AS Anglo/American novelist Taylor Caldwell wrote, the Christmas message is that we are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, or the word seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.
So be aware of the truth. The Christ child is present at every Christmas, whether or not we acknowledge Him.
The theologian Karl Rahner said: “In Christmas, God gives us permission to be happy.”
So be happy. Hug your lovers. Kiss the children. Embrace someone who needs a caring touch. Share the love.
Bryan Patterson's Faithworks 
The theologian Karl Rahner said: “In Christmas, God gives us permission to be happy.”
Does Karl provide evidence for this or is he shooting from the hip ?
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
Need to get back to core teachings and leave all the stuff man has added behind.
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“Matthew 19
23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world,[b] when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold[c] and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Being granted eternal life and entering the Kingdom of Heaven may not be synonymous. Where you enter eternal life seems to have a precedence, from first to last. Which of the ‘many mansions’ will someone be granted – a palace in the Kingdom, a cottage on the periphery?
We also read in Revelation 7:9
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”
Saved through works or through grace? Perhaps both are needed to get you a prime residential address!
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Isaiah 9:6 Dom.
That Scripture alone gives me such joy, that I feel like dancing whenever I read and contemplate its meaning. It’s amazing! And I am positive that it affects other Christians the same way:
“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His
shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
7 Of the increase of His government
and peace
There will be no end.”
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The original –
” Christ could be born a thousand times in Bethlehem – but all in vain until He is born in me.”
From’ ‘Messenger Of The Heart: The Book Of Angelus Silesius, With Observations By Frederick Franck
But I know that was echoed by later writers.
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Thanks for your replies. They do not mention Christmas or birthday. If the day that Jesus was born was deliberately left out, does that not tell you something ? I think it is no accident that the only two people mentioned in the bible, who had a birthday, was Pharaoh and King Herod. Two heathens who were amongst the worst of creation.
“Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: Thus saith the Lord, LEARN NOT THE WAY OF THE HEATHEN, and be not dismayed at the signs of the heaven (astrology!); for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the CUSTOMS OF THE PEOPLE ARE VAIN” (Jeremiah 10:1-3).
It is a pagan tradition where a person congratulates themselves for cheating death another year. No one cheats God. You die with God’s permission. God would definitely not want you to celebrate Christmas let alone want you to be happy doing it. Do not follow their way and customs.
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I think we should celebrate the birth of the Christ child. Why not?
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Sorry I just saw that comment from Karl and had to speak. He took too much liberties. Celebrate Christmas but don’t assume God sanctions it. If God sanctioned happiness on that day the disciples would have celebrated it. None of the early Christians celebrated it.
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That’s ok Dom. You are speaking from your heart.
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Dom, there is much about the Christmas celebration that I don’t like, but it is a tradition in our culture, and can be very worthwhile. As far as it being pagan, the oldest religious significance has gone, no-one is worshipping false gods, nor congratulating themselves for cheating God.
The false god who has us in his grip today is Mammon. Let’s get rid of him, forget the giving of material gifts where need isn’t present. We can give our time, share our food, lots of things that bring happiness to others – and to ourselves. Why not?
I notice a growing tendency to wish others, not a Merry Christmas, but one that is peaceful and joyful.
As far as a birthday party for Jesus, that’s out for me. I go along with the theologian, I forget his name, who said that unless Jesus was born in our hearts, his birth in a manger was in vain. Or some such words.
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Surely one who relies on scripture has permission to be happy when it’s not Christmas? Looking at scripture, we find:
“A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.” – “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” – “I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.” – “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.” – “And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” – “The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” – ” Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” – “Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him! Let all the upright in heart exult!” – “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” – “Dear brothers and sisters,[ when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” – “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” – “Count it all joy… when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ” – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” – ETC.
Although there are quotes there from Psalms and Proverbs, most are from the New Testament, which brings the ‘Good News’. I feel Christianity must be one of the happiest religions!.
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It is extremely difficult to ‘share the love’ when the people who govern our lives clearly do not.
In fact, it’s the opposite… they seem happy making our lives miserable, and being hypocritical and cruel toward us, while telling us it’s for our own good.
I pray for them in a similar way I pray for ISIS
I pray for them to both go away… they are clearly not Muslim or Christian.
I never ever thought I’d live to hear a scientist food expert say on our news: “In a nutshell … type 2 diabetes and obesity will be around for another 40 years in Australia simply because the food corporations are too powerful”
I hope they choke on their food for Christmas. I think I’m pretty reasonable but I’m not going to share any love with people who are killing me…. and profiting from it.
That part of being a Christian doesn’t work with me.
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They may be in the process of “knowing not what they do” to a state of realising it. It’s our job, I believe, to increase their awareness. We can still love them, Jimbo, despite hating what they do.
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That’s very true…. I love them, and it drives them crazy !
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Hey Dom,
Speaking of Christmas, I thought you might like this article
http://dailypost.ng/2014/12/26/muslim-youths-protect-christians-christmas-service-kaduna/
“Muslim youths protect Christians during Christmas service in Kaduna”
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