Dec 26, 2007

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Google

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." --Micah 5:2 (777-717 B.C.)


This is a story that has been told countless of times in various languages, modes, places, cultures and generations. There might be several versions of the story but the basic message has remained the same. If the biblical story were true, then, the first Christmas was indeed a pivotal event in the history of the human race. For Christians, it was a defining moment that heralded the greatest gift of all. Although the gift did not come in fancy wrappings, its value was more than the entire wealth of the world. The first Christmas was a moment when the divine was manifested in the flesh. The first Christmas was the beginning of a love story that had its fullest expression on Calvary.

Well, that is as far as the Christian doctrines are concerned. The story of Christmas is powerful not because of the details regarding the singing choir of angels or the visiting magi. The Christmas story is powerful because it touches the heart. What could be more touching than a story about the birth of the son of God in a very humble place? How many would have had expected that the messiah would be born in a manger? The Jews had anticipated that the messiah to be of royal descent. Being born in a lodging intended for domestic animals hardly described a royal birth. Nonetheless, for Christians, the baby that was born in that manger was more than a king. That baby was the savior of mankind and was God incarnate.

I might not believe in the historical validity of the Christmas story and I might not even believe that the event was of divine origin, but I am impressed by its basic message. The debate on whether the Christmas story was just a myth or a legend is beside the point. Even myths and legends have the capacity to inspire, but none has made the greatest impact than the story of Christmas. I might doubt Christmas as an actual historical event, but I cannot deny the fact that it is more than a story. It is a cultural phenomenon -- a patchwork of different stories of people who were touched by its message. As a cultural phenomenon, Christmas has great influence over believers and non-believers alike. Some of my fondest and earliest memories are connected to Christmas.

Christmas has always reminded me of the really important things. I do not want to make this sound cheesy or cliché, but more than the gifts, parties, foods, and drinks, Christmas is really about family. There are no other holidays that have the same unifying spirit as Christmas when it comes to family.

Like the family that was stranded in Bethlehem more than two-thousand years ago, we must also able to find hope even in the most dire of situations and even in the most humble of places. If it were only for this merit, I would be willing to believe in miracles…

25 comments:

  1. i liked how you have put hope in Christmas

    ReplyDelete
  2. Shame the Magi/Nativity story was plagiarized from the Zoroastrians.

    Father Christmas made the greatest impact on Christmas - the plagiarized nativity is secondary. I could be wrong - maybe Saternalia, Feast of Juvenalia (honouring the children of Rome), Feast of the Kalens (Newyear/Janice - generosity, good will to all men, evergreens decorated with candles, bowls of laurel) made the greater impact.

    ReplyDelete
  3. [url=http://bariossetos.net/][img]http://hopresovees.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
    [b]office 2003 activation code, [url=http://hopresovees.net/]a1 discount software[/url]
    [url=http://vonmertoes.net/][/url] buy dvd player software christian discount software
    microsoft database software [url=http://hopresovees.net/]2007 discount software[/url] pc software downloads
    [url=http://bariossetos.net/]microsoft office 2003 activation code[/url] 10 software price
    [url=http://bariossetos.net/]coreldraw file viewer[/url] shop software canada
    & software store [url=http://bariossetos.net/]autodesk autocad[/b]

    ReplyDelete
  4. [url=http://vonmertoes.net/][img]http://vonmertoes.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
    [b]discount software house, [url=http://hopresovees.net/]commerce shop software[/url]
    [url=http://hopresovees.net/][/url] oem software what is it Adobe Photoshop CS3
    best price for software [url=http://hopresovees.net/]nero 8 crack[/url] compare software prices
    [url=http://hopresovees.net/]office 2002 software[/url] academic software and
    [url=http://hopresovees.net/]educational software com[/url] bit Retail Price
    advantage software canada inc [url=http://bariossetos.net/]macromedia flash 5 software[/b]

    ReplyDelete
  5. [url=http://hopresovees.net/][img]http://bariossetos.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
    [b]discount software office 2007, [url=http://bariossetos.net/]adobe photoshop cs4 extended for mac serial number[/url]
    [url=http://hopresovees.net/][/url] office 2003 cd key old software for sale
    discounted software [url=http://vonmertoes.net/]college software discount[/url] office 2003 activation key
    [url=http://hopresovees.net/]software discount software[/url] sell software business
    [url=http://hopresovees.net/]filemaker pro[/url] academic discount software
    buy the software to [url=http://bariossetos.net/]free office software[/b]

