Edited by author 11-13-2001 02:27 AM
Hello. Time for the second basic lesson on the Biblical doctrine of hell. Feel free to ask questions, comment etc. Please refrain from becoming argumentative.

In today's lesson we will briefly look at the punishment in hell. Jesus told the story of a man's experience in hell. This man had been a wealthy man while on earth, but, as it happens to all, death came knocking at his door. Lets pick up the story:

"The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lift up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tounge, for I am tormented in this flame.But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.' Then he said,'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' Abraham said to him,'They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if one goes there from the dead they will repent.' But he said to him, If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead" Luke 16:22-31

Wether you understand the story we just read as a literal experience or a parable(a parable is a story which illustrates truth by analogy, that is, a story that describes a true to life incident to illustrate or illumniate a spiritual truth), it really does not matter because the point is the same: to warn people about the consequences of refusing to believe the Bible "Moses and the prophets". Lets just observe a few of the things Jesus taught concerning the experience of death and life beyond the grave. First, notice how He was very explicit in saying that the rich man "died and was buried". What is important to understand, is that one of the reasons Jesus used that language "dead and was buried" is to illustrate what is visible to us when someone dies. From our vantage point, a person dies and is buried, and that is the end of that. This, of course would be what a lot of people believe concerning death, it is final and there is nothing beyond it. A person is buried and that is the end of it all for that person. To hold that view, however, is to be very limited in our scope, because there is no way we can declare with any certainty that being buried after death is the end of all things. For us to make an absolute statement concerning what happens to the person after death we would have to have absolute knowledge. We don't have absolute knowledge, and because we don't have absolute knowledge, we are not qualified to declare any absolute statements concerning what happens after the person dies, beyond what happens to the physical body. Here, Jesus in His Divinity, shares with us some insight into what God alone knows in the land of the living. God alone knows all things, and He alone is qualifed to tell us what to expect at the moment of death and thereafter. In this story Jesus shares with us, for our benefit and warning, some insight into what happens at the moment of death. The rich man died and was buried, but then, we are told "Being in trments in Hades" or as the Old King James puts it "In Hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments". The shocking revelation that Jesus shares with us, revelation by Divine , absolute knowledge, is that the death of the physical body, as final as it appears to us, is really a transition to another state of existence. In this particular story, it is shocking to read "The rich man also died and was buried. And in hell he lifted up his eyes being in torments." Although death appears final to us, He who is the Truth, said it is not. Immediately, at the moment of death, the man spoken of here, found himself in hell, and found he was in torment, or tormemts. We are told that the man could see Abraham and Lazarus in Paradise, being comforted, and we are also told that the first thing the man did was to ccry for mercy. Let me point out some phrases which would indicate to us the kind of torment the man was experiencing: He asked for Lazarus to "dip the tip of his finger in water and cool his tongue" he said "I am being tormented in this flame" Abraham responded "Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things" he said "I beg you, send him (Lazarus) to my father's house... lest they also come to this place of torment". What we can draw about what it is like in hell from these few phrases and verses is the following:

1. The man was fully aware of his terrifying circumnstances.
2. The man was desperately thirsty.
3. The man was being tormented in a flame.
4. The man was aware of the comfort others were receiving in Paradise.
5. The man could remember his life on earth and the missed opportunities.
6. The man was regretting missing the opportunity to miss hell.
7. The man was worried about his loved ones ending up in the same place of torment, hoping he could tell them and save them from this horrible place.

