MikeLigalig.com

Amen be to the Name of the Father.
Amen be to the Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen be to the Holy Spirit..who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
Amen be to the Holy Trinity.

Amen be to the LORD OUR GOD IN THE HIGHEST.
HE WHO IS SEATED IN SPLEANDOR AND IN GLORIOUS GREATNESS!

AMEN!
AMEN!
AMEN!

HALLELUJAH! HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST!

Father God,

You who are the light and the salvation of all things.
In your mercy you sent us your Son.
In your Love you granted us salvation in His Name.
In your faithfullness you redeem us in our prayers.
In your blessings you shower upon us your confidence that fills our soul.

Bless us continuously, Father God, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

We Ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

My sweet,
I am glad you liked it. hehe
How much you make this heart of mine complete and joyous.
The LORD is kind to us both.

May the Love of Jesus Christ always and continue to bless us.
From the crowns of our heads to the soles of our feet.
Blessed in the cities, in the country. To our comings and goings.
Blessed in JESUS' NAME.

I beg this in JESUS' NAME.
AMEN.

In the Name of the Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit. Amen.


Blessed Child Jesus..dearest Most Holy Santo Nino~
You who dazzled the priests and the wisest of men in the temples with Your Wisdom,
as appropriated to you by the Angels who taught you by command of your Eternal Father who Sits on Heaven's Throne,
You who loved adoringly your blessed Mother, Mama Mary who is Ever Virgin, and your guardian, St. Joseph, the ever loyal spouse of your blessed Mother.

Lord, grant us the ability to conquor our difficulties, our trials and our tribulations,
wash us o LORD, form our iniquitous sins and grant us the ability to move the mountains that are set before us,
in Your Name, Jesus, we ask and beseech this of you.

With the power of thy precious blood and thy precious heart..which can make the vilest sinner clean...
We ask this in YOUR NAME.

Jesus LORD hear us.
AMEN.

