Twelve Days of Christmas - December 27 - Feast of St. John the Evangelist

Feast of St. John the Evangelist, December 27

Today we honor St. John the Evangelist, December 27, and does he pack a lot in his resume.  It seems he is in quite good standing with God and Jesus, because he was the only Apostle not martyred.  He was too busy writing the story to get caught up in the action.  Perhaps that is what drew me to a life of writing.

Today is the third day in the octave of Christmas. The Church celebrates the Feast of St. John, apostle and evangelist.  According to Catholic Culture, he was born in Bethsaida, he was called while mending his nets to follow Jesus. He became the beloved disciple of Jesus. He wrote the fourth Gospel, three Epistles and the Apocalypse. His passages on the pre-existence of the Word, who by His Incarnation became the light of the world and the life of our souls, are among the finest of the New Testament. 

He is the evangelist of the divinity of Christ and His fraternal love. With James, his brother, and Simon Peter, he was one of the witnesses of the Transfiguration. At the Last Supper, he leans on the Master's breast. At the foot of the cross, Jesus entrusts His Mother to his care. John's pure life kept him very close to Jesus and Mary in years to come. John was exiled to the island of Patmos under Emperor Domitian.    

The Twelve Days of Christmas begin on December 25, the celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus.  Of course there are probably not many of you who even know there is a "Twelve Days of Christmas" celebration, let alone that it dates from the Fifth Century, which happens to be sixteen centuries ago.   

Perhaps this seems more familiar for the modern person.

 

[Oops, FAKE NEWS]

 

 
Sometime in November, as things now stand, the "Christmas season" begins. The streets are hung with lights, the stores are decorated with red and green, and you can't turn on the radio without hearing songs about the spirit of the season and the glories of Santa Claus. The excitement builds to a climax on the morning of December 25, and then it stops, abruptly. Christmas is over, the New Year begins, and people go back to their normal lives.

December 26 is the 4th busiest shopping day of the year

LOS ANGELES, CA (FOX 11) - December 26 is the 4th busiest shopping day of the year, and certainly a lot of people come out to get deals and all the gifts they didn’t get under the Christmas tree.  

People also make those returns of gifts they either didn’t want or didn’t fit.  About 4% of gifts actually do go back.  If you’re going to make a return, make sure you have that original receipt or gift receipt to make your experience a lot faster and easier.  It’s also a good idea to know the store’s policy when it comes to returns.  Make sure the tags are on the items as well. Employees are making sure those shelves are stocked for those exchanges.

This is the best shopping season since 2011, so retailers are getting the spike they need. Online sales were up 18%, and even brick and mortar stores were seeing more foot traffic.  The economy is doing well according to analysts. Mastercard stated that it’s not just wealthy people coming out to spend their dollars; people living paycheck to paycheck are spending, too. The economy is booming and more people are willing to shell out some money.

Here's another sign that shoppers spent big this holiday season

Americans spent at a record pace this holiday shopping season, according to a report from MasterCard's SpendingPulse.

That's good news for retailers that need to finish strong after a difficult year.

Sales jumped nearly 5% between November 1 and Christmas Eve compared to the same time period last year, according to the MasterCard report. That number tracks in-store and online purchases no matter the payment method, and it excludes car sales.

It's the biggest percentage gain since 2011, when the economy was still coming back from the Great Recession.

Online purchases accounted for much of the increase: They spiked 18% this year. But brick-and-mortar stores posted sales gains, too.

In fact online sales still made up only 11% to 12% of overall purchases, even with the pace of growth this year, said Sarah Quinlan, senior vice president of market insights for MasterCard.

"While online is important and it's growing, it is dwarfed by what occurs in the physical stores," she said. "The brick-and-mortar growth drove this holiday shopping season."

Back to the Past...

Compare that to the traditional Christian celebration of Christmas, which is exactly the opposite. The season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and for nearly a month Christians await the coming of Christ in a spirit of expectation, singing hymns of longing. Then, on December 25, Christmas Day itself ushers in 12 days of celebration, ending only on January 6 with the feast of the Epiphany.

 

There are some serious ceremonies around the world.

So the first three of twelve days are dedicated to saints and feasts are held in their honor.   

The three traditional feasts (dating back to the late fifth century) that follow Christmas reflect different ways in which the mystery of the Incarnation works itself out in the body of Christ. 

