He Tore The Veil

When Jesus lived, the temple in Jerusalem was divided by a huge curtain, keeping people out of the 'holy of holies' - the holiest place. The Temple curtain in front of the holy of holies was 20 meters high (22 yds), 10 meters wide (11 yds), and about 8 centimeters thick (3 inches). That would make the weight between 4 to 6 tons. In fact the Talmud notes that it took some 300 priests to carry it.

Four separate authors in the Bible documented the moment of Jesus death, at around 3pm in the afternoon. As one author wrote, "At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom."

When Jesus died, he tore that 4 ton curtain that separated the people from the holy of holies. When he died, he tore down the barrier that separated us from God. Now we can talk to God directly, without making sacrifices or giving offerings through priests.

Christianity is the only faith that is based on what God has done for us, rather than what we must do for God. He wanted to be close to us so badly that he came down and died to break the barriers that we couldn't. Now that's love.

So don't wait any longer - let this be the moment you start a conversation with the God who loves you so much that he tore the veil.

Merry Christmas to All

I want to wish all my friends and family a wonderful Christmas season!

I often hear the phrase 'Jesus is the reason for the season'.  This is a great time to remember what it's all about... and no better way than with a Christmas carol. =)

Merry Christmas everyone!

Merry Christmas

What a winter wonderland it is here in Surrey! The snow has had a huge impact this week. I skipped a lot of shopping (yay), but also missed my favourite tradition, church on Christmas Eve. Surprisingly, I found my 'service' on Country Music Television - Paul Brandt hosted a Christmas Eve concert in Banff. The music was beautiful - both old classics and new tunes were sung by several different artists.

One line really struck me, that when Mary kissed her little baby, she kissed the face of God. The power, and the humility, of what God has done for us is amazing.

Thank You God.

Images of Calvary

At His Feet by Anthony Novak

"Jesus, being without sin, took upon himself the iniquities of the world, so that all who put their trust in him will be saved from the law of sin and death. At the foot of the Cross are life, hope, and salvation for all who believe."

Artists reflect on Good Friday - here.

Week in Review

Lent

“I remember sitting in the seat of the Ford Explorer as it finally stopped rolling, with its engine still running, and thinking, "This begins chapter two of my life." Indeed it does, though with considerably brighter prospects than it seemed at the time.”

Phillip Yancey writes about his recent car accident, which he miraculously survived without paralysis, in 'I'm Okay! Honest'.

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“Can you be both purpose-driven and emerging? We say that we are both, but some people wonder if that is possible. I think it depends on what you mean by the terms.”

Article Purpose Driven & Emerging? on a newly discovered site St. Paul's Collegiate Church at Storrs. Looking at their site, I almost wish I lived in Connecticut.

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Another newly discovered blogger, JR Woodward of Dream Awakener, has been posting articles about the book of Ephesians. The final article, Stand, concludes “three-part series on an overview of the book of Ephesians.” It’s my favorite type of reading – short, but packed with content. His whole blog is worth a look-see.

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Stephen Shields of Emergesque provides The "Jesus Family Tomb" Roundup, a list of articles discussing the issue with links to more extensive resources.

The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us

© John August Swanson

Christmastide

Born is Christ the Lord by Deborah A. Reeder

I may not go to-night to Bethlehem,

Nor follow star-directed ways, nor tread

The paths wherein the shepherds walked, that led

To Christ, and peace, and God's good will to men.

I may not hear the Herald Angel's song

Peal through the Oriental skies, nor see

The wonder of that Heavenly company

Announce the King the world had waited long.

The manger throne I may not kneel before,

Or see how man to God is reconciled,

Through pure St. Mary's purer, holier child;

The human Christ these eyes may not adore.

I may not carry frankincense and myrrh

With adoration to the Holy One;

Nor gold have I to give the Perfect Son,

To be with those wise kings a worshipper.

Not mine the joy that Heaven sent to them,

For ages since Time swung and locked his gates,

But I may kneel without--the star still waits

To guide me on to holy Bethlehem.

Christmastide by E. Pauline Johnson Tekahoinwake

I wish you a Christmas season filled with love and fun.

My prayer for you and I is that we will take the time to be led 'back to Bethlehem' during these blessed days.

With love, Nicole