A couple of other things to draw concerning hell from this little passage would be that, as Abraham said, "Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us" Also,"They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them...if they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead". Concerning the great gulf that is fixed, this would teach us that whatever the destination you and I reach at the moment of our own death, that destination is fixed for eternity, there is no way out. It is a good thing if we are being comforted, but it is a horrifying prospect to end up in torments in hell. There is no way out. The great gulf fixed would also indicate that there is no hope of a second chance, no hope of being prayed out or payed out of purgatory, according to Jesus, there is no such thing as purgatory. The decisions we make in this life determine our eternal destiny, there wil be no second chance after this life is over. The solution Jesus sets forth through the mouth of Abraham is "believe Moses and the prophets" Moses and the prophets was a Jewish designation for the Old Testament, in another place Jesus said Moses and the prophets testify of Him. In other words, the hope given in this passage is to believe the Bible, specifically the Bible's teaching concerning who Jesus Christ is. Notice that this hope is given while we are still alive, so that when we die we have no excuse. The last statement saying that if people refuse to believe the Bible they will not believe even if someone is raised from the dead, is a strong insight into the condition of our hearts, and what we can expect as a result of that condition. A man told the story of a time when he went camping, he said the young men he was camping with would not believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, yet that same night they woke him up claiming to have seen what appeared to be a UFO. The man was ith them looking intently up into the night sky waiting for a UFO, when he realized how quick these young people were to believe a lie yet reject the truth. Jesus gives us that insight perhaps into the condition of our own hearts, if we will not believe what the Bible says, neither will we believe even if we actually saw someone raised from the dead. This condition of the heart, is a terrifyingly dangerous condition to be in, because it is this condition in this life that brings the consequence of torment after this stage is over. One other very important thing to notice was the concern this man had for his brothers who were still living, he did not want his loved ones to end up in torment for eternity like himself. The implication is that if we love our family members, if we love our brothers, sisters, moms and dads, and our precious children (remember, however, babies and little children go to heaven guranteed if they should die in infancy, but if they do not die in infancy, they will reach the age of responsability), and our friends, we will not not take the chance of our loved ones ending up in hell, and we will bring Moses and the prophets into their lives, the Bible into their lives, so that they will be spared such eternal suffering.

In other places Jesus described hell as "outer darkness", "there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth", a place where "the worms die not" and the "smoke of their torment rises up forever and ever" we saw last week "there is no rest day or night" in the book of Romans Paul said it was "tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that does evil" in Revelation we are told that the bodies of the condemned will be reuinited with their souls, and they will be cast alive, in their physical bodies, "into the lake which burns with fire and brimstone" and then it says "hell itself will be cast into the lake which burns with fire and brimstone" Anothe place describes hell as "the bottomless pit". Jesus said of some people "Their's will be the greater judgement" the bible also says some will be punished with many stripes and some with few, depending on their responsability, the Bible says that teachers will have the greater judgement. So what do we make of hell? It is the lake of fire, and it is a bottomless pit, it is outer, total darkness, and it is a flame, there is anguish of soul, there is gnashing of teeth, there is thirst, hoplessnes, there are levels of punishment. the point is, hell is such a horrifying place, that it is impossible to fully describe its terror. All are without excuse, for whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.

Next lesson will be the Justice or fairness of hell, sorry I didn't get to it. Feel free to comment and ask questions.

Why isn't anyone subscribing to this site? Don't you know that if you don't read what I write and believe it you will go to hell! Hell is a scary scary place. It says so in the Bible. The Bible is 100% literally true! Don't go to hell! Please subscribe to this site and read it every day. Remember that I don't want you to be argumentative this is my site to tell you how it is, make your own site if you want to spread your lies. Only I know what truth is so don't argue with me. The Bible is the source of all my preaching (oh sometimes God talks directly to me). Since I get all my material either directly from God or from the Bible (which has been proved many times to be completely accurate) I can't be wrong so listen to me and do what I and Jesus say or you will go to hell. Remember hell is a scary place. Remember Jesus said if someone hits you on the cheek turn the other cheek. Of course Jesus doesn't turn the other cheek, if you don't believe in him you will go straight to HELL!!!! That means YOU all you Muslims, Jews (you killed Jesus after all), Hindus, Buddhists, Catholics (you have the Bible but you have it all confused), Jehovah's Witnesses, Shintos, Agnostics, Atheists, etc., etc., etc., You are all guilty because you can’t see the obvious. All of nature screams that I am right and you are wrong. If you don’t believe you are DOOOMED!! Remember only babies are guaranteed to enter heaven and avoid hell but only if they die before they reach the age of responsability (sic). The only logical conclusion you can draw as a loving parent is that to guarantee your children won’t go astray and end up in hell you need to make sure they die before they get a chance to make a choice that they will be responsable (sic) for. You can’t actually kill your kids or you will go to hell but you can put them in dangerous positions, don’t use seat belts, don’t have them immunized (it’s against the natural order anyway), encourage them to play in the street, roller blades without helmets is another excellent choice. And another thing people, don’t read Harry Potter books or go to the movie or you will go directly to HELL without passing go or collecting $200. You can tell this is really me writing this can’t you I mean I didn’t use any paragraph breaks so it should be easy to tell. I think it is important that I start preaching about hell before love or mercy because I need to get you good and scared so you will listen to me. PLEASE LISTEN TO ME AND DON’T ARGUE!!!

