『Wake up Castle Rock and America』のカバーアート

Wake up Castle Rock and America

Wake up Castle Rock and America

著者： Willie T Ayers
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 Wake up, America. We need Jesus Now Podcast for growth in God‘s word.Wake up Castle Rock Wake America, We need JESUS now 2019-2021 キリスト教 スピリチュアリティ 聖職・福音主義
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  • Do you keep Christ in Christmas at Christmas? Or would you instead celebrate something else?

    Do you keep Christ in Christmas at Christmas? Or would you instead celebrate something else?
    2022/12/03
    I pray that everyone had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. Now, I have a question for you. Do you keep Christ in Christmas at Christmas? Or would you instead celebrate something else? This question has haunted me for almost as long as I can remember. I remember the first time that it ever crossed my mind. It was in the military, and we were in the field on maneuvers at Christmas in Germany. I wonder about Christmas customs around the world. One of the stories I had heard was about the people of China celebrating Christmas in a completely different way than most other countries. It went like this back when the Chinese Communist Party ruled over them, and many homes wouldn't even have doors on the holiday. They would have a small image of Jesus at the center of the door and another person or family member outside to greet guests. It bothered me to think about how different our culture was from theirs, but at the same time, it also made me want to learn more about them so that I could be like them without being afraid of what others might think of me. So I started praying about it, asking God whether or not I should change what I am doing with my heart this holiday season. I asked Him to show me if keeping Christ in Christmas is possible or if even I am too stuck on the tradition to see past it all and accept Jesus as my true love gift from God… Christmas is one of the most important holidays of the year for Christians. It is a time to remember that God's gift of His Son, Jesus, came to earth as a man and died on the cross so that we could live. In this Spirit-filled season, we rededicate ourselves to living life to the fullest and celebrate Christmas as a time to focus on Him—not things, people, or ideas that can't be missed on December 25th. So here are some tips from a Christian standpoint on how to celebrate Christmas from a healthy perspective.         What is Keeping Christ in Christmas? Keeping Christ in Christmas is crucial to Christ's birthday—Christmas—in the holiday season. It is making room for Jesus in one's own home during this time of year. Traditionally, this has meant that the door to one's home is shut, and a small image of Jesus is placed at the center of the door. On the doorframe is a picture of the Nativity or the Ascension. Family members and close friends are invited to open the door and greet the guest as the doorbell rings. Gifts are exchanged, and the Christmas spirit is brought into the home.       Does Keeping Christ in Christmas depend on our culture, or can it be changed with time and effort? It's really up to you. You can choose to keep what Christ is believed to have meant for your culture and celebrate it throughout the year with your family, friends, and community. Or, you can turn back the hands of time and observe what your culture does not celebrate. This is why it's so important to make time for yourself this season and open the door for the season of giving. This is the first step to keeping Christ in Christmas. By making time for yourself this season, you are actively choosing to keep Christ in the Christmas season. Stay in the Christmas Spirit. When you celebrate Christmas, you are celebrating the life and death of Jesus. You are paying him tribute, and by doing so, you are acknowledging His existence and His power and celebrating how he redeemed us from our sins by giving us his precious blood. When you stay in the Christmas spirit, you are focused on only some things that are supposed to be done on December 25th. Instead, you are aware of the fact that this is a special day, and you are making an effort to focus on what is likely to be an incredibly joyous occasion.       What are other customs keeping Christ from us this season? Many customs are associated with Christmas that we could spend our time examining and discussing, but a few could be more positive. For example, there is the custom of reindeer-ing, in which poor, tired, abused, and hungry reindeer are forced to pull a sleigh full of toys and other gifts made by humans. Other animals are often forced to serve as companions; most of the time, they are not given adequate food or water to keep them alive through the long journey. There is also the custom of equipping the reindeer with sledgehammers and chainsaws so they do not have to walk in pain and can deliver the gift parcels. Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas: living a new life and being born again. Many people need help understanding the true meaning of Christmas. They think it is about Santa and presents and getting into the nitty-gritty of bargaining with the most powerful man in the world. But the truth is, the real meaning of Christmas is about living a new life and being born again. Most of us have heard the story of how Jesus was born. We have been told that He was born in Bethlehem of Nazareth. We have been told that He was born under the sign of the star that His parents saw in the sky. We have also been told that ...
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    30 分
  • A Visit from St. Nicholas

    A Visit from St. Nicholas
    2022/12/02
    A Visit from St. Nicholas BY CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!" As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too— And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack. His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight— “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”  
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    4 分
  • Thanksgiving with a Christian Point of View What are you thankful for? Let us Talk about Thanksgiving.