Culmination of our Novena to The Blessed Santo Nino de Cebu, LORD JESUS CHRIST.


~~~

OFFERING OF CHILDREN TO THE HOLY CHILD JESUS OF CEBU

O Sweet Jesus, Most Holy King of Kings, who in Thy great love for us, humbled Thyself to be conceived and born like us, to show humility in Thy Godly person, in the stable with the animals, in the little town of Bethlehem, Thou were obedient, wise and good to Thy Father, St. Joseph and Holy Mother Mary, Thou callest us to Thee, to be with Thee in Kingdom in Heaven; Thou hast given us strength in our Faith to love, we come before Thy Sacred Image to offer our body and spirit, our purity and innocence.

O, Most Holy Child Jesus, we love Thee eternally; look down upon us who have come to adore Thee. Be Our Guardian Angel and Protector from evil and Preserver of our Innocence and Purity.

We implore Thee, Jesus, to protect the Holy Church and the Holy See and Spread the Faith throughout the world; bless Thine children who kneel before Thy Holy Image asking for Thine Mercy and love and in Thy infallible promises and hoping from Thee everything. AMEN.

***

PRAYER
To Senor Santo Nino of Cebu
(For all those who travel by air, sea and land)

O, Senor Santo Nino! Because Thou art the Way, the Truth and the Life of all men I beseech Thee to protect me from sickness, accidents and calamities on the earth and at sea. Lead me to follow the righteous path of goodness for my salvation and happiness; don't abandon me in my sorrows, but instead have pity on me, Sweet Jesus, till death. AMEN.
* Pray one OUR FATHER, one HAIL MARY, and one GLORY BE…

***

O SALUTARIS HOSTIA

O salutaris Hostia Quae coeli pandis ostium Bella premunt hostilia, Da robur, fer auxilium.

***

Uni trinoque Domino Sit sempiterna Gloria qui vitam sine termino Nobis donet in patria, AMEN.

***

TANTUM ERGO

Tantum Ergo Sacramentum Veneremur cernue; Et antiquum documentum Sensuum defectui; Genitori, Genitoque Laus et jubilatio Salus, honor, virtus quoque Sit et benedictio; Procedenti ab utroque Compar sit laudatio. AMEN.

V/. Panem de coelo praestitisti eis .

R/. Omne delectamentum in se habentem.

***

THE DIVINE PRAISES

Blessed be God. Blessed be His Holy Name. Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. Blessed be the Name of Jesus. Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.

Blessed be His Most Precious Blood. Blessed Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. Blessed the great Mother of God, Mary Most Holy. Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception. Blessed be her glorious Assumption. Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse. Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints.

***

NINTH DAY
(The same prayers are recited as on the first day except the petition)

PETITION

Oh, merciful Jesus! You said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”; we beseech You to guide us in our way to heaven so that we may be able to surmount all the difficulties and obstacles we will encounter in this deceptive world.

Grant to us the virtue of hope so that we will always thirst for the heavenly things and for Your glory. This we ask You in Your holy name. Amen.

Pray three OUR FATHER…

* Now ask Senor Santo Nino to…

* Supplications to Santo Nino…

EIGHTH DAY
(The same prayers are recited as on the first day except the petition)

PETITION

Oh, merciful Jesus! You opened the gates of heaven for us through Your death and resurrection; we implore You to grant us eternal life after our sojourn here on earth. We ask You this in Your holy name. Amen.

Pray three OUR FATHER…

* Now ask Senor Santo Nino to…

* Supplications to Santo Nino…

SEVENTH DAY
(The same prayers are recited as on the first day except the petition)

PETITION

Oh, most merciful Jesus! You had been always obedient to Your heavenly Father even unto death; we beseech You to grant us the grace of being always docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit so that we will always glorify Your Father in heaven. This we ask You in Your holy name. Amen.

Pray three OUR FATHER…

* Now ask Senor Santo Nino to…

* Supplications to Santo Nino…

SIXTH DAY
(The same prayers are recited as on the first day except the petition)

PETITION

Oh, most-loving Jesus! You gave us an example of a chaste life while You were on earth; we implore You to grant us the virtue of chastity so that we may always live a chaste life in whatever state of life we have chosen. This we ask You in Your holy name. Amen.*

Pray three OUR FATHER…

* Now ask Senor Santo Nino to…

* Supplications to Santo Nino…

FIFTH DAY
(The same prayers are recited as on the first day except the petition)

PETITION

Oh, merciful Jesus! You have said that “there will be more rejoicing in heaven for one sinner who repents than over ninety nine just who don't need repentance”; we beseech You to grant us the grace of repentance so that we may repent our sins and live for You alone. This we ask You in Your holy name. Amen.

* Pray three OUR FATHER…

* Now ask Senor Santo Nino to…

* Supplications to Santo Nino…

FOURTH DAY
(The same prayers are recited as on the first day except the petition)

PETITION

Oh, merciful Jesus, You had forgiven those who crucified You; we implore You to give us a forgiving heart so that we may always pardon those who will hurt us in word or in did. This we ask You in Your holy name. Amen.

* Pray three OUR FATHER…

* Now ask Senor Santo Nino to…

* Supplications to Santo Nino…

To Tubag Bohol Community!

Pasalamat ta tanan that our webmaster has everything under control!

Let us get ready to rock this 2010 Year To The Best!

In Jesus' Name! FORWARD, TUBAG BOHOL!





LORENZO,

When did this happen, Raquel?

I am praying for brother Vince intawn...did not know he was involved in an accident.

Bro..get better...we love you..


Bran Lorenzo,

Original Version:

Here I am to Worship


Great Worship Song!

Amazing. Beautiful Song.

Praise be to God!


世界çš,,å...‰ï¼ˆChinese version of the song - Here I am to Worship）

You like vodka, 'te Belle?

The best brand: Stoletov (Ukrainian Premier Vodka)

Quote from: Melrose on January 02, 2010, 02:16:30 PM
hofelina, dong lorenzo:

here's some of my pics sa ako wedding. manay, i'd like to share this to you. to dong lorenzo, it's for your inspiration.

Melrose,


Utter Beauty!

The beauty of the Filipina in a Maria Clara-style Wedding Dress is Sublimely Beautiful.




Regards,
LORENZO

Thanks for sharing that, Manay.

May God Bless You!

Quote from: Raquelproud boholana on January 03, 2010, 01:28:54 AM
Oppose ko ani not because I am republican hahhaha.Health care reform means ang goberno nay magbuot pila ang i sweldo sa mga health care provider nato diri.There are significant dangers in limiting compensation.Look what happen in Philippines daghan nurses,doctor nag work abroad kay kung ang government na maghawid aning healthcare di na unya pud maayo ang serbisyo sa mga health provider. Ang U.S ang best sa field sa medicine.Daghan moanhi diri taga laing nasud kay diri magpaopera. This is not about health care it's about insurance reform.Kitang tanan satisfy sa kanindot ug serbisyo sa mga doctor ug ubang health provider diri sa U.S. Dapat ang health insurance ang i reform kay diha ang problema.Wa ta kadungog ug complain nga pang third world ang serbisyo sa mga hospital diri ug ubang health provider asa ta ing complain sa kamahal sa atong health insurance. Mao daghan di kaafford ug insurance diri kay overprice ra kaayo ang insurance diri.

I hear a lot of people complaining about the cost of their medications and care but do some people know how much it costs to become a health provider?

As we move towards nationalized care, the pay for providers will drop and potential leaders in the profession will not go into healthcare fields because they would never get out of debt or not at least for a very long time.

As American do we want to begin to abandon many of the reasons why we have become the richest, most powerful country in the history of the world. Bisan ang Pilipinas nabulahan sa U.S health care ang mga brilliant provider ing anhi diri kay kabalo sila mabayran gyud ilang gihaguan,gi studyuhan diri sa U.S unlike sa atua gicontrol sa goberno ilang sweldo. Tan awa grumpy kasagaran doctor sa atua murag sila nay Ginoo kay dili man sila satisfy sa ilang sweldo.
What I want people to look at is the way the Mayo Clinic runs their system. One of the best and lowest cost in the USA and they pay well enough to encourage people to research and develop cures/treatments. If we go to a gov plan like canada we will see a drop in availability and to a degree quality of care. Capitalism is a system that branches all types of government and actually runs the entire world. Just people here dont want to contribute without being "entitled" something. Work and earn it people. Yeah things can suck with insurance. I feel if the Gov was truly interested in helping the people, they wouldnt be attaching special bribes for each state hmm ang nebraska senator I mean. They would make a trimmed down bill and maybe enforce some regulation on the insurances. Dapat ang insurance ang i reform dili ang health care.

I am a Republican, myself, but we cannot ignore the current health care situation, Raquel.

The politicians talk too much, bullshitt too much. Time is wasted in their arguments in the floor in congress..while the senators and the representatives litigate and litigate some more.

In the end, there are physicians who want to help patients, but cannot and are barred from treating them because of laws/regulations that are implemented by Congress with help and insistence by the Health Insurance Industry. I have seen patients been turned away for help because they do not have health insurance or cannot afford the treatment.

In the end, we need more doctors,..the reason why health care is so expensive is because of the limited amount of physicians.

This is beyond party lines now. Medical Care should be for all. In my honest opinion.

he he he! Don't you all just love the classic love songs?

Don't you all just really love this song? he he he!

Speaking as a Medical Intern, this Health Reform Bill is of utter importance to all medical students and practicing physicians in the United States. It is of importance because this affects the overall health of the nation, as well as the basis of the future for those who are studying or are already practicing in the field.

We all know, given, that there are a substantial number of Americans that do not have health care insurance due to a plethora of reasons:
1. Lack of physicians/specialists in their area
2. Inability to access a health insurance provider
3. Financial depravity
etc,

The reason for this, friends, is to this day the United States still maintains a cap on all medical residency spots; these spots are required by a AMA (American Medical Association) in order to train graduated doctors in their specific field of interest; this means that throughout the United States there are set number of residency spots for residencies in: Family Practice, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, General Surgery, Dermatology, Radiology, Urology, Obstetrics, Gynecology etc,. And additionally, the United States' Medical Institutions are only graduating limited amounts of doctors every year due to the rigidity of America's Pre-Medical curriculum, and Medical School Proper.

So, we are seeing an asymmetric situation. The demand is increasing (as population increases and as age-related problems increase), but are only given a limited amount of resources (physicians) due to the legal and medical / professional requirements being stringent.

At this current situation, it is impossible to treat all Americans and be expected to provide them with the BEST CARE that we can if we are to implement this health care reform immediately without changing some laws and increasing the amount of physicians we graduate/ or matriculate into society. Right now, as we speak, we are short in medical professionals. The United States' Medical System in understaffed. Not enough doctors, and surely not enough nurses. If we are to implement this reform bill truly and want to see effects, we will have to increase and lift the residency caps, graduate more medical students, and import more foreign graduates into the United States. We need more doctors, we need to graduate more physicians, or at least import more from abroad to address the current situation.

I am for a reform bill, considering the fact that as a physician-in-training, I and my peers cannot deny medical treatment to a patient. My heart is sympathetic to the poor and to the underprivileged as well as the ill. I entered and chose this profession because my heart calls me to it, to see the poor and ill and to aid them, to treat not only the body, the disease, but the person behind the disease.