Hello, Testing.

Edited by author 11-19-2001 08:35 PM
Woa! Apparently somebody IS reading this site! My labor is not in vain! HOORAY! I don't know who you are, since you feel the need to hide behind my name to express your views, your impersonation of me is kind of funny, by it I can discern that you are around 38 or 40 going on 17, except for two statements you ascribe to me where you crossed the line:

You impersonate me accusing the Jews for the murder of Jesus, that is not acceptable or funny at all. It was not the Jews who killed Jesus, it was your sin and mine, and it was my ancestors who actually drove the nails through Jesus' hands. All the first Christians were Jews, all the prophets, all the Apostles, Jesus Himself was a Jew, the Bible, both Old and New Testament, is a Jewish book. You are mistaken, I love the Jews, and I stand with them. Salvation is of the Jews. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem, how about you?

The second set of statements you made impersonating me where you crossed the line were the statements where you have me teaching parents to make every allowance for their young children to be killed or die, to deny them medical treatment etc. First let me just adress the ignorance of your assumption, it is God who gives wisdom and knowledge to doctors, it is God who gives us medicines and it is the Bible that teaches the use of medicine to aleviate ailments and decease. Jesus came to save life, not to destroy it. Second, you have crossed legal lines with this little satirization, you can not impersonate somebody with the kind of credentials that I have to advocate the murder of children or anyone on religious grounds. Listen carefully, I love all of you from the AHS very much, I am willing to suffer your false accusations and insults, but I am telling you that if you persist in crossing this kind of line, I will find out who you are and I will bring you up on charges and you will find the police knocking at your door, whether you live in the U.S. or Mexico or where ever. I am not engaging in a spitting contest with you, I am just letting you know that I am not going to allow you to risk my family's well being by slandering me and potentially getting me in trouble with the law. If you don't like it, well, don't read it anymore, obviously I hit a nerve!

On the other hand, I should rejoice and do rejoice that I have been counted worthy to be slandered for His Name's sake! Hallelujah! It tells me my spiritual condition is in the right place for He said, "Rejoice when men falsely accuse you and say all manner of evil against you for my name's sake. Rejoice and shout for joy! For great is your reward in heaven!" You have actually helped me rack up some eternal rewards! And that IS awesome! Praise the Lord!

On the other hand, your satirization shows you your spiritual condition as well, and your destiny, for the Bible says of those who tell people that Jesus is the only way to be saved from hell, it says that "we are the stench of death to those who are perishing" I know I am the stench of death to you... you are perishing.

Next time use your own name, please. Thank you.

Edited by author 12-03-2001 02:29 AM
Hello, my friends. Here is the third and final short lesson on the uncomfortable subject of hell. Remember, contrary to the opinion of the youthful person who impersonated me, I am teaching on this subject because just about all of you with whom I spoke at the reunion had questions about it. I hope you find these short lessons enlightening on the subject, and I do know some of you are stopping by because I sure haven't visited here 66 times. Lets get started.

THE FAIRNESS OR JUSTICE OF HELL

One day after the reunion, as I believe I mentioned, I was in the sanctuary of my church praying. As I spoke with the Lord, I found myself agreeing with all those of you with whom I spoke, I told the Lord that it does seem unfair that a person should suffer eternally for the sins done in a lifetime that is not eternal. I believe the Lord gave me an answer in an instant, the answer He gave me was such that I fell on my knees and worshiped Him. The answer satisfied me, although it may not satisfy you.

