I’m struggling with keeping my Advent joyous and hopeful. With this news, and especially, the announcement out of the infiltrated and traitorous Vatican allowing same-sex blessings, it’s an ongoing struggle.
I’m doubling down on storming Heaven with prayers.
I’m struggling with keeping my Advent joyous and hopeful. With this news, and especially, the announcement out of the infiltrated and traitorous Vatican allowing same-sex blessings, it’s an ongoing struggle.
I’m doubling down on storming Heaven with prayers.
I struggle as well, but then I take time every morning, Christmas tree lights on, daylight a couple of hours away, and reflect what Christmas is really about. How totally miraculous was our Lord’s birth, foretold a thousand years and more previous in great detail. And it came to pas just as it was foretold. The symbolism is so powerful. Throughout history, especially after Christ ascended, the world has been beset by evil and times that try men’s souls. It is a joyous time because I am learning to turn my heart to Christ every day, and everyday His mercies are new and breathtaking.
I think this is the right way to go—not letting the evil in the world turn out focus from Christ’s birth and the good that came from that remarkable and world changing event.
R.L. - if you want to watch a beautiful movie depicting Christ's birth in Bethlehem--go to this website (part of David Jeramiah's Turning Point ministry) and watch "Why the Nativity" - it's a "docudrama" format and David's narration lends so much pathos to the wonderful actors' performances. ALL TRUE TO SCRIPTURE! No "Hollywood touch"!! https://www.davidjeremiah.org/whythenativity
You must be on a "smart"phone - because I don't have the "emoji" option...or I'd "emoji" you right back, Laura. CHRISTMAS GLAD TIDINGS to you and yours!
Yes it IS a waste of time and is bad for your spirit.
Money cannot buy the biggest treasure known to man. You have it. God gave it. It cost Him plenty. You are far more blessed than any Christless biillionaire.
Christ. Contemplate His gift when you feel that your season's bounty is lacking.
Bless you Michelle. Keep the faith. Pray for the lost that they too might receive Christ.
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." (1 Timothy 6:10). Not ALL evil. One of the most misquoted scriptures in the Bible. But your point is well taken.
That's all well and good -- and I love the KJV and memorized scripture from that initially -- but that specific interpretation from the Greek would not explain Adam and Eve's original sin of pride. (or maybe it was envy?). Their sin had nothing to do with money. Pride is evil - it is sin, and sin is evil. Money was not the root of that evil. What was Satan's sin rooted in, that got him kicked out of heaven?
The Prodigal story was also very much about the son who remained with his father and checked all of the boxes for “righteous” but was very unhappy and unforgiving that his brother was so easily welcomed back by his father. Another facet of a a great lesson.
And to those lovely little blessings around us: people, family, friends, food, housing, transportation, employment, health..the reality of our daily lives. History was never completely glorious in the past, nor will it ever be.
We can thank God that we lived through a delightful Pax Romana in these United States. Like all such periods, however, they come and go.
This morning I hung three loads of wash on the line, doing only one laundry basket at a time, needing to come in after each to warm my hands. I don't know if temp had quite climbed up to 32F. On final 'coming in', as I walked in, I thought, "into my nice warm house"-- And that's even better since our boiler failed on Monday and we only got heat back yesterday--and even better than that, because our usual furnace repair company said it would take them a week to get to us, and we found a new company which arrived within hours] All things work for good for them that love the Lord.
Yes, it was great. I commented that today, at our school assembly, the elementary kids sang christmas songs and we also had a 4 week (one time a week) advent event. Public charter school in AZ...
That's WE THE PEOPLE'S true power - invoke Yahweh's wrath and righteous anger on the evil perpetrators. However...I am reminded of the Lord's command while here on the earth to "love your enemies"....so I am terribly conflicted right now. What I DO pray all the time throughout the day and as I lie in bed at night, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven".
That WILL come but not before the world is totally under the control of Lucifer and his demons and human minions. Read Scripture--even in the Old Testament - the "time of troubles' is fast approaching. After SEVEN YEARS of hell on earth--the Righteous Warrior King, Yeshua--the only begotten Son of Yahweh, will bring the heavenly warrior angels to do battle with Lucifer and his minions. It will be on the Plains of Megiddo....popularly referred to as "Armageddon" (which has been prolifically misused by Hollywood).
Just a rhetorical question but I'm not sure what makes 2024 any more special than the tribulations of the last 2000 years or even 2000 years in the future?
