Renungan Natal: Allah yang berpihak!

Lukas 1:39-56

Allah yang berpihak! Dalam kehidupan dan percakapan sehari-hari, kadang kita bisa rancu dalam mengartikan kata "adil". Adil sering diartikan sama dengan ketidakberpihakan yang samar. Padahal, dalam sepakbola misalnya, wasit yang adil adalah wasit yang berpihak kepada dan membela siapapun yang mengikuti peraturan, dan berpihak melawan siapapun yang melanggar. Contoh lainnya dapat kita lihat dari inkarnasi Yesus Kristus. Arti inkarnasi Kristus, seperti yang terulang-ulang di dalam seantero Kitab Suci, adalah merupakan keberpihakan Allah kepada manusia, sesuai dengan janji, perintah dan rencana-Nya yang adil dan pengasih. Lalu kepada siapa Allah berpihak?

Di dalam nas-nas sebelumnya, tampak bagaimana Allah memakai dan berpihak kepada seorang wanita tua yang tadinya mandul (juga 43), namun karena kehendak Allah, mengandung; dan seorang wanita mudaMariayang juga karena campur tangan Allah sendiri mengandung di luar nikah. Di pasal ini, Allah berpihak kepada Maria, karena ia percaya (ayat 45). Dampak dari keberpihakan Allah adalah Maria bergembira dan menganggap dirinya berbahagia.

Perbuatan-perbuatan besar-Nya, terutama melalui peristiwa Natal, membuktikan hal itu (ayat 47-49). Tetapi, tidak hanya kepada Maria saja. Nyanyian pujian Maria yang sarat dengan kutipan dan singgungan kepada nas-nas PL ini juga menyatakan bahwa Allah berpihak kepada mereka yang takut akan Dia (ayat 51), kepada orang-orang rendah (ayat 52), kepada orang-orang miskin (ayat 53), dan terakhir kepada Israel, yang disebut "hamba-Nya" (ayat 54-55). Karena itu, Allah memposisikan diri melawan orang-orang yang congkak dan angkuh (ayat 51), yang berkuasa (ayat 52), dan yang kaya (ayat 53).

Renungkan: Bagi Kristen masa kini, keberpihakan Allah berimplikasi dua hal. Pertama, Allah terhadap umat-Nya: kita patut bersyukur dan memuliakan Allah, karena Allah yang adil itu aktif berpihak, mengerjakan rencana-Nya bagi kita umat-Nya. Kedua, respons kita terhadap keberpihakan Allah: penting bagi kita untuk menunjukkan keberpihakan kita kepada Allah melalui hidup kita sehari-hari.

Sumber SH 2002

Christmas Article: Why Jesus is Better than Santa Claus




SANTA lives at the North Pole...
JESUS is everywhere.

SANTA rides in a sleigh...
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

SANTA comes but once a year...
JESUS is an ever-present help.

SANTA fills your stockings with goodies...
JESUS supplies all your needs.

SANTA comes down your chimney uninvited...
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see SANTA...
JESUS is as close as the mention of his name.

SANTA lets you sit on his lap...
JESUS lets you rest in his arms.

SANTA doesn't doesn't know your name, all he can say is, "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"...
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

SANTA has a belly like a bowl full of jelly...
JESUS has a heart full of love.

All SANTA can offer is HO HO HO...
JESUS offers health, hope, and love.

SANTA says, "You better not cry"...
JESUS says, "Cast all your cares on Me for I care for you."

SANTA'S little helpers make toys...
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes, and builds mansions.

SANTA may make you chuckle, but...
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While SANTA puts gifts under your tree...
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHOM Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas.

JESUS is still the reason for the season.

Yes, JESUS is better. He is even better than Santa Claus.