    ReplyDelete
  6. [url=http://hopresovees.net/][img]http://hopresovees.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
    [b]buy dreamweaver 2004, [url=http://bariossetos.net/]free kaspersky[/url]
    [url=http://vonmertoes.net/][/url] adobe creative suite 3 key recovery discounts on software for
    creating educational software [url=http://bariossetos.net/]software of ms office[/url] order softwares
    [url=http://bariossetos.net/]purchase adobe photoshop cs4[/url] software training in canada
    [url=http://vonmertoes.net/]microsoft office 2007 enterprise[/url] get academic software
    adobe software training [url=http://vonmertoes.net/]software to buy in[/b]

    ReplyDelete
  7. [url=http://hopresovees.net/][img]http://bariossetos.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
    [b]microsoft software driver, [url=http://vonmertoes.net/]adobe photoshop cs3 cracked[/url]
    [url=http://bariossetos.net/][/url] where to buy old software adobe photoshop cs4 serial number free
    filemaker pro 6 download [url=http://hopresovees.net/]Mac Parallels Desktop 4[/url] how to sell software online
    [url=http://bariossetos.net/]cheap discount software[/url] discount software house legit
    [url=http://bariossetos.net/]educational software site[/url] place to buy software
    2004 Mac [url=http://bariossetos.net/]adobe creative suite 3 design premium student discounts[/b]

    ReplyDelete
  8. dating abbrevations [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]farmer singles in england[/url] christian dating services http://loveepicentre.com/ free dating personals

    ReplyDelete
  9. graduation song by vitamin c9120745246919492605 [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/amoxil.htm]amoxil[/url] david williams florida health care plan http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/metoclopramide.htm top diet pills reviewed http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/starlix.htm
    medical definition attention [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/catalogue/f.htm]No prescription online pharmacy[/url] black muscle women [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/lanoxin.htm]muscle spasticity[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  10. free advertising of travel operators http://atravel.in/lufthansa_boeing-747-200-for-sale travel sleep sack
    [url=http://atravel.in/adventure_littlest-pet-shop-biggest-adventure-tv-plug-in]around the world air travel 20[/url] pilot guides russian train travel [url=http://atravel.in/cruise_celebrity-constellation-transatlantic-cruise]celebrity constellation transatlantic cruise[/url]
    china travel australia visa http://atravel.in/tour_do-i-need-to-be-certified-to-be-a-tour-guide-in-toronto
    [url=http://atravel.in/cruise_cruise-clearance]travel conditions recommended routes[/url] eq2 travel to kunark [url=http://atravel.in/flight_military-flight-training]military flight training[/url]
    thge long island rail road travel info http://atravel.in/map_blank-map-of-world anyway to travel between canada and alaska [url=http://atravel.in/adventure_sonic-adventure-2-beta]sonic adventure 2 beta[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  11. careers for people who love to travel http://greatadventures.in/airlines/list-of-items-you-can-take-on-delta-airlines best cheapest days travel airfares hotels
    [url=http://greatadventures.in/cruise/mexico-cruise-vacations]travel news mexico city mexico[/url] travel jewelry pouch patterns [url=http://greatadventures.in/maps/maps-ballina-in-the-1950s]maps ballina in the 1950s[/url]
    gwyn travel http://greatadventures.in/tour/wildlife-tour-in-india
    [url=http://greatadventures.in/lufthansa/public-airways]prime travel dubai[/url] shepherds town west virginia travel directions [url=http://greatadventures.in/tourism/washington-county-md-tourism]washington county md tourism[/url]
    millenium travel and promotions http://greatadventures.in/plane-tickets/plane-tickets-to-vegas farlie travel st albert alberta canada [url=http://greatadventures.in/airport/live-feed-airport]live feed airport[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  12. dildo cyber skin http://theporncollection.in/gay-video/young-gay-teen-boys
    [url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-love/buy-gay-movies]sexy camo lingerie[/url] nude hentai images [url=http://theporncollection.in/lesbian-porn/gay-reba-mcentire-lesbian]gay reba mcentire lesbian[/url]
    naugty school girl age play hentai http://theporncollection.in/lesbian-sex/lesbian-dating
    [url=http://theporncollection.in/orgy/tranny-orgy-porn]femdom virgin free video clips[/url] adult video engine sifuni [url=http://theporncollection.in/lesbian-video/free-porn-lesbian-sex]free porn lesbian sex[/url]
    marilyn manson like a virgin http://theporncollection.in/orgy/orgy-world-next-level-galleries
    [url=http://theporncollection.in/orgasm/check-by-phone-orgasm-denial]grease as lubricant[/url] free sexy teen black boys [url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-anal/sexy-gay-porn]sexy gay porn[/url]
    xxx hentai manga anime http://theporncollection.in/sex-mature/mature-boobs-movie
    [url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-love/gay-athlete-videos]bleach hentai in english[/url] used amateur radio transmitters [url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-love/is-billie-joe-armstrong-gay]is billie joe armstrong gay[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  13. nordictrak treadmill lubricant http://xwe.in/girl-anal/anal-cosmetic-surgery
    [url=http://xwe.in/blow/just-blow-me]pamela anderson porn[/url] hi definition free porn movies forum [url=http://xwe.in/thong/thong-board]thong board[/url]
    amateur models wanted http://xwe.in/gay-boy/gay-xxx-anal-porn
    [url=http://xwe.in/teen-ass/big-ass-advebtures]seduced hetero first anal drill[/url] dildo swollen head [url=http://xwe.in/blow/video-on-how-to-give-a-blow-job]video on how to give a blow job[/url]
    dildo fucking pictures http://xwe.in/adult-video/adult-3d-cartoon
    [url=http://xwe.in/shemales/glamor-shemales]anal itch with vaginal burn[/url] free very young porn vids [url=http://xwe.in/hcg-oral/oral-b-sonic-tooth-brush]oral b sonic tooth brush[/url]
    plant engineering lubricant cross reference http://xwe.in/adult-xxx/fantasm-adult-convention
    [url=http://xwe.in/erotic-gay/free-erotic-stories-cheating]adult content blocker[/url] young virgin pussies [url=http://xwe.in/erotic-stories/stockings-suspenders-bisexaul-erotic-stories]stockings suspenders bisexaul erotic stories[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  14. critter blood orgy [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/triphala.htm]triphala[/url] detailed information about health psychology http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/purinethol.htm
    celebrity kidney failure [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/catalogue/k.htm]Buy generic and brand medications[/url] drug trafficing ffrom other regions to the united states [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/imitrex.htm ]narcissist personality disorder [/url] soy protein health risks
    feist chords secert heart [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/roxithromycin.htm]roxithromycin[/url] drug abuse rehabilitation centers http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/cymbalta.htm
    reviews of generic toprol xl [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/lotensin.htm]lotensin[/url] naval health clinic great lakes [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/catalogue/x.htm ]diagnosing adult oppositional defiant disorder [/url] health problems in third world countries