There are others that enter this profession for the business / financial aspect of medicine. That, in my opinion, is the wrong reason to enter this field.

Even if the pay of a physician was decreased, I would not change my view.
To treat and care for a fellow man, and patient, is a privilege, and an honor.
IMHO.

When I was younger, about the age of 14 or so, my mother came back home from work at the hospital where she works as an I.C.U Nurse, she was tired after a busy 12 hour shift. I asked her why she works so much, she answered in return, "So that you and everyone in the family can survive, anak. Your father and I sacrifice so that our kids can have."

My mother always encouraged us to go to church, to pray the rosary and to maintain devotions to the Blessed Santo Nino and the Blessed Mother Mary Ever Virgin.

There is a saying, "By their works you will know them."

My mother and father, lead in example, as good Christians, and from a personal testament...are AWESOME parents.
They have taught their kids not only to build a strong family, but most importantly...to LOVE and FEAR the Lord Our God.

Blessed be all mothers and fathers. Who are the lifeline and whose love is an example of God's Love to His Children.

THIRD DAY
(The same prayers are recited as on the first day except the petition)

PETITION

Oh, Jesus, Who has said. “Learn from Me because I am meek and humble of heart”, grant us the virtues of meekness and humility so that we may progress in our spiritual life, and so that our neighbor may see Your Image in us. We ask You this in Your holy name. Amen.

* Pray three OUR FATHER…

* Now ask Senor Santo Nino to…

* Supplications to Santo Nino…

Share your views. Are you in support or in opposition?

To add to this thread;

being poor is not to be considered shameful. Being poor places one in the pedestal to catapult to success if one places his faculties and energy to the acquisition of the goal: success. The captains of Industry were once poor men, an example was Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Gates, Kennedy, etc.

Be industrious and implement good Christian Work Ethic, and even economic depravity will not be a limiting factor.
But will be a mere mountain that will be moved.

So, to all that are poor (me included), lets move the Mountains before us through Jesus Christ!

he he he he!

Forward in Christ!

Quote from: Koddi Prudente on January 01, 2010, 01:05:27 AM
Dili angay ikaulaw ang kapobrehon kay may chance nga madatu, ha ha ha!  Mas ikaulaw ang kadatu nga mapobre lang sa walay hinungdan, ha ha ha gihapon! Kitang mga pobre mokaon sa tanang gikaon sa mga datu, mosul-ob sa tanan nilang mga sapot, mopuyo sa tanan nilang gipuy-an. Pero ang datu, mobahog ba'g una sa ginamos? Mosul-ob ba og tinapakan? Mohigda ba sa banig nga gitugho? 

Nothing beats a banig and an electric fan on the floor, Mr. Prudente.
Good for the back and the best position for a 'hilut'
ha ha ha

Quote from: Keko on December 31, 2009, 04:44:58 PM
What is the meaning of blue collar job? 

Regards

Referring to individuals that do hand-related jobs or jobs requiring physical activity. It refers to professions involved in manual labor and requiring hourly pay rates; related to industrial jobs.

An example:

1. Construction worker
2. Gas attendant
3. Mechanic
4. Technician
5. Janitorial Worker
6. Electrician

etc, etc.

A question was asked, "Where is Eucharistic Adoration mentioned in the bible? How is it biblically supported?"


ANSWER:

Twelve Biblical Reasons For Wanting To Spend One Hour With Jesus In The Blessed Sacrament

1. He is really there!
"I myself Am the Living Bread come down from Heaven." (Jn 6:35)

2. Day and night Jesus dwells in the Blessed Sacrament because of his Infinite love for you!
"Behold I will be with you always even to the end of the world," because "I have loved you with an everlasting love, and constant is My affection for you." (Mt 28:20; Jer 31:3)

3. The specific way that Jesus asks you to love Him in return is to spend one quiet hour with Him in the Blessed Sacrament.
"Where your treasure is, there is your heart...." "Could you not watch one hour with Me?" (Mt 6:21; 26:40)

4. When you look upon the Sacred Host, you look upon Jesus, the Son of God.
"Indeed, this is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks upon the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life. Him I will raise up on the last day." (Jn 6:40)

5. Each moment that you spend in His Eucharistic Presence will increase His Divine Life within you and deepen your personal relationship and friendship with Him.
"I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly." "I am the Vine and you are the branches. Whoever remains in Me and I in Him shall bear much fruit because without Me, you can do nothing." (Jn 15:5)

6. Each hour you spend with Jesus will deepen His Divine Peace in your heart.
"Come to Me all of you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will refresh you..." "Cast all of you anxieties upon the One who cares for you..." "My Peace is My Gift to you." (Mt 11:28; 5:7; Jn 14:17)

7. Jesus will give you all the Graces you need to be happy!
"The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them. He will lead them to the springs of life-giving water." (Rev 7:17)

8. Jesus is infinitely deserving of our unceasing thanksgiving and adoration for all He has done for our salvation.
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive honor, glory and praise." (Rev. 5:12)

9. For Peace in our country!
"When My people humble themselves and seek My Presence... I will revive their land." (2Chr 7:14)

10. Each hour you spend with Jesus on earth will leave your soul everlastingly more beautiful and glorious in heaven!
"They who humble themselves shall be exalted...." "All of us, gazing on the Lordââ,¬â,,¢s glory with unveiled faces, are being transformed from glory to glory into His very image." (Lk 18:14; 2Cor 3:18)

11. Jesus will bless you, your family and the whole world for this hour of faith you spend with Him in the Blessed Sacrament.
"Blessed are they who do not see and yet believe..." "Faith can move mountains..." " What is needed is trust... " "Behold I come to make all things new." (Jn 20:29; Mk 11:23; Mk 5:36; Rev 21:5)

12. Each moment you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament brings joy, pleasure, and delight to His Sacred Heart!
"My joy, My pleasure, My delight is to be with you." (Prov 8:31)

A classic 1970's OPM Romance Ballad


Miss na miss kita

Lyrics:

Nang mawalay ka sa aking puso
Kung bakit hanap-hanap ka pa
Ang yong mukha'y laging
Lagi na lamang sa isipan ko

Bakit di magawa nitong damdamin
Ang paglimot sa mga nagdaan
Sadya nga bang ganyan
Pag nagmahal ay di matatakasan

Chorus:

Nais ko'y makapiling kang muli
Nais kong mayakap kahit na sandali
Kung pangarap ma'y tatanggapin ko
Ikaw pa ring ang iniibig ko
---------


When you were separated from my heart
Why do I still long for you
Your face is
Always on my mind

Why can my feelings not
Forget the past
Is that the way it is
If you love there's no escape

All I want is to be with you again
All I want is to embrace you even for a just moment
I will accept even if it's just a dream
You're still the one I love

by: Ted Ito

ikaw pa rin by ted ito with lyrics

This version is sung by: Dan Fogelburg


nice variant~

Dan Fogelberg ~ Rhythm of the Rain

Classic 1963 Romance Ballad.

by: The Cascades~



The Cascades - Rhythm Of The Falling Rain: Hit Song Of 1963

by: Phil Collins

Great Song~

Genesis - In Too Deep

Lyrics


Lay a whisper on my pillow
Leave the winter on the ground
I wake up lonely,there's air of silence
In the bedroom and all around

Touch me now, I close my eyes
And dream away...

It must have been love, but it's over now
It must have been good, but I lost it somehow
It must have been love, but it's over now
From the moment we touched till the time had run out

Make believing we're together
That I'm sheltered by your heart
But in and outside I turn to water
Like a teardrop in your palm

And it's a hard winter's day
I dream away...

It must have been love, but it's over now
It was all that I wanted, now I'm living without
It must have been love, but it's over now
It's where the water flows, it's where the wind blows

It must have been love, but it's over now
It must have been good, but I lost it somehow
It must have been love, but it's over now
From the moment we touched till the time had run out

It must have been love, but it's over now
It was all that I wanted, now I'm living without
It must have been love, but it's over now
It's where the water flows, it's where the wind blows.

By: Roxette


Powerful Song.

It Must Have Been Love by Roxette [Lyrics]

By: The Cars


Great New Wave Song.


1985


Drive - The Cars

My message to all of Tubag Bohol:


HAPPY NEW YEAR! May 2010 be filled with blessings for all of you.
God Bless!~

Planned out my planner.

I begin my medical board reviews on February, and I begin my graduate M.B.A program in the side this week. Am taking an M.B.A class for Hospital Management / Health Care Administration to augment my M.D Program.

I am feeling quite blessed to be accepted to the program, and at the same time, inspired to attain through JESUS CHRIST who is LORD.

Tomorrow I will drive to NYC with family to enjoy a nice New Years Day.
And days after that, I will fly back to Houston to help my sister start her 1st year medical school. Excitement has taken hold of my household.

In the words of my Titos in a recent party, "Two more M.Ds will be added into the Lucino Family, God Bless you two." I will reiterate that again for my sister, who will be starting her 1st year Medicine this 2010 Curricula Year.

Sige, Forward ta in CHRIST JESUS!

January 1, 2010.

How fast time has passed, Robbo.
Happy New Years, bro.

Missing you~~

Happy Birthday!

haha! Di ko mo deny ana. Pohon. Maluuy ang Ginoo.~


Guapa man gud ning PILIPINA!
Wa jamo ka lupig!

oh di ba?

Quote from: mistyeyed on December 30, 2009, 01:51:09 PM
Dok Lorenz:

The doctor who is currently in love... May your love continue to flow and May you have an unforgetable new year happenings..Keep up the good heart in you.Happy New Year...


Misty

To Misty,

To the poet of Tubag Bohol who never ceases to amaze myself and all our fellow readers with your powerful balaks and romantic stories to inspire the heart of others. I wish for you this Happy New Year 2010 a successful and prosperous year, filled only with the best that life has to offer in terms of finances, family, relation, and faith-related matters. May you continue your jovial and positive energy-based spirit for this year and for years to come.

It is said, Misty, that a heart in love, is a heart in full bloom. I am sure our hearts share the same happiness in that we both love and care to love! he he he!

Misty, I pray to the Lord Jesus Christ, and His beloved Mother Mary Ever Virgin to continue to shower you with blessings that you ask in Jesus' NAME. Blessings that will come to those who blesses the Lord and are kind to those who are in need. May you always walk in the Word of God, and may you always hold HIS WORD and HIS NAME in your heart and mind so that HE may be glorified in you this year and in coming years.


A Brother in Jesus Christ who is LORD,
Lorenzo

I sat by the frozen waters of Scotland Run Park today,
as I wrote you another one of my letters,
which shall be delivered to your address, my love.

Fecundity of a lover's tears in abounding joy to his beloved,
is riddled in my letters for thee.

How my soul jumped in joy to write you another letter,
the cool misty breeze of a winter's noon eloquent to the touch of my face,
brought zealotry to my letters, destined for thy eyes and thy mind.

My love,
Distance and time has no meaning and no power on me,
for my love to you and for you is as pure as the bond between two lovers,
whose innocence and purity comes from the love of God.

My love, let my words dance through you thoughts
let my writings jump in joy in your eyes,
let my soft whisper that lives in my letters permeate your mind,
for you and only for you, I give myself to.

The rarity of love that I give to you, is unparalleled to any thing else.
Your devotion to me is felt in my heart.
I am humbled and brought to tears of joy to hear your voice ,
to feel your touch, th taste your sweetness and to partake of your warmth,
love of my life.

My love, my adoration and my sweetest embrace is yours.
My devotion, my total and utter faculties are yours.
You inspire me all the more.
Know this, and be justified that I am committed to you.

May the Love of our Eternal Risen Lord, Jesus Christ continue to consume us both.