Christmas Poem: A Christmas Poem

Red and Green
can only mean one thing
Christmas is near
Santa is almost here
The reindeer are ready
The snow is falling steady
People are cheary
The elves are weary
Santas ride is always a success
He never fails to give his best
Once the morning comes
and santa is done
Christmas begins
After church
and much dessert
The family comes together for a wonderful day
Remembering the baby once asleep in the hay

by Lauren Sario

Renungan Natal: Dalam Dia ada Hidup

Yohanes 1:1-9

Dalam Dia ada hidup. Dalam Injil Matius, Markus dan Lukas, di catat peristiwa kelahiran Yesus sebagai manusia, yang terjadi 2000 tahun lalu. Namun dalam bagian Injil Yohanes ini, dikatakan sebagai Firman yang menjadi manusia. Firman inilah yang menyatakan kedekatan Allah dengan manusia. Melalui-Nya Allah mewujudkan rencana-Nya dalam penciptaan, pemeliharaan dan penebusan. Artinya, Firman yang merupakan perwujudan kehadiran Allah sendiri, memiliki wibawa dan kuasa Allah. Yesus Kristus yang kita peringati kelahiran-Nya, adalah Allah. Dalam Dia ada hidup.

Awalnya, terang. Terang adalah aktivitas pertama Allah mencipta, baru kemudian disusul ciptaan lainnya. Terang dijadikan rekan sekerja Allah dalam lingkup sejarah keselamatan manusia, tujuannya, supaya manusia menyaksikan terang itu; sebab tanpa terang kehidupan tidak dapat berlangsung. Yesus Kristus yang lahir itu adalah Terang Hidup manusia. Melalui-Nya kesaksian Kristiani akan bermuara pada perwujudan kesadaran manusia terhadap dosa dan pengakuannya akan kebenaran Injil Kristus, dan kepada-Nyalah hidup bergantung.

Doa: Terima kasih untuk terang yang telah Engkau ciptakan. Oleh terang-Mu itu kami dapat hidup dan beroleh hidup. Tuhan, biarlah Engkau sendiri juga yang menjadi terang dalam hidup kami.

Sumber: SH 1998

Lagu Natal: Malam Kudus

Hanya dua berjaga terus, ayah bunda mesra dan kudus
Anak tidur tenang, Anak tidur tenang

Malam kudus sunyi senyap, dunia terlelap

Malam kudus sunyi senyap, kabar baik menggegap
Bala surga menyanyi megah, kaum gembala dibritakannya
Lahirlah penebus, lahirlah penebus.

Malam kudus sunyi senyap, kurnia dan berkat
Tercermin bagi kami terus di wajahnya ya Anak Kudus
Juruslamat kekal, Juruslamat kekal.

Malam Kudus, Sunyi Senyap
Bintang-Mu Gemerlap
Jurus'lamat Manusia Telah Datang Di Dunia
Kristus Anak Daud (2x)

Malam Kudus, Sunyi Senyap
Semesta T'lap Lelap
Ibu/Bapak Yang Saleh Kudus
Yang Tak Tidur Menjaga Terus
Anak Dalam Malaf (2x)

Malam Kudus, Sunyi Senyap
Tuhanku Penebus Telah Datang Ke Dunia
Bawa Keselamatan Kekal
Puji Haleluya
Pujilah Haleluya

Artikel Natal: 10 ALASAN UNTUK MEMPERCAYAI KRISTUS LEBIH DARI PADA AGAMA

  1. Kristus adalah Seseorang untuk Dikenal dan Dipercayai
  2. Agama adalah sesuatu untuk Dipercayai dan Dilakukan
  3. Agama tidak Mengubah Hati
  4. Agama Merumitkan yang Sederhana
  5. Agama Lebih Mementingkan Persetujuan Manusia daripada Perkenanan Allah
  6. Agama Menjadikan Kita Orang-Orang Munafik
  7. Agama Menjadikan Hidup Lebih Sulit Lagi
  8. Agama Menjadikan Kita Mudah Menipu Diri Kita Sendiri
  9. Agama Menyembunyikan Kunci Pengetahuan
  10. Agama Menyesatkan Para Pengikutnya


1. KRISTUS ADALAH SESEORANG UNTUK DIKENAL DAN DIPERCAYAI

Kristus lebih dari sekedar suatu sistem, tradisi, atau kepercayaan. Dia adalah satu Pribadi yang mengetahui kebutuhan-kebutuhan kita, merasakan penderitaan kita, dan bersimpati dengan kelemahan kita. Bila kita percaya kepadaNya, Dia mengampuni dosa kita, menjadi perantara bagi kita, dan membawa kita kepada BapaNya. Dia menangis untuk kita, mati untuk kita, dan bangkit dari kematian untuk membuktikan bahwa Dia adalah sesuai dengan apa yang Dia klaim tentang DiriNya. Dengan menaklukkan kematian, Dia menunjukkan bahwa Ia mampu menyelamatkan kita dari dosa-dosa, hidup melalui diri kita dalam dunia ini, dan kemudian dengan aman membawa kita ke surga. Ia memberi diriNya sebagai suatu anugerah bagi siapa saja yang mau percaya kepadaNya. ( Yoh 20:24-31)


