The First Noel

Where does "Noel" come from?  Some scholars claim that Noel is "French" and means "a shout of joy" at the birth of Jesus.  Others claim it comes from the Medieval Latin word "Natalis" which means birth, which is why some would refer to Christmas as "His natal day."  There is another Latin word "novella", which could be the source of "noel" which means "news" which corresponds with the idea of Jesus' birth which causes shouts of great joy because of His birth at Christmas.  Other scholars say that the original English spelling is "nowell" instead of the French word "noel." 

An example of this changing over the centuries is the English people took the parting phrase they gave each other, "Fare thee well," and made it into one word, "Farewell."  They also took the phrase "God be with you," and shortened it into "goodbye."  Similarly, if the word "nowell" was first a phrase rather than a word, then maybe it was something like "Now all is well!"  The early English greeted each other every Christmas morning by shouting "Now all is well;" because God has provided his son as a light for the world!"  Eventually, "Now all is well" became simply "Now well," and was later "Nowell." 

"The First Noel" has been a popular carol for almost 30 years, and is about the oldest common carol in the English language.  It's known for its simplicity and sincerity.  After traveling through word of mouth for many years, "The First Noel" was finally written down with the tune correct, and printed for the first time in a collection of Christmas carols published in 1833. 

The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

They look up and saw a star
Shining in the east beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.  Refrain.

And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.  Refrain

This star drew nigh to the northwest,
O'er Bethlehem it took it rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay.  Refrain

Then entered in those wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.  Refrain

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made Heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind hath bought.  Refarin

Christmas History: The Nativity Scene

By J. Cray "The Tradition of the Nativity Scene"  source cited

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with the first three dimensional representation of the Nativity Scene.  The Jesuits of Prague in the year 1562 are attributed to the first modern crib style nativity scene.  Santons are clay figurines used in the south of France, mainly Provence that are used to represent the nativity and can consist of hundreds of figurines rather than just the main set that is normally seen.

Through the use of the figurines placed with the crib empty until Christmas Eve, the Shepard on Christmas Day, the three wise men on three kings day, the entire story of the birth of Christ can be told out with these representations.  Depending on the area, a nativity scene may not be taken down until February or it may be removed as early as January 15.  Of course, there are some who remove it right after Christmas.  It depends on the particular traditions of the family or group putting up the nativity scene and how traditional they may be.  The nativity scene is also a story and so often times a church or group will put on the Christmas time play of the Nativity.  The story is of Mary and Joseph finding no rooms available, and Mary about to give birth, finding shelter in a humble barn, or cave, depending on the story, where Mary gives birth to our Lord Jesus.

A nativity scene has many different representations and can be crafted from any materials.  From large plastic representations that can be lit from the inside and used as lawn decorations to small figurines made out of crystal, glass or stone.  Nativity scenes can even be made out of modeling clay, paper or felt.  They may be a picture, or a three dimensional representation.  There are outdoor nativity scenes which are placed in front of homes, or much small Hummel or Fontanini nativity sets which can be placed on tables.

The nativity scene represents the birth scene of Christ and is an important symbol to the Christian faiths.  It reminds people of the humble beginnings and that Christ was born to simple and humble people.  It represents the important things in life and serves as a reminder of these things to the people who view it, as the nativity symbolizes the true meaning of Christmas. 

What Child is This?

"What Chis Is This?" is one of the most moving and beautiful Victorian carols.  It's history can be traced back farther than the days of the infamous Henry VIII.  It dates from Elizabethan time, possibly even earlier.  The melody is the beautiful Greensleeves.  This haunting melody, is often associated with guitar or harpischord solos.  As an ancient English folk song, there have been more than twenty different know lyrics associated with it throughout history and many more might have been lost.  It was first published in 1652.  For much of its early life, the tune known as "Greensleeves" was associated with pubs as a popular drinking song.  Although God is mentioned in a closing verse of the best-known lyrics, nothing about the song closely resembled  a religious piece; it was simply one of the era's most popular folk songs.  The song was first registered in 1850 to Richard Jones with lyrics that were neither religious nor respectable.  Shakespeare mentions it by name in "The Merry Wives of Windsor" in which it is played while traitors are hanged. 