May our paths be straight, and may our will be facilitated by faith to move the mountains.

My love,
My sweet beloved,
I smile.





LORENZO,

Happy New Year to all!

God Bless us all.

Litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

~~

Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us
Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, hear us
graciously hear us
God the Father of heaven
Have mercy on us
God the Son, redeemer of the world
Have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit
Have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God
Have mercy on us
Holy Mary*
Holy mother of God
Holy Virgin of virgins
Mother of Christ
Mother of the Church
Mother of divine grace
Mother most pure
Mother most chaste
Mother inviolate
Mother undefiled
Mother immaculate
Mother most amiable
Mother most admirable
Mother of good counsel
Mother of our Creator
Mother of our Savior
Virgin most prudent
Virgin most venerable
Virgin most renowned
Virgin most powerful
Virgin most merciful
Virgin most faithful
Mirror of justice
Seat of wisdom
Cause of our joy
Spiritual vessel
Vessel of honor
Singular vessel of devotion
Mystical rose
Tower of David
Tower of ivory
House of gold
Ark of the covenant
Gate of heaven
Morning star
Health of the sick
Refuge of sinners
Comforter of the afflicted
Help of Christians
Queen of angels
Queen of patriarchs
Queen of prophets
Queen of apostles
Queen of martyrs
Queen of confessors
Queen of virgins
Queen of all saints
Queen conceived without original sin
Queen assumed into heaven
Queen of the most holy Rosary
Queen of the families
Queen of peace
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the mundi. sins of the world.
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
Have mercy on us.
We fly to your patronage, O holy Mother of God. Despice not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech you,mine, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we to whom the incarnation of Christ, your Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord.

Amen

Second Day


(The same prayers are recited as on the first day except the petition)

PETITION

Oh, most-loving Jesus, who has shown Your love to us by dying for us on the Cross and by giving Yourself to us in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, we beseech You to share with us Your Love so that we may always love You with all our hearts, with all our soul and with all our strength, and also so that we may always love our neighbors as ourselves. This we ask You in Your holy name. Amen.

* Pray three OUR FATHER…

* Now ask Senor Santo Nino to…

* Supplications to Santo Nino…

Let us Start the 9 day long novena.



----

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

***

ACT OF CONTRITION
(To be recited daily)

Oh, my Dear Jesus! You are our King and our God, because of Your love for us You came down from heaven born of the Virgin Mary. My heart weeps, for in spite of Your goodness we have committed many sins. Forgive us, Oh Jesus, for our sin of ingratitude in return for Your goodness. Strengthen our will to resist temptation and sin. With Your Grace we will be able to fulfill our promises and share with Your glory in heaven.

Oh, Holy Child Jesus, who is ever good and loving, we kneel before You, our true God. With humility we implore You to give us Your mercy and grant us all the favors we ask of you in this NOVENA, so that we will enjoy the blessings of heaven. AMEN.

***

FIRST DAY

PETITION

Oh, ever-wise Jesus, who, in Your wisdom, had sent zealous missionaries to our humble shores to preach the Gospel to our forefathers so that they would see the LIGHT and embrace the CATHOLIC FAITH, we humbly ask You to give us a living Faith so that we may always please You in all that we do. We ask You this in Your holy name. Amen.

* Pray three OUR FATHERS, three HAIL MARYS, and GLORY BE…

* Now ask SENOR SANTO NINO to hear your prayers and grant your petitions
during this NOVENA. (Pause for a moment)

SUPPLICATIONS TO SANTO NINO

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us. In every need let us come to you with humble trust, Santo Nino, help us. In all our doubts, perplexities, and Temptations Santo Nino, help us. In hours of loneliness, weariness and trials, Santo Nino, help us. In the failure of our plans and hopes Santo Nino, help us. In disappointments, troubles and sorrows, Santo Nino, help us. When others fail us, and your Grace alone can assist us, Santo Nino, help us. When we throw ourselves on Your Tender Love as our only Refuge, Santo Nino, help us. When our heart is cast down by failure, Santo Nino, help us. When we are ill, and our head and hands cannot work and we are lonely, Santo Nino, help us. When we feel impatient, and our cross irritates us, Santo Nino, help us. Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls and shortcomings of every kind. Santo Nino. Help us. Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world; Spare us, O Jesus. Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world; Graciously hear us, O Jesus. Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world; Have mercy upon us, O Jesus. Jesus, hear us. Jesus, Graciously hear us.

V/. Praise be the name of the Lord

R/. Now and forever.

***

LET US PRAY

Oh, sweet and merciful Jesus! Senor Santo Nino, the source of all goodness, We kneel before Your sacred image, imploring Your Divine aid for universal peace and brotherhood among all men, enlighten the unbelievers and the heathens so that they will believe You as their true God. Restore the faith of those who have wandered away from You, bring them back to Your fold with repentance in their hearts.

Grant also to faithful departed in Purgatory the remission of all their sins so that they will rest in peace forever. Finally, nourish and strengthen our faith in You so that we will serve You faithfully on earth. AMEN.

***

Senor Santo Nino Hymn

E. Perez S. Ezcurra

(Standing)

VERSE 1
One day to these Islands * As gift and in pledge * God sent You to us * O beloved Child * And always You have been * The light of our souls * The guide of our people * The flame in our hearts.

( Refrain):
Senor Santo Nino, with Your scepter Guide our people who hail You King forever, Filipinas is Your kingdom. Senor Santo Nino, in Your hand The world finds its rest; proclaim Your truth and justice, bring to men Your peace and love.

VERSE 2
The ship You were sailing * Arrived at our shores * To conquer this land, * The Pearl of the seas: * But You had decided * To stay in this soil * To conquer our people * And give us a name.

VERSE 3
The queen and the rajah, * Accepting the faith, * Received You in their arms * And fell on their knees; * They welcomed Your Presence * And called on Your Name * To ask for Your blessing * And help in their needs.

VERSE 4
More ships in the Orient * With soldiers arrived; * And searching for gold, * They found You instead; * Legaspi, Urdaneta, the rajah, the queen * Their subjects, our people, * Proclaimed You their King.

VERSE 5
Now one as a nation * We pay You respect * Our people did pledge * A long time ago * We ask You to hear * The prayers of all: * The sad and forsaken, * The poor and the sick .

Blessed be God. Blessed be His Holy Name. Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man. Blessed be the Name of Jesus. Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart. Blessed be His Most Precious Blood. Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy. Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception. Blessed be her glorious Assumption. Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste Spouse. Blessed be God in His Angels and in his Saints.

SING: (kneeling)

O Sacrament Most Holy O Sacrament divine, All praise and all thanksgiving

Be ev'ry moment Thine, Be ev'ry moment Thine.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

SUPPLICATIONS TO SANTO NIÃ'O

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us.

In every need let us come to You with humble trust. Santo Nino, help us.

In all our doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Santo Nino, help us.

In hours of loneliness, weariness and trials, Santo Nino, help us.

In the failure of our plans and hopes, Santo Nino, help us.

In disappointments, troubles and sorrows, Santo Nino, help us.

When others fail us, and Your Grace alone can assist us. Santo Nino, help us.

When We throw ourselves on Your Tender love as our only Refuge, Santo Nino, help us.

When our heart is cast down by failure, Santo Nino, help us.

When We are ill, and our head and hands cannot work and We are lonely, Santo Nino, help us.

When we feel impatient, and our cross irritates us, Santo Nino, help us.

Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls and shortcomings of every kind. Santo Nino, help us.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world: Spare us, O Jesus

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world: Graciously hear us, O Jesus

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world: have mercy upon us, O Jesus

Jesus, Hear us. Jesus, Graciously hear us.

LET US PRAY

O Santo Nino, *who has said, * ” Ask, and you shall receive; *seek, and you shall find; *knock, and it shall be opened unto you,” *give, we beseech You, *to us who ask, *the gift of Your divine love, *that we may love You *with our whole heart, *in word and work, *and never cease *from showing forth Your praise.

Make us, O Lord, *to have a perpetual fear and love *of Your holy name, *for You never fail *to govern them *whom You do solidly establish *in Your love; *through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Indulgence of 7 years, No. 114).

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

SING: (Kneeling)

O salutaris hostia, Quae coeli pandis ostium, Bella premunt hostilia, Da robur, fer auxilium.



Uni trinoque Domino, Sit sempiterna Gloria. Que vitam sine termino, Nobis donet in patria. â€" Amen.

PRAYER TO SANTO NINO

O Senor Santo Nino, *You are king and our God, *We worship You, *You are our strong Defender, *We turn to You;

*You are the Patron of Cebu and the Philippines, *We come to you; *You have made *extraordinary wonders through Your Miraculous Image *in these chosen Islands, *remember us. Look down at this poor soul *that comes to You for help. Lead us with Your wisdom. *discipline us with Your Truth, *console us with Your Tenderness, *protect us with Your Might.

We consecrate today *our thoughts to You, *only with You *shall they be occupied; *our words, *only of You *shall they speak; *our sufferings, that we may endure them *for Your sake. We beg You, *Senor Santo Nino, *illumine our understanding, *kindle our will, *cleanse our body, *sanctify our soul. *We wish what You wish, *because You wish, *as You wish, *as long as You wish.

Grant us, Senor Santo Nino, *that We may feel *love toward You, *be strict toward ourselves *be zealous toward our fellowmen, *and rightly despise *the things of the world. *Help us *to overcome sensuality *with strict discipline, *avariciousness with generosity, *anger with gentleness, *indolence with zealous industry. *Make us wise in counsel, *courageous in danger, *patient in adversity, *humble in prosperity.

Teach us, *dear Santo Nino, *how worthless is the world, *how sublime is heaven, *how brief is time, *how long is eternity. *Grant us, lastly, that We may remember You, *adore You, *love You, *and serve You *here on earth *that We may be happy with You *forever and ever in Heaven. Amen.



SING: (standing)

Holy God, we praise Your name. Lord of all! We bow before You; All on earth Your sceptre claim, All in heaven above adore You; Infinite Your vas domain, Everlasting is Your reign.

Hark! the loud celestial hymn, Angels choirs above are raising; Cherubim and Seraphim In unceasing chorus praising, Fill the Heav'ns with sweet accord Holy, Holy, Holy Lord!

Recite three times Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be to the Father in honor of Santo Nino.

Ask Senor Santo Nino the favor you want to obtain in this Novena.

Written by: Dr. Jose P. Rizal




Wise education, vital breath
Inspires an enchanting virtue;
She puts the Country in the lofty seat
Of endless glory, of dazzling glow,
And just as the gentle aura's puff
Do brighten the perfumed flower's hue:
So education with a wise, guiding hand,
A benefactress, exalts the human band.

Man's placid repose and earthly life
To education he dedicates
Because of her, art and science are born
Man; and as from the high mount above
The pure rivulet flows, undulates,
So education beyond measure
Gives the Country tranquility secure.

Where wise education raises a throne
Sprightly youth are invigorated,
Who with firm stand error they subdue
And with noble ideas are exalted;
It breaks immortality's neck,
