Do Christians Celebrate Christmas in KSA

As a matter of fact, Christians can exercise their faith in the Kingdom this include Christmas celebration. However, they cannot exercise it publicly instead, they should observe it inside the home or inside the Embassies, Consulates or in a chosen safe place.

Christians are members of different groups of faiths under the umbrella of Christianity such as Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans or Baptists, Fundamentalist Christianity, Pietism, Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism, Holiness movement, United and uniting churches, Restoration Movement, Jesus is Lord, Christ the King, Church of Christ, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and many more.

There are many ways how Christians celebrate Christmas in the Kingdom such as:

• Dancing Party by invitation
• Eating Party by invitation which is my favorite
• Mass Prayers - administered by some Christians Ministers
• Beauty Pageant
• Parlor Games
• Singing Competition aside from Karaoke and Videoke
• Exchanging of Christmas Gifts
• Beach Party - started on the 24th of December to Christmas day
• Visiting some of the Kingdom's Treks
• Malling - to spot Big Sales during this season and many more
• Chatting with family on Internet

When it comes to food for Christmas - anyone can prepare all types of food that he wanted to eat on Christmas. Almost all are here except pork. From all types of cakes, sweet and pastries to Kakanin that includes Bibinka and Poto-Bongbong for the Filipinos are available in the Kingdom.

So Christians celebrate Christmas wherever they maybe in many ways!

About the Author visit: Dream big and don’t stop without giving it a chance to come true.

It is About Time to Meet Your Godfathers and Godmothers

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December is considered as one of the most costly months of the year, those who can afford enjoy the extravagant shopping for the season. Unlike those who are less fortunate, they would have to think twice to buy even the cheaper one!

Our history tells that Christians believed that December 25 was the birth of Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, the great High Priest, and central figure of the human race. But December 25 also marked the births and deaths of some well-known and historical personalities. 

December 25 was the birth of Sir Isaac Newton in 1642. He was a genius that explained gravity. Isaac Newton’s discoveries were so numerous and varied that many consider him to be the father of modern science – a graduate of Trinity College, Cambridge. Newton developed an intense interest in mathematics and the laws of nature which ultimately led to his two most famous works: Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica and Opticks.

December 25 also marked the death of some well-known and historical personalities such as, Pope Adrian 1 who died on December 25, 795. He was a Roman, successor of Stephen IV. At Adrian ’s urging, Charlemagne crossed the Alps and defeated the Lombard king, Desiderius, who had annexed papal territory. That defeat marked the end of the Lombard kingdom. Charlemagne, during the siege of Pavia, went to Rome, there confirmed the donation of Pepin to the Papal States , and joined additional provinces to it. Adrian in turn confirmed Charlemagne’s title of patrician of the Romans, thereby acknowledging Charlemagne’s protectorate over all Italy. Adrian supported Empress Irene in her struggle against iconoclasm and he sent legates to the Second Council of Nicaea.

Karel Capek, a Czech, author and inventor of the word robot had died on December 25, 1938. He was a playwright, novelist, and essayist. He was best known as the author of two brilliant satirical plays—R. U. R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots,), which introduced the word robot into the English language, and The Insect Play, written with his brother Josef. He also wrote travel sketches, romances, essays, and short stories. Čapek’s three philosophical novels: Hordubal, Meteor and An Ordinary Life are profound and even mystical in tone. Distinct from his other works, they constitute Čapek’s masterpiece.

December 25 is the 359th day of the year. It is also the 360th day in leap years in Gregorian calendar. And it is the 300th day counting from March 1, every year.

In the Roman year, December is the 10th calendar month. Now, it is the 12th month of the year and it is one of the seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. Astrologically the month begins in Sagittarius and ends in the sign of Capricorn. The December’s flower is the narcissus or holly and its birthstone is turquoise, lapis lazuli, zircon, topaz (blue), or tanzanite.

Old Japan Calendar, December is called Shiwasu. In Finnish it is called Joulukuu (month of Christmas) since about 18 century. Earlier it was called Talvikuu (month of winter). In Irish it is called Mi Na Nollag (the month of Christmas).

The Christmas tree, Christmas ham, Yule log, Holly, mistletoe and the giving of presents are the most familiar traditional practices and symbols of Christmas practiced by most Christians in Western countries and in Asia.

The Philippines is well known for the longest celebration of Christmas season in the world. During this period the children are visiting their godparents, the elderly, close relatives and sing beautiful Christmas songs in exchange of gifts and some amount of money. The Simbang Gabi starts on 16 December ‘til the 24th midnight though Christmas celebration is extended ‘til the day of the Three Kings. But the season starts as far back as September.

Foundation of My Faith

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I am a Christian, Roman Catholic. I grew up through its guidance though sometimes I asked, "Was He the same God whom I used to kneel to pray, made out of blocks, wood, stone and clay?"