In 1865 Englishman William Chatterton Dix wrote" The Manger Throne," three verses of which became "What Child Is This?"  In the era while Dix was writing hymns and raising a family, Christmas was not the celebration it is today.  Neither was it a season where many openly celebrated the birth of Christ.  Conservative Christian churches forbade gift-giving, decorating, or even acknowledging the day.  These Puritan groups feared that if set aside as a special day, Christmas would become a day of pagan rituals more than a serious time of worship.  In this context, it was unusual for Dix to feel moved to write about Christ's birth, since many hymn writers of the period ignored Christmas altogether.

The song's powerful words presented a unique view of the birth of Christ.  While the baby was the focal point of the song, the viewpoint of the writer seemed to be that of an almost confused observer.  Dix imagined visitors to the humble manger wondering who the child was that lay before them.  He wove a story of a child's birth, life, death, and resurrection, but in each verse it was answered with a triumphant declaration the infant's divine nature.

Dix published "The Manger Throne" in England jsut as the U.S. Civil War was ending.  The song was quickly important from Britain to the United States.  Dix, who died in 1898, lived long enough to see "The Manger Throne" become the much beloved Christmas carol "What Child Is This?"

What Child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:

Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear for sinners here,
The silent Word is pleading.

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:

Hail, Hail, the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him,
The King of kings, salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

"Stories Behind the Best Loved Songs of Christmas, Ace Collins, 2001"
"The Spirit of Christmas: A History of Best-Loved Carols, Virginia Reynolds, 2000"

The Wise Men's Gifts to Jesus

(Matthew 2:1-12) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, Where is he that it is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the kin, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

In reading the account of the wise men bringing their gifts to Jesus, you see that these gifts were very expensive. They had seen his star in the east and they wanted to come and worship him. I was studying the three gifts that the wise men had presented to Jesus. They were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. I was reading trying to determine what the spiritual significance of those gifts were. It says a lot for them to bring the kind of gifts they did to Jesus. Jesus was born into this world and he was to be the King of the Jews. He was to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You can't reach any higher than that. Jesus' coming into the world was foretold a few millennia beforehand. Here the wise men had come to worship him and bring him valuable gifts. That explains much when it comes to what kind of baby Jesus was. If we were to invite the President of the United States over to our house, we wouldn't prepare him leftovers we had a few days a ago. We would fix him the finest meal that's ever been fixed. We would use the freshest ingredients to prepare that meal. We would prepare him an extravagant meal. Also, we would decorate our house in such a splendid manner to welcome the arrival of such a guest. Why? Because of the position he holds. He's the president. He's the leader of the free world. Jesus wasn't no ordinary baby. He came into this world to die for the sins of mankind. He was born a Jew from the seed of David. He will one day reign as king in the Millennial Reign. That's something to consider when you read about the type of gifts the wise men presented to Jesus.

I was busy studying about the three gifts that the wise men gave to Jesus and I thought it was very intriguing in what I read. I'm going to take time to describe what each of the gifts represent. I was looking on the website and it supposedly had the name of the three wise men. They were Balthazar, Gaspar, and Melchior. I can't confirm whether the names of these men are correct but I thought I would just mention their names I saw on the website. I looked up information about the three gifts from a couple of websites as well as from a book entitled, Were they Wise Men or Kings? The Book of Christmas Questions. It was authored by Joseph J. Walsh.

Gold of course, is a type of currency. It is a rare type of currrency and as a result, it's very invaluable. It is a medium of exchange. Now frankincense and myrrh are both resins. They are dried tree sap that comes from the trees of the genus Boswellia (frankincense) and commiphora (myrrh) which are found in Northern Africa and the Middle East. Frankincense and myrrh have always been used to create incense, a substance you burn to create pleasing aromas. Cutting the tree's bark causes the sap to flow out of the cut. It's allowed to dry on the tree, then its collected.

The trees that produce frankincense are grown in northern Africa, mostly in Somolia. The trees grow on the rocky coast; the youngest trees furnish the most valuable sap. The season for gathering dried sap lasts from May till the middle of September. The milk-like juice runs from a cut made in the bark and is allowed to harden. After about three months the sap dries into yellowish "tears". These clear globules are scraped off. Frankincense is mixed with spices, seeds, and roots to create different aromas. Traditionally, you burn a powdered form of the incense with charcoal in a censer or a small stand. A censer is a vessel for burning incense. A typical censer is a small metal or stone dish. In many cultures, burning incense has spiritual and religious connotations, and this influences the design and decoration of the censer. Designs vary from simple, earthenware bowls to intrinsically carved silver or gold vessels.