December 26 is the feast of St. Stephen—a traditional day for giving leftovers to the poor (as described in the carol "Good King Wenceslas"). As one of the first deacons, Stephen was the forerunner of all those who show forth the love of Christ by their generosity to the needy. But more than this, he was the first martyr of the New Covenant, witnessing to Christ by the ultimate gift of his own life. 

St. John the Evangelist, commemorated on December 27, is traditionally the only one of the twelve disciples who did not die a martyr. Rather, John witnessed to the Incarnation through his words, turning Greek philosophy on its head with his affirmation, "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14, KJV).

On December 28, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Innocents, the children murdered by Herod. These were not martyrs like Stephen, who died heroically in a vision of the glorified Christ. They were not inspired like John to speak the Word of life and understand the mysteries of God. They died unjustly before they had a chance to know or to will—but they died for Christ nonetheless. In them we see the long agony of those who suffer and die through human injustice, never knowing that they have been redeemed.

In the Middle Ages, these three feasts were each dedicated to a different part of the clergy. Stephen, fittingly, was the patron of deacons. The feast of John the Evangelist was dedicated to the priests, and the feast of the Holy Innocents was dedicated to young men training for the clergy and serving the altar. The sub-deacons (one of the "minor orders" that developed in the early church) objected that they had no feast of their own. So, it became their custom to celebrate the "Feast of Fools" around January 1, often in conjunction with the feast of Christ's circumcision on that day (which was also one of the earliest feasts of the Virgin Mary, and is today celebrated as such by Roman Catholics).

Boxing Day UK Style

By the way, in the UK the Feast of St. Stephen (December 26) is called Boxing Day, a rather odd sounding name for a sacred holiday that incorporates rather odd means of celebrating the feast of St. Stephen.  I would explain it all to you but I suspect most of you could care less about it, and if you are interested, why Goggle is certain to have the information just a fingertip away, just by using a send key, and triggering the swarming, penetrating electromagnetic waves feeding off your mind.

Here is how they celebrate the Feast of St. Stephen, now called Boxing Day, in the former British Commonwealth.

[You cannot be serious]

Well leave it to the Brits to redefine sacred while demonstrating creative ways to subvert the true meaning of the birth of the Savior, the first step in the fulfillment of the ancient prophecies of the coming Messiah.  Father Creator sends us His only begotten Son, Jesus, to fulfill the prophecy of the Bible, and we, well, we go for a swim in goofy outfits.    

Not what I expected to find on the Road to Kingdom Come.

The Feast of St. John the Evangelist

Today, December 27,  we honor John the Evangelist. 

Finally, on Epiphany (January 6), the celebration of Christmas comes to an end. "Twelfth Night" (as all lovers of Shakespeare know) is the ultimate celebration of Christmas madness (Shakespeare's play features one of his many "wise fools" who understand the real meaning of life better than those who think they are sane). 

Epiphany commemorates the beginning of the proclamation of the gospel—Christ's manifestation to the nations, as shown in three different events: the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the turning of water into wine. In the Western tradition, the Magi predominate. But in the Eastern churches, Jesus' baptism tends to still be the primary theme.

How are you honoring the traditions of religion over the magic of the Magi?  Before the end of the Twelve Days I will show you how magic aided in the role of Jesus and was essential to completing his mission.  I thank you for enduring with me and assure you your pathway to seeking truth will be greatly aided when you call on the Holy Spirit to enlighten you, to the path of Jesus, to the perfect love of the Father.    

Melchizedek Prophecy related - The Earth will not end September 23, 2017 - Stay tuned for updates starting September 24

.

All my life I have followed the latest End Times proclamations from all kinds of groups, religions, prophets, and quacks.  However, the law of averages says at some point one of them might be right.  So I intend to keep you informed of high profile prophecies and you can be the judge of whether to accept them or not.

Here is a detailed explanation of the Christian prophecy currently finding favor in the back channels of the Internet.  I might add that Melchizedek does not agree and has provided considerable information on what will happen after September 23.

7 Theories About The World Ending On September 23, 2017 According To Astrology, Planet X Predictions, And The Bible

Aria Gmitter, YourTango 

When it comes to an important event in your life, if you're like most people, you want to plan it out so you can be there.

