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Christmas!

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Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago
"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth.

To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, 'Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.'

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

And the angel said unto her, 'Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.

And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.'"

(Luke 1: 26-31)
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  Virgil Newsomeposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  The first Christmas gift and the greatest!!!
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Amen and hallelujah!
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  Woman Of Courageposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Wonderful! I realize Christmas is gone, but what a nice thread Hello Brenda.
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  DoubleScorpionposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Hmm...If we use the Hebrew calender, this puts the birth of Jesus around May-June. And if we go with modern calender we have the birth around Feb-Mar timeframe. I often wonder why December was chosen as the month to observe the birth of Jesus.
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I've heard many rumors and many reasons, but I care not. It's named for Christ and it's about Christ and He is the reason I celebrate!
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  Emile Rposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Good for you Brenda. And it is one of the most beautiful stories and wonderful reasons to celebrate.
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Merry Christmas Emile!
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  DoubleScorpionposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Merry Christmas Brenda!
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Merry Christmas DoubleScorpion!
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  DoubleScorpionposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  You can call me Mark if you like. And have a safe and happy New years as well.
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you Mark!
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  A Troubled Manposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  The date was chosen by the Christian Church in the 4th century to coincided with the Roman winter solstice and the ancient pagan festivals that were already being celebrated.
  
  It would seem that Christians might have been envious of those celebrations so they created one themselves so they wouldn't feel left out. It's never really been about Christ at all.
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  Randy Godwinposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  But I saw a copy of Jesus's birth certificate on Fox News!
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  Ron Montgomeryposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Did Donald Trump bring it by?
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  wildernessposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  No - Rudolph flew it in special, along with Barack's.
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  Randy Godwinposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Yep! It showed Jesus was not really born in Bethlehem and was instead Italian!!
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  Ron Montgomeryposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I thought he was a shortstop for the Montreal Expos.
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  Randy Godwinposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  There have always been many false Messiahs, Ron! Don't fall for the fakes no matter how well they are at sports. Satan knows your weaknesses!
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  Emile Rposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I suppose that is one way to look at it. I always assumed the church took major pagan holidays and, since the people were celebrating anyway, they wrote a scenario where the god they were recognizing with the festivities was replaced by the one God. Not trying to steal something, but attempting to incorporate their new faith into their old lives.
  
  The hold over traditions (yule log, christmas trees, mistle toe, etc) were added on to. We may have lost touch with their meanings as the church grew, but now that we have grown we are relearning them. I think it's nice.
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  lovinghim2-8-57posted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I agree with A Troubled Man. I also have an issue with people saying, "Merry Christmas....." Really....I don't want to do and say what others say...because I am a follower...I want to know what it means. So I investigated and found that.... mas....is for Mass...which is what catholics do when one dies....so some say..."Merry Christmas.." and that means happy Mass of Christ? I don't say it for that very reason......and I really don't like celebrating this holiday. Yes I am a Christian.....but no where in the BIBLE does it tell us to celebrate HIS birth. Every day I give thanks to GOD.....the ONLY GOD...for HIS SON JESUS who took my place on the CROSS.
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  Jeramiposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  If I remember right ?? Was it Judas Daughter that wrote a hub on that?
  
  Pretty convincing to me that the birthday was around Sept. 22 or 29rh or something like that.
  
  Good night and Mery Christmas/hollidays to you ALL
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  DoubleScorpionposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I know why they did it. But they could have used the correct timeframe and had just as much success.
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Merry Christmas Jerami!
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  Disturbiaposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  DoubleScorpion, the date was chosen to make it easier to bring non-Christians into the church by coordinating the church celebrations with already exhisting pagan holidays. As church officials attempted to convert Romans to Christianity, many continued to celebrate the major winter holiday, "Saturnalia", which was a celebration that lasted a week, celebrating the "Birth of the Unconquerable Sun." This celebration culminated on December 25th with a celebration of the winter solstice. Pope Julius I chose December 25th as the date that the birth of Christ would be celebrated with the hope that the choice of that date would be more easily accepted by pagan societies who had celebrations around the winter solstice.
  
  Oh yeah, and MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!
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  DoubleScorpionposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Yes, I know why they did it. But the same thing could have been accomplished if his actual birthdate would have been used. It might have taken a little longer.
  
  In my opinion, by using this method it is in part why we have some of the arguments about what is celebrated this time of year.
  
  There is alot of pagan customs blended into Christianity to allow for an easier conversion. And is seems to cause alot of confusion between those who don't know the history.
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  Mark Knowlesposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Who's actual birth date?
  
  There is no evidence of this majikal super being.
  
  But the winter solstice is observable. There is a lot of confusion because it is all made up nonsense. Mostly by people who do not know the history - or lack of it. No history. No facts. Nothing.
  