Commiphora is a shrub or small tree found in the desert areas of Somolia and the Red Sea shores of Saudi Arabia. It grows up to 3 m. tall and has tough, knotted branches. The sap or resin is a pale yellow liquid and it flows slowly from cuts in the bark. After it dries it's collected in reddish-brown or irregular lumps. Myrrh means "bitter" in Arabic. Myrrh has been usd for ages as an ingredient in incense, beauty treatments, and perfumes. It also makes a good glue. Writings from 2700 years ago describe how it was also used for embalming. Because the demand for myrrh eventually became so high and because its supply was limited, it became as valuable as gold.

These three gifts have different meanings. I thought it was interesting when I read what they symbolize. Gold is the symbol of kingship on earth. It represents royalty. I believe it could be representative of Christ's royalty. Jesus will come back to this world one and will be crowned King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus will be king on this earth during the Millennial Reign. Frankincense is a symbol of the priesthood. Frankincense was a critical ingredient in the incense and oils used in the Temple in Jerusalem. Pagans also exploited its fragrance in incense oils, and perfumes and used it even to mask the repugnant fumes of bodies being cremated. Frankincense's association with the Jewish Temple priesthood could be symbolic of Jesus' priesthood, or even of his divinity. Jesus today is our high priest. When Jesus died on the cross to atone for the sins of makind it eliminated the need for an earthly priest to offer up sacrifices for the sins of man once a year. Jesus made that payment on Calvary's cross once and for all. He didn't have to sacrifice himself on Calvary's cross once a year. Once was enough for time and eternity. Myrrh is described as the symbol of death. Myrrh was employed as an aromatic additive. Myrrh was used to treat wounds and modern scientific research has shown that myrrh has geniune antiseptic and analgesic properties. According to Mark's Gospel, Jesus was offered on the cross wine laced with myrrh to temper his pain. He received it not (Mark 15:23) Myrrh was also used to anoint the dead, just as it says in John's Gospel. Jesus was embalmed with myrrh after his crucifixion (John 19:39, 40).

The three gifts the magi brought to the newborn baby Jesus were fit for a king. Jesus' birth into the world was finally fulfilled. The wise men honored Jesus with three precious, expensive gifts. We could learn a lesson from that. I know Christmas is now over, but we need to ponder the question on what we can give to Jesus? The most important thing we can give to Jesus is ourselves. That is to allow the Lord to have his way in our lives and to mold us and make us more like Him. Henceforth we are to be conformed to Christ's image.

(This post was first written on December 27, 2009)

The Bush-Era Tax Cuts Should be Extended to All Americans--Including the Wealthy

I have a message for the Democrats in Congress--STOP THE CLASS WARFARE!  This silly debate on whether or not the tax cuts should be extended to the wealthy is asinine!  I've listened to different commentators the last few days give their opinion on the subject matter.  Geraldo Rivera, who hosts his own show on Saturday evenings on the Fox News Channel, stated there should be a compromise that the tax cuts should be extended to those whose annual income is less than a million dollars a year on Fox & Friends early yesterday morning.  What gives the government the right to determine how much the wealthy should pay?  Just because a person's wealthy doesn't mean half their income should be confiscated by the federal government for example. There used to be a time in our country's history when Congress didn't even collect taxes for the operation of the federal government.  It wasn't until the 16th Amendment was passed on February 3, 1913, that Congress collected taxes for the operation of the federal government.  The activities of the federal government used to be supported by tariffs and excise taxes.  Since our government believes in this concept of "free trade", we don't rely on tariffs to pay for the activities of the federal government like we did yesteryear.  Instead, the government is looking for all kinds of avenues to squeeze more taxes out of the average American.  The latest report on the economy came out the other day and it's been reported that the unemployment rate hovers around 9.8%.  Many Americans are relying on unemployment benefits, inflation is rising in food and commodities such as fuel, for example.  Congress is doing nothing but grandstanding on the issue over which class group should the tax cuts be entended to.  This is no time to be discussing raises taxes on anybody. 