Contemptible crime before it is halted:
It humbles barbarous nations
And it makes of savages champions.
And like the spring that nourishes
The plants, the bushes of the meads,
She goes on spilling her placid wealth,
And with kind eagerness she constantly feeds,
The river banks through which she slips,
And to beautiful nature all she concedes,
So whoever procures education wise
Until the height of honor may rise.

From her lips the waters crystalline
Gush forth without end, of divine virtue,
And prudent doctrines of her faith
The forces weak of evil subdue,
That break apart like the whitish waves
That lash upon the motionless shoreline:
And to climb the heavenly ways the people
Do learn with her noble example.

In the wretched human beings' breast
The living flame of good she lights
The hands of criminal fierce she ties,
And fill the faithful hearts with delights,
Which seeks her secrets beneficent
And in the love for the good her breast she incites,
And it's th' education noble and pure
Of human life the balsam sure.

And like a rock that rises with pride
In the middle of the turbulent waves
When hurricane and fierce Notus roar
She disregards their fury and raves,
That weary of the horror great
So frightened calmly off they stave;
Such is one by wise education steered
He holds the Country's reins unconquered.
His achievements on sapphires are engraved;
The Country pays him a thousand honors;
For in the noble breasts of her sons
Virtue transplanted luxuriant flow'rs;
And in the love of good e'er disposed
Will see the lords and governors
The noble people with loyal venture
Christian education always procure.

And like the golden sun of the morn
Whose rays resplendent shedding gold,
And like fair aurora of gold and red
She overspreads her colors bold;
Such true education proudly gives
The pleasure of virtue to young and old
And she enlightens out Motherland dear
As she offers endless glow and luster.

Written by: Dr. Jose P. Rizal



Mary, sweet peace and dearest consolation
of suffering mortal: you are the fount whence springs
the current of solicitude that brings
unto our soil unceasing fecundation.

From your abode, enthroned on heaven's height,
in mercy deign to hear my cry of woe
and to the radiance of your mantle draw
my voice that rises with so swift a flight.

You are my mother, Mary, and shall be
my life, my stronghold, my defense most thorough;
and you shall be my guide on this wild sea.

If vice pursues me madly on the morrow,
if death harasses me with agony:
come to my aid and dissipate my sorrow!

Quote from: mistyeyed on December 27, 2009, 03:32:54 PM
Dili jud ikaulaw ang ka pobrehon kay ug wa ta ka agi ug kapobrehon dili nato ma feel ug unsa ang maglisod. Ug ma feel nato ang kalisod mas dali ta nga malooy sa ubang tao nga pobre tungod kay kahibalo tas feeling nga in need. Nindot kaayo ang feeling nga nakaagi ka ug kalisod unya after ni haruhay imong pamuyo tungod imong pagpaningkamot. Tam-is kaayong tagamtamon ang success nga hinago-an nimo. Pobre ka sa butang but datu imong dughan,mao nay the best nga feeling. Ug pobre ka nga maot pa jud imong dughan ug batasan,kana angay ka maulaw ug the more jud kang ma pobre anang kalakiha.

Sis, better for us to be materially poor and spiritually/rich in FAITH than to be materially rich abut spiritually poor.
Because in the end, wealth will not save the soul. And we cannot buy our way out from HELL.

It is in FAITH in JESUS CHRIST and in BELIEVING that he is SALVATION that we can attain salvation.

Either we believe or we BURN in eternal damnation.

REPENT FOLKS!

Quote from: Raquelproud boholana on December 27, 2009, 01:44:58 PM
Proud jud ko sa among pagkapobre. Proud ko magsegi hisgot nga lami tong manginhas sa una,katong magbaklay permi,katong mangahoy,mamayabas ko sa una kay akong ibaligya sa akong mga classmates unya maghimo ug barikutsa,ug katong magbyahe nga way sobra ang kwarta igo ra ipalit jud ug ice water.Lami ang kinabuhing pobre kay way stress unya duol kaayo ka sa Ginoo.

Mao bitaw, we give to those who need help because it is a completion of Christ's Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."

This is a selfless act of LOVE.

Giving to the poor, and tithing to the Church, and Abiding in Sacramental Adorations is walking in the right path to Salvation. And discerning the LOVE of God. Towards Salvation, folks! LETS MARCH FORWARD IN CHRIST!

To my beloved darling,

Love, I pray that the Peace and Justification of our Lord Jesus Christ is abounding in your heart in this Season.
My love, I am wishing for you, continued prosperity, good health, sound mind and sound body this coming year and future years. To your family, I wish all the best, and extending to them my warm regards.

Darling, by now you would have recieved my letters that I mailed to you. Read them, my sweet. Read them over and over again, so that my words permeate your mind, and let my words and the breadth of my spirit rest within you and abiding in you. As you rest and abide with my my mind and my heart. Precious are you to me, my darling sweetheart.

You are such a light in my life, my sweet love. Truly you are a gift from the Lord God to my life. The manifest of His Love to me.

I shall see you again, and when I do, my sweet, I shall shower you with my kisses, and shall embrace you and never let go. My dearest, my darling of darlings, recipient of my kisses, I shall wait to touch your lips again with mine. And gaze again into thy beautiful brown eyes. For which flowers of bloom cannot even compare to thy eloquent beauty and ethereal grace. Your beauty, indeed, must be as beautiful as an angel from above. The Lord our God is gracious to me and to you.



You are ever in my thoughts and prayers, my dearest love.
Yours Always,
Albrando

Kining random text messages from her. When I am out buying food or hanging out with friends, i will receive one of her text messages, "Palangga Ko Ikaw" (which is Illongo for ~ I Love You)

The beaches in Anda are indeed wonderful.

Thanks be to GOD that all is well, that the babies were delivered and mother as well as twins were okay.
Merry Christmas to that family.

May God Bless them, all the more.
May they be Blessed~~

In Jesus' Name.
Amen.

The LORD blesses those who GIVE to the poor~~!


Blessed is he who considers the poor; The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive, And he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.

Psalms 41:1-2

Quote from: Brownman on December 26, 2009, 09:40:02 AM
Ang kobrihun dili jud angay nga ikauwaw ilabi na kung nagasunud ta
sa kabubut un ni Jesus, Sa panahun sa pasko guipakita ni Jesus nga usa lang sya nga simpling tawo kay didto ra sya guianak sa lugar
sa mga karnero,  Blessed are the poor for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

AMEN, brother! Precious man gud sa Ginoo ang mga tawo nga pobre, because He chose to be born amongst the poor. He chose not to be born of the rich and wealthy in material wealth, but chose to be born of those who were rich in SPIRIT and in FAITH. The holy family that is~ Mary and her devoted spouse, Joseph.
Christ, who is the WORD MADE FLESH, was a carpenter, who worked with his hands, and walked on his two feet, not carried by chariots or trumpeted by soldiers, but instead, was followed by those who would listen to HIS WORD.


-------

WE ARE TOLD TO GIVE TO THE POOR AND BE COMPASSIONATE TO THEM.

Scripture DECLARES:~

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
--Luke 6:38

Father, I want to share my favorite gospel song with you in this special moment of your pastoral life and ministry.

Savior, He can move the mountains...my GOD is mighty to save...HE is mighty to save~~

Mighty to Save - Hillsong United Acoustic


GOD BLESS YOU!!

Quote from: chicogon on December 21, 2009, 01:03:17 PM
Enz, thank for the flattering words hahaha... gasa man jud na sila tanan gikan sa taas. I'm glad He uses me from time to time hahaha...

Grace, you're welcome... ayo gani kay kahibaw nako magbutang pics deri, sa kadugayan hehehe.

A blessed Christmas to all of you... kay basin manga busy na tag samot kay duol na raba... will include you all in  my Masses.

Father, I know that HE is using you all the time..everyday...for HIS purpose~!
For the salvation of souls, POPS!

You keep on doing what you do..for HIS NAME!
GOD bless you, Fr. Roel, more and more!

We love you, Fr!

Pohon, Fr Roel, by HIS grace...maka kita ta duha...by HIS grace.
Just know that when your 25 year mass was taking place, I was there in spirit and praying for you and the entire congregation. Bisan if i was in another church..sure ko naka hear ang GINOO nako during my silent eucharistic adoration.

Fr, i mentioned your name to my parish priest, Fr. Ranulfo Gunido, who originally comes from Valencia, Cebu.
He is our catholic chaplain in our medical campus.

Regards na lang Fr. Belated Merry Christmas!! And wishing for you a Blessed New Year~~~!


Your Spiritual Son,
Bran

Ka gwapo nimo, Father Roel, uy!!

I wish I was there to attend the mass, Fr!
GOD BLESS YA, POPS!

Lord Jesus Christ we entrust the soul of Fr. Goder to your merciful hands. May he gain entrance to Your Kingdom which is in Heaven.

This we ask in JESUS' NAME.
AMEN.

Quote from: benelynne on December 24, 2009, 11:06:02 AM
This reminds me of the banner story at Yahoo today about a mom who turned in her 6-year old daughter for shoplifting a knickknack to the shop manager and the police! Murag OA ra pud ang reaksyon sa inahan, pero gusto kuno niya tudluan ug leksyon ang iyang anak. Grabe pud ning leksyona, mura man ug tudluan nimo'g calculus ang bata nga di pa kasabot ug arithmetic ... Naghunahuna ko, basin lang ba nadunggan aning bataa ang wali ni padre?

This is called 'Hard Love', but love nonetheless. This reminds me of a verse in Hebrews Chapter 12,

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
--Hebrews 12:5-6

Quote from: Koddi Prudente on December 27, 2009, 12:59:55 AM
Dong Lorenzo, kon gusto jud ka'g traditional Bol-anon wedding, hala, pagsugod sa mga pre-wedding rites like the "pamalaye" with a "taligpung", and the "pangagad".

Sr. Prudente,  I am so intrigued with the beauty of the Traditional Filipino Wedding. I would like to, definately, maintain the tradition of my ancestors and my family that lived before I ever came to be.

I will have to ask my parents about the intricacies of Pamalaye, Taligpung and Pangagad.




Thank you.

Lorenzo

2 Corinthians 7:4
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.

2 Corinthians 10:14-16
For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishment. But "he who glories, let him glory in the LORD."

Despite we are rich or poor in material means, we are all poor if we do not have Christ in OUR Lives.

I can boast that I am rich in CHRIST IN MY LIFE!

For I can do all things through JESUS CHRIST who strengthens me.

Merry Christmas to all!

Quote from: Melrose on December 24, 2009, 12:24:23 AM
i had a Filipiniana wedding, dong lorenzo. i wish you were there. you could have enjoyed the "barrio fiesta" theme. there were lechon, humba, isda, lambay, adobo, lukon... ang gikagubtan mao ang kiling-kiling nga ice cream. the decorations were white balloons lang and flowers. very simple. music was played by a rondalla before the wedding ceremony, while the loboc brass band, loboc youth choir, and more choirs and singers provided the music. my hubby sang, "i'll take care of you" while i was walking down the aisle. then we sang, "the prayer" when we lighted the center candle to signify God's light. all the ladies wore filipiniana gowns ala santa cruzan while the men wore barong. as a gift na lang nila nako, it was a wear-your-own-gown agreement. basta mag-crown sila. bibo baya pod. 

Melrose, I do truly love the old style Filipiniana Weddings. My parents still have their wedding video, which we recently converted into DVD, and I have watched the wedding ceremony, observing the style and the fashion implemented. My father purchased for my mother an expensive and beautiful 19th century style Filipiniana Wedding Dress..her veil was so beautiful, and long, the dress was beautiful, and she wore a long barong cape that added depth tot he dress. My father was adorned with the Barong Tagalog, which was well woven. Beautiful. 19th century ang style wedding. It was held in the Santo Nino Church in Valencia, Bohol. The entire church was filled, beautiful kaayo. It lasted hours. It seemed as if all of Valencia was there.

But it was beautiful because they were married before GOD and before the people. Vows exchanged in the traditional style. I loved seeing how my father and mother were tied with the white silk robe symbolizing their union before GOD and man.
My mother looked so beautiful in her wedding attire. Chinese beauty, but adorned in the Imperial Spanish attire. My father, in his prime, confident look with his barong. Confident and handsome. Man and wife jud.