    ReplyDelete
  15. how to apply for job reason for leaving health [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/valtrex.htm]valtrex[/url] abusing medicine http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/anti-acidity.htm
    blood pressure is [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/zelnorm.htm]zelnorm[/url] boobs donna smoking [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/catalogue/l.htm ]medical problems for dogs [/url] colon cancer blood test
    wood burning smoke calgary [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/hair-loss-cream.htm]hair loss cream[/url] herbal smoking recipes http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/procardia.htm
    eating disorder deaths in us [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/epivir.htm]epivir[/url] palliser health website [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/kytril.htm ]blood shade meaning [/url] purple smoke on the water

    ReplyDelete
  16. dental office documents [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/de-la-salud-de-la-mujer.htm]de la salud de la mujer[/url] illinois no smoking laws http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/lariam.htm
    depression statistaces [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/topamax.htm]topamax[/url] free pet prescription medicine [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/advair-diskus.htm ]lupus anticoagulant syndrome [/url] dental equipment company
    blondie heart of giass [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/colesterolo.htm]colesterolo[/url] psychological morning erection erectile dysfunction http://usadrugstoretoday.com/catalogue/x.htm
    jacho standards diabetes [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/gastrointestinales.htm]gastrointestinales[/url] recognized free diabetic diet [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/hypnotherapy.htm ]blood clot symptoms when it moves to lungs [/url] charles weber jersey shore medical center

    ReplyDelete
  17. bicycle shoes and pedals http://luxefashion.us/-short-women-category63.html fashion game online play [url=http://luxefashion.us/2-pieces-women-category105.html]late office shoes under desk[/url] sexy clothes
    http://luxefashion.us/black-brown-red-dolce-amp-gabbana-color127.html atlanta fashion week [url=http://luxefashion.us/?action=products&product_id=2204]selby women shoes[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  18. cal mag k chela max vitamin [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/herbolax.htm]herbolax[/url] pussy having orgasm the first time during sex http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/trazodone.htm
    women orgasm tips [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/pepcid.htm]pepcid[/url] is low blood sugar more dangerous than high blood sugar [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/clonidine.htm ]national juniors 2007 singapore bodybuilding [/url] dr radoka breast agmentation
    jimmy pages drug use [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/aldactone.htm]aldactone[/url] progressive muscle relaxation training http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/frozen--energy-and-libido-enhancer-.htm
    medical healthcare plans [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/viagrx.htm]viagrx[/url] drug snip [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/hoodia-weight-loss-gum.htm ]precaution of health at teenage [/url] health plan manager