If you're getting married, you surely take the time to organize your wedding and honeymoon. Graduating from college? That's going to be marked and circled in your planner, too. So, it's fairly reasonable to say if you're going to die, you might want to pay attention. If you can know the exact date that your death is coming or the world was going to end — although it's admittedly not a fun topic to discuss — there could be a part of you that is slightly interested in knowing when that would be, you know...so you can plan ahead and make the most of the time you still have in the here and now.

In a sense, the fear of dying is what drives increased popularity for today's end time theorists. 

People are paying more attention to apocalyptic messages. Like the recent earthquake in Japan and another massive one in Mexico as well as the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria hitting Puerto Rico — and people are wondering what's going on.

Is God really that angry?

Apocalyptic messengers point to the End of Times, but some sadly some of these end time prophets who claim to be preaching from scripture place emphasis on being right, more than encouraging hearers to be righteous.

It's enough to make anyone suspicious and wonder why now, and on what basis, are they making these crazy allegations that September 23, 2017 is the beginning of the end of the world.

And before we get started, it's important to note how many times have these End of the World / Armageddon / End Times preachers have been wrong? (Hint: Lots.)

But still, it's curious that the pot was stirred most recently by author, James F. Fitzgerald, who thought his end time prophecy book might not be a high interest topic.
 

To test the waters of potential financial gain just prior to publishing his popular book, The 9/11 Prophecy—Startling Evidence the Endtimes Have Begun, (which ranks #602 for Biblical Prophecy on Amazon) he requested a poll from Barna Group.

The results surprised him (and everyone else).

via GIPHY

Forty-five percent of devout Catholics, 54 percent of Protestants, 71 percent of evangelicals and 2 out of 5 non-denominational Christians agree with the statement, "the world is currently living in the ‘end times’ as described by prophesies in the Bible.”

The same poll conducted by Barna Group during a summer OmniPoll Survey 

found that among religious racial groups, 39 percent of whites, 48 percent of Hispanics, and 54 percent of blacks believed the end of times is near. 

It's normal to feel skeptical about a poll done by an author wanting to sell a book — the topic of end times is a popular one, and lucrative. In fact, the Left Behind Series has sold nearly 80 million books when Pastor Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins warned the world about the need for salvation before the rapture which would result in a 7 year tribulation and subsequent end of the world. Left Behind stories are now in films, video games, graphic novels, and other marketable items.

Here was LaHaye's last interview with NPR before he died in 2016:

RELATED: 8 Doomsday Theories About What Happens AFTER The August 2017 Solar Eclipse (Based On A VERRRRRY Eerie Nostradamus Prediction)

However, there's no denying that BOTH astrologers AND Bible thumping end time self-proclaimed prophets are making quite a fuss over the celestial bodies and the earthly natural disasters taking place over the last few months.

In fact, these signs are what gives evidence to apocalyptic claims prophesied in the Bible. 

Astrologers say the current planetary and star alignments, and natural events are astronomical energy shifts. They are signs for a new beginning, and a season of forgiveness. To prepare, humans should let go of the past, clear obstacles, and connect with their spiritual purpose.

The same message is also historically shared by Christians except spiritual cleansing is through "accepting Christ" rather than the stars.

But strangely, that's what end time theorists are doing. 

To help clarify some of the confusion, here are 7 theories and predictions about why the End of Times / End of the World / End of Days is rumored to happen on September 23, 2017:

1. The Bible talks about 7 seals and 7 scrolls in the book of Revelation that once opened by the Lamb of God (Jesus) in heaven, the end of the world is near.

In the Bible there are a series of prophetic books, but the one is solely about the unfolding of end time events: Revelation. 

The book was written by John, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus before his crucifixion. Christians believe that God revealed his plans for Christ's 2nd coming and eventual restoration of the world to righteousness to John. In Revelation, just like the rest of the Bible, particularly those written by what's called minor and major prophetic books, these signs and symbols are found by observing the planets, events, and number patterns. 

As a child, I grew up reading and being taught the hidden secrets of the book of Revelation. These bible studies put the fear of God in me. But there's one message that rises above all messages in that text: Those who read the book of Revelations, according to the scriptures 'will be blessed" but those who alter the texts will be sorry.

From a Christian standpoint, there are many signs that have been fulfilled according to early prophecy found in Matthew, Luke, John, and even the Old Testament. However, what today's doomsday theorists are claiming is one thing that Revelation and Jesus told his disciples, no one, including himself, knew the exact date that the first seal would be broken or when he would return.

