Fishersmen: Santa and the Baby Jesus?

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Santa and the Baby Jesus?

Yes, I know that Jesus is the reason for the season. But I thought you’d find this letter from Santa Claus enlightening… (Credit to friend, Jack Bussell)

Do you believe in Santa Claus?

There are many rumors regarding whether I am real or exist. I want you to know there is a Santa Claus. I continue to remain in the hearts of children of all ages. Sadly some have denied my existence. Thankfully others believe and continue my traditions in good spirit. My presence is not of any normal life but rather from an existence that is ageless, for all to reflect and enjoy.

My journey began in the 4^th century giving gifts to poor children, those less fortunate. I became known as Sinterklass. Over the ages I have been called Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle or simply Santa. Various cultures share tales of my existence, of my habits and of my traits.

Once a child myself, I grew up to become Saint Nicholas of Myra, the inspiration for the Christian figure of Sinterklaas. I was once a 4th century Greek Christian bishop of Myra (now Demre) in Lycia, a province of the Byzantine Anatolia, now in Turkey.

As many years passed a number of myths and exaggerations have indeed surrounded my existence. The truth… my presence today continues in the spirit of giving and is an example set by God, who gave his son Jesus Christ so that we may all enjoy forgiveness of our sins and the prospects of eternal life.

May you experience the renewal of the Christmas Spirit, the excitement of anticipation, while sharing in many joyous surprises. My Christmas wish for you is to enjoy your time together and remember the importance of family and friendships. Never forget the joy of giving. In the spirit and generosity of Christmas make each and every day of your life and those that you meet joyful.

So you see, Santa and his traditions are alive, continuing throughout the ages by the Spirit of the Holy Day (holi-day) of Christmas. The gifts in Santa's bag are for your family, shared with a heartfelt reminder to reflect in the generosity of God. They are given in the spirit of Jesus Christ.

So…..Do you believe?

Shared in the Love of Christ

Merry Christmas,
Santa

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About the Bible

Fishersmen is a group of followers of Jesus Christ of the Bible. But, what is the Bible? The following is an outline of facts about the Bible, and different views about this famous work.

About the Bible
· From the Greek “Biblion” papyrus roll or Scroll, the pre-book “Book”, the collection of sacred writings of the Christian religion, comprising the Old and New Testaments.
· The Holy Bible is actually a library of 66 books, ranging from Genesis to Revelation.
· It is the number one best selling literature of all time. It has been published in more languages than any other book, and read by more people than any other literature.
· Forty different writers took over 1500 years to produce it. The human authors included kings and peasants; philosophers and fishermen; poets and scholars.
· It was written on three different continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe) in three different languages (Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic).
· The Bible predates the printing press and was laboriously written on papyrus. Very few owned the manuscripts (hand written scrolls), usually only religious officials.
· There are over 3000 manuscripts, many dating to the 2nd century AD that have been compared and analyzed to provide the modern text.
· Over centuries, the Jews nurtured and preserved the writings, carefully recopying each letter and punctuation mark – in fact, if a letter or syllable was wrong, the copying had to start over!
· The early Christians continued the practice of Precision, passing the written Word along carefully from generation to generation.
· The first major book mass produced on the Gutenberg press.
· Archeology in the 19th and 20th centuries has upheld scriptural accounts disputed by Skeptics in earlier times.
Canonicity – The rules for what is considered “in” or “out” of the Bible!
· Christians and Jewish leaders generally agree about the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) contents, but may refer to books by different names.
· Early church councils of Christian leaders met together at great risk to establish standards for manuscripts to be included in the Bible.
· The basic factor for recognizing a book's canonicity for the New Testament was divine inspiration, and the chief test for this was apostolicity
· Apostolic Origin — attributed to and based on the preaching/teaching of the first-generation apostles (or their close companions).
· Universal Acceptance — acknowledged by all major Christian communities in the ancient world (by the end of the fourth century).
· Liturgical Use — read publicly when early Christian communities gathered for the Lord's Supper (their weekly worship services).
· Consistent Message — containing a theological outlook similar or complementary to other accepted Christian writings
Translations and Transliterations
· The manuscripts were in the original or prevalent Middle Eastern languages.
· Septuagint was an integrated Greek language translation
· Latin Vulgate was used by the Western Church for centuries
· Discoveries of the Rosetta Stone, and Dead Sea scrolls (set of manuscripts) in the 19th Century allowed modern translators to confirm Septuagint and Latin Vulgate, as they prepared modern English translations. Examples: NIV, NAB, NASB, NKJV
· Living Bible and The Message are thought by thought transliterations, versus word for word translations.
Self Validation – What the Bible says about itself
· Psalms 19:7-8 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. [8] The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
· 2 Timothy 3:14-17 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, [15] and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
· 2 Peter 1:20-21 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. [21] For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
· Matthew 5:17-18 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. [18] I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
· John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning.
· Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Views of the Bible
· Historical Fiction – Interesting and entertaining with some correct facts and useful maxims, but not the word of God. (You can disregard.)
· Inspirational, but Fallible – God communicating through fallible men, who might not have everything right. (You can pick and choose what you like.)
· Subject to correct interpretation – God’s word when interpreted properly by trained clergy. (You need to ask a pro what it means.)
· Verbal, plenary – God breathed, word for word accurate and true, able to be understood by the common man. (Good for everybody)

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Santa and the Baby Jesus?

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