2. AGAMA ADALAH SESUATU UNTUK DIPERCAYAI DAN DILAKUKAN

Agama adalah mempercayai Allah, menghadiri kebaktian-kebaktian, mengikuti katekisasi, dibaptis, dan menerima Perjamuan Kudus. Agama adalah tradisi, ritual, upacara, dan mempelajari perbedaan antara benar dan salah. Agama adalah membaca dan menghafal Kitab Suci, memanjatkan doa-doa, memberi kepada orang miskin, dan merayakan hari-hari besar agamawi. Agama adalah menyanyi dalam paduan suara, menolong orang miskin, dan memperbaiki kesalahan-kesalahan masa lalu. Agama adalah sesuatu yang dipraktekkan oleh orang-orang Farisi, para pemimpin rohani yang cinta Kitab Suci, konservatif, separatis, dan yang cukup membenci Kristus sehingga mereka menuntut kematianNya. Mereka membenci-Nya bukan hanya karena Ia melanggar tradisi mereka demi menolong orang banyak, ( Mat 15:1-9) tetapi karena melalui agama mereka Ia melihat ke dalam hati mereka.


3. AGAMA TIDAK MENGUBAH HATI

Yesus mengibaratkan orang-orang Farisi yang religius seperti sekelompok pencuci piring yang membersihkan bagian luar sebuah cawan namun membiarkan bagian dalam tetap kotor. Ia berkata, "Kamu orang-orang Farisi, kamu membersihkan bagian luar dari cawan dan pinggan, tetapi bagian dalammu penuh rampasan dan kejahatan. Hai orang-orang bodoh, bukankah Dia yang menjadikan bagian luar, Dia juga yang menjadikan bagian dalam?". ( Luk 11:39-40) Yesus tahu bahwa seseorang dapat mengubah penampilannya tanpa mengubah tingkah lakunya. ( Mat 23:1-3) Ia tahu bahwa prestasi dan upacara religius tidak dapat mengubah hati. Ia memberi tahu salah seorang yang paling religius pada zaman-Nya bahwa kecuali seseorang ‘dilahirkan kembali’ oleh Roh Kudus, ia tidak dapat melihat kerajaan Allah. ( Yoh 3:3) Namun sampai saat ini, banyak orang yang paling religius pun terus melupakan bahwa agama memang dapat merapikan penampilan luar, tetapi hanya Kristus yang dapat mengubah hati.


4. AGAMA MERUMITKAN YANG SEDERHANA

Yesus berbicara kepada ahli-ahli agama yang sangat mengutamakan hal-hal sepele, "Tetapi celakalah kamu, hai orang-orang Farisi, sebab kamu membayar persepuluhan dari selasih, inggu dan segala jenis sayuran, tetapi kamu mengabaikan keadilan dan kasih Allah. Yang satu harus dilakukan dan yang lain jangan diabaikan." ( Luk 11:42) Yesus melihat kecenderungan kita untuk membuat aturan-aturan dan berfokus pada tingkah laku yang "benar secara moral," tetapi tidak memperhatikan hal yang lebih besar tentang mengapa kita berusaha menjadi benar. Sementara orang-orang Farisi memiliki banyak pengetahuan berikut kesimpulan-kesimpulan logisnya, mereka lupa bahwa Allah tidak peduli seberapa banyak yang kita ketahui sampai Ia tahu seberapa banyak hati kita peduli orang lain. Pertanyaan "mengapa" yang lebih penting inilah yang dipikirkan rasul Paulus ketika ia menulis, "Sekalipun aku dapat berkata-kata dengan semua bahasa manusia dan bahasa malaikat, tetapi jika aku tidak mempunyai kasih, aku sama dengan gong yang berkumandang dan canang yang gemerincing... dan sekalipun aku membagi-bagikan segala sesuatu yang ada padaku, bahkan menyerahkan tubuhku untuk dibakar, tetapi jika aku tidak mempunyai kasih, sedikitpun tidak ada faedahnya bagiku,". ( 1Ko 13:1, 3)