    Thanksgiving with a Christian Point of View What are you thankful for? Let us Talk about Thanksgiving.
    2022/11/10
    Thanksgiving with a Christian Point of View What are you thankful for? Let us Talk about Thanksgiving. There are so many things to be thankful for in life. From the most minor things, like a beautiful sunrise, to the bigger things, like being alive and having friends and family. Here are a few things that come to mind when I think about what I am thankful for. Primarily, I am thankful for my family. Able to tell my that I loved her before she went home to be with Christ Jesus’ mom, last living sibling, my sister Eva Lee, my wife Deanna, and children are the most important people in my life, and I could not be happier to have them all around me. I am thankful for their love, support, and laughter. I am also thankful for my friends. I have never had as many great friends as I do now, and I am grateful for every single one. They have helped me through some tough times; I think of them as my second family.   Lastly, I am thankful for my health. Although not perfect, and I have had my share of setbacks, I am happy with my health. I do not always feel great, but I know that I am lucky to be alive and able to do all the things that I love according to the will of God. Giving thanks is a crucial part of the Christian faith. The Bible tells us to give thanks in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18). And what better time to give thanks than Thanksgiving? Giving thanks is a way of showing our dependence on God and His blessings. It is also a way of expressing gratitude for all He has done for us. When we give thanks, we acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God. What a reason to give thanks! This Thanksgiving, let us remember to give thanks for all of God's blessings, big and small. Let us also remember to give thanks for His most extraordinary gift of all - His Son, Jesus Christ. Through Christ, we have been given the ultimate blessing of eternal life.   Thanksgiving is a time when most people take time to reflect and be thankful for the things they have in their lives. This may be why it is often considered one of the happiest holidays. But it can also be stressful, especially if you host friends or family for the first time. However, there is more to Thanksgiving than just food and football games. This holiday has a deeper meaning that harkens back to the Puritans, who first celebrated this special day in 1621 by giving thanks to God for their blessings. In fact, "The First Thanksgiving" was an event that brought together settlers from England and Native Americans as allies instead of enemies. As with any other Christian holiday, there are diverse ways you can celebrate Thanksgiving from a Christian point of view.       Keep the focus on giving thanks and celebrating abundance. The central theme of the day should be. That is why the first pilgrims came together in the first place. If you want to go even further, you can incorporate the celebration of abundance. You cannot be grateful if you do not also have a bunch of blessings in your life. The Christian celebration of Thanksgiving invites us to celebrate the goodness of God by reflecting on all the blessings in our lives. Whether struggling or thriving, you can always find something to be grateful for.   Have a meal that reminds you of all you are grateful for. The centerpiece of most Thanksgiving celebrations is the meal itself. But if you want to take things a step further, why not choose a food that reminds you of something you are grateful for? You can also select the type of food based on the person you are thankful for the most. This can be a friend, family member, or significant other. You can even make it a group celebration by choosing food that reminds you of your friends or community. If you want to do this in a way that is as inclusive as possible, you can ask each guest to bring a dish that represents something for which they are grateful.       Do not forget that helping others is one of the most important Christian values. As someone welcoming guests into your home, you may need to emphasize that helping others is a prominent Christian value. However, the best way to do this is to demonstrate the importance of giving to others while planning and preparing for your celebration. This way, your guests will see your value first-hand in helping others. If you are hosting the meal, think of ways to help others by donating your time or money. This can be as simple as giving to your local food bank or helping a friend who needs extra hands. If you are attending a friend's celebration, think of ways to help that do not involve active hosting. For example, you can offer a side dish to share or even help clean up.     Help your guests understand why this holiday is unique to you as a Christian. While celebrating the first Thanksgiving is a beautiful way to celebrate the Christian holiday, it is not the only way. You can also develop your traditions and help your guests understand why they are essential to you. You can go all ...
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    11 分
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