One of the favorite arguments of Democratic leaders such as outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is that the tax cuts are too costly.  With the national debt running in the trillions, we can't afford to continue these tax cuts.  That's foolish logic.  Raising taxes isn't what's going to bring in the needed revenue to reduce the crushing deficit.  There are two things that need to be accomplished in order to reduce the deficit.  (1) The government needs to slash wasteful government spending in a dramatic fashion.  There are all kinds of waste that can be eliminated that Congress REFUSES to eliminate.  Earmarks are just the tip of the iceberg.  Some of the executive cabinets need to be eliminated such as the Department of Commerce, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Homeland Security, to name a few.  There are others that probably need to be eliminated as well.  We also need to stop sending aid to foreign countries.  We can't bail out every country.  We can't take care all their needs.  There are organizations that our tax dollars go to that need to be eliminated such as NPR, the National Endowment of the Arts, to name a few.  There are some perks that many in Congress received that I believe need to be eliminated.  Congress shouldn't be increasing their salaries at this particular time.  There are numerous areas of waste that need to be eliminated that they refuse to eliminate.  I also believe there are areas of waste in the Defense Department that need to be eliminated.  I'm a firm believer that we should maintain a strong military.   However, we don't use many of the weapons we design.  We're not using them to win the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Why are we still in Iraq and Afghanistan?  We should exit both countries if our elected elite isn't serious about winning those wars.  Both those wars are very costly and the costs of those wars are being added to the deficit.  What's the purpose of the Pentagon asking for money for the purpose of designing new weapons?  Is it to build up the "military-industrial complex" which former President Eisenhower warned us about in his farewell address in 1961?  Are we spending money to create new weapons to give to Saudi Arabia?  If so, then the Pentagon needs to stop appropriating money for weapons that they won't use for our own military. 

The second thing that needs to be done in order to eliminate the federal deficit is to renege on some of the free trade agreements we made years ago such as NAFTA in 1994 and CAFTA in 2005.  I've been hearing on the news that President Obama is trying to negotiate a free trade agreement with South Korea.  Will that benefit America's industries?  As a result of the passage of NAFTA in 1994, millions of manufacturing jobs have been exported overseas.  As a result, America lacks a strong manufacturing base.  If America had a strong manufacturing base, then it will create an outlet for more American jobs.  The more Americans are employed, more taxable revenue will go to the federal government. 

Those that are ignorant about economics believes that the rich should pay a higher percentage simply because they're wealthy.  I believe the rich should pay their fair share, but I believe it's fair for all taxpayers to pay their fair share.  I believe we should eliminate the progressive taxation policy.  There should either be a flat tax where everybody pays the same percentage of taxes whether rich or poor or a national sales tax should be levied in place of the federal income tax and federal taxes will be collected through purchased merchandise.  Tax hikes on the rich will do nothing but discourage businesses from investing their money to create new jobs.  Many wealthy Americans own businesses.  High taxes and unreasonable regulations are what's hurting the small and medium-sized businesses in America.  The government needs to reduce the tax rate on businesses.  Businesses need all the incentives that can be given so they can create more jobs.  The economy only grows through the private sector--not by government.  Stifling the private sector will hinder job growth. 

This past week during the lame-duck session in Congress, the House passed a bill which would only extend the tax cuts for the middle class and not the wealthy.  The Senate voted down that measure today.  It's very ridiculous how our Congress plays foolish games when it comes to tax cuts.  The government has this Marxist mentality that all the money that America earns is their money.  Just because a person is wealthy doesn't mean a huge chunk of his income should be confiscated by the federal government.  The wealthy will use every loophole they can to avoid having to pay higher taxes.  As a result, the tax burden will fall on the middle and the lower middle class, like it always does.  If the government raises corporate taxes, those that own the business will pass the costs of that tax to the consumer.  As a result, the middle class is the one that bears the brunt of tax hikes to the wealthy.  If Congress doesn't agree collectively to extend the Bush tax cuts, then the American people will receive a rude awakening in a month. 