5. AGAMA LEBIH MEMENTINGKAN PERSETUJUAN MANUSIA DARI PADA PERKENANAN ALLAH

Yesus menyimpan kritik-Nya yang paling tajam bagi orang-orang religius yang menggunakan reputasi rohani mereka untuk mendapatkan perhatian dan kehormatan. Terhadap mereka ini Yesus berkata, "Celakalah kamu, hai orang-orang Farisi, sebab kamu suka duduk di tempat terdepan di rumah ibadat dan suka menerima penghormatan di pasar,". ( Luk 11:43) Kemudian, kepada murid-murid-Nya, Ia berbicara tentang orang-orang Farisi, "Semua pekerjaan yang mereka lakukan hanya dimaksud supaya dilihat orang,". ( Mat 23:5) Yesus melihat dengan jelas ke dalam praktek agama yang menganggap pendapat dan perhatian dari manusia lebih penting dan lebih disukai dari pada perkenanan Allah.


6. AGAMA MENJADIKAN KITA ORANG-ORANG MUNAFIK

Yesus berkata, "Celakalah kamu, ahli-ahli Taurat dan orang-orang Farisi! Sebab kamu sama seperti kubur yang tidak memakai tanda; orang-orang yang berjalan di atasnya, tidak mengetahuinya." ( Luk 11:44) Apakah yang kelihatan lebih baik dari pada berpakaian rapi, menghadiri kebaktian-kebaktian, dan melakukan hal-hal yang menandakan bahwa kita adalah orang-orang yang saleh dan takut akan Allah? Tetapi berapa banyak ahli agama, pendeta, dan penganut agama yang setia yang sedikit pun tidak menunjukkan penghormatan dan dorongan untuk istri-istri mereka, perhatian bagi anak-anak mereka, dan kasih kepada orang-orang yang berbeda kepercayaan? Yesus mengetahui apa yang seringkali kita lupakan: Apa yang kelihatan baik mungkin memiliki akar yang jahat.


7. AGAMA MENJADIKAN HIDUP LEBIH SULIT LAGI

Karena tidak dapat mengubah hati, agama berusaha mengontrol orang dengan hukum-hukum dan tuntutan-tuntutan yang bahkan tidak dijalankan oleh para ahli agama yang menafsirkan dan menjabarkan aturan-aturan tersebut. Dengan memikirkan "faktor beban" inilah, Yesus berkata, "Celakalah kamu juga, hai ahli-ahli Taurat, sebab kamu meletakkan beban-beban yang tak terpikul pada orang, tetapi kamu sendiri tidak menyentuh beban itu dengan satu jaripun,". ( Luk 11:46) Agama sangat baik di dalam menjabarkan standar-standar tingkah laku dan hubungan-hubungan yang benar, tetapi sangat tidak berdaya dalam memberikan pertolongan yang dibutuhkan dan penuh belas-kasihan bagi mereka yang menyadari bahwa mereka belum hidup sesuai dengan tuntutan-tuntutan tersebut.


8. AGAMA MENJADIKAN KITA MUDAH MENIPU DIRI KITA SENDIRI

Secara bergurau sering dikatakan, "Saya mencintai umat manusia. Orang-oranglah yang membuat saya tidak tahan." Orang-orang Farisi bertindak berdasarkan pemikiran yang serupa, tetapi hal itu sungguh tidak lucu. Menurut Yesus, orang-orang Farisi menyombongkan diri mereka di dalam menghormati dan membangun monumen-monumen para nabi. Ironisnya, ketika mereka bertemu dengan seorang nabi yang sesungguhnya, mereka justru mau membunuhnya. Barclay mengatakan, "Satu-satunya nabi yang mereka kagumi adalah nabi yang sudah mati; ketika mereka bertemu seorang nabi yang hidup, mereka berusaha membunuh-Nya. Mereka menghormati para nabi yang sudah mati dengan membangun kuburan dan monumen, tetapi mereka menghina yang masih hidup dengan penganiayaan dan kematian." Inilah yang dimaksud Yesus dalam Luk 11:47-51 dan Mat 23:29-32. Orang-orang Farisi telah menipu diri mereka sendiri. Mereka tidak menganggap diri mereka sebagai pembunuh para nabi. Ahli-ahli agama tidak melihat diri mereka sebagai orang yang menolak Allah.