Is Hell fair? Is it just? Is it fair and just that a person should be punished eternally for the sins committed in this life? Biblically, there are at least a couple of ways that you could answer this question. We have seen already in the previous two lesssons that, according to the Bible, Hell is a fact, Hell exists and is a place of horrible punishment for those who reject Jesus Christ, the Hebrew Messiah. Now, in chapter 4 of the Book of Revelation we have an awesome testimony of a man, the Apostle John, who was priviledged to be shown a vision of the throne room of God. John describes this awesome scene, and in verse 11 he records for us the praise people were offering God within His throne room:

"You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory, and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created." Revelation 4:11

This is an awesome statement! It is here that we, you personally, and I, can find the reason for our very existence! We are told that God the Lord is worthy to receive glory and honor and power, and the reason we are given for this worthiness of God, is simply because He has created all things. God is worthy to be praised and worshiped, why? Because He has created all things. As you look around you, as you see the mountains or the valleys, as you see the oceans and the clouds, as you see the stars and everything that is, God created all things. And because He created all things He deserves our worship and devotion. As you look in the mirror, understand that it is God that created you. John goes on to say "And by your will they exist and were created" the reason you, my friend, exist, is because God willed for you to exist. Apart from His will, you would not exist, period.

And, you see, it is in this fact, that God created you, and that you exist because He willed for you to exist, that you can find purpose and meaning in life. You are not a worthless ooze of scummy goop, you are not a worthless particle of dust floating in the universe, you are not a worthless accident with no purpose and meaning who is to be disipated in just a few more years, to never be heard of again. No! the Bible says it is God, the Almighty God, Who personally created you! The Bible says that He created you with a purpose! God desired for you to exist! And God decided for you to exist, and therefore it is in God, and God alone, that you will find true purpose and meaning for your own life!

That purpose and that meaning is to please Him, since the phrase translated "And by your will they exist and were created" can also be translated and is in fact translated "For your pleasure they are and were created". It is for His pleasure that we exist, not ours, it is for His pleasure that we were created. Only in acknowledging and surrendering to your Creator will your heart be satisfied. If only wou would ask "How can I please You, God?" sincerely and with a humble attitude and an open heart, He would direct you to what it is that He has planned for you, wether it be preaching like me, or being the owner of a business or being the CEO of a company. If you would ask that question, He would direct yu, and you would find true satisfaction in life, because your ultimate purpose is to please Him.

But it does say He created all things, so that if Hell exists, and it does, it is God Who created it. We just saw that God is worthy of glory, and honor and power for creating all things, and that includes Hell. Now, if God is worthy to be praised and honored for creating Hell, then it is in God Himself that we will find the answer of wether Hell is just or fair.

So, then, what does the Bible say about God's fairness and justice specifically as it relates to the things He creates and does?

"His work is honorable and glorious, And His righteousness endures forever." Psalm 11:3

In this little verse we are given a mouthfull concerning the justice, the fairness, the "rightness" of all of God's works, including Hell. Notice, first, that God's eternal righteousness, His excellent character, is linked in this verse to the honorable nature of what He does. Hell exists, because God created it and willed it. In creating Hell, God was honorable and righteous, so that if there is any dishonor in Hell, it is not in God Who created it. Here is where trust is called for, although we may not understand all the why of Hell, we can understand that God is righteous and honorable, and therefore we can trust that in creating Hell, God was righteous and honorable. And if God is righteous and honorable, then Hell is just and fair, although I may not fully understand. Trust.

And this issue of trust is called for when we look at God's works, including Hell, from this other perspective:

"O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all..." Psalm 104:24

All of God's works, everything, absolutely everything He does and creates is done in infinite, sovereign and Divine wisdom. This tells you something of your own value and of your reason to be. And it also tells us that although Hell seems harsh, and is harsh, God created it in wisdom. Here trust, and humility, is called for. We trust and acknowledge that God knows more than we do, infinately so, so that even if I can't fully understand, Hell displays the wisdom of God. Why did God create Hell? Because He is wise. In another passage we are told He created it for the devil and his angels, his demons and messangers. Satan will be punished in hell, he does not rule it. It is Christ Who "Holds the keys of death and hell in His hands" Revelation 1:18.

Is Hell fair and just? The answer is YES. Why so? Because God created it, because it exists by His will, because God is honorable and righteous, and because in wisdom He created all that He created. I may not fully understand, but I can trust His character. In humility, I should hold my peace... and trust.