Christmas Traditions: The Christmas Candy Cane

written by Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D

One of the popular pieces of candy that "Santa" hands out to children during the local Christmas parades are the Christmas candy cane.  According to Brown, the earliest candy canes were pure white and invented in the 17th century.  The earliest account of candy canes Dr. Brown found was around 1670.  They were given to the children, to keep them quiet, while they listened to the choir and watched the ceremonies associated with the live Nativity scene at Cologne Cathedral.  What about the modern candy canes with red stripes?  They are early 20th century in origin.  It was a candymaker from Indiana who wanted to make a candy that would be a witness for Christ, so he made the Christmas Candy Cane.  The Indiana candy maker desired that even his candy be a witness of Christ so he incorporated several symbols for the birth, life, and ministry and death of Jesus Christ. 

The Pure White Stick of Hard Candy

He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy.  White was used to symbolize purity.  He had two aspects of purity in mind.  First, the white symbolized the purity of the Virgin Birth.  White has long been the symbol of sexual purity.  Originally, that's why a bride would walk down the aisle on her wedding day in a white wedding gown.  That gown testified she was a virgin.  Mary, the mother of Jesus was a virgin.  In Luke 1:26-35, verse 34, Mary testifies to her virginity, her sexual purity.  Jesus Christ was born of a virgin.  The white of the candy reminds us of the Virgin Birth of Christ.  Secondly, the white of the candy reminds us that Christ was sinless.  Christ, the God-man, lived a perfect life.  He never once sinned. This is testified to in many passages of the bible such as Hebrews 4:15, I Peter 2:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 3:5, and I Peter 1:18-19.  Christ had to be sinless in order to be able to pay the debt for the sins of mankind.  The pure white in the candy cane represents the sinlessness of Christ.

The Rock-hardness of the Candy Cane

The candy cane is made of rock-hard candy and there is a reason for that.  The rock symbolizes the Solid Rock (Christ), who is the foundation of the believer and the Church.  (Isaiah 28:16, Matthew 7:24-27, Psalms 18:2, and Psalms 62:2).  The rock-hardness of the candy cane symbolizes that Christ is the solid rock of the believer's life. 

The Candy Cane Forms the Letter "J"

The candymaker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior.  The Angel told Joseph "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins".  (Matthew 1:21)  Another scripture is Philippians 2:9-11. 

Jesus Christ is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of Kings, and Lord of lords.  Every created being, angelic or human, will bow and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the SUPREME SOVEREIGN and ONLY SAVIOR.  The "J" of the candy stands for Jesus.  It could also represent the staff of the "Good Shepherd" with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all his sheep, have gone astray (Isaiah 53:6).

The Red Stripes on the Candy Cane

"Genuine" candy canes had three small red stripes and one large red stripe on them.  There is a good reason for that.  The candymaker used three stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are saved from our sins.  Isaiah 53:5 points out our Lord's punishment was for OUR sins.  The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the Cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life if we believe on and personally receive Him.  (Revelation 1:5)

The three small stripes on the candy cane symbolize the whipping that Jesus took as He paid for our sins.  The broad stripe symbolizes the blood Christ shed on the Cross as He died for our sins that we might be saved.  In a nutshell, the Christmas Candy Cane is a wonderful Christian Christmas symbol.  The pure white symbolizes the purity of the Virgin Birth and the sinlessness of Christ.  The rock-hardness symbolizes Christ the solid rock, the sure foundation of the believer.  The "J" stands for JESUS the Savior, the name which is above every name.  The three stripes symbolize the whipping that Jesus took as payment for our sins and the broad stripes His shed blood for our sins on the cross. 

Christmas Traditions: The 12 Days of Christmas

The twelve days of Christmas are the twelve days between Christmas Day, December 25th, the birth of Jesus, and the Epiphany, January 6th, the day Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi (Wise Men) and the revelation of Christ as the light of the world.  The Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" may sound silly and contrived to many of us.  But it actually had its origins in religious symbolism--and with a serious purpose.  It dates from a time of religious persecution.  The song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," was written as a kind of secret catechism that could sing in public without fear of arrest--a learning or memory aid to Christians in fact.  The song can be taken at two levels of interpretation--the surface meaning, or the hidden meaning known only to the Christians involved.  Each element is a code word for a religious truth. 

1.  The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus.

2.  The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.

3.  Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.

4.  The four calling birds are the four Gospels.

5.  The five gold rings recall the Hebrew Torah (Law), or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.

6.  The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.

7.  The seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

8.  The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.

9.  Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

10.  The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.

11.  Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles.

12.  Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed.

The "true love" in the song refers to God himself.  The "me" receiving the gifts is every Christian.  So that "silly" song we sing at Christmas time has more meaning that one may realize.