They were married in the manner that my grandparents were married, my great grandparents, my great great grandparents so on so forth. In the same church. For generations.


I would also like to continue the tradition. The best and only the best.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

God Bless all of us. Everyone.~

Loving God, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake.

Amen.

I believe in Jesus Christ and in the beauty of the gospel begun in Bethlehem.
I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a little town; and whose spirit still brings music to persons all over the world, in towns both large and small.
I believe in the one for whom the crowded inn could find no room, and I confess that my heart still sometimes wants to exclude Christ from my life today.
I believe in the one who the rulers of the earth ignored and the proud could never understand; whose life was among common people, whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts.
I believe in the one who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible:
I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother's arms, whose modest home in Nazareth had love for its only wealth, who looked at persons and made them see what God's love saw in them, who by love brought sinners back to purity, and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of God.
I confess my ever-lasting need of God: The need of forgiveness for our selfishness and greed, the need of new life for empty souls, the need of love for hearts grown cold.
I believe in God who gives us the best of himself.
I believe in Jesus, the son of the living
God, born in Bethlehem this night, for me and for the world.

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" -- which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23

The moral of the story we all have to take from this is putting more emphasis in trusting God.
Ye we may suffer economic woes, but we should always put our trust in Him, who will deliver us from whatever situation we are placed in.

It is not impossible. It is called faith.
Have faith like a mustard seed, and for sure, you can move even the mountains.

Quote from: simplylee on December 24, 2009, 04:49:33 PM
bisan pag usaon ang pagpangawat sala gyod ma gamay ba o madako ang kawaton

Absolutely. Sin is Sin.

8th Commandment states, "THOU SHALL NOT STEAL"

------

I do not totally agree with this particular Anglican priest's message, however, I can understand the purity of his message in stressing the importance in giving to the poor and addressing the economic woes / concerns of the marginalized peoples to the more affluent business conglomerates who rob small businesses.

He has a point, although, his point of view is a bit more radical, the core beauty of his message , nonetheless, illustrates the destitution of some members of society.

I bless him for his daringness to speak when no one else would speak, and speaking when stones were being thrown back at him, figuratively speaking.

(Matthew 5:11-12, Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. )





HARK!
REPENT!
SALVATION IS NIGH!

Quote from: david on December 24, 2009, 03:35:59 AM
ok lang nang shoplifting basta siguraduhang di madakpan... kay ang mga sa'  tua na tanan sa likod sa buktot

Because we are all sinners and none of us is free from sin, we all should take this seriously. Kining taw mo condemn ra dali sa mga tawo nga mo kawat kai wala sila yamo ug kwarta, ma pa compassionate intawn ta nila kai sila wala man yamo. Gi ingnan man ta sa Ginoo 'Blessed are the poor'. Poverty and the severity of destition makes people who otherwise might not have done or committed this act of sin, to committing it. Some steal food because they are starving. While others, who steal from the poor in overpricing their goods, some steal by profiteeing from the poor, some steal by pork barelling, some steal by conning others into giving their money etc. Wala yamo differensya ani. Theft is theft. But compassionate man ang Ginoo sa tawo nga ning strive and trying to survive day by day with an empty stomach and a frail body intawn.

Remember when Christ was crucified on the cross?
He was crucified with 2 other men. Both of them were guilty of theft. Because the theft, and the sin was punishable by death. However, one of them, who was a thief, wanted to join Christ in paradise, showing his faith and his repentance of that sin. While the other did not.
We learn and know that Christ told the one thief who was repentant that he would be in paradise with the Lord after the day was done. This signifies to us that our Lord and God, who is a merciful savior, will pardon our sins, if we are truly repentant of it. Despite the severity of the sin. For The act of stealing was a sin mentioned in the 10 commandments, literally the 8th commandment, "THOU SHALL NOT STEAL."

Theft is Theft. Stealing is Stealing. There are hypocrites among us that are quick to condemn a brother, yet not knowing that he or she is also guilty of the same sin. Perhaps not the same kind of stealing, or manner of theft, but theft nonetheless.

That is why, do not justify yourself in pleasing man or acquiring man's approval. But do so and conduct youself in gaining the approval of the ONE whom matters most. GOD'S APPROVAL.



David, good point. Strong-minded message gi hatag nimo para nato!
GOD BLESS YOU!

A question was asked of me, "Is it more severe of a sin if one steals from a store than if one downloads illegally?"

WRONG! No distinction. Theft is Theft. Stealing is Stealing.
8TH COMMANDMENT OF THE LORD STATES, "THOU SHALL NOT STEAL"

The level of the sin does not matter. It is still a sin.

THINK AND PONDER.

There are many among us who steal everyday. Some of you may download a song illegally and listen to this song, yet at the same time, are quick to judge others and condemn others because some of us think no one knows what we do behind our doors and our walls. WRONG!

God Knows everything! Sees everything.

Those who profiteer are stealing! Guilty of Theft!
Those who are employers and do not pay their employees enough and steal from their wages are guilty of theft!
Those who are idle and are guilty of idleness are stealing! Theft!  It is playing the part of the drone, compelling the rest of the hive to support him. (Read 2 Thessalonians 3:10)
Those who give false advertisement are stealing and guilty of theft!
Those who download songs online illegally, download movies illegally instead of buying it is guilty of theft!

There are hypocrites in this world, and all i can say is REPENT!

Theft is Theft. Stealing is Stealing.

Either one steals money, or steals a video game, food, or a song from online by downloading things illegally, it is still THEFT!

One will say, "Oh well stealing from a store is more severe than downloading a song illegally."

WRONG!

YOU ARE SINNING! YOU ARE STEALING! YOU ARE BREAKING THE 8TH COMMANDMENT OF GOD, "THOU SHALL NOT STEAL!"

No one is free from this.

REPENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A question was asked, "Is stealing a sin, and what other forms of theft/ stealing are there?"



-----------

We break this commandment, “Thou shalt not steal,” WHEN WE COMMIT SACRILEGE, that is, when we STEAL FROM GOD. In Malachi 3:8-9, God charged Israel with this crime when He stated: “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.” You see, this is a sin laid at the door of most of the so-called Christians of our day because they have refused to financially support the maintenance of God’s cause on earth. Yes, God’s work goes begging today because church members have spent their money on pleasureâ€"things that are not necessary and vanity; they have spent it on self rather than having honored God with the firstfruits of their increase, their tithes and offerings. My friend, are you stealing from God that which honors Him as the Giver of all things?

Listen again! IDLENESS IS A FORM OF STEALING! It is playing the part of the drone, compelling the rest of the hive to support him. This one sin is slowly but surely bringing our nation to economic ruin. All of our social give-away programs to people who are able to work but who are just plain lazy and will not work is making them thieves before God. They are stealing from the people! The Bible says, “Six days shalt thou labour” (Ex. 20:9); and again in II Thessalonians 3:10: “...if any would not work, neither should he eat .”

This is one of the most awful running sores of our government: stealing from people and giving to those who do not or will not work. This sin runs our nation deeper and deeper into deficit spending, thereby causing inflation; so they can sponsor women’s lib, killing of unborn babies and all sorts of programs that lead the people deeper and deeper into sin. And my friend, this is nothing more than the breaking of this 8th commandment: “Thou shalt not steal,” and thereby sinning against God.

I’ll go further. Our elected senators and congressmen, whether on a state or national level, are stealing from the people when they take our tax money and make thieves out of lazy people who will not work. My friend, God does not think lightly of this sin!

Brother, this goes on and on! LYING ADVERTISEMENTS break this 8th commandment. Profiteering is another form of theft, for we read in I Thess. 4:6: “That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter. “ Therefore, to make an enormous profit on a person is stealing, which brings down the wrath of God. A person becomes a thief and breaks this commandment when he borrows and does not return what is borrowed. Ps. 37:21 says: “The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again...“ Again, a man who transfers property to his wife or someone else just before he goes bankrupt is a thief in the sight of God. Also a man who has declared bankruptcy and later prospers financially but fails to pay his creditors to the full is stealing in the sight of God. Tenants steal from their landowners when they needlessly damage their property and furnishings; those who evade their income tax also break this 8th commandment. All of this brings down the wrath of God!

Another form of stealing and the breaking of this 8th commandment is GAMBLING. Did you know that billions of dollars change hands in our country every year by gambling? God calls this stealing; a man who gambles is a thief because he is obtaining money for which he has done no honest work!

Stealing is usually one of the first sins children commit: stealing in the home from father or mother, from the grocery store, or playmates in school. My little children, I warn you that this is the breaking of God’s holy law, and unless it is repented of, it will send you to hell.
The list goes on: men take tools off the job that don’t belong to them, justifying themselves by saying: “The company is big enough to afford them,” or “Other men are doing it, why shouldn’t I?” This is stealing; and brother, it is stealing when you rob your company of an honest day’s work, or when you lie about an injury to collect workman’s compensation!

Lawyers steal when they take advantage of a client and deal falsely with him. Judges steal when they award enormous amounts of money to people just because the insurance companies have the money. Then they steal from us because our insurance policies go up!

EXTORTION is another form of stealing which brings down the judgment of God: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?...nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners... (I Cor. 6:9-10). People or companies who charge high interest on loans are thieves in the sight of God because they are stealing from the people, as those who bought and sold in the temple (Matt. 21:12-13).

Those who receive stolen goods knowingly are acting as thieves before God because they are accessories to the theft. And dear friend, whether a man steals with his gun in a bank robbery or with his pen in forging a check, his stealing breaks this 8th commandment and he is under the judgment of God.

Our whole nation today is caught up in the sin of stealing by trying to get something for nothing. Our newspapers are filled with stories of white collar crimes of stealing. Our insurance rates have gone out of sight because of the plague of this sin. Prices are raised in most stores to compensate for the billions of dollars lost every year through stealing. Children are taught to steal by their parents, and our jails are filled with criminals whose crime is stealing in one form or another.