According to Scripture 7 years of HELL on earth (we do not have that right now as we still have the GRACE of our omnipotent Creator God blessing the fallen earth. WHEN this happens, Phil--according to Scripture--only the FATHER GOD knows - the Son and Holy Spirit do NOT know. They will take their "marching orders" from Jehovah Jireh!!
Whatever happens to a believer between now and the resolution of these things is a light and momentary affliction in the context of eternity.
Events that try us and test us are part of a bigger picture that we don't have. A sequence of events that will ultimately glorify Yahweh so that every knee will bow and proclaim that Christ Jesus is Lord.
We ought to proceed as those who KNOW our life is hidden in Christ, and redeem the time because the days are evil. We need to be ready with our testimony when asked where our confidence comes from.
Bless you for sharing this precious testimony, VVV!! "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand...all other ground is SINKING SAND". I can understand why people who know not the Lord Jesus as their Personal Savior turn to drugs, alcohol or other addictions in order to "ease the torments" in this earthly life. But....for me...I will "hie me to the Rock Who is higher than I"!!
Like you, when I wake at night, I 'pass the time' in prayer. Lately it has seemed that almost at the very moment I wake, I'm already into "Our Father, who art in heaven..."
Every morning, every night, Our Father who art in heaven....it's the one thing that gets me through the night and gets me through the day. Also beyond thankful for what I have today for tomorrow we know not what comes out way.
Lately, on waking, I thank Him for yet another night of rest (which is not always so restful as I am rough on my body) and yet another day to serve Him.
It is indeed! We are unfathomably blessed to have such a Savior! "Born to save the sons of earth! Born to give them second birth! Hark the Herald angels sing, Glory to the new born King!"
Me too! When I wake, burdened by worries or anxious thoughts, I’ve turned to thanking God for all the blessings in my life. As I count and acknowledge them, I fall back asleep.
Wait, the Vatican is now allowing same sex blessings??!!!
And the Evil One continues his triumphant screams as he dismantles the created order as much as he can before he is finally locked away forever in eternal torment. May God bring that day soon.
I think the Pope has been a pervert for a long time contrary to the typical faithful Catholic. Reminds me of the comparison between the POTUS and the American people.
”Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.“
Blessed be the name of the Creator God who gave His begotten Son to us, his rebellious, sinful creation. The Gift of the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ is precious beyond belief. May we humbly bow at His nail-scarred feet upon His Second Coming to earth!! EVEN SO...COME, LORD JESUS!!
Don’t let what the Pope said worry you. He did not change dogma and he did not say that the Priest could bless unions but couples. Any couple who are in a sinful union can ask for a blessing if they are repented of their sinful way... couples who live together, have sex Nd are not married would fall under this two. The media is twisting this. Please do your research before you get upset. There are many Bishops and Priest who have clarified this.
At the risk of going too far down this rabbit hole, I think the problem is that, as is his usual approach, Pope Francis throws just enough mud in the water to confuse rather than clarify and that is the problem. While, technically, nothing has changed in Church teaching, we would be naive to think homosexual couples won't approach priests for blessings and we would be even more naive not to recognize the slippery slope now being greased.
Thank you, MayBella82 but I have to disagree. Fr Thomas Weinandy put it best.
“ Second, to bless couples in irregular marriages or same-sex couples without giving the impression that the Church is not validating their sexual activity is a charade. All those present at such blessings know, without a doubt, that such relationships are sexual in nature. No one is fooled. Actually, they are rejoicing that such sexual relations are being blessed. That’s the point of these blessings. It is not their sexual abstinence being blessed, but their sexual indulgence.”
I saw the "don't use the same verbiage as when blessing a union" Oh the thin vail! Does it respect Christ?
I notice there is no admonition to repent. That idea went out the papal window that antichrist poked his head out of.
Bishops and priests better not clarify too much or they may find themselves booted from the church and left penniless. IMO that would be the biggest blessing they ever received if they realize what is at hand. But...
The last couple of decades the people that control the media and the music, press, etc. have slowly degraded the Christmas traditions of Christians. It was done on purpose from the Christmas shows to the songs and music. The holidays so not to offend anyone, especially if they’re barely 3% of the population in a Christian country.
Ha ha I noticed that sometime during the reign of Obama, that the classical station went from playing carols in their mix throughout December, to none, with Christmas music only on Dec 24 and 25.
