjak.
In Bulgaria they call him Diado Coleda.
In El Salvador, for some families Santa Claus brings gifts on Christmas Eve to those children who are well behaved. People get together with the family, children go to bed and find a gift on December 25th
In Urdu he is called Baba Christmass.
In Romania, Santa Claus is Mos Craciun and he comes on the night of the 24th of December bringing presents. Also, the night of the 5th of December Mos Nicolae (St. Nicholas) puts candies in the good children's boots or a stick in the bad ones.
MANY THANKS TO 'NET RAG' FOR THESE CHRISTMAS TREASURES.
HERE'S A BIT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SANTA
CLAUS: (World Book)
A long time ago, a bishop named Nicholas lived in what
is now the country of Turkey. No one knows much about him. But there are stories
that he often helped children who were in need.
Many years after his death, Nicholas was made a saint. In time, he became the
patron saint of children. Today, the date of his death, December 6, is an
important date in some countries in Europe. On the night before, children put
out their shoes and hang up their stockings. Early next morning, they rush to
see what gifts Saint Nicholas left them.
Saint Nicholas visits towns and cities, leads parades, talks to children, and
often hands out small gifts. He is dressed as a bishop, of course, wearing a red
or white robe and a tall, pointed hat.
St. Nicholas's scary helper
Saint Nicholas always has a helper. In the Netherlands, this helper is
called Black Peter. In Germany, he's Knecht Ruprecht. In parts of France, he's
Pere Fouettard. And in Luxenbourg, he's known as Hoesecker.
Of course, all the children love Saint Nicholas. But they're quite afraid of his
helper. For it is the helper who keeps track of who was good and who was
naughty. Naughty children may get only switches, with which their parents can
spank them! They may even be carried away in the helper's bag until they learn
to be good!
Dutch settlers in America continued to celebrate this feast day. Their name for
Saint Nicholas was Sinterklaas. And in English, this became Santa Claus.
The Christmas Tree probably developed in part from the
`Paradise Tree'. This tree was an evergreen decorated with apples used in a
popular play about Adam and Eve held on December 24 in medieval Germany. By
1605, some Germans decorated their homes with evergreens for Christmas. They
trimmed the trees with fruits, nuts, lighted candles, and paper roses. Later
decorations included painted eggshells, cookies, and candies.
The first Christmas trees in the United States were used in the early 1800's by
German settlers in Pennsylvania. During the mid-1800's, the custom of trimming
Christmas trees spread rapidly throughout the world. Today, some form of
Christmas tree is part of every Christmas celebration. Decorations include
tinsel, bright ornaments, and candy canes. A star is mounted on top of many
Christmas trees and other Christmas displays. It represents the star that led
the wise men to the stable in Bethlehem where Jesus was born.
In some countries, especially Britain, France, and the
Scandinavian nations, many families burned a Yule log at Christmastime. The log
was a large piece of a tree trunk, and
people
kept an unburned part of it to light the next year's log. Early Europeans
believed the unburned wood had magic powers. It was thought that bad luck would
follow if the Yule log fire went out. Today, these fires are confined to large
public fireplaces, such as those in ski resorts.
Large numbers of people enjoy reading Christmas stories and poems during the
holiday season. For example, A Christmas Carol (1843) by the English
novelist Charles Dickens ranks as one of the most famous tales ever written. The
poem ``A Visit from St. Nicholas" (1823), popularly known by its first line, ``'Twas
the Night Before Christmas," is read aloud in many homes on Christmas Eve.
Clement Moore, an American scholar, supposedly wrote this poem as a Christmas
present for his children. Several musical productions are also Christmas
traditions. They include The Nutcracker, a ballet by Peter Ilich
Tchaikovsky of Russia, and Amahl and the Night Visitors, an opera by Gian
Carlo Menotti of Italy.
AND THEN WE HAVE THIS FAMOUS EDITORIAL....
'Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus'
From the Editorial Page, New York Sun, 1897
'We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:'Dear Editor,
I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in The Sun, it's so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O'Hanlon
'Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except what they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
'Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
'Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
'You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
'No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. '
(copied from Net Rag)
AND FINALLY
THIS POEM
written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
'Net Rag' tells us they are following his request to reprint it and of asking that it be sent to others who may be interested.
And so I include it on this page in which I honor Christmas, it's Meaning and Higher Spiritual Purpose and its Blessing to all who come under its Holy Spell.
Christmas will be
coming soon and today much credit is due the service men and women of
many countries who make it possible for people of the world to celebrate
these festivities.
Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe our heroes, living and dead, who sacrifice themselves for us. Please, do your small part to expand this small seed of Gratitude.
I received this article by email and was so moved by it, I thought it deserved a page worthy of the service men and women, who fight for our freedom.
Let us each light a candle in remembrance of those who are not with their families at the Holidays and add an extra prayer.
A Soldiers Christmas
T'was The Night Before Christmas.
He lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of Plaster and Stone.
I had come down the
Chimney, With presents to give.
And to see just who In this home did live.
I looked all about A
strange sight I did see.
No tinsel, No presents, Not even a tree.
No stocking by the mantle,
Just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
A sober thought Came through my mind.
For this house was different,
It was dark and dreary,
I had found the home of a soldier,
one I could see clearly. The soldier lay sleeping,
Silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, The room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured
was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a Poncho, The floor for a bed?