9. AGAMA MENYEMBUNYIKAN KUNCI PENGETAHUAN

Salah satu bahaya terbesar dari agama adalah menjadikan kita berbahaya bukan hanya bagi diri kita sendiri melainkan juga bagi orang lain. Kepada para ahli Alkitab yang sangat religius pada zaman-Nya Yesus berkata, "Celakalah kamu, hai ahli-ahli Taurat, sebab kamu telah mengambil kunci pengetahuan; kamu sendiri tidak masuk ke dalam dan orang yang berusaha untuk masuk ke dalam kamu halang-halangi,". ( Luk 11:52) Ahli-ahli agama mengambil "kunci pengetahuan" dengan mengalihkan perhatian orang dari Firman Allah dan dari ketulusan hati dengan tambahan tradisi-tradisi dan tuntutan-tuntutan yang sepele tetapi yang dianut secara fanatik. Bukannya memimpin orang kepada Allah, mereka malah mengubah fokus umatnya kepada diri mereka dan aturan-aturan mereka sendiri. Ahli-ahli agama demikian adalah orang-orang yang yakin bahwa kepercayaan dan karya agama mereka dapat menggantikan apa yang sesungguhnya hanya dapat dilakukan oleh Kristus.


10. AGAMA MENYESATKAN PARA PENGIKUTNYA

Dalam Mat 23:15 Yesus berkata, "Celakalah kamu, hai ahli-ahli Taurat dan orang-orang Farisi, hai kamu orang-orang munafik, sebab kamu mengarungi lautan dan menjelajah daratan, untuk mentobatkan satu orang saja menjadi penganut agamamu dan sesudah ia bertobat, kamu menjadikan dia orang neraka, yang dua kali lebih jahat daripada kamu sendiri." Orang-orang yang bertobat kepada suatu agama berada dalam bahaya ganda. Mereka memiliki antusiasme ganda untuk menjalani cara hidup mereka yang baru, dan dengan semangat besar mereka secara membabi buta membela guru-guru mereka yang juga buta. Mereka mempercayakan diri kepada orang-orang yang telah mengganti kehidupan, pengampunan, dan hubungan dengan Juruselamat yang tak terbatas, dengan suatu sistim aturan dan tradisi. Dalam arti tertentu, agama itu penting, ( Yak 1:26-27) yaitu jika ia mengarahkan kita kepada Kristus yang mati bagi dosa-dosa kita dan yang sekarang memberi diri-Nya untuk hidup melalui mereka yang percaya kepada-Nya. ( Gal 2:20; Tit 3:5)

ANDA TIDAK SENDIRIAN Bila Anda belum meyakini Kristus sebagaimana Dia menyatakan diriNya. Namun ingatlah bahwa Ia menjanjikan pertolongan Allah bagi mereka yang bertanya dengan tulus. Ia berkata, "Barangsiapa mau melakukan kehendak-Nya, ia akan tahu entah ajaran-Ku ini berasal dari Allah, entah Aku berkata-kata dari diriKu sendiri,". ( Yoh 7:17) Di sini Yesus mengingatkan bahwa kita melihat banyak hal bukan hanya sesuai dengan apa adanya mereka, tetapi sesuai dengan subyektifitas kita.

Jika Anda memang menyadari perlunya beriman kepada Kristus, ingatlah bahwa Alkitab berkata kepada keluarga Allah, "Sebab karena kasih karunia kamu diselamatkan oleh iman; itu bukan hasil usahamu, tetapi pemberian Allah, itu bukan hasil pekerjaanmu, jangan ada orang yang memegahkan diri,". ( Efe 2:8, 9) Keselamatan yang ditawarkan Kristus bukanlah upah untuk usaha religius kita, tetapi suatu anugerah bagi mereka yang percaya kepada-Nya.

sumber: RBC Ministries Asia

Renungan Natal: Menundukkan diri kepada rencana Allah melalui Yesus

Matius 1:18-25

Menundukkan diri kepada rencana Allah melalui Yesus. Jaka dan Gadis berencana hendak menikah pada tahun depan, tetapi sebelum pernikahan terjadi Gadis telah mengandung seorang anak dari laki-laki lain. Jika Anda berada di posisi Jaka tindakan apakah yang akan Anda ambil?