NOW it is just Dec 25.
I am old enough that when I was a kid, the "easy listening" station used to play 72 hours of carols AND print out a track list in the newspaper, which we kids would pour over and try to find out when our favorites would be on, so we could hear them. What a different world!
Fortunately our local classical station hasn't gone this route. It is the one place to listen to beautiful, reverent and, dare I say, liturgical music extolling the majesty and awe of G-d's grace. For all those who would rather the canon of Western music disappear, they can't deny that the vast majority of it was written by devout, religious people - Praise and thanks be to G-d, whose mercy endures forever!
There is a pastor who's sermons very often include the words from a traditional hymnal (he is Scottish) from his childhood. The words are so perfect and sound. His name is Alistair Begg. I wish I knew what hymnal he uses because it would be amazing for devotional and prayer. He is pastor to Parkside Church in Cleveland.
It’s likely the old blue Presbyterian hymnal would have many of them. I also looked up “old Scottish hymnal” & found reprints to buy. I looked up the old blue one too. Lots of copies.
I remember when my mother used to take us to downtown Toronto to see the Christmas decorated windows in the iconic Eatons and Simpsons department stores. Macy's and Gimbels used to do the same thing in NYC. Believe it or not, in the morning, she would take us into (forget the store. Could have been one of those, or perhaps a big pharmacy with a lunch counter) to participate in singing Christmas carols with customers and employees. I think we can safely conclude those days are long gone.
Well, WE can promote the spirit, but The Powers That WannaBe have clearly concluded that we will just be satisfied with dancing nurses and banging pots and pans out of windows....
Take heart that events seem to be lining up biblically! I get bogged down about losing my money in a financial disaster and frustration with the woke, but God told us the elect will NOT suffer through the mess, Jesus physically comes and takes us out b4 the tribulation...even though it already seems like the trib is happening. Either way...His Spirit already protected us from this disaster...NOT GETTING JABB'D... while ppl are falling to our right and to our left we are carried and instructed thru. Stay alert and calm....satan rushes and incites and calls you names and tries to get you fearful...do not take the bait. We must talk to each other about this often.
thank you! people need to get a clue who the REAL ENEMY IS. Jeff knows. he talked about Transhumanism today. its time to deal with the WEF, not some hapless queer boys. start punching UP, people, not down!
I’m not sure if you’re Catholic or what… I assume somwith reference to Vatican. It is tragic what is happening. Our pastor just preached an amazing sermon on Christmas and the whole “point” of Christmas not being so much about baby Jesus but being about his long awaited return for the melinnial reign. He will be here for 1000 years reigning. As society continues to crumble and Satan takes a stronger hold we will yearn more and more for Christs return as King. Take a listen here. It really is awesome and sermon is engaging.
Christmas is about a millennial reign? I thought Christmas was about the Incarnation of the Son Of God who came to shed His blood as the final sacrifice for our sins that we might received mercy in His shed blood and become adopted as God's children.
Further, when Christ rose from the grave and ascended to the throne at the right hand of God to rule and reign, Christ poured out the Holy Spirit on the church, His body on earth, to fill them with power which no evil spirit can stand against. When Christ ascended, Satan was caste out of heaven and fell like lightening to earth. The Holy Spirit dwells in the body of Christ on earth, the church militant, whose commission is to go forth and redeem all of history. How can it be that Satan can stand against the church and the Holy Spirit of God?
OK I found it. "Storming heaven with prayer". I love that picture. If communcation with power is insurrection we are in big trouble! Christ commands us, implores us to go to Him in prayer and supplication. In ALL things! For our sake. He wants that. More the better.
why do you care what the Vatican does? they were never your friend, always Globalists. and why do you care about same sex couples? dont you have enough issues in your own family to deal with ?
I care very much what the Vatican does or does not do. I am proud to be a Traditional Latin Mass Catholic who does not want to see my faith trounced upon by modernists in the hierarchy.
not sure what you are referring to since Im not able to see the original comment, but Im gonna guess its a homophobic issue you are having trouble letting go of?
remember this. God is Love. Jesus is Love. that is really all you need to know ;)
No that was not it. you said "why do you care what the Vatican does? they were never your friend, always Globalists. and why do you care about same sex couples? dont you have enough issues in your own family to deal with ?" to a woman who was concerned about the state of her church and what the vatican is doing (I would guess it is more than just the last decision by the Pope but more a long set of decisions that move them further from Biblical truth. Not to put words in her very capable mouth.