This running sore of the sin of stealing today is that which is done by so-called gospel MINISTERS WHO ROB THE PEOPLE OF THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD! The man who claims to be a shepherd but never feeds his people with the true Word of God is a thief and a robber, and stands guilty before God of breaking this 8th commandment. When a man preaches that salvation is by some form of works which we do, he is robbing precious souls of the truth of God’s Word, which says it is “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:5).

When a man preaches that salvation is only by believing , leaving out repentance, he is a thief because he is robbing precious souls of the truth of God’s Word which says that unless a man repents, he will perish! (Luke 13:3,5). You see, there must be a turning to God from sin; there must be a hatred for sin as being against God; and there shall be fruits suitable for repentance, which is a changed life and walking in righteousness and true holiness.

God Bless Everyone, the poor to the wealthy. May God grant those with excessive wealth to share their large pockets with those that are suffering and the poor, as well as May God comfort those who have very little, who are malnourished, and living in destitution. May His Love reign in our hearts. Especially during this Holy Day Season.

That we may remember that our own Savior, Jesus Christ was born humble in a manger.
That we remember that the Greatest Of Greats, the GREAT I AM was born from a poor virgin, in Bethlehem amongst animals.

God Bless~

"I do not offer such advice because I think that stealing is a good thing, or because I think it is harmless, for it is neither.

"I would ask that they do not steal from small family businesses, but from large national businesses, knowing that the costs are ultimately passed on to the rest of us in the form of higher prices."

----

His message was given with a heavy heart, and his view shows to us the different sides of the population in the world. That even a minister would say this, is delegates to us the severity of the times we are living. His view, as he mentioned to CNN represents the destitution of the severly impoverished peoples that are affected.

Though many of us, including myself, may disagree with the 'stealing' concept; I understand the symbolic message he gives. That is..if one looks deeply,..is for the concern of the poor and understanding of the poor. He should have carefully chosen his words in condoning stealing itself.

God Bless him. Let us not condemn him for one thing he said, we may disagree with this one particular message, but there may have been other messages he said that we might have agreed upon. Let us not be too quick to judge. For who among us perfect and without sin and ushers not wrong through our tongues.

Surely none.

December 23, 2009


Reading 1
Mal 3:1-4, 23-24

Thus says the Lord GOD:
Lo, I am sending my messenger
to prepare the way before me;
And suddenly there will come to the temple
the LORD whom you seek,
And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.
Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.
But who will endure the day of his coming?
And who can stand when he appears?
For he is like the refiner’s fire,
or like the fuller’s lye.
He will sit refining and purifying silver,
and he will purify the sons of Levi,
Refining them like gold or like silver
that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.
Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem
will please the LORD,
as in the days of old, as in years gone by.

Lo, I will send you
Elijah, the prophet,
Before the day of the LORD comes,
the great and terrible day,
To turn the hearts of the fathers to their children,
and the hearts of the children to their fathers,
Lest I come and strike

the land with doom.

Responsorial Psalm
25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14

R.        (see Luke 21:28)  Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.
R.        Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice,
he teaches the humble his way.
R.        Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy
toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him,
and his covenant, for their instruction.
R.        Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

Gospel
Lk 1:57-66

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child
she gave birth to a son.
Her neighbors and relatives heard
that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her,
and they rejoiced with her.
When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child,
they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,
but his mother said in reply,
“No. He will be called John.”
But they answered her,
“There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”
So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.
He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,”
and all were amazed.
Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed,
and he spoke blessing God.
Then fear came upon all their neighbors,
            and all these matters were discussed
throughout the hill country of Judea.
All who heard these things took them to heart, saying,
“What, then, will this child be?

For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”

St. Gabriel the Archangel, the messenger of the Incarnation, Pray for Us!

St. Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us!

Quote from: benelynne on December 23, 2009, 02:31:13 PM
Unsa pud kaha'y reaksyon kung naa'y magwali nga ok lang mangupit sa collection basket sa simbahan total tax-free man ang church income? Just wondering, if the pulpit were turned around. Murag dili lang bulsa ang pit-os ron, pati pud spiritual values.

Mr. Benne,

I don't think this particular Anglican Minister was spreading and illiciting the congregational faithful to commit sin, but rather sending a bleak message, given the economic hardship of the current time, to support themselves, the poor, and the small businesses that are being robbed by the rich international conglomerates.

I think the liberal news media is blowing his innocent and pure message out of proportion and already being too quick to judge his basis for giving the message.

We have to take his message symbolically and not in literally.

Help the poor brothers and sisters, support the struggling and not give it to the pockets of the modern 'tax collectors'.



In HIS Name,
Bran Lorenzo

Quote from: alicebeckam on November 01, 2009, 12:49:46 PM
Won't that count as child labor or child abuse?

IMHO, i think it is already child abuse. Delicado ni ang age sa bata; especialidad ang age sa 10-16 years kai ning develop pa ang neural structures sa bata. Growing pa man ang brain and every brain injury received equates to loss of neurons, which is irreversible. Excessive damage can lead to irreversible brain damage, cognitive alteration, as well.

I am completely and vehemently against this.

Irresponsible ning tawhana mo support ani.

Quote from: alicebeckam on October 31, 2009, 08:36:01 PM
I still don't agree to holding it. Those are minors, for goodness' sake. We all know that boxers' bodies get more worn in their old age (if they even reach old age), and they're already starting to ruin the bodies of 10-12 year old kids?

If now sinasabong nila ang mga bata, sa susunod, tulad ng manok, ang bata na ang kakainin?

I agree with this comment. 100%.

I feel for the purity and innocence of his message, in calling the rich to give to the poor, quite idealistic and Robin Hood-esque. "Steal from the rich and give to the poor. "

It can be alarming if one takes his message literally, rather, one should take his message in symbolic light. Particularly in this festive Holy Day Season, to remember the poor and suffering brothers and sisters that suffer with Have Nots. Personally, this particular Anglican priest was trying to send the message in giving to the poor, remember the suffering small businesses and supporting these suffering businesses, which are being attacked by the more prolific larger corporate conglomerates.

Warm Greetings, folks.

God Bless All of Us.

Quote from: comran on December 24, 2009, 12:43:46 AM
MAY ALL OF YOU HAVE A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS NOT JUST THIS TIME NOR THIS SEASON BUT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND A PROSPEROUS AND BLISSFUL NEW YEAR TO COME.

I am excited to see my friends in Canada although I am not looking forward to the cold weather!

Please be safe everyone!

HUGS AND KISSES TO ALL OF YOU!     

Awww how sweet! Merry Christmas to you too, Carmen! Enjoy your Winter Season~ Stay safe and stay beautiful!

Quote from: Melrose on December 24, 2009, 01:23:07 AM
maayong pasko! god bless everyone!

Merry Christmas to you too, Mel!
God Bless you, too, buddy!

Quote from: boholprincess on December 16, 2009, 07:30:44 AM
pasalamat lang ta ba nga nakamata ta og nakakita pa sa sunrise ang uban diha gibangungot tawn

beautifully said, princess.

Plan of the day: Christmas Shopping!

Quote from: Lorenzo on December 10, 2009, 09:08:05 PM
I shall put this on the floor for anyone to answer, a question was asked, "What are the things that the Lord hates and specifically detests, and what are the ways for us to receive redemption to save us from being thrown into hell because of it?"

Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things the LORD HATES, seven that are DETESTABLE to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

    •• There are seven things listed that God hates, that He detests.

        • Many mistakenly conclude that God is love only. But this Scripture tells us that there are things â€" even people! â€" that God hates.

        • Let’s examine ourselves to see if we are doing any of the things that God is said to hate:



---------

1) “HAUGHTY EYES”: “a PROUD look” â€"

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

    •• Shortened by many to “Pride goes before a fall.”

        • A pastor who fell into adultery once told me: “I thought I was doing a good enough job God would overlook it.” Pride before a fall!

        • Another minister was heard to say not long before he fell into sin and disgrace: “This is the most anointed ministry on the face of the earth today.” Pride before a fall!

        • A young man said to a pastor friend of mine, “I’m having trouble with pride.” My friend succinctly and wisely replied, “Why? What do you have to be proud about?”

    •• The fast track to a fall? â€" Pride

        • Contrast Jesus' Beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3).

        • God hates pride.

2) "A LYING TONGUE" â€"

Revelation 21:8 ...and all liars â€" their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.

    •• God hates lies.

        • Psalms 5:5b-6a ...you hate all who do wrong. [6] You destroy those who tell lies.

        • Parents, teach your kids always to speak truth.

        • Jesus: “I am...the Truth...”

        • Good relationships cannot be built without honesty.

        • Decent societies cannot survive on a foundation of falsehood and lies.

    •• God hates a lying tongue.

3) "Hands that shed INNOCENT BLOOD" â€"

Joel 3:19 But Egypt will be desolate, Edom a desert waste, because of violence done to the people of Judah, in whose land they shed innocent blood.

    •• God hates the shedding of innocent blood.

    • That is one of the reasons God judged Egypt.

    • Imagine the blood guilt of abortion doctors!

    • Imagine the blood guilt of the judges and politicians who allow the shedding of the blood of innocent, unborn babies!

4) "A HEART that DEVISES WICKED SCHEMES" â€"

Jeremiah 17:9, KJV The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

    •• Jesus gave a list of sins and said that they proceed “out of the heart” (Matthew 15:19).

    •• Proverbs 4:23, KJV Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

    NIV: “Guard your heart...”

    •• God hates the heart given over to wicked schemes.

5) "Feet that are QUICK to rush INTO EVIL" â€"

    •• Quote #4 above, about the heart’s tendency to wickedness, has already brought up evil.

    •• The hated conduct here is the quickness to rush into evil.

Titus 2:6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

    •• Self-control is the antidote to quick falls into temptation.

        • For example, (Proverbs 29:11) “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”

    •• God hates a swiftness to rush into evil.

6) "A FALSE WITNESS who pours out LIES" â€"

    •• “False witness” â€" violates one of the Ten Commandments.

        • God hates those who lie about other people.

        • God hates those who do harm and disservice to His system of justice.

        • I was once selected for jury duty in a trial in which the accused had allegedly been drinking alcohol. In the questioning of us potential jurors, integrity required that I had to speak up about my beliefs and preaching against alcohol. I was admittedly not impartial from the outset, and the judge rightly dismissed me from the jury selection.