Penulis injil Matius pada nas ini menceritakan suatu peristiwa sebelum kelahiran Yesus yang didominasi dengan pergumulan Yusuf, sebelum ia memutuskan mengambil Maria menjadi istrinya. Yusuf mengalami pergumulan berat ketika ia mengetahui bahwa Maria, tunangannya telah mengandung. Sebagai laki-laki yang tulus hati, Yusuf tidak mau melakukan perbuatan yang "mencemarkan" Maria (ayat 19a). Yusuf merencanakan untuk memutuskan pertunangannya dengan Maria secara diam-diam (ayat 19b). Rencana Yusuf ingin membatalkan pernikahannya dengan Maria menyiratkan satu hal yaitu ia belum mengetahui bahwa Allah memilih Maria menjadi ibu Yesus, Mesias bagi umat manusia. Kemungkinan pada saat itu, Maria tidak menceritakan kepada Yusuf perjumpaannya dengan malaikat Gabriel, utusan Allah (Luk. 1:26-38). Sebagaimana Allah menjumpai Maria, Ia pun menyampaikan rencana-Nya tentang Maria dan anak yang akan dilahirkannya, melalui mimpi kepada Yusuf (ayat 20-23). Mimpi inilah yang meneguhkan keberanian Yusuf untuk menikahi Maria (ayat 24). Keputusan Yusuf menyatakan kepatuhannya terhadap perintah Allah. Keberanian Yusuf menunjukkan kepercayaannya terhadap rencana keselamatan Allah bagi umat manusia melalui Yesus (ayat 25).

Yusuf berani melangkah untuk menikahi Maria dalam keadaan mengandung itu karena ia mau menundukkan dirinya kepada kedaulatan Allah dengan mengesampingkan kepentingannya. Seringkali kita tidak berani mengambil keputusan untuk tunduk kepada kehendak dan rencana Allah karena kita lebih mementingkan keinginan diri sendiri. Kita cenderung tidak bersedia mengambil resiko kehilangan sesuatu yang kita sukai dengan mengalihkan fokus hidup kepada rancangan Tuhan.

Renungkan: Rencana besar Allah untuk dunia ini tidak dikerjakan-Nya sendiri tetapi mengikutsertakan manusia.

Smber: RH 2004

Christmas Song: I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play.
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of Peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had roll'd along th' unbroken song
Of Peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair, I bow'd my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song,
Of Peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep;
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With Peace on earth, good will to men."

Free Download Mpg Christmas Song: Silent Night

Download this song (Mpg)

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

Christmas Article: History of Joy To The World


Issac Watts (1674-1748) was evidently short and not very handsome. A young lady (Elizabeth Singer) who had fallen in love with him from his writings, asked him to marry her, but when she saw him in person she took back the offer. She wrote later that Issac Watts was "only five feet tall, with a shallow face, hooked nose, prominant cheek bones, small eyes, and deathlike color.....I admired the jewel but not the casket" that contained the jewel. Maybe, he wasn't a looker, but Issac Watts could certainly write. Wanting to write songs based on the Psalms from a New Testament background, Issac Watts wrote Joy To The World from Psalm 98. (Ps 98:4 Make a joyful noice unto the Lord all the earth; make a loud noise and rejoice and sing praise....). Watts was not immediately appreciated. "How dare he take the pslams and try to improve them," was the outcry.

Many years after Watts' death, Dr. Lowell Mason (1792-1872) took the hymn and placed it to music based on The Messiah by Frederick Handel (1685-1759), a contemperary of Issac Watts. Lowell started composing music in my home state of Georgia where he lived and worked as a banker (Savannah, GA) from 1812 - 1827. When he tried to publish his first set of musical works, it was rejected. Finally, the Handel and Haydn Society of Boston, Massachusetts accepted it. Born in Massachusettes, in 1827 Lowell returned there from Georgia where he eventually became president over the society that finally published his works. He went on to a great music career, composing over 1600 sacred works, including "Antioch" in 1848 which now takes the title of Isaac Watt's work, Joy To The World.