I was born as thousand are
Where God was never known
Taught to pray a useless prayer
To blocks, woods and stones. 

I confess, I am blind
Could not see the truth
I am living with lies and illusions! 

But today a peculiar thing happened
I fainted and I started longing
for the greatness of redeeming love
the love of Christ to me! 

So, I started my journey to seek the truth
I stroke my fingers on the keyboard
My computer opened the door for me
I paused, asked myself, should I proceed?
Or I’d go back and forget it? 

But my curiosity inspired me to go on
I opened the door, got inside, looked here
and there. I kept walking ‘til I reached the place
Where the Holy Writ was resting. 

Happiness filled my heart
the treasure was shining brightly
I shouted with joy. My hale
and hearty arms held it up
I kissed it with compassion and love
Then I commenced scanning its Holy pages
And I found these enlightening verses: 

Take heed what you read and what you hear
With what measure you mete
It shall be measured to you
And unto you that hear shall more be given
Then go on to know more and more
Of what that treasure is
And glorify your God, without end.

Was He the same God whom I used to kneel to pray?
Who was made out of blocks, wood, stone and clay?
Verily I wondered but my doubt did not alter my desire
Still I read the following text: 

God created man and female
In His image and likeness, He created them
For His love and for the purpose to live with Him
And that we must give our highest admiration
And submit to Him, as our only God in return. 

Consoled, I said this is it I am looking for
The true God I had long desired
God’s love to His children is lasting
God is a reasonable One
And understanding one in nature
He sent Jesus Christ, His begotten Son
His Son’s Sprinkling Blood save the world
And washed out His children’s sins.

He is the living word
The living water and the living bread
To feed our hungers, thirsts and longings
Jesus is the living light and life of the world
Who could calm us in the hour of buoyant health
In our hour of pain
In our poverty or wealth
In our loss or gain
Who could soothe us with holy hymn and psalm
And bid our spirits rest
That Jesus died for us
That on the cross He shed His blood
From sin to set us free.

Now, I know, it is not yet too late for me
to seek His Holy name and live with Him
with true guidance and pure doctrines
Through Jesus Christ and His teachings.

Happy indeed I found Him the cleansing fountain
where I can always flee
His blood most precious
the sinners’ perfect plea.

 

How True That Word is Sharper Than Sword

Image via Wikipedia Lapu-Lapu

Some Filipinos claimed that Magellan spread Christianity in the Philippines through friendship before people had accepted Christianity. However, I am still doubtful for that claim - my reason is that if Magellan really utilized friendship to spread Christianity in the country, there will be no bloody fight occurred between him and Lapu-Lapu that led to his death! I can say it now that Magellan used also swords to propagate Christianity not like Makdum, an Arabian missionary used his persuasive powers to introduce Islam in Philippines.

Many of us Filipinos are not aware that Islam is 141 years older than Christianity in the Philippines. 

The Christian religion came to our land when, on March 16, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan landed on Homonhon Island of Samar on an expedition sent by King Philip of Spain. The primary objective of the expedition was to conquer some spicy islands and to spread Christianity. The inhabitants of Homonhon Island, who were pagans, were the first to be converted.

The expedition took Magellan and his forces to Panay and Cebu also. While the people of Panay accepted the new religion, Lapu-Lapu in Cebu opposed him. A war ensued, and Magellan was killed. Following his death, King Philip sent more expeditions, with soldiers and preachers, to spread Christianity. As a result, the Philippines became the first Christian country in Asia.

In contrast to the general welcome Christianity received in the archipelago, it found resistance in Mindanao where the inhabitants were already Muslims. Makdum/Mukdum, an Arabian missionary and scholar who arrived in Tubig Indangan, in 1380, introduced Islam in the Philippines. He introduced Islam with his persuasive powers.

The point I wanted to make is that Islam is not an interloper that came to a Christian country. It has been in the Philippines for approximately 631 years, compared to the 490 years that Christianity has been there. 

In 1990 records, the Christian population in Philippines has reached to 91.5 percent of the total population compared to 5 percent of our brother Muslim Filipinos. And the other 3.5 percent are comprising other religions.

I still remember that during my elementary, high school and college days no teachers taught me about Islam that is part of Philippine history.  

Faith is The Tenth of The Ten Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts, Homes and Nations

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Published on Relijournal, Jan 30, 2011 Category – Christianity

Faith is about belief or trust in the truth or trustworthiness of a person, concept or thing. Faith is the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true and assent to the truth of what is declared by another, based on his or her supposed authority and truthfulness or a belief on religious doctrines and teachings as for Christians – Faith is the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved. The word Faith is often used as a mere substitute for Trust or Belief.