    •• God hates a false witness.

        • Notice that this is a person that God hates! I’ve heard Christians say that God hates no one. That sounds noble, but it is anti-Scriptural. Here it is clearly said that “...the Lord hates ... a false witness.”

        • See below for another type of person the Lord hates.

7) "A man who STIRS UP DISSENSION among BROTHERS" â€"

Titus 3:10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.

    •• Another PERSON that God hates!

        • A pastor friend of mine was once counseling a very divisive person. The pastor concluded with the startling statement, “...and besides that, GOD HATES YOU.”

        • I imagine that the man he was counseling was shocked. But the Bible clearly declares that “...the Lord hates ... a man who stirs up dissension among brothers”.

        • “...a man...” â€" that is a person that God hates.

    •• What is a fast track to incurring God’s hatred? â€" be a talebearer, a gossip, a person who sows seeds of discord.

        • Contrast the Beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9).

Okay, but you didn't deal with all the pagan symbolism used in Christmas celebrations, especially the Christmas tree??

----

This is ludicrous.  Jeremiah condemns gilded, carved images that are erected for idolatrous worship.  There is nothing here about using trees to decorate one's home during a holiday.  The prophet condemns "carved images" (pesel, 10:14).  The "axe" used by the workman (10:3) on the tree refers to an instrument to carve the wood, a chisel. Literally v. 3b says that the tree is "worked by the hands of an engraver with a tool."  Using this carving tool the worker makes an idol in the likeness of men and beasts, which is then "clothed with violet and purple" (10:9, 14).  They cannot walk or speak and have no power to do good (10:50).  Jeremiah 10 is a sarcastic indictment of pagan idolatry along the lines of Psalm 115 and Isaiah 40 and 44.  The prophet says absolutely nothing about the modern practice of using cut fir trees to decorate one's home.

Well, then, do we Christians "know why we have trees in our homes"?  Is it to worship them?  Do they ward off witches, evil spirits, and ghosts during the Christmas holidays?  I want to say, "of course not," but I suppose that there may be someone out there who brings an evergreen tree into their home in order to perform such rituals.  If so, then that person is using the tree in an idolatrous manner.


But there is a difference between symbolism and idolatry.  In the light of Jeremiah 10 and the danger of "carved images," it is instructive to note that God ordained all sorts of carved and embroidered images for the Tabernacle and Temple--even trees!


Around all the walls of the house he carved engraved figures of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, in the inner and outer rooms
(1 Kings 6:29).

Moreover, these carved trees are plated with gold!

He covered the two doors of olivewood with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. He overlaid them with gold and spread gold on the cherubim and on the palm trees
(1Kings 6.32).

If any Christian bows down to the tree, seeks advice from it, attempts to communicate with God or the devil through it, or worships it or God through it as a medium, then that Christian is an idolater.  But using a tree for such things is a far cry from the way Christmas trees function in a faithful Christian's home.  Christians decorate trees with lights and ornaments because it brings them joy and delight as they commemorate the birth of Jesus.  If you don't like it, then don't buy a tree.  But don't accuse another believer of idolatry based on the supposed pagan origin and function of Christmas trees.

A question was asked,:


But surely you must admit that the origins of Christmas, especially the symbolism and ceremonies associated with it, are rooted in Paganism.  How do you answer this?



----

Stop and take a breath.  Okay, let's review what we know about the origin of the annual celebration of Christmas.



First, we have reliable records from the middle of the fourth century indicating that Christians celebrated Christmas in the churches of Rome.  The earliest record of Christ's birth being celebrated on December 25th is A.D. 354 in a work called Chronography.  The Chronography documented the various seasons and festivals of the churches in Rome, most of them commemorating the death of Martyrs. By A.D. 398 Christ's birth was being celebrated on December 6th all across the empire--except in Armenia (January 6th).



Second, the story of how December 25th was chosen has been caricatured for many years.  The Christian leaders who gave us the great Trinitarian and Christological Creeds of the fourth and fifth century were not so theologically naïve as to simply import a pagan feast into the church wholesale in order to pacify some recently baptized and nominally Christian pagans.  This is absurd.



On the contrary, the facts suggest it was the pagan Roman emperor Aurelian in A.D. 274 who introduced the pagan feast of the "invincible Sun" (sol invictus) in order to counteract the influence of the growing Christian population and their celebration of the birth of Jesus during this time of the year.  Pagans were imitating and aping Christians, not visa versa.  If you want to learn more about this, read William J. Tighe's excellent article Calculating Christmas: The Story Behind December 25.  His summary is worth quoting:



Thus, December 25th as the date of the Christ's birth appears to owe nothing whatsoever to pagan influences upon the practice of the Church during or after Constantine's time. It is wholly unlikely to have been the actual date of Christ's birth, but it arose entirely from the efforts of early Latin Christians to determine the historical date of Christ's death.



And the pagan feast which the Emperor Aurelian instituted on that date in the year 274 was not only an effort to use the winter solstice to make a political statement, but also almost certainly an attempt to give a pagan significance to a date already of importance to Roman Christians. The Christians, in turn, could at a later date re-appropriate the pagan "Birth of the Unconquered Sun" to refer, on the occasion of the birth of Christ, to the rising of the "Sun of Salvation" or the "Sun of Justice."



Third, there is sufficient historical evidence that the church's choice of December 25 as the festival of Christ's nativity was reached by independent calendrical calculation on the part of Christian scholars and pastors.  It was chosen for symbolic and chronological purposes as believing scholars reflected on the symbolism of the seasons and the chronological information available to them.



They believed that God initiated the new creation on the same day in which the old creation was made and redeemed the world on the same day as well (Spring).  The new creation began with the incarnation of the Word at the annunciation (March 25).  Add nine months to this and you get December 25th.



Whatever you think about this line of reasoning, it is anything but pagan!   The church deliberately chose December 25th because 1) they believed that Jesus was born sometime in the winter, and 2) having Christmas around the time of the winter solstice would enable the church to highlight the themes of darkness and light so prominent in the Gospel records.  The pagans did not own the seasons; they tried to commandeer them from God and his people.  And so in order to reclaim the seasons from the pagans, the church chose December 25th.  This would counteract whatever pagan winter festivals were out there that honored various sun gods and turn people instead toward "the Sun of righteousness arising with healing in his wings" (Mal. 4:2; Luke 1:78).  We have sermons from this time (Augustine's #202, for example) that argue this way.



Now, again, whatever you think of the early church's reasoning, it is distinctively Christian and not in any way a syncretistic incorporation of paganism.  The idea that Christians in the fourth and fifth century were so compromised and stupid that they just thought up a way to bring a pagan celebration into the church so as to keep the nominally baptized pagans happy is a vicious lie.



The early church Fathers were not as dumb as we often think.  Ponder what has happened since that time. For centuries every year throughout the world the story of Jesus' incarnation and birth has been told.  And the old sun gods (Sol, Osiris, Horis, and Mithra) are forgotten.  Does anyone think that we are still commemorating these false gods?  Phooey.  Even if December 25th was a date that pagans in pre-Christian history worshiped some sun god or other, does it matter one wit?  Does it mean that we still worship them?  That Christmas is a pagan holiday?  The true Sun of Righteousness has vanquished the old, impotent gods.

Catholic's Defense

by: J. Meyers

But what about the word "mass" in Christmas?  Surely the presence of that word alerts us to the tainted Papist origin of the celebration of Christmas?


We won't give an inch here.  Anti-Christmas radicals don't even get the meaning of the word "mass" right, according to their own methodology.  Those who argue against Christmas, because it contains the word "mass" might want to go back a little farther in history, back to the original use of the word mass in the early church.  Christmas did not originate as a Roman Catholic holy day.



In their zeal to be "historical" our anti-Christmas crusaders don't go far enough back in history. Two can play at this game. Sure, the term "mass" was used in the pre-Reformation, medieval church to refer to the sacrifice of the mass. But what was the earliest meaning of the word "mass" in the Christian church?  As it turns out, the word was not originally used this way.



Initially, the word "mass" had no connection with the doctrine of transubstantiation or the repeated sacrifice of Christ on the altar by the priest.  Before the A.D. 1000, the theory of transubstantiation was unknown and the word mass was used as a simple shorthand description of the Christian worship service.



The English word "mass" is an Anglicized way of writing the Latin word misse.  From our earliest records of Christian worship, the service ended with the dismissal: Ite misse est.  Translated somewhat woodenly this means: "Go, it is the dismissal" or possibly "the sending"--from the Latin verb mittere, "to send."  And the word missa also seems to have been connected with the word missio (mission) in the 4th century.  For early Christians, the service concluded, even culminated, with a missa as the worshipers departed.  In time the Christian worship service as a whole came to be designated from its final act of blessing the congregation as she leaves the church to perform her mission in the world.  Misse.  Missa.  Mass.  Go forth into the world with the blessing of God and make disciples of all nations.



Even at the time of the Reformation, to designate a Christian worship service as a "mass" was not necessarily to give away the farm to Roman Catholics. Luther called his liturgies the Formula Missae (1523) and the Deutche Messe (1526).  This illustrates that the word mass, in Latin and German, only gradually came to be associated exclusively with Roman Catholic worship over against Protestant services.


So at the time when the church began to celebrate Christmas--in the fourth century A.D.--the word mass simply referred to a Christian worship service.  The doctrine of transubstantiation and notion of the re-sacrificing of Christ on the altar by the priest were still six centuries or more in the future.  Christ-mass meant a worship service that celebrated Christ's incarnation and birth.


Did I miss something?  Do we perform a Roman Catholic sacrificial mass on Christmas in honor of Jesus in our churches at Christmas?  No.  For Presbyterian Christians Christmas certainly does not mean a Roman Catholic mass celebrated in honor of Christ. We perform no mass--as this is understood by the Roman church.  This kind of argumentation is not only fallacious; it is irresponsible and misleading.


We do nothing distinctively Roman Catholic when we celebrate Christmas. Unless, of course, we are condemned simply because we do something that the Roman Catholics do.  Catholics celebrate Christmas, and so do we.  But then where will this end?  Shall we stop reciting the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds, catechizing, praying the Lord's Prayer, reading Scripture, and calling the sky "blue" because Roman Catholics do these things?