One last thing in adressing the question of the fairness and justice of hell. There are many passages in the Bible that are "hard sayings", I would point you to the previous paragraphs when you encounter them. But one of those passages is the account in which God executed the sons of Aaron, Moses' brother. In Levitcus 10:1-2 we are given the historical account of this incident. Aaron and his sons had been ordained by God as priests, but in this passage we are told that Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, offered profane fire before the Lord "which He had not commanded". God immediately executed them. When we read this account, many times we feel that God's reaction was too harsh. I mean, was not that fire they offered meant to be an offering to God? Why then did He execute them? The answer is found in the phrase "which He had not commanded". God had clearly commanded them in Exodus 30:9-10 the proper procedure of offering a burnt offering. Nadab and Abihu offered a profane burnt offering. The meaning of the word "profane" is simply "outside the Temple (of God)", inside the Temple was what was called the Holy place. The sons of Aaron very well knew not to do what they did, and they did it anyway, in an act of defiance against God. God executed them. Understandingly, we are told at the end of verse 3 that Aaron "held his peace" after Moses gave him a word from God concerning the death of his two sons. by this we understand that, understandiably, Aaron was greatly displeased, perhaps angry at God. But what was the answer, the reason God gave to Aaron as to why He executed his two sons, which caused Aaron to "hold his peace"? Pay close attention, now, because it is in this answer that we find the ultimate answer to the question of the fairness and justice of hell. This is the answer the Lord gave me in an instant while in prayer that caused me to fall on my knees and worship Him:

"By those who come near me, I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified" Leviticus 10:3

The sons of Aaron perished because they did not regard God as holy. People in hell end up in hell because they fail to regard God as holy. In other words, the sons of Aaron did not regard God as highly as He is worthy to be regarded. the Lord showed me in an instant, when I complained and said "Its not fair!", that the fairness of hell is directly related to His worthiness, His value. If God is worthless, then Hell is not fair or just, but if God is worthy, that is, of high value, then Hell is properly just and fair. The eternal nature of hell speaks of the infinate value of God. When the Lord showed me this in an instant, I fell on my knees and worshiped Him sayin "You are worthy, O Lord!". If that's what it takes, He is worthy.

And, you see, here is where we can judge our own hearts, it is in this matter of hell where we can examine our heart and see how highly we personally regard God. After understanding God's answer to Aaron "...I must be regarded as holy", do I still think Hell is unfair? Then I must not regard God as of infinate value. If like Aaron I hold my peace, and worship and say even of the eternal nature of hell "He is worthy!" then I ascribe to God His proper place. The eternality and severity of hell is in direct proportion to the value of God, and how I judge this to be fair and just shows me how highly I regard God.

Next, we will study the right of the Jews to the land of Israel.

Edited by author 12-20-2001 06:19 PM
Merry Christmas! And Happy Hannukah! Today I would like give all of you as a gift some insight as to the origins of Christmas. I suppose it is proper to say Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah in the same sentence, since both are rooted in Judaism. Today's brief lesson:

THE ORIGIN AND MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

It started a long time before the first Christmas. Much like today, the enemies of Israel were intent on destroying the nation and the people of Israel. The mighty Assyrian army was mobilizing against Israel, against Jerusalem. Just as things were looking hopeless, just as they thought the Jews and Israel would be no more, God sent a man, a prophet, by the name of Isaiah to utter an incredible prophecy:

"Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace..." Isaiah 7:14;9:6

Some time later the prophet Micah said;
"O, Bethlehem of Ephrata, though you be little among the thousands of Judah, out of you shall He come forth who is to be ruler over my people Israel" Micah 5:2

700 years Isaiah's utterance, Christ, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace was born in Bethlehem. He was called Jesus, meaning "Savior", for He would save His people from their sin. That is the meaning and reason for Christmas. Not only were the Jews saved from the Assyrian army, which vanished a long time ago, but the promised Savior, the Prince of Peace was born in Bethlehem, as the prophet had said, to save not only His people Israel, but all peoples, from their sin. that is the meaning and the reason for Christmas.

Since then many traditions have been attached to the celebreation of the birth of the Jewish Messiah. Christmas trees, Santa Claus, giving gifts etc. Today, I will briefly examine the origin and meaning of each.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Many Christians today sadly deprive themselves, and their children, of the joy that comes with Christmas traditions. They believe God forbids the use of Christmas trees based on Jeremiah 10:2-4

"This is what the LORD says... the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it will not totter" Jer. 10:2-4

Although a superficial glance at this verse seems to condemn the practice of decorating Chritmas trees, a closer look makes it clear that that is not the case. The clue to discerning this is found in the statement "a craftsman shapes it with his chisel" By this we understand that this is not referring to a Christmas tree, but a tree that is cut down and then is shaped into the shape of an idol by the craftsman's chisel. In the very next verse, v.5, the prophet explicitly ridicules those who carve idols because their idols can not talk or walk, remembering Isaiah's prophecy in which he mentioned the idols having feet and mouths yet are not able to walk or talk. The idols spoken of here are permanent and are lavishly adorned with silver and gold.