My response to you was " Christians should not care about sin and corrupting influences among the body of Christ? I am struggling to understand your logic Liz. "
thanks for clarifying. the VATICAN is a major HOME OF THE GLOBALIST REPTILIANS, along with the British Monarchy. doesnt everyone know this already? So looking to them for any kind of guidance is kind of like asking the Devil how to get out of a Faustian bargain. kinda an exercise in futility..
I think there is varying degrees of understanding about vatican ties to globalism. I think there are many Christians within the Catholic church that are dismayed. Just like there are many Christians who attend Christian churches that are dismayed with the direction of their church. The business of the church and their guidance of their sheep. Bad shepherding if you will. She chooses to go to the Catholic church. I choose not to go to a church (in person. I go online). I struggle with that because we should as Christians be lovingly keeping our human leaders in check. Making sure that they preach according to what God says in the Bible. So, staying and holding fast and speaking truth. Our Job as the overall part of working for Christ talking about Christ and His saving grace and how anyone might find it in a doctrinal sound way. So Christians better darn well care about any corrupting influence. Especially when eternal life is at stake, We cannot throw the Christians in the Catholic church (they do exist) out because their Pope is a corrupted, satanic wretch of a human. (sorry Pam).
I know, but for some people they choose to fight the good fight from within. That includes some very brave people within the institution. I am not a Catholic and I utterly disagree with their basic tenets, but I do know there are people there that I know who are Christians, but cannot for various reasons leave. I know it seems ludicrous to say that, but alas it is true. So they work to reform where they can and teach their children to read the Bible and decide for themselves (even thought they may enjoy Latin Traditional Mass).
Im a recovering catholic who enjoys traditional Latin Mass. But setting foot in these churches is rare, and purely cultural for me these days, since Im in MExico. Id rather find God /Goddess in the woods. or on the beach. or the Jungle. the Gnostics had it right.
I’m struggling with keeping my Advent joyous and hopeful. With this news, and especially, the announcement out of the infiltrated and traitorous Vatican allowing same-sex blessings, it’s an ongoing struggle.
I’m doubling down on storming Heaven with prayers.
I struggle as well, but then I take time every morning, Christmas tree lights on, daylight a couple of hours away, and reflect what Christmas is really about. How totally miraculous was our Lord’s birth, foretold a thousand years and more previous in great detail. And it came to pas just as it was foretold. The symbolism is so powerful. Throughout history, especially after Christ ascended, the world has been beset by evil and times that try men’s souls. It is a joyous time because I am learning to turn my heart to Christ every day, and everyday His mercies are new and breathtaking.
I think this is the right way to go—not letting the evil in the world turn out focus from Christ’s birth and the good that came from that remarkable and world changing event.
R.L. - if you want to watch a beautiful movie depicting Christ's birth in Bethlehem--go to this website (part of David Jeramiah's Turning Point ministry) and watch "Why the Nativity" - it's a "docudrama" format and David's narration lends so much pathos to the wonderful actors' performances. ALL TRUE TO SCRIPTURE! No "Hollywood touch"!! https://www.davidjeremiah.org/whythenativity
Thanks for sharing the link - I will check it out. Have a great day.
You are most welcome, Melanie--I watched it 2 weeks ago on a Sunday evening - I plan on re watching it on Christmas Eve.
Blessings abound to you and yours!
I watched that last year. It was so SO good. What a great recommendation.
I just found it on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu0aohQugT0
It isn't on Rumble : ((
Much better message than It's a Wonderful Life - which is fine if you want to remove Jesus' birth from the Christmas celebrations!!
I watched it, thank you for the link. I liked the descriptions and the scripture back up.
I thought David Jeremiah's narration was superb - it leant such clarity to the movie. The actors were also phenomenal! Glad you enjoyed it, LMWC!
Thank you for sharing this link.
You are most welcome, C. M.!
Thank you Sharon. So beautifully done and David’s voice is so very soothing.
Merry Christmas. 😘❤️
You must be on a "smart"phone - because I don't have the "emoji" option...or I'd "emoji" you right back, Laura. CHRISTMAS GLAD TIDINGS to you and yours!
Agree not turning it away from the good but all the more turning us to the HOPE in Christs return!
ABSOLUTELY!
Yes!!
I am really learning about why the commandment "Thou Shalt Not Covet" is a thing, this year.
