good intentions !!!

Joy to which world? the sad truth is that many will not know this Joy of Christmas unless you who have found it, SHARE IT.   There is a certain excitement that goes with the season. This is the time of year for many to have FUN... More fun shopping, partying and so on. ++++++++++++++ Christmas was once a moveable feast celebrated at many different times during the year. The choice of December 25, was made by Pope Julius I, in the 4th century A.D., because this coincided with the pagan rituals of Winter Solstice, or Return of the Sun. The intent was to replace the pagan celebration with the Christian one. ++++++++++++++ God nowhere speaks of making Christmas a part of Christianity, nor does He say to celebrate His Son's birth. He does tell us, though, not to add to His worship anything that is a tradition of the heathen. Such additions hinder rather than enhance our journey to God's Kingdom. - From BIBLETOOLS ++++++++++++++ Changing times and Laws and removing ancient landmarks - not a good idea !   ++++++++++++++ New Living Translation (©2007) - Ephesians 2:2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil--the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God...... ...And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.- Daniel 7:25 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.- Proverbs 22:28 +++++++++++++++++++ Christmas pressures mean divorce in January A study has shown that January 8th is the busiest day of the year for divorce lawyers when up to one in five couples will enquire about divorce after the pressures of Christmas  - Reported in the Daily Telegraph +++++++++++++++++++ The price of Christmas spending on mental health Reported in Medical News Today... Here is a summary of the survey's findings: 19 per cent of people felt less able to manage their mental health because of worries about paying off the cost of Christmas 25 per cent were feeling depressed 20 per cent will have problems meeting their rent or mortgage payments this month Over 50 per cent admitted they had spent more than they could afford on Christmas 39 per cent used credit cards to cover the cost of Christmas 33 per cent estimated that it would take them more than six months to pay off their Christmas spending debt and the beast gave him power +++++++++++++++++++++ Research from moneysupermarket.com reveals that almost half of consumers (45 per cent) are worried about funding Christmas 2009. Their fears may be justified as two thirds of the population (66 per cent) will not save enough cash in time to cover their Christmas costs, meaning credit cards, overdrafts, loans and December income will be used to take up the slack. 45 per cent of UK adults are worried about funding Christmas this year 66 per cent will not save enough cash before Christmas to pay for spending 17 per cent are planning to use a credit card to fund the festivities ++++++++++++++++++++++ International Standard Version (©2008) "Constantly be on your guard so that your hearts will not be loaded down with self-indulgence, drunkenness, and the worries of this life, or that day will take you by surprise. ++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 Imitate God, since you are the children he loves. 2 Live in love as Christ also loved us. He gave his life for us as an offering and sacrifice, a soothing aroma to God. 3 Don't let sexual sin, perversion of any kind, or greed even be mentioned among you. This is not appropriate behavior for God's holy people. 4 It's not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks to God. 5 You know very well that no person who is involved in sexual sin, perversion, or greed (which means worshiping wealth) can have any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Don't let anyone deceive you with meaningless words. It is because of sins like these that God's anger comes to those who refuse to obey him. 7 Don't be partners with them. 8 Once you lived in the dark, but now the Lord has filled you with light. Live as children who have light. 9 Light produces everything that is good, that has God's approval, and that is true. 10 Determine which things please the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the useless works that darkness produces. Instead, expose them for what they are. 12 It is shameful to talk about what some people do in secret. 13 Light exposes the true character of everything 14 because light makes everything easy to see. That's why it says: "Wake up, sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." 15 So then, be very careful how you live. Don't live like foolish people but like wise people. 16 Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. 17 So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants. 18 Don't get drunk on wine, which leads to wild living. Instead, be filled with the Spirit?your spirit."> 19 by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good. Sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts. 20 Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Place yourselves under each other's authority out of respect for Christ.