Joy To The World is now universally sung as one of the most joyous songs of Christmas. Watts' poem,Joy To The World, has also been sung to John Wyeth's tune, "Nettleton", to which is more commonly sung "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." However, Lowell's tune remains the most popular. --- Bill Drennon

Free Download WMV Christmas Song: Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Download this song (WMV)


Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.



Christmas Song: I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th' unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Christmas Song: The Holly and the Ivy

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.

O the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Savior.

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood;
Any Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good.

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas day in the morn.

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.

Lagu Natal: Malam Sunyi Senyap

Malam Sunyi Senyap
Bintang-Bintang Cemerlang
T'lah Terdengar Suara
Bawa Kabar Senang

Chorus:
Yesus Juru S'lamat
Datang Di Bethlehem
Yesus Juru S'lamat
Datang Di Bethlehem

Malam Sunyi Senyap
Terkejutlah Gembala
Lihat Cah'ya Besar
Dengar Warta Gemar

Malam Sunyi Senyap
Datanglah Semuanya
Ke Kandang Efrata
Dan Menyembah Dia

Christmas Song: Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

Rocking around the Christmas tree
at the Christmas party hop
Mistletoe hung where you can see
every couple tries to stop
Rocking around the Christmas tree,
let the Christmas spirit ring
Later we'll have some pumpkin pie
and we'll do some caroling.

You will get a sentimental
feeling when you hear
Voices singing let's be jolly,
deck the halls with boughs of holly
Rocking around the Christmas tree,
have a happy holiday
Everyone dancing merrily
in the new old-fashioned way.

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Sleigh Ride
Mitchell Parish, Leroy Anderson 1948

Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing
Ring ting tingle-ing too
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you

Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling "You Hoo"
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you

Giddy-yap giddy-yap giddy-yap let's go
Let's look at the snow
We're riding in a wonderland of snow

Giddy-yap giddy-yap giddy-yap it's grand
Just holding your hand
We're gliding along with the song
Of a wintry fairy land

Our cheeks are nice and rosy
And comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together like two
Birds of a feather would be

Let's take the road before us
And sing a chorus or two
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you

There's a birthday party at the home of Farmer Gray
It'll be the perfect ending of a perfect day
We'll be singing the songs we love to sing without a single stop
At the fireplace while we watch the chestnuts pop
Pop! Pop! Pop!

There's a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy
When they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie
It'll nearly be like a picture print by Currier and Ives
These wonderful things are the things
We remember all through our lives

Christmas Song: Go Tell It On The Mountain

When I was a seeker
I sought both night and day,
I asked the Lord to help me,
And he showed me the way.

Chorus
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
Our Jesus Christ is born.

He made me a watchman
Upon a city wall,
And if I am a Christian,
I am the least of all.

Chorus
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
Our Jesus Christ is born.

Music Note Christmas Song: Silent Night


Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

Free Download MPG Christmas Song: Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Download this song (MPG)


Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.



Christmas Song: Let It Snow!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

It doesn't show signs of stopping,
And I brought some corn for popping;
The lights are turned way down low,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

When we finally say good night,
How I'll hate going out in the storm;
But if you really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we're still good-bye-ing,
But as long as you love me so.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Christmas Song: We Three Kings of Orient Are

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

Chorus
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign.
(Chorus)

Frankincense to offer have I.
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising all men raising,
Worship Him, God on high.
(Chorus)

Myrrh is mine: Its bitter perfume
Breaths a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
(Chorus)

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Sounds through the earth and skies.
(Chorus)

Music Note Lagu ROhani: S'bab Tuhan Baik

Key: E

E Bm9
Masuk gerbangNya bersyukur
E F#m7-5/G#
Dengan penuh pujian
C#m
Bersuka di hadiratNya
A F#m B7sus
Nyanyi besarkan agung namaNya

E Bm9
Puji Dia tiuplah sangkakala
E F#m7-5/G#
Musik dan tarian
C#m
Semua mahluk di bumi di sorga
A F#m B7sus B7
Dengan s'gnap hati angkat puji - an