Why?
Because so many people I was low-key envious of/grumbly about as I compared their lives/achievements to mine...
...are now dead.
What a waste of the energy God gave me.
I am learning. Slow learner, late to religion, but grateful every day.
Yes it IS a waste of time and is bad for your spirit.
Money cannot buy the biggest treasure known to man. You have it. God gave it. It cost Him plenty. You are far more blessed than any Christless biillionaire.
Christ. Contemplate His gift when you feel that your season's bounty is lacking.
Bless you Michelle. Keep the faith. Pray for the lost that they too might receive Christ.
I always go back to...... For the love of money IS the root of ALL evil.
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." (1 Timothy 6:10). Not ALL evil. One of the most misquoted scriptures in the Bible. But your point is well taken.
I quote from the King James bible, not the modern interpretations.
Pride, envy, hatred, lust, sexual sins... Roots are not always in money. Just food for thought. I definitely agree money is the root of many evils!
That's all well and good -- and I love the KJV and memorized scripture from that initially -- but that specific interpretation from the Greek would not explain Adam and Eve's original sin of pride. (or maybe it was envy?). Their sin had nothing to do with money. Pride is evil - it is sin, and sin is evil. Money was not the root of that evil. What was Satan's sin rooted in, that got him kicked out of heaven?
It is the commandment that addressed intentions...if you think about it, doesn't all sin begin as covetousness? Wanting something that is not ours?
Prodigal son was, too--and how much his father loved his return!
The Prodigal story was also very much about the son who remained with his father and checked all of the boxes for “righteous” but was very unhappy and unforgiving that his brother was so easily welcomed back by his father. Another facet of a a great lesson.
And to those lovely little blessings around us: people, family, friends, food, housing, transportation, employment, health..the reality of our daily lives. History was never completely glorious in the past, nor will it ever be.
We can thank God that we lived through a delightful Pax Romana in these United States. Like all such periods, however, they come and go.
This morning I hung three loads of wash on the line, doing only one laundry basket at a time, needing to come in after each to warm my hands. I don't know if temp had quite climbed up to 32F. On final 'coming in', as I walked in, I thought, "into my nice warm house"-- And that's even better since our boiler failed on Monday and we only got heat back yesterday--and even better than that, because our usual furnace repair company said it would take them a week to get to us, and we found a new company which arrived within hours] All things work for good for them that love the Lord.
Gratitude is balm.
✝️🕊🙏🏽
This makes me think of Naomi Wolf’s post from today, which I thought was really thoughtful and beautifully written.
https://naomiwolf.substack.com/p/not-offended-by-christmas/comments
Yes, it was great. I commented that today, at our school assembly, the elementary kids sang christmas songs and we also had a 4 week (one time a week) advent event. Public charter school in AZ...
Wow that is awesome!
Excellent! Don't miss this read.
Love this! Having this perspective in focus can bring peace despite the chaos of evil.
What a beautiful, beautiful comment. Thank you. "His mercies are new and breathtaking." Amen.
Just lovely.
That's WE THE PEOPLE'S true power - invoke Yahweh's wrath and righteous anger on the evil perpetrators. However...I am reminded of the Lord's command while here on the earth to "love your enemies"....so I am terribly conflicted right now. What I DO pray all the time throughout the day and as I lie in bed at night, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven".
I pray for the destruction of all evil in government and that all dictators and evil politicians are removed from power regardless of the party.
We need FREEDOM across the world without war.
That WILL come but not before the world is totally under the control of Lucifer and his demons and human minions. Read Scripture--even in the Old Testament - the "time of troubles' is fast approaching. After SEVEN YEARS of hell on earth--the Righteous Warrior King, Yeshua--the only begotten Son of Yahweh, will bring the heavenly warrior angels to do battle with Lucifer and his minions. It will be on the Plains of Megiddo....popularly referred to as "Armageddon" (which has been prolifically misused by Hollywood).
Just a rhetorical question but I'm not sure what makes 2024 any more special than the tribulations of the last 2000 years or even 2000 years in the future?
According to Scripture 7 years of HELL on earth (we do not have that right now as we still have the GRACE of our omnipotent Creator God blessing the fallen earth. WHEN this happens, Phil--according to Scripture--only the FATHER GOD knows - the Son and Holy Spirit do NOT know. They will take their "marching orders" from Jehovah Jireh!!
I can't say I've heard that before. That's surprising.