  Winter Solstice. Measurable. Recordable. Majick? Not so much. Hence the lol "confusion" lol with the "history" lol
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  Emile Rposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Whatever your reason for the season; Merry Christmas. May the sun of the winter solstice warm your back and your ham be juicy not dry.
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  EphremHagosposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Jesus Christ has deliberately unknown birth date (in the manger) but a knowable "birth date" in his unique death on the cross, as God's "life-giving Spirit" by whom he has the power to re-create all mankind in his divine image, or "source of life", signifying Jesus as LORD in an all-round "Christ's Mass" (the origin of Christmas).
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  capricornrisingposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I read some very good evidence some years ago (don't ask me to remember where now) that Jesus was a Leo (late July, early August).
  
  The calendar was manipulated a number of times since then, and December 25 chosen more or less arbitrarily as I recall.
  
  Doesn't matter in the end when we should celebrate His birth, as long as it remains the true reason for doing so.
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  Dave Mathewsposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  The gift God Gave me and you on the night Jesus was born was and is God giving of Himself to man, for the redemption of sin and the ending of death. I never wish to receive any other gift in my life because they would all pale in comparisson to this one.
  
  Brenda Merry Christmas dear sister.
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thank you my Brother Dave
  Merry Christmas!
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  schoolgirlforrealposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  hello Brenda, Merrie Christmas
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  schoolgirlforrealposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Merry Christmas Dave, agreed
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  paarsurreyposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Quran states the event of Jesus as under:
  
  [19:17] And relate the story of Mary as mentioned in the Book. When she withdrew from her people to a place to the east,
  [19:18] And screened herself off from them, then We sent Our angel to her, and he appeared to her in the form of a perfect man.
  [19:19] She said, ‘I seek refuge with the Gracious God from thee if indeed thou dost fear Him.’
  [19:20] He replied, ‘I am only a Messenger of thy Lord, that I may bestow on thee a righteous son.’
  [19:21] She said, ‘How can I have a son when no man has touched me, neither have I been unchaste?’
  [19:22] He replied, ‘Thus it is.’ But says thy Lord, ‘It is easy for Me; and We shall do so that We may make him a Sign unto men, and a mercy from Us, and it is a thing decreed.’
  [19:24] And the pains of childbirth drove her unto the trunk of a palm-tree. She said, ‘O! would that I had died before this and had become a thing quite forgotten!’
  [19:25] Then he called her from beneath her, saying, “Grieve not. Thy Lord has placed a rivulet below thee;
  [19:26] “And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree; it will cause fresh ripe dates to fall upon thee.
  [19:27] “So eat and drink, and cool thy eye. And if thou seest any man, say, ‘I have vowed a fast to the Gracious God; I will therefore not speak this day to any human being.’”
  [19:28] Then she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said, ‘O Mary, thou hast brought forth a strange thing.
  [19:29] ‘O sister of Aaron, thy father was not a wicked man nor was thy mother an unchaste woman!’
  [19:30] Then she pointed to him. They said, ‘How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?’
  [19:31] He said, ‘I am a servant of Allah. He has given me the Book, and made me a Prophet;
  [19:32] ‘And He has made me blessed wheresoever I may be, and has enjoined upon me Prayer and almsgiving so long as I live;
  [19:33] ‘And He has made me dutiful toward my mother, and He has not made me haughty and unblessed.
  [19:34] ‘And peace was on me the day I was born, and peace there will be on me the day I shall die, and the day I shall be raised up to life again.’
  [19:35] Such was Jesus, son of Mary. This is a statement of the truth about which they doubt.
  
  http://www.alislam.org/quran/search2/sh … p;verse=30
  
  Happy bith of Jesus.
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  capricornrisingposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I'm very moved by this. Thank you for sharing it.
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  kimberlyslyricsposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thank you Brenda
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Ron Montgomeryposted 5 years ago

Merry Christmas Brenda
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  schoolgirlforrealposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  lmao!
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Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago
http://youtu.be/P0WIJw8JVeU

Merry Christmas Ron.
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  Ron Montgomeryposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Ummmm, did you keep the receipt?
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I dunno what you mean Ron. Didn't the link take you to the right video?
  
  At any rate, I want to answer your question about a receipt.
  
  I am bought and paid for with a price, the price of the blood of Jesus the Christ! He holds the receipt in His hand and one day He will turn it in for final redemption! Praise His holy name!
  
