Eternity is a Long Time

  During the Christmas season we often have to remember what the real reason for the season is. That is good and as it should be. However, as we do this, we often just stop with the miracle of Jesus being born in the manger. It’s difficult for our mortal brains to come to grips with the tremendous and total impact of Jesus’s role in God’s Plan of Salvation. All of it had to happen in order for the plan to work. Without it, we would have no hope and would rely on ourselves to save us from this fallen world – which, of course, would fail every time. The plan was for Jesus to have a lowly birth. Then He had a sacrificial death on the cross where He died for all the sins of mankind. Without this sacrifice, we could never truly follow Him. Jesus is our bridge to eternity in Heaven. A fter the cross, there had to be the Resurrection or else our faith is in vain. There are only a few Christmas songs/carols which begin touch on the totality of this plan. The one that I love is “W...

  “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was first shown in 1965. The most remembered part of the 25 minute cartoon is the speech by Linus, the resident philosopher of the Peanuts. Interestingly, it almost did not get into the final cut as the networks were very concerned that the public would not be comfortable with the Bible being quoted – especially by a cartoon character. However, Charles Schultz, the creator of Peanuts, insisted on keeping the Bible verses saying, “If we don’t, who will?” Here's the clip. Here are the verses Linus quotes: Luke 2:8-14 8  Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  10  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  11  For the...

  As the old song goes: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” and it is. There is really no other season that means so much to so many people. Even those who are unfamiliar with Christmas season quickly get caught up in the spirit of the season when exposed to it – and I am not talking about the presents. Even those who are not “religious” or even nominally Christian enjoy this time of year     There is a special feeling of families gathering, enjoying each other and giving gifts. Thanksgiving is very special and very important, but it lacks the act of giving which Christmas brings. However, the two together work beautifully as it is so important to give thanks for what we have and then share that with others.   But what is it that makes the season so special that for a month out of the year, so many in the world have a slightly different outlook than usual? Why do so many people understand what is meant by the “Christmas spirit” we see depicted in feel-good Chr...

  Manger of Jesus (right) below the Church of the Nativity In late 2013, I had the opportunity to visit Israel while I was stationed with the Army in Jordan. During our swift, 60-hour tour of numerous sites in the Holy Land, we visited the Church of the Nativity. This church, like so many in the area, was built on top of an historic site in order to protect the site. In this case, it is the manger where Jesus was born. At least, that is what is believed. The site is in Bethlehem, it is a manger, Jesus was born in Bethlehem in a manger, so it is close enough for me! The entrance for the manger is behind the alter in the church and there was quite a line the day we went. I was at the back of our group and, for a few minutes, we were the last folks in line. Then, a group of nuns came in. It was obvious they were nuns from the habits they wore, but theirs was a very different color — almost a lavender. There were about 25 or so and they were in four neat rows that would make a drill se...