Whatever happens to a believer between now and the resolution of these things is a light and momentary affliction in the context of eternity.
Events that try us and test us are part of a bigger picture that we don't have. A sequence of events that will ultimately glorify Yahweh so that every knee will bow and proclaim that Christ Jesus is Lord.
We ought to proceed as those who KNOW our life is hidden in Christ, and redeem the time because the days are evil. We need to be ready with our testimony when asked where our confidence comes from.
Exactly, brother in Christ! We must stay grounded in His WORD!
That has kept me going for years--in decades past, when I realized I was losing yet another baby, those are the words I prayed.
Bless you for sharing this precious testimony, VVV!! "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand...all other ground is SINKING SAND". I can understand why people who know not the Lord Jesus as their Personal Savior turn to drugs, alcohol or other addictions in order to "ease the torments" in this earthly life. But....for me...I will "hie me to the Rock Who is higher than I"!!
Like you, when I wake at night, I 'pass the time' in prayer. Lately it has seemed that almost at the very moment I wake, I'm already into "Our Father, who art in heaven..."
Every morning, every night, Our Father who art in heaven....it's the one thing that gets me through the night and gets me through the day. Also beyond thankful for what I have today for tomorrow we know not what comes out way.
Lately, on waking, I thank Him for yet another night of rest (which is not always so restful as I am rough on my body) and yet another day to serve Him.
👍
Your comment made my heart smile, VVV!!! It's called our "soul's cry"!!!
It is indeed! We are unfathomably blessed to have such a Savior! "Born to save the sons of earth! Born to give them second birth! Hark the Herald angels sing, Glory to the new born King!"
Love to hear this sung by a huge choir--like that of the Mormon Tabernacle genre - (smile)!
Yes! As I listen to Handel's Messiah part 1 for the enth time this season...
Me too! When I wake, burdened by worries or anxious thoughts, I’ve turned to thanking God for all the blessings in my life. As I count and acknowledge them, I fall back asleep.
Sharon those words are the last thing I say in my prayers. I give my life to you Lord. Thy will be done.
Total SURRENDER brings total COMFORT, doesn't it, Cathy?
Wait, the Vatican is now allowing same sex blessings??!!!
And the Evil One continues his triumphant screams as he dismantles the created order as much as he can before he is finally locked away forever in eternal torment. May God bring that day soon.
perhaps the Fairy God Pope has his own personal lusts of the flesh he's finally succumbing to, fundamentally transforming Catholicism
I think the Pope has been a pervert for a long time contrary to the typical faithful Catholic. Reminds me of the comparison between the POTUS and the American people.
Commie Pope is the anti-Christ.
I had no idea either. What a disgrace
”Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.“
John 14:1-4, 27-29 NLT
Blessed be the name of the Creator God who gave His begotten Son to us, his rebellious, sinful creation. The Gift of the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ is precious beyond belief. May we humbly bow at His nail-scarred feet upon His Second Coming to earth!! EVEN SO...COME, LORD JESUS!!
Don’t let what the Pope said worry you. He did not change dogma and he did not say that the Priest could bless unions but couples. Any couple who are in a sinful union can ask for a blessing if they are repented of their sinful way... couples who live together, have sex Nd are not married would fall under this two. The media is twisting this. Please do your research before you get upset. There are many Bishops and Priest who have clarified this.
At the risk of going too far down this rabbit hole, I think the problem is that, as is his usual approach, Pope Francis throws just enough mud in the water to confuse rather than clarify and that is the problem. While, technically, nothing has changed in Church teaching, we would be naive to think homosexual couples won't approach priests for blessings and we would be even more naive not to recognize the slippery slope now being greased.
Exactly. It is the next step in the process of eventual blessing of ‘unions.’ You would have to be very naive to think it is not in the works.
Thank you, MayBella82 but I have to disagree. Fr Thomas Weinandy put it best.
“ Second, to bless couples in irregular marriages or same-sex couples without giving the impression that the Church is not validating their sexual activity is a charade. All those present at such blessings know, without a doubt, that such relationships are sexual in nature. No one is fooled. Actually, they are rejoicing that such sexual relations are being blessed. That’s the point of these blessings. It is not their sexual abstinence being blessed, but their sexual indulgence.”
I saw the "don't use the same verbiage as when blessing a union" Oh the thin vail! Does it respect Christ?