When you sing the song, it starts out as "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...."  then it's on down the line to "the second day of Christmas all the way up to the twelveth day of Christmas." 

Christmas Traditions: Advent

Advent was literally a Latin word which translated into "the coming."  The Advent was developed as the four-week before Christmas Eve to encourage Christians to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and to prepare themselves spiritually for the coming New Year.  The Advent Wreath, candle, and calendar are all tools to help Christians to do this. 

Advent wreaths are formed into cirlces symbolizing the circle of life, rebirth with the upcoming New Year, and God's unending love for his followers.  They are made of evergreen branches (from Christmas tree firs, with all the symbolism associated with Christmas trees) and the green color is to remind followers of the renewal that will come with spring.  Advent candles often come in groups of four candles, with two different colors.  The three purple candles stand for sorrow, penance, and expectation of eternal life.  Purple was also the historic color of royalty and this color is to remind followers that God is the ultimate royalty and is to be obeyed above all men.  The last candle is normally red or white in color and symbolizes joy and hope.  Candles are lit every day during the four weeks of Advent.  The Advent calendar was created to also help followers to focus on the meaning of the Christmas season and is often seen with closed doors for each day of the Advent season.  On the first day of Advent, the first set of doors are opened there will be a message (and often a picture) to reflect upon for that day.  The next day the second set of doors is opened, etc. providing a message of new hope and reflection every day up to Christmas Eve.  This was a very good visual way for children to see and understand the passing of the days and be ready when Christmas had finally arrived.  It is believed that the Advent calendar evolved from a German tradition of hanging up 24 small bags containing a treat or a gift, which the children in the family got to open each day from December 1st to December 24th--Christmas Eve. 

(The information for this post came from the MerryChristmas.com website).

Gunman in Hostage Standoff in Wisconsin High School Dies from Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

(Fox News) A 15-year old student who held about two dozen studnets and a teacher hostage for several hours in a classroom at a Wisconsin high school died Tuesday at a hospital from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.  Sophomore Samuel Hengel shot himself after police stored a classroom at Marinette High School on Monday night, said police chief Jeff Skorik.  Hengel, of Porterfield, had been holding most of the students and their social studies teacher hostage for several hours.  No one else was wounded. 

The teenager allowed one of his hostages free for a short time after he took over the classroom after the girl's mother tried to call her daughter and couldn't reach her, said Principal Corry Lambie.  Five more of his hostages were let out after about six and a half hours, and finally the other students and their teacher Valerie Burd emerged unharmed.  The terrified high schoolers trapped in the classroom worked desperately to keep their captor calm by chatting and laughing with him about hunting and fishing.  Student hostage Zach Campbell said the gunman seemed depressed, but he didn't think he meant his classmates any harm.  "I didn't really know what to think.  I was just hoping to get out alive," Campbell said Tuesday on CBS "Early Show."  "He didn't want to shoot any of us."  Campbell told the Associated Press that six of the gunman's close friends were in that class.  Authorities also said they didn't know what might have motivated the boy who made no demands or requests during the standoff.  "As far as what caused this, it seems to be a mystery," Skorik said.  "We have not been able to identify anything that precipitated this incident."

Skorik said the suspect fired three shots immediately before police entered the room, but he had also fired at least two or three shots before that.  He shot into a wall, a desk and equipment in the room, but he wasn't aiming at any students, according to Skorik.  The shooter was carrying a 9 mm semi-automatic and a .22 caliber semi-automatic, and he had additional ammunition in his pocket and a duffel bag with more bullets was found at the scene, the chief said.  A knife was also found in the room, he said.  A bomb-sniffing dog was brought in to check the building for explosives and none were found, the chief said.  He said it was not clear where the boy got the weapons or how he sneaked them into school.  The shooter entered the classroom, where he was a student, at around 1:30 p.m., Skorik said.  Marinette Schools Superintendent Tim Baneck said the student started class without any weapons.  He then asked to use the restroom, and when he returned he was carrying the duffel bag containing the two guns and ammunition, Baneck said. 

It wasn't until more than two hours later that the principal learned that neither the teacher nor any of the students from the class had been seen, Skorik said.  He went to investigate and was threatened by the shooter to "get out of here," Skorik said. 

