The Twelve Days of Christmas - December 25 - January 6 - True Celebration of Christmas

Back to the Past...

Then there is the traditional Christian celebration of Christmas, which is exactly the opposite of our modern mass merchandising. 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.

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. 

CPT Spirits in the Sky - George Michael - Christmas Day 2016 at age 53

Britain's musical icons lost yet another legend in 2016 on Christmas Day when George Michael, a powerful force in concert who sold over 100 million albums died of heart failure according to his manager at age 53.

Here is what some of his friends and fellow legends had to say about the electric George Michael.

Last Christmas (Over 224 million views)

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Stars pay tribute to 'truly brilliant' George Michael after singer dies on Christmas Day aged 53

• Tom Powell

Sir Elton John has led the tributes to his "beloved friend" George Michael, who died on Christmas Day aged 53.

The Rocket Man singer said he was "in deep shock" at Michael's death.

The pair famously collaborated on a rendition of Elton's classic Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, released in 1992, nearly two decades after the original.

Writing on Instagram, Elton said: "I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans."

The Wham! singer died at home (PA)

His partner in Wham!, Andrew Ridgeley, said he was heartbroken.

His Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley said he was devastated.

Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx https://t.co/OlGTm4D9O6

— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016

Pop stars from the former Wham! front man's heyday were joined by current chart-toppers in declaring their sadness.

Careless Whisper (Over 162 million views)

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Martin Fry, lead singer and songwriter with Look Of Love band ABC, said on Twitter: "Absolutely devastated to hear of the loss of GeorgeMichael Truly brilliant talent £sad £sad £sad."

Contemporaries Duran Duran referenced the so-called "curse of 2016" - which has seen the deaths of rock and pop behemoths David Bowie, Prince and Rick Parfitt - as they posted on their official Twitter account: "2016 - loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to George Michael's family."

This year's X Factor winner Matt Terry said: "Noooooooooooooooo! I cannot believe this !!!! RIP George Michael".

Matt Lucas, who worked with the singer during a sketch for BBC comedy Little Britain, said: "Well 2016, you had to just take one more, didn't you?"

His Little-Britain co-star David Walliams said: "I pray George Michael finally finds peace. A deeply private man with an awe-inspiring talent that couldn't help but make him a superstar."

Entrepreneur and television personality Duncan Bannatyne said: "George Michael has now been taken by the curse of 2016. Please make him the last. RIP."

While former Radio One disc jockey Tony Blackburn said: "Unbelievable, George Michael has died at the age of 53. RIP.This dreadful year goes on and on.So sad, a real talent."

George Michael: A giant of pop culture with a turbulent personal life

Somebody to Love with Queen

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Former X Factor winner Shayne Ward said: "Absolutely shocked to hear that one of my vocal idols George Michael Has passed away. I adored his voice."

Alison Moyet, who performed at Live Aid in 1985 on the same bill as Michael, said: "I met George Michael a few times & he was ever a gentle, unassuming soul. A rare presence in a world full of self. Honest, genuine talent."

Eighties pop star Howard Jones, known for the song I'd Like To Get To Know You Well, said: "Can't believe George Michael has passed ....one of the greatest singers and writers the UK ever produced. I'm really saddened ..a lovely man."

Star Trek actor William Shatner said: "Is this year over yet? Too many people are passing away. Rest In Peace, George Michael."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "Very sad to hear the news about George Michael. An incredible talent who brought joy to millions of us with his music."

Very sad to hear the news about George Michael. An incredible talent who brought joy to millions of us with his music.

— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) December 25, 2016

Fellow politician Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, said: "This is just too awful. Such an amazing talent gone too soon. Wham was part of the soundtrack to my teenage years."

Singer and stage actress Pixie Lott said: "Grew up listening to the beautiful and talented George Michael - my mama's favourite! was a pleasure to meet him so sad to hear the news."

Fellow pop star La Roux said: "Another one gone.... What a voice, what a songwriter."

Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me with Elton John

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Producer and musician Mark Ronson said: "I bought (and worshipped) Listen Without Prejudice on my 15th birthday. This song readied me for Stevie Wonder... Other than a global pop phenom, George Michael was one of the true British soul greats. A lot of us owe him an unpayable debt. bye George xx"
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The Melchizedek Chronicles – What would Jesus say about Christmas, Saudi Arabia and the Middle East?