I notice there is no admonition to repent. That idea went out the papal window that antichrist poked his head out of.
Bishops and priests better not clarify too much or they may find themselves booted from the church and left penniless. IMO that would be the biggest blessing they ever received if they realize what is at hand. But...
The last couple of decades the people that control the media and the music, press, etc. have slowly degraded the Christmas traditions of Christians. It was done on purpose from the Christmas shows to the songs and music. The holidays so not to offend anyone, especially if they’re barely 3% of the population in a Christian country.
Ha ha I noticed that sometime during the reign of Obama, that the classical station went from playing carols in their mix throughout December, to none, with Christmas music only on Dec 24 and 25.
NOW it is just Dec 25.
I am old enough that when I was a kid, the "easy listening" station used to play 72 hours of carols AND print out a track list in the newspaper, which we kids would pour over and try to find out when our favorites would be on, so we could hear them. What a different world!
Fortunately our local classical station hasn't gone this route. It is the one place to listen to beautiful, reverent and, dare I say, liturgical music extolling the majesty and awe of G-d's grace. For all those who would rather the canon of Western music disappear, they can't deny that the vast majority of it was written by devout, religious people - Praise and thanks be to G-d, whose mercy endures forever!
There is a pastor who's sermons very often include the words from a traditional hymnal (he is Scottish) from his childhood. The words are so perfect and sound. His name is Alistair Begg. I wish I knew what hymnal he uses because it would be amazing for devotional and prayer. He is pastor to Parkside Church in Cleveland.
I love listening to him on the radio.
It’s likely the old blue Presbyterian hymnal would have many of them. I also looked up “old Scottish hymnal” & found reprints to buy. I looked up the old blue one too. Lots of copies.
God bless! 🙏🏽👆🏼✝️🕊💌
I just ordered one off EBay. Thank you Dick.
Most welcome! There’s nothing like the old hymns & Psalms of the faith!
Have a Blessed Christmas, Raptor!
Same to you!
I remember when my mother used to take us to downtown Toronto to see the Christmas decorated windows in the iconic Eatons and Simpsons department stores. Macy's and Gimbels used to do the same thing in NYC. Believe it or not, in the morning, she would take us into (forget the store. Could have been one of those, or perhaps a big pharmacy with a lunch counter) to participate in singing Christmas carols with customers and employees. I think we can safely conclude those days are long gone.
Well, WE can promote the spirit, but The Powers That WannaBe have clearly concluded that we will just be satisfied with dancing nurses and banging pots and pans out of windows....
Wow! Here in CA we have 3 stations playing Christmas music right after TKS day!
Naomi Wolf had a beautiful essay discussing this https://naomiwolf.substack.com/p/not-offended-by-christmas
Naomi Wolf had a great post on this subject today
https://naomiwolf.substack.com/p/not-offended-by-christmas/comments
🤣🤣🤣
I literally wrote almost word for word the same comment.
Well, great minds think alike! 😁
Naomi Wolf had a beautiful essay discussing this https://naomiwolf.substack.com/p/not-offended-by-christmas
Take heart that events seem to be lining up biblically! I get bogged down about losing my money in a financial disaster and frustration with the woke, but God told us the elect will NOT suffer through the mess, Jesus physically comes and takes us out b4 the tribulation...even though it already seems like the trib is happening. Either way...His Spirit already protected us from this disaster...NOT GETTING JABB'D... while ppl are falling to our right and to our left we are carried and instructed thru. Stay alert and calm....satan rushes and incites and calls you names and tries to get you fearful...do not take the bait. We must talk to each other about this often.
If all the people commenting on same sex marriages, focused on exposing the pedophiles in the church we could stop the New World Order.
thank you! people need to get a clue who the REAL ENEMY IS. Jeff knows. he talked about Transhumanism today. its time to deal with the WEF, not some hapless queer boys. start punching UP, people, not down!
Hi Pamela,
I’m not sure if you’re Catholic or what… I assume somwith reference to Vatican. It is tragic what is happening. Our pastor just preached an amazing sermon on Christmas and the whole “point” of Christmas not being so much about baby Jesus but being about his long awaited return for the melinnial reign. He will be here for 1000 years reigning. As society continues to crumble and Satan takes a stronger hold we will yearn more and more for Christs return as King. Take a listen here. It really is awesome and sermon is engaging.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grace-church-of-simi-valley/id868354961
Christmas is about a millennial reign? I thought Christmas was about the Incarnation of the Son Of God who came to shed His blood as the final sacrifice for our sins that we might received mercy in His shed blood and become adopted as God's children.