The Christmas tree is something quite different. It originated in Germany about 2000 years after the time of Jeremiah. It was a combination of two distinctly Christian symbols, much as the Christian "fish" you see on many bumpers in America. The tree was a "Paradise tree", it was an evergreen on which apples were hung, not gold and silver, and it symbolized the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. The second symbol was a triangular shelf which contained Christmas figurines and was adorned by a star which represented the one followed by the Magi. By the 16th century, these two distinctly Christian symbols, founded on their Scriptural Hebrew foundation, merged together to produce what is today's Christmas tree. The symbolism of the tree goes further, the tree represented the Cross on which Christ hung and took the curse we deserve for our sin, as the Old Testament said "cursed is he who hangs on a tree". It was evergreen, representing the Tree of Life in the garden of Eden as well as the eternal life offered to us through Christ, the lights which later were added to the Christmas tree represented the light that Christ gives. The Christmas tree, then, is a thoroughly Christian, not pagan, symbol, founded on Scriptural teachings.

SANTA CLAUS:
Santa, that jolly old man with the white beard, the red suit and the belly that jiggles like jelly every time he laughs,has been vilified tremendously in Christian circles. Some play with the letters in his name and call him Satan Claus instead of Santa Claus. Is Santa Claus pagan, is he Satan Claus? What is his origin? Thanks for asking!

Santa Claus is the Anglicized version of the Dutch name Sinter Klaas. Sinter Klaas was a Christian bishop who lived in the 4th century, who later became known as "Sain Nicholas". Tradition has it that he was very generous and kind to children, giving them gifts. Historically, he attended the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325 where he supported the Biblical doctrine of the Trinity. Santa Claus, the historical Santa Claus, would be tremendously grieved if he could see how today many forget, for his sake, the real meaning of Christmas and the Savior he worshipped.

THE PRACTICE OF GIVING GIFTS
Although it is true, sadly true, that the tradition of giving gifts has led to unashamed commercialism, this practice started with the Magi. The Magi were men learned in the arts and sciences of their day. It is important to note that in the biblical account, we are explicitly told they were "led by God" Mt.2:9. They gave gifts to Jesus, and by giving to one another, we do the same, for He said "Whatsoever you do to one of these my children, you have done it unto me" God gave us the gift of eternal life through His Son born in christmas.
That is the real meaning of Christmas.

Just one more thing concerning Christmas. December 25th has been considered by many Christians as a pagan holyday. It is true that December 25th was the day in which the birth of the sun god of the Romans was celebrated, but, contrary to what some think, December 25th was not the assimilation of a pagan holyday into Christianity. As early as the 2nd century, before the development of the Roman Catholic church, December 25th began to be observed as a day to celebrate the birth of Christ. What is important to consider is the intent of the early Christians in choosing December 25th as the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Their intent was not to compromise truth and mix Christian worship with pagan worship, their intent was to make a statement declaring the victory of Jesus Christ over the pagan gods of Rome. Today, the gods of ancient Roman and Greek mythology are all but forgotten, relegated to history books or Holywood movies, but Christ is alive and millions around the world have a living faith and a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Christ indeed was victorious over the pagan gods, and December 25th is a rminder of that victory.

As you celebrate Christmas this year, let me encourage you of the real meaning of Christmas. It is not about gifts and lights and Santa and O Christmas tree! Rather, the evergreen tree represents the tree of life in the garden of eden, and the eternal life that Christ made possible for us by being crucified on a tree. The lights of Christmas remaind of the light that Christ brought into a world lost in spiritual darkness, so that we could find our way to the One true God, when you give gifts to one another and Santa brings gifts to your children, remember the gift that God gave us in His Son Jesus, the gift of eternal life, and the gift of our lives we ought to give Him in return. And when you look at the calendar and see it is December 25th, remember the victory of Christ over the pagan gods, of light over darkness, of life over death. Merry Christmas!

Edited by author 12-25-2001 12:34 PM
Merry Christmas Everyone.