I realized the families That I saw this night,
Soon round the world,
The children would play,
And grownup's would celebrate A bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers, Like the one lying here.
I couldn't help
wonder How many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve In a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to Cry.
The soldier awakened And I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, This life is my choice."
The solider rolled over And drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, So silent and still
And we both shivered from the cold nights chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark,
night,
This guardian of Honor so willing to fight.
The solider rolled over, With a voice soft and pure, Whispered,
"Carry on Santa, It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
One look at my watch, And I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas my friend,
And to all a good night."
Beloved Lord Jesus, we ask You to enfold all who give
their lives to protect the innocent of this
Earth in an ever expanding Flame of Your
Christ Light and Love.
A
I SHARE WITH YOU AGAIN, THIS CHRISTMAS OF 2016
AGAIN SHARING MY HOPES THAT WE PRAY HARDER AND WORK
HARDER DURING THE COMING YEAR
FOR THE PEACE THAT FULFILLS THE DREAM OF THE
'PRINCE OF PEACE' .
THAT WE TRY HARDER TO LIVE PEACEFULLY, SIDE BY SIDE
ON THIS PLANET.
THAT WE DESIRE PEACEFUL RESOLUTIONS TO OUR
DIFFERENCES.
FOR I BELIEVE IF WE, EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD IN
THE WHOLE WORLD, REALLY TRY TO UNDERSTAND WHY IT IS
WE SHOULD JUST NATURALLY TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER
...FOCUSING ON ATTITUDES OF CONCERN AND COMPASSION,
SHUTTING OUT ALL OTHER THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS, BY THIS
TIME NEXT YEAR....CHRISTMAS 2016..
WE MAY BE A WORLD AT PEACE.
FOR YOU SEE, IT REALLY IS UP TO EACH ONE OF US TO RING
THE BELL OF COMPASSION AND FREEDOM.
IT BECOMES OUR CHOICE WHETHER OR NOT WE WILL ALLOW
THE SACRED LIGHT OF THE CHRIST TO RID THE WORLD OF
EVIL. WE CAN WALK THE SPIRITUAL PATHWAY THAT REPLACES
EVIL WITH BROTHERHOOD....WE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD
A WORLD OF PEACE.....OR NOT!
IT IS UP TO EACH ONE OF US
WOULD YOU JOIN ME THEN AS WE AGAIN RAISE OUR VOICES
IN UNISON, JOINING WITH THE ANGELIC CHORUS, SINGING
SONGS OF PEACE.
LET OUR VOICES REVERBERATE THROUGHOUT
THE UNIVERSE AS WE 'SING THE 'WORDS OF PEACE'
AND AS WE DECIDE TO LIVE IN PERFECT HARMONY TOGETHER
ON THIS PLANET....
AS WE ALLOW LOVE TO REIGN SUPREME IN OUR LIVES...
AS WE SEEK TRUTH AND JUSTICE ....
AS WE CARE MORE ABOUT GOD AND GOD'S PEOPLE....
MORE THAN WE CARE ABOUT OURSELVES.
YES, LET US SPEAK AND SING OF PEACE ...AS WE LIVE LOVE.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
NOW
LET US PRAY TOGETHER ....
IN THE NAME AND AUTHORITY OF
OUR MIGHTY GOD PRESENCE,
WE INVOKE INTO THE LIVES OF ALL IN THE WORLD,
OCEANS AND OCEANS OF CHRISTMAS LOVE, PEACE AND
COMPASSION FROM OUT THE HEART OF ALMIGHTY GOD,
FROM OUT THE HEART OF THE LORD JESUS ...
ASKING THAT THE SACRED LOVE FROM THE HEART OF JESUS
FLOW INTO, THROUGH AND
AROUND ALL LIFE ON THIS PLANET,
ASKING IT TO FILL AND TRANSFORM LIVES EVERYWHERE
BY THE POWER OF THE LOVE OF THE COSMIC CHRIST....
UNTIL THERE IS NOTHING BUT
LOVE AT WORK ON THIS PLANET,
LOVE THAT RAISES AND TRANSFORMS THE LIFE OF EVERY
MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD.
'MAY ALL SOON AWAKEN TO THEIR
'MIGHTY GOD REALITY'....
AND NEVER FORGET EVER THAT WE ARE ALL
CHILDREN OF ONE MIGHTY BEING,
AND THAT OUR DESTINY IS ,
IF WE DARE TO CHOOSE IT,
TO BE EVER ENFOLDED AND PERFECTED IN THE COSMIC
LOVE OF THE ONE WE KNOW
AS 'JESUS', THE CHRIST.
FOR THAT WAS HIS PROMISE TO ALL PEOPLE.
AND SO AS WE OFFER OUR LOVE AND GRATITUDE
TO HIM.
WE WISH HIM A
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
AND WISH FOR EACH OTHER.
A VERY MERRY, LOVING, KIND AND CARING
JOYOUS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION.
My Christmas Love to you all,
Lois Crawford
December 2004
December 2005
December 2006
December 2007
December 2008
December 2009
December 2010
December 2011
December 2012
December 2013
December 2014
December 2015
December 2016
The Beloved One, 'Jesus' Christmas 2003
Beloved 'Jesus' Christmas 2004
Beloved 'Jesus' Christmas 2005
Beloved 'Jesus' Christmas 2006
