The term Christmas originates from Old English “Cristes Maesse,” noting its historical evolution across languages like Dutch and Latin. Despite controversies, including bans in medieval England, Christians unite to celebrate Jesus’ birth, emphasizing grace and worship. This reflection encourages collective rejoicing and gratitude for the gift of salvation. Merry Christmas!
Category: Joy
Posted inJoy
Prepare for Joy!
Finding the Heart of Jesus is unlike searching Amazon for a garden hose. Christ’s heart for us is to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth1.” It is the righteousness (morality, justice) of Christ’s commands that […]
Posted inThankful
Thanksgiving
The author reflects on his changing role within the family, highlighting the simplicity and joy of Thanksgiving compared to consumer-driven holidays. He reminisces about past family gatherings, expressing gratitude for God’s blessings and emphasizing Thanksgiving as a cherished holiday filled with love, joy, and giving thanks to God amidst changing times.
Posted inForegiveness, Joy, Repentance
God’s Kindness
The verse in Romans 2:4 emphasizes God’s kindness leading to repentance. It challenges the misconception of God’s kindness as a guarantee of perpetual happiness. Instead, it highlights the necessity of repentance in response to kindness.
Posted inFather, Joy
Let Us Celebrate Christ Jesus
Regardless of edicts and theological proclamations, Christians have felt in our souls that we should join together around the birth of Jesus, independent of denominational differences. All of us should thank God for begetting His One and Only Son.
Posted inCross, Joy
The Key to Peace
Notice that Jesus said, “For there is a necessity for the stumbling-blocks to come.”
Posted inCovenant, Joy
For Our Father
A Messianic Prophecy I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. Isaiah 42:6 NLT Looking back […]
Posted inJesus, Joy
For Joy!
The Commands of Christ – A Book of JoyFrom time-to-time, beginning with this post, I will be sharing excerpts from my next book. GWM Love God and People I was drinking a cup of coffee and writing a devotional a while back when I read this verse: “If you love me, you will keep my […]
Posted inJoy
The Wonder of New
My wife and I had a wonderful gathering at our home the day after Christmas. We had relatives, children, and grandchildren packed into our small house; it was wonderful. While my sister and brother-in-law conversed about things that I mostly understood, my adult kids spoke some strange language that didn’t seem to be English, and […]
Posted inFather
Let Us Celebrate Cristes Maesse
The word for Christmas in Old English is Cristes Maesse, the Mass of Christ. This phrase was first found in a manuscript written in 1038 AD. A word closer to our word, Christmas, is Cristes-messe, found in an 1131 AD manuscript. In Dutch, the word Christmas is Kerstmis; in Latin, it is Dies Natalis, and from Latin comes the French Noël. In […]