Well, where do I start?  With a single word about what is missing in our lives, Truth.  Sadly, it seems many people are unable to seek the Truth themselves and have delegated the search to abnormal, unreliable or anonymous sources of information, disinformation and outright fake news as a matter of convenience and to remove themselves from their own responsibility for discovering the Truth.

People are blindly being spoon-fed false Truths through with virtual world of the Internet based forums like social media, news aggregators, special interest groups, data miners, deceptive practices and algorithm manipulators.

Artificial intelligence and the attending algorithms have no moral or ethical foundation, no emotional perspective, no pledge of allegiance to anything but profits, and no loyalty to anything but self-preservation and self-interests.  No measure of serving the greater good applies to anything in the virtual world.

Add to that the raging bias of causes and judgement against anyone who dares speak for themselves and you have the ingredients for fostering hatred and denying respect for others who disagree with them.

Here is a perfect example.  The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the heir to the Saudi kingdom, has been condemned by everyone, Democrats, Republicans and news media, for the death of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, Turkey.

Yet even the best intelligence agencies in the word did not say that, but said according to the CIA’s assessment, “officials have said they have high confidence” in his involvement.  High confidence does not constitute a statement of fact or definitive condemnation as implied in the press.

At the same time the Crown Prince is being savaged by attacks from the media and politicians, the same news media gives no attention to what experts say is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, the terrible war in Yemen between the Yemen government backed by Saudi Arabia and the revolutionaries opposed to them, the Houthi militia, who are backed by our enemy Iran.

Millions of civilian refugees from the fighting are in danger of death from starvation, disease and bombing attacks and help cannot reach them, but virtually no reporting by the news media is taking place about the situation.

Then suddenly and quite unexpectedly, a ceasefire is put in place to stop the fighting and allow refugees to get life-saving assistance.  This was an action taken by the Crown Prince and gives life and hope to millions of desperate people, men, women and children.  At the same time there will be an exchange of 16,000 political prisoners.

The same Crown Prince holds the key to controlling our enemy Iran, and influencing all the other Muslim states in the region to resist efforts of Russia to control Syria, to bring a long-sought peace to the Middle East, and to broker peace between Israel and the Arab nations.

Millions upon millions of lives can be saved by these actions as well as treasured and truly sacred historical and religious sites in the Holy Land for multiple religions.  Again, the Crown Prince holds the key to ending thousands of years of sectarian and religious wars and persecution and bring peace to the cradle of civilization.

In 2018 I believe there have been thirty-five journalists killed throughout the world but the news media has been dominated by only one death.  Allies and enemies of the United States have killed tens of thousands of people but no political leader of another country has been driven from office as some have demanded of the Crown Prince.

Nearly 6,800 people have been murdered in America this year yet only a handful of wrongful deaths ever get into the news, and when they do it is fleeting coverage.

Most of the rest of the world do not live by American values, laws, rules, morality, our Constitutional rights and freedoms, and our obsession with self-introspection.  They never will.

America must set an example for the world just as Jesus set an example for the world.  We must demonstrate the Truth in our Constitution but we cannot impose our truth on anyone outside our nation.

No longer can we have allies like the former Soviet Union whose leaders killed millions of their own people while being armed and protected by America.

Where there is doubt about the responsibility for any actions by other nations, or officials from those nations, if we are truly “One nation under God,” we must have faith that only God can make the final judgement.

In doing so, remember the teaching of Jesus, all souls can achieve salvation through redemption, as Paul did from the time of Jesus.  Even the least can become the best, the worst the most righteous, with forgiveness from the Father.

Maybe it is time we trust the Lord to show us the way, to the path Jesus demonstrated, a path of forgiveness and a life full of joy.

Maybe it is time we restore the Faith and Hope in humanity rather than obsess with the faults of humanity.

Maybe it is time to remember we are all God’s children, all in the image and likeness of our Creator. 

By the way, who were among the first visitors to see the Baby Jesus, the Magi from the East.

Merlin Welcomes You to the 2018 Winter Solstice where Magic once again rules!

December 21, 2018