  I'm sorry to wax so sentimental and long-winded.
  Well...no, I'm not either!
  Every person who replied here with a Merry Christmas has blessed me so much. Every response like that is precious to me. The trash collector guy wished me a Merry Christmas today and I loved it!
  My mother is in a hospital bed right now, and whether her body lives or dies, I know that she will Live again! She and Daddy lived their "religion", they lived for Christ and to Christ and because of Christ. In Him we live and breathe and have our very being. And anytime I'm tempted to think of Christmas as just a holiday, I remember their legacy of Faith; and above all I remember the birth of my Savior, his life, the precious blood He shed for my soul, His resurrection that sent the devils running for cover and the angels singing and offered mankind the gift of eternal Life!
  I am truly Blessed! And I pray for that for every soul.
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  Ron Montgomeryposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  
  Merry Christmas Brenda
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  schoolgirlforrealposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  sorry about your mom brenda. God bless and comfort you during this Holy Season
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wilsomjohnposted 5 years ago
Many Many Happy Christmas in 25 Dec.

Happy Child.............
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Merry Christmas wilsomjohn!
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habeeposted 5 years ago
Merry Christmas, Brenda!
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Merry Christmas habee!
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Daniel Carterposted 5 years ago
Merry Christmas, Brenda. I hope it's bright and rich with wonderful things.

And happy holidays to all, regardless of what we may celebrate.
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Merry Christmas Daniel!
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Hollie Thomasposted 5 years ago
Merry Christmas, Brenda and all
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Merry Christmas Hollie!
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iantoPFposted 5 years ago
Merry Christmas Brenda
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Merry Christmas iantoPF!
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leahleflerposted 5 years ago
Merry Christmas, Brenda. Here's a cute little video for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWq60oyrHVQ
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Totally adorable!
  Also love the disclaimer saying "Based on a true story"!
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ediggityposted 5 years ago
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.

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Hollie Thomasposted 5 years ago
Brenda, as you know I'm not a religious woman. But the link below reminds me of my dad, he passed away in 2007. A lovely song, and a big Merry Christmas from me to you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JRvOnJH7Vw
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Beautiful video Hollie!
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rLcasaLmeposted 5 years ago
I've written something about what is really the spirit of christmas. I think most people really missed the spirit of christmas. I hope we can get back to what really is the christmas spirit.
Thank You for the greeting Brenda.
Merry Christmas!
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EphremHagosposted 5 years ago
The FINALE of Christ-mass, based on "the first and the last"-born from the Spirit-active, perfect and diacritical death on the cross, is by far greater in scope and content than its PRELUDE of one born in a manger.

(Matt. 27: 50-56; Heb. 10: 19-25; Rev. 1; 5)

MERRY CHRIST-MASS!
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  EphremHagosposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  CHRISTMAS, coming from "Cristes Maesse" or Christ's Mass, means the combined birth and death of Christ giving rise to everyone's birth day! Therefore, let us all continue to rejoice in Christ's Mass by being "born spiritually of the Spirit" in his death on the cross just like Nicodemus did.
  
  (John 3: 6-15; 19: 30-42)
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Ron Montgomeryposted 5 years ago
December 25 is just like any other day. It is what you make of it, not what others tell you it should be.
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  wavegirl22posted 5 years ago in reply to this
  isnt it usually a day a really good movie come out?
  
  No disrespect Brenda, I really did come here to wish you a healthy and happy Christmas. I just couldnt resist that comment to Ron.
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gmwilliamsposted 5 years ago
Great Jubilations to all and a Very Merry Christmas. Christmas is indeed the season to rejoice and give back.
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Druid Dudeposted 5 years ago
Ever hear of Pantera? Not the band, the Roman Soldier who was disciplined with re-assignment? Stationed in Palestine, the story goes that he raped a maiden who was betrothed to a certain locally known carpenter, prsumably named Joseph. Far as I know, it is just a story, but, there was a legionaire named Pantera, whose name was found on a Roman plaque in Germany.
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  EphremHagosposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  God's act of Incarnation, requiring the standard revelation by the Holy Spirit to an obedient Mary, is beyond any contribution by a Roman soldier.
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K9keystrokesposted 5 years ago
Hope your Holiday is wonderful Brenda and a respectful Merry Christmas.
K9
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livelongerposted 5 years ago
Merry Christmas to all my Christian friends (and others who still celebrate the holiday) on HubPages.
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  ReuVeraposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it. Happy Hanukkah to you, LL! And to me.
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  K9keystrokesposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Happy Hanukkah to my Jewish friends as well! HubHugs Hebrews!
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  Muldaniaposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  And Merry Yule to my pagan friends.
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paradigmsearchposted 5 years ago
Merry Christmas, Brenda.

And to all other worthy Hubbers as well.
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  ReuVeraposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I wonder, how do you determine the "worthiness" of Hubbers?... Jesus did not discriminate.
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  paradigmsearchposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I knew someone would come along and say that!
  
  There are no unworthy Hubbers.
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  ReuVeraposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  
  I myself celebrate Hanukkah. But I wish a Merry Christmas from all my heart to all those who celebrate it. When they say the same to me unknowingly, I always smile and just answer "Thank you!". We respect others.
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  paradigmsearchposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Happy Hanukkah!
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paradigmsearchposted 5 years ago
To all

If you search for "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah", google has a minor surprise for you.
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Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago
I was trying to go down the line, but it's difficult to keep up.