My faith is increasing. Every time I am at Triond, my confidence increases because I believe that I could write another fifty awesome articles to publish here. This is my faith and I trust myself I could do it though I would need the intervention from the source of all things the Almighty – to bless me and shower me bundles of ideas to write.

The problems we face in our individual lives, in our families and in our nations are greater than any of us can solve with our own judgment. They are problems for which we need inspiration and spiritual guidance. The things of God are understood by the spirit of God. What we all need is the motivating and powerful spiritual inspiration that can come into the lives of those who seek for it.

Faith is an asset beyond compare. It is so much more than an apostolic saying. It is a fact of life. It can become the very cradle of purposeful living. With faith we can rise above those negative elements in our lives that constantly pull us down. And with our effort we can develop the capacity to control those desires that lead to degrading and evil actions. With faith we can reach out to those who are discouraged and defeated and we can warm them by the strength and power of our own faith.

Faith in something greater than ourselves enables us to do what we have said we will do, to press forward when we are tired or hurt or afraid, to keep going when the challenge seems engulfing and the course is entirely doubtful. Faith and willingness to believe will quest pessimism away and replace it with hope and confidence. It is a source of endless personal comfort and peace of mind. Faith is the source that gives refinement to us. It motivates our finest deeds.

The awesome thing about prayer is that it is personal, individual and it is the most intimate communication between us and the Almighty. We can ask Him directly to bless us, to help us realize our good intentions and ambitions. We can ask the Almighty for the important things that mean so much to us in life and strengthen our families against the frauds, confusions and discouragements of our present society.

To read more articles on virtues – click the following: Love, Honesty, Morality, Civility, Learning, Forgiveness and Mercy, Thrift and Industry, Gratitude, Optimism. Happy reading!

I believe that there is no greater thing we could do than to increase our faith and confident to the Almighty and to appeal to Him regularly through our personal and family prayer!

 

Whoever Lives in Love Lives in God

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Published on Oct 27, 2010 Category - Christianity

The new generation of human races began from the family of Noah. From this generation, patriarchs and kings existed to lead the people. Also from this generation, major and minor prophets arrived for the purpose of spreading God’s words and commandments to the people and His love to His children was admirable, since He created man and to fulfill His covenant to all men and all creatures in the land after He destroyed them by great flood. God wanted to see that all of His children would live with freedom.

But this freedom caused great chaos, tensions and fear among His children: fighting between rulers, fighting between kings. They embraced idolatry, adultery and prostitutions. The people were no longer remembering God, who was the Creator, who loved them so much. But God still loved them. He blessed Abraham, Isaac, Joshua, Moses, David and many more. He showed His care and love to Moses. God saved them against the angry soldiers of Pharaoh, who controlled Egypt, when Moses departed from Egypt with the Israelites. They crossed the sea and walked down the dessert going to the promise land, which God had promised to them. And Moses received God’s commandments.

But not all the people believed Moses. Some of them have inclined to other faiths. But God still loved His children. He did not cursed them to perish in the land but let them lived and multiply, until such the successors of Moses and other new generations of people arrived. God had chosen many prophets to spread His living-loving words to the people. He used them and gave them miracle and healing powers, but the people still did not change for the good. They still embraced idolatry, adultery, prostitutions and bloodsheds were seen everywhere.

God’s love to His children is lasting, despite people lived in different faiths still He loved them; until such the time He stepped down in the land of man, through His begotten Son, Jesus Christ. God lived in the flesh of Jesus as a normal person and lived in flesh with all emotions that man has. He was circumcised. He felt pains. He felt fears. He was tortured. But God in the flesh of Jesus Christ never had used His power against them.

In fact just one click of His finger, God can do every thing He wanted to. Just one click of His finger, He can move the mountains and send thunders and lightning on them. Just one click of His finger, He can draw back their lives and send them back to dust. God can do everything that He wanted, because there’s no impossible for Him. God is a reasonable One and understanding one in nature.

When He lived with His creations and lived Himself in flesh through Jesus Christ, it was God’s unconditional love for us that sent Jesus to die on the cross. It is an essential part of His nature “God is love”, the personification of perfect love. It surpasses our powers of understanding. It is everlasting, free sacrificial and enduring to the end.

It indicates the nature of the love of God toward His beloved Son, toward the human race generally and toward those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and all other prophets and messengers of God, which God used to spread His living-loving words to His human children through Christians, Jews, Mormons, Muslims and other group of religions where God’s love pondered. Love conveys God’s will to His children about their attitude toward one another. It enables us to run the way of God’s commandments through them. So we must Love God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with our entire mind and love our neighbors and our enemies as ourselves. Without such love we are as nothing. Such spirit-inspired love never fails but always flourishes because whoever lives in love and follows His commandments lives in God and God in Him.

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