Further, when Christ rose from the grave and ascended to the throne at the right hand of God to rule and reign, Christ poured out the Holy Spirit on the church, His body on earth, to fill them with power which no evil spirit can stand against. When Christ ascended, Satan was caste out of heaven and fell like lightening to earth. The Holy Spirit dwells in the body of Christ on earth, the church militant, whose commission is to go forth and redeem all of history. How can it be that Satan can stand against the church and the Holy Spirit of God?
AMEN !
Beautifully said. Powerful Truth ✝️
That was very good, Lisa! Thank you!!
✝️🕊👆🏼💌
I’m glad you listened and enjoyed it. It was a refreshing different take on Christmas. Be blessed!
You too!
Thank you, Lisa.
Are you attempting insurrection on Heaven?
I lost the thread. What are you talking about?
OK I found it. "Storming heaven with prayer". I love that picture. If communcation with power is insurrection we are in big trouble! Christ commands us, implores us to go to Him in prayer and supplication. In ALL things! For our sake. He wants that. More the better.
God bless the prayers.
We have not because we ask not.
God bless the prayers 🙏
Nope!!
😊
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
I'm sure in 1859 most Americans celebrated Christmas with the same optimism.
why do you care what the Vatican does? they were never your friend, always Globalists. and why do you care about same sex couples? dont you have enough issues in your own family to deal with ?
I care very much what the Vatican does or does not do. I am proud to be a Traditional Latin Mass Catholic who does not want to see my faith trounced upon by modernists in the hierarchy.
Christians should not care about sin and corrupting influences among the body of Christ?
I am struggling to understand your logic Liz.
not sure what you are referring to since Im not able to see the original comment, but Im gonna guess its a homophobic issue you are having trouble letting go of?
remember this. God is Love. Jesus is Love. that is really all you need to know ;)
No that was not it. you said "why do you care what the Vatican does? they were never your friend, always Globalists. and why do you care about same sex couples? dont you have enough issues in your own family to deal with ?" to a woman who was concerned about the state of her church and what the vatican is doing (I would guess it is more than just the last decision by the Pope but more a long set of decisions that move them further from Biblical truth. Not to put words in her very capable mouth.
My response to you was " Christians should not care about sin and corrupting influences among the body of Christ? I am struggling to understand your logic Liz. "
thanks for clarifying. the VATICAN is a major HOME OF THE GLOBALIST REPTILIANS, along with the British Monarchy. doesnt everyone know this already? So looking to them for any kind of guidance is kind of like asking the Devil how to get out of a Faustian bargain. kinda an exercise in futility..
I think there is varying degrees of understanding about vatican ties to globalism. I think there are many Christians within the Catholic church that are dismayed. Just like there are many Christians who attend Christian churches that are dismayed with the direction of their church. The business of the church and their guidance of their sheep. Bad shepherding if you will. She chooses to go to the Catholic church. I choose not to go to a church (in person. I go online). I struggle with that because we should as Christians be lovingly keeping our human leaders in check. Making sure that they preach according to what God says in the Bible. So, staying and holding fast and speaking truth. Our Job as the overall part of working for Christ talking about Christ and His saving grace and how anyone might find it in a doctrinal sound way. So Christians better darn well care about any corrupting influence. Especially when eternal life is at stake, We cannot throw the Christians in the Catholic church (they do exist) out because their Pope is a corrupted, satanic wretch of a human. (sorry Pam).
it's not "their PopE". its the ENTIRE INSTITUTION OF THE VATICAN that has been corrupt, baby killers, satanic, from the beginning.
Watch FALL THE CABAL, very worth it.
I know, but for some people they choose to fight the good fight from within. That includes some very brave people within the institution. I am not a Catholic and I utterly disagree with their basic tenets, but I do know there are people there that I know who are Christians, but cannot for various reasons leave. I know it seems ludicrous to say that, but alas it is true. So they work to reform where they can and teach their children to read the Bible and decide for themselves (even thought they may enjoy Latin Traditional Mass).
Im a recovering catholic who enjoys traditional Latin Mass. But setting foot in these churches is rare, and purely cultural for me these days, since Im in MExico. Id rather find God /Goddess in the woods. or on the beach. or the Jungle. the Gnostics had it right.
Make it make sense!