Merry Christmas disturbia
and ediggity
and Mark Knowles!
and paarsurrey
and kimberly ♥
and rLcasaLme
and livelonger
and Reuvera
Hubpages Hubber
paradigmsearch
EphremHagos
A Troubled Man
wilderness
gmwilliams
K9keystrokes!
Druid Dude
wavegirl22
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  rLcasaLmeposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thanks again Brenda. Merry Christmas to you as well.
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  You're welcome.
  I've begun reading your hubs. Interesting, encouraging.
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Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago
And even to the one hubber who shall remain nameless!
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  paradigmsearchposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  
  ------------paradigmsearch-----------
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Well, that particular hubber I referred to remains nameless to me only. Worthy hubber as we all are. It's just that he prevents me from speaking directly to him (a request I have taken note of and abided by).
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  paradigmsearchposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  I just noticed my name in the above list. My error.
  
  Does that Hubber's name begin with "C"?
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Nope.
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  paradigmsearchposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Drop me a note, if you wish, and I will tell him/her you said hi.
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  No thanks. A "cold war" has its merits actually. Sometimes there is value in a peace-keeping mindset.
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  paradigmsearchposted 5 years ago in reply to this
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  Onusonusposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Who me? Oh, I know. Not me.......
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Merry Christmas Onusonus!
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paradigmsearchposted 5 years ago
I just thought of another name. I'm 99% sure, but I won't ask.
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schoolgirlforrealposted 5 years ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ-8jYpa1-o

for brenda...
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Thank you for your words of comfort, schoolgirlforreal,
  and for the video. I love Celtic Woman. Such awesome talent. And the song blessed me!
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prettydarkhorseposted 5 years ago
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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  Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago in reply to this
  Merry Christmas prettydarkhorse!
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Muldaniaposted 5 years ago
I wonder why in the weeks running up to Christmas, when the excitement is building, that it seems to take forever to arrive. Then Christmas day arrives, and within the blinking of an eye it has gone again, to be followed by that Boxing day feeling of "was that it?" Then it is another year to wait until the next one. The build up is always much more exciting than the actual day. I wonder what it is we are actually hoping for in our excitement, and what it is we hope Christmas will bring.
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Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago
As some have said here, Christmas is not just one day on a calendar. It is a state of mind and heart and soul, of honoring the One who died for our sins, who rose again and is alive waiting to receive us into Heaven.

My Mom flew to Him last Tuesday the 27th, two days after Christmas by our calendar. But I have no doubt at all that she is having "Christmas" every day in Heaven now!

Two poems she wrote in 1997 I'd like to share here. These were read at her funeral. This is what Christmas is. This is what Faith is. He is the Hope that we have, and the Promise-keeper that all who are born-again depend upon.

The First Thing I'll Do

The first thing I want to do when I reach Gloryland
is kiss the prints of nails in my dear Savior's feet and hands
I want to kiss His thorn-pierced brow; and gently touch His side,
where the soldier's sword was thrust on that awful day He died.

His life's blood flowed down to the ground, yet not one drop was lost.
He loved us poor lost souls so much He paid the awful cost.
He gave His precious life to save us from a fiery hell
Such selfless Love and sacrifice no mortal tongue can tell

Most of all I want to thank Him for saving even me
Old Satan had me bound, but now through Jesus's blood I'm free---
Praise God! I'm FREE!

I Dreamed

I dreamed I crossed old chilly Jordan
Oh, the waters were so dark and cold
But Jesus softly whispered "Fear not"
And my trembling hand did firmly hold.

The way seemed so long and so dreary
So many things were troubling my mind
I knew I'd be glad to reach Heaven--
Yet my heart ached for those left behind.

If I could be sure that I'd meet them
Over there on that beautiful shore--
That some happy morning I'd greet them
I would never look back any more.

But when I arrived at that city
And saw those who had been gone so long--
My heart was filled with so much gladness
That I joined with them in a new song.

There was no one crying in Heaven
For the Lord wiped their tears all away
And I'm going to dwell there forever
In that land that is fairer than day.

Mom and Dad had this plea inscribed on their tombstone--
PLEASE MEET US IN HEAVEN
I'm gonna meet them both there someday; I've no doubt about that.
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WriteAngledposted 5 years ago
I'm sorry, Brenda

Regardless of belief, losing a parent in this earthly manifestation is always difficult.

I hope you were able to share your mother's last Christmas joyfully with her.
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Brenda Durhamposted 5 years ago
Thank you WriteAngled.
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Christmas!

Christmas

Why is saying Merry Christmas offensive?

Go ahead say Merry Christmas

Memories of Christmas

Merry CHRISTmas!!

Merry Christmas Hubbers!