Today is Christmas eve in the orthodox and coptic church. It all goes back to the change of calendars back in 1582 from the Julian to the Gregorian. Ten days were lost at that time…
Today is also the Feast of Epiphany, the date that many Catholics and Protestants traditionally celebrate for when the Magi came to present their gold, frankincense and myrrh to baby Jesus.
An epiphany. We use it as a term for when a life changing event or realisation occurs in someone’s life. For the wise men it caused them to travel several hundred miles at great personal risk and cost. Yet the great and good of Jerusalem couldn’t be bothered to trundle 5 miles down the road to Bethlehem to see what was happening! What are you and I missing that is right on our doorstep? Many Christians in places were it comes at a great cost to follow Jesus do so in the belief that they have found something of great value that is worth suffering for.
On a completely different but connected note, reflecting on current events in Washington I was struck by how do we react when things don’t go the way we want? When we can’t control a situation and our goals are blocked? Frankly, I don’t always do as well at this as I would like to and can get frustrated and cross. Or try yet harder to no avail. How do you deal with thwarted goals?
Persecution of Christians in many countries comes through family honour being tarnished; that someone becoming a Christian brings dishonour. So if someone won’t change their mind voluntarily they must be forced to do so…
I would love you to give to 60@60 to help meet the £6 000 target but I can’t make you do so. I can do all sorts of activities, some of which may grab your attention, some which won’t. While I may desire it I can’t control it. But I will let you know that the 60 day beard is now nearly a week in…!
May you blessed this week…and Happy Christmas 🎄
Adrian@60 