This is my absolute favorite time of the year! Time to don the lights and decorations, pipe in the Christmas carols, cry through sappy movies, dress in holiday cheer, pour a glass of eggnog and look for ways to bring good will towards man as we celebrate the birth of our Savior!
Fun fact: December 25th was once known as Saturnalia, which means “the birthday of the unconquered sun” and celebrated by the Romans. The Roman Emperor Constantine, a follower of Jesus, decreed that the pagan celebration become one that reflected the true God rather than the false one of the Romans. December 25th came to be known as the Feast of the Nativity. It is well recognized that December 25th is not the actual birth of Jesus, however, since that date is unknown, this date is as good as any. Any day which recognizes God’s promise of redemption kept is a day worth celebrating! It is just like God to replace a lie with truth, so let us celebrate this Christmas day with a grateful heart as we recognize “the birthday of the unconquered Son”; our Lord and Savior, Jesus Messiah!
Did you know that the time-honored Christmas song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, is more than just a catchy seasonal carol? There is hidden meaning wrapped among the seemingly random gifts, written to remind believer’s of God and His promises during a time of religious persecution.
The Twelve Days of Christmas Decoded:
True Love= God
1. Partridge in a Pear Tree= Jesus
2. Turtle Doves= Old and New Testaments
3. French Hens= Faith, Hope and Love
4. Calling Birds= Four Gospels
5. Golden Rings= First 5 books of the Old Testament
6. Geese A-laying= Six days of Creation
7. Swans A-swimming= Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, counsel, knowledge, understanding, fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord)
8. Maids A-milking= Eight Beatitudes
9. Ladies Dancing= Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control)
10. Lords A-leaping= Ten Commandments
11. Pipers Piping= Eleven Faithful Apostles
12. Drummers Drumming= Twelve Points of Doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed (1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. 4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. 5. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. 6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. 7. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 8. I believe in the Holy Spirit, 9. the holy Church, the communion of saints, 10. the forgiveness of sins, 11. the resurrection of the body, 12. and the life everlasting.)
Join us in celebrating Advent; December 1st-25th! We will have daily acts of kindness and nightly stories designed to keep us focused on the true meaning of Christmas: love.
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Praying that you have a wonderful Christmas season knowing that God keeps His promises and Jesus is the reason for the season!
Merry Christmas,
Vince and Missey Como
But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid. For I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere! For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah.”
P.S. Our classes will resume in January. Visit hrmclass.com to see when you can join us.