Lambie said the classroom was dark and locked so he used a key to enter and that's when the teen pointed a gun at him and told him to leave.  The principal said he left and was able to take one of the students with him.  Campbell said the class was watching a movie when the gunmen shot the projector, then fired a second round.  He had two handguns and refused to let anyone leave.  Campbell said.  He demanded everyone dump their cell phones in the center of the room.  When the gunman's own cell phone rang, the boy snapped it in half, Campbell said.  He wasn't interested in talking with the teacher and told her to be quiet, Campbell said.  But the gunmen chatted with his fellow students, who tried to keep him talking about how he hunted and about fishing.  Students even got the gunman to laugh, according to Campbell. 

"The teacher was nothing short of heroic," Skorik said.  "I think she kept a very cool head.  She was able to keep the suspect as calm as possible.  I heard that she took the responsibility of trying to assure the other students they were going to be OK.  We really give that teacher a lot of credit for being able to keep a cool head under a stressful situation."  About 20 minutes later, Skorik said officers heard three shots and broke down the door.  The gunman, who was standing at the front of the classroom, shot himself as officers approached, the chief said.  Students were taken by bus to the courthouse, where they were reunited with their parents. 

Marinette, a city of about 12,000 people, lies about 50 miles north of Green Bay on the border with Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  About 800 students attend the high school, according to its website.  School was closed on Tuesday.  District officials said they plan to offer counseling for students.

These shootings which have been taking place in public schools across the U.S. for the last 13 years or better is all a direct result of the breakdown of the nuclear family.  Many children today grow up with both parents working either full or part time.  Some of America's children are latchkey children.  The nuclear family as we knew it in years gone by is becoming more the exception instead of the rule.  Children need mothers and fathers that will train them according to the truths in the Bible.  Many parents today rely on the television and the internet in many settings to babysit their children.  Both the television and the internet are poor babysitters.  Children today view all kinds of violence, sex, profanity, filth, and the list continues on television.  We wonder why our children are in the mess they're in.  No wonder.  Parents can't allow their children to be entertained by filth and expect them to grow up to be moral, productive citizens.  Our young people are mimicking what they're seeing on television.  Parents need to monitor what their children are viewing and listening to, or else we'll continue seeing more and more of these school shootings.  Also, parents need to teach their children to obey and respect them.  If children don't learn to submit to authority and respect authority at home, don't expect them to submit to and respect authority at school.

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From Angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold!
Peace on the earth good will to men,
From Heaven's all gracious King!
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heavenly music floats,
O'er all the weary world;
Above its sad and lowly plains,
They bend on hovering wing.
And ever o'er its Babel sounds,
The blessed angels sing.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife,
The world hath suffered long;
Beneath the angel strain hath rolled,
Two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not,
The love song which they bring:
Oh hush the noise ye men of strife,
And hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophet bards foretold,
When, with the ever-circling years,
Shall come the Age of Gold;
When peace shall over all the earth,
Its ancient splendors fling,
And all the world give back the song,
Which now the angels sing.

It came upon a Midnight Clear was written by Edmund Sears and composer Richard Willis, a carol that speaks of angels and the nativity.  It's a popular nativity hymn sung every Christmas season.  The lyrics were written by Edmund H. Sears (1810-1876), and the tune was composed by Richard S. Willis (1819-1900).  The song is all about hope and peace brought by the angels as a message.

One of the first Christian hymns written by an American writer and published in the "Christian Register" in 1849, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" emphasizes the social implications of the angels' message: achieving peace and good will toward our fellowmen in the midst of social difficulty.  The writing of this text occurred in a period in our country where there was much unrest, especially the foreboding of the tensions between the Northern and the Southern States, social upheaval due to industrial revolution, and the time of the "Forty-niner" gold rush.  The hymn text was considered to have addressed these difficulties, urging folks to listen once again to the angels singing.  The final stanza is a verse of hopeful optimism: "When peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling, and the whole world gives back the song, which now the angels sing." 

Edmund Sears, wrote a number of publications, but authored only two hymn texts, intended for the Christmas season.  His first carol hymn was written while a student in Harvard Divinity School, was "Calm on the Listening Ear of Night."  This hymn is also included in various hymnals today, but it's not as popular as "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" written 15 years later. 

(Suite101.com) 

Source:

101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications (1982)