    ReplyDelete
  19. giada de laurentiis nude http://www.thefashionhouse.us/leather-shoes-page13.html tunning shoes [url=http://www.thefashionhouse.us/christian-audigier-tunic-brand106.html]liza fashion[/url] sexy clothes for women
    http://www.thefashionhouse.us/?action=products&product_id=1276 fallen shoes [url=http://www.thefashionhouse.us/gucci-page6.html]clothes manufacturing in denver[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  20. casinos st louis missouri http://xwn.in/roulette_virtual-online-roulette-game free online blackjack free bonus
    [url=http://xwn.in/gambling-online_republican-committee-chair-arrested-in-gambling-ring]the lottery themes symbols[/url] firelake casino oklahoma [url=http://xwn.in/joker_take-the-joker-and-run]take the joker and run[/url]
    bingo in therapy http://xwn.in/blackjack_vodafone-australia-and-blackjack
    [url=http://xwn.in/jackpot_progressive-slot-machines-jackpot]bingo cards clip art[/url] desert diamond casinos [url=http://xwn.in/baccarat_baccarat-r]baccarat r[/url]
    gambling games that are able to do probabilty http://xwn.in/jokers_showtime-a-pair-of-jokers where to buy dragon quest monsters joker [url=http://xwn.in/gambling-online_legalizing-gambling-in-arkansas]legalizing gambling in arkansas[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  21. big man athletic shoes http://topcitystyle.com/38-classic-denim-size24.html inexpensive golf shoes [url=http://topcitystyle.com/black-new-color2.html]ballet shoes[/url] laurent leather furniture
    http://topcitystyle.com/burberry-jeans-brand4.html clothes armoire [url=http://topcitystyle.com/black-red-leather-shoes-color15.html]discount designer prom dresses[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  22. blackjack hydraulic jack http://wqm.in/keno_littlwoods-keno horse race betting how to
    [url=http://wqm.in/gambling-online_roulette-gambling-gambling-software]the lottery stoning[/url] problem gambling foundtion nz [url=http://wqm.in/joker_joker-free-teen-pics]joker free teen pics[/url]
    ny lottery mega millions http://wqm.in/roulette_c-program-roulette-game-model
    [url=http://wqm.in/bingo_indiana-bingo]gambling silk shirts[/url] why so serious joker [url=http://wqm.in/casino-online_what-is-a-boutique-casino]what is a boutique casino[/url]
    christmas bingo games http://wqm.in/keno_free-keno-slots triana illegal gaming bust alabama charity bingo [url=http://wqm.in/roulette_roulette-system]roulette system[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  23. automobile performance store http://xwm.in/car-racing/racing-grannies-game automobile history packerd
    [url=http://xwm.in/nissan/nissan-petrol-manuals-2008]automobile delivery[/url] mercedes benz car dealers in delaware [url=http://xwm.in/royce/royce-harms-police]royce harms police[/url]
    mercedes benz sprinter 308 d turbo http://xwm.in/opel/customize-opel-corsa-c
    [url=http://xwm.in/auto/auto-windshield-prism-enhancer]mercedes factory[/url] japan automobile industries [url=http://xwm.in/chevrolet/chevrolet-astro-airconditioner-parts]chevrolet astro airconditioner parts[/url]
    volkswagen city jetta http://xwm.in/opel/opel-zafira-opinion
    [url=http://xwm.in/buell/buell-xb12-review]life before the invention of the automobile[/url] junk yard automobile guam [url=http://xwm.in/geo/salary-geo-codes]salary geo codes[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  24. lottery escape for pc walkthrough http://lwv.in/gambling-online/is-sports-gambling-legal fallsview casino bobby vee tickets
    [url=http://lwv.in/joker/heath-ledger-joker-preporation]califorina lottery[/url] philadelphia pennsylvania casinos [url=http://lwv.in/slot/how-to-win-money-at-a-slot-machine-everytime]how to win money at a slot machine everytime[/url]
    el gordo lottery from spain http://lwv.in/lottery/spanish-lottery-scam-aberdeen-2007
    [url=http://lwv.in/betting/sports-betting-hints]on line gambling no deposit[/url] blackjack 2 micro sd [url=http://lwv.in/roulette/free-roulette-winning-systems]free roulette winning systems[/url]
    seneca casino jamestown new york http://lwv.in/bingo florida lottery budget [url=http://lwv.in/bingo/bingo-card-maker-free]bingo card maker free[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  25. dr james snyder las vegas diabetes consultants [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/disfunzione-erettile.htm]disfunzione erettile[/url] how to make a science project about heart http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/altace.htm ga requirement medical treatment http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/capoten.htm
    smoking in stockings [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/procalisx.htm]procalisx[/url] medical information artery [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/depakote.htm]medical implant market trends[/url]

    ReplyDelete

Post Message