2. When the first seal opens the apocalypse begins, which is also around the time of a woman giving birth.

Revelation 12: 1-2 says, "And then a great wonder appeared in heaven: There was a woman who was clothed with the sun, and the moon was under her feet. She had a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out with pain because she was about to give birth."

Coincidentally, this week is the week of Fall Solstice and also the New Moon in Virgo. The Sun is also in Virgo, and the planets, Mars, Mercury, and Venus will be aligned above the astrological zodiac sign and star symbol, Virgo the Virgin. 

3. It's rumored that the woman spoken about in Revelation chapter 12 is appearing now and is a sign of the apocalypse.

Catholics think she is Mary the mother of Jesus. Some Christians think she is the persecuted Church or Babylon. Others say she is Israel, or perhaps the City of Jerusalem. Some Christians think the woman of Revelation 12 is the symbolic representation of the first mother, Eve. 

But apocalyptic end of time preachers claim that September 23rd is the End of Time, and she is the star constellation (aka zodiac sign), Virgo the Virgin, historically and symbolically.

RELATED: 13 Inspirational Bible Verses For Women Who Need Strength

They claim that Virgo and the planet alignment fulfills prophecy found in Revelation, and her labor pains started during the eclipse season. 

Her water breaking was Hurricane Harvey. The near missed massive flooding of Irma was the sparing of the Church, and a miracle —all signs of the End of Time.

The Bible quote that is referenced that this was a sign from God and a warning to awaken people about the End of Time comes from a prophecy found in Exodus 14:21. 
 

4. It rumored that the first of seven seals told about in the book of Revelation opens on September 23rd.

According to Biblical scripture found in both the New and Old Testament, patterns of God's work have emerged. Each of these has numeric value to Biblical prophets, scholars, and nearly all Christian people. 

Numerology and Biblical scripture are commonly studied modern by Christians, especially as it relates the the term Messiah. Jesus as "Messiah" was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophesy and the Torah (the first 5 books of the Old Testament). Major and minor prophets before Christ's birth used numbers when predicting the birth and death of Christ.

So, of course it stands to reason that the same prophetic practice of Old Testament prophets would be part of today's modern prophets who are watching for the second coming of the same Christ as Messiah.

5. It's rumored that Planet 9 aka Planet X is a sign of judgment prophesied in Revelation 12.

This planet, also known as Nibru, is much larger than planet Earth.

Some, including David Meade point to other End of Time prophets predictions to support the claim that Nibru / Planet X's presence induces more natural disasters that lead up to Christ's arrival. And, that this is why we are seeing so many earthquakes and hurricanes at this time.

6. End time theorists believe that Planet X could be The Red Dragon that seeks to devour the child that's birthed by the woman in Revelation 12.

These events, including Planet X's involvement with Earth's was predicted in the year 1217 Judah Ben Samuel who inferred that 2017 would be the year of the Messiah, after 10 Israel Jubilees and the temple is brought back to Jerusalem which is also predicted in Daniel and Thessalonians, which would come as a labor pain.

Christians think of the bible quote, "As above it is below," Matthew 6:9-15.

However, NASA recently dismissed the presence of a Planet X / Nibru. There's really little proof that Planet X will strike Earth.

But some end time theorists continue to speculate that the Red Dragon and Planet X are one and the same, thus a fulfillment of prophesy. 

7. Some end time theorists claim that the government is trying to hide the truth about the Red Dragon.

Since Biblical prophecy warns readers that the truth will be suppressed and governments will be manipulated by Satan, some end time theorists are holding fast to  their belief that this hidden planet is placed right between the legs of Virgo the Virgin beside the Planet Jupiter. 

In Revelation, Virgo is closed in the Sun, (the Sun is in the sign of Virgo), wearing a crown of stars, (Mars, Mercury, and Venus), and she will be giving birth, the planet of Jupiter is positioned between her legs, and the Moon is at her feet.

If Planet X does exist, according to end time theorists, September 23rd is a sign of the end time and the year of the Messiah— but since no one really knows for sure, might as well plan ahead anyway.

Aria Gmitter is an editor at YourTango who covers religion, spirituality and new age topics, current events, love and relationships and whatever people are talking about.You can follow her on Twitter (@ariagmitter)