Reff:
AM9 A9-5
S'bab Tuhan baik
G#m G9-5
S'bab Tuhan baik
F#m
Sbab Tuhan baik
A/B E C#m B/C# C#m
Anug'rahNya kekal selamanya
AM9 A9-5
S'bab Tuhan baik
G#m G9-5
S'bab Tuhan baik
F#m
Sbab Tuhan baik
A/B E
Anug'rahNya kekal selamanya


For The Lord Is Good

Verse 1:
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
Come into His courts with praise
Enter His presence rejoicing
Singing great and mighty is His name

Verse 2:
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpets
Praise Him with timbrel and harp
Let every creature in heaven and earth
Lift a song of praise sing with all their heart

Chorus:
For the Lord is good, for the Lord is good
For the Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever
For the Lord is good, for the Lord is good
For the Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever

Free Download Midi Christmas Song: Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Download this song (Midi)


Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.



Christmas Song: Frosty the Snow Man

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
and two eyes made out of coal
Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale they say
He was made of snow but the children
know how he came to life one day
There must have been some magic in that
old silk hat they found
For when they placed it on his head
he began to dance around
O Frosty the snowman
was alive as he could be
And the children say he could laugh
and play just the same as you and me
Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Look at Frosty go
Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Over the hills of snow

Frosty the snowman knew
the sun was hot that day
So he said
"Let's run and
we'll have some fun
now before I melt away
" Down to the village
with a broomstick in his hand
Running here and there all
around the square saying
Catch me if you can
He led them down the streets of town
right to the traffic cop
And he only paused a moment when
he heard him holler "Stop!"
For Frosty the snow man
had to hurry on his way
But he waved goodbye saying
"Don't you cry
I'll be back again some day
" Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Look at Frosty go
Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Over the hills of snow

Christmas Song: Up on the Housetop

Up on the housetop reindeer pause
Out jumps good old Santa Claus
Down thru the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones
Christmas joys

Chorus
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn't go!
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn't go!
Up on the housetop
Click, click, click
Down thru the chimney with
Good Saint Nick

First comes the stocking
Of little Nell
Oh, dear Santa
Fill it well
Give her a dolly
That laughs and cries
One that will open
And shut her eyes

Repeat Chorus

Next comes the stocking
Of little Will
Oh, just see what
A glorious fill
Here is a hammer
And lots of tacks
Also a ball
And a whip that cracks

Repeat Chorus

Christmas Song: The Christmas Song

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everybody knows a turkey and some
Mistletoe help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies
On his sleigh
And ev'ry mother's
Child is gonna spy to see if
Reindeer really know how to fly

And so, I'm offering this
Simple phrase to kids from
One to ninety-two
Altho' it's been said many times
Many ways; "Merry Christmas to you"

Christmas Song: I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play.
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of Peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had roll'd along th' unbroken song
Of Peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair, I bow'd my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song,
Of Peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep;
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With Peace on earth, good will to men."

Christmas Song: Here Comes Santa Claus

Here comes Santa Claus!
Here comes Santa Claus!
Right down Santa Claus Lane!
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer
are pulling on the reins.
Bells are ringing, children singing;
All is merry and bright.
Hang your stockings and say your prayers,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus!
Here comes Santa Claus!
Right down Santa Claus Lane!
He's got a bag that is filled with toys
for the boys and girls again.
Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle,
What a beautiful sight.
Jump in bed, cover up your head,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Christmas Song: This is That Time of Year

This is that time of the year,
A tinselly, glittery time;
Long distance calls to uncle and aunt,
On ev'ry corner you bump into Santa,
'Cause this is that time of the year,
A holly and jolly old time;
Windows are dressed in ribbons of silk,
And Junior drinks all of his milk!
Poppa . . . keeps buying presents
And sneaks them into the closet;
Momma . . . goes to the bank
But she holds out a dollar from ev'ry deposit;
'Cause this is that time of the year,
A silver bow, mistletoe time;
Spirits are high, good will and good cheer,
We're putting the tree up,
The kids shouldn't be up,
Saint Nick says, "Giddeyup!"
To Dasher, Dancer, Blitzen, Prancer;
This is that time of the year!

This is that time of the year,
A tinselly, glittery time;
Dumpling and goose and pudding and pie,
(Perfect excuse to go right off your diet!)
'Cause this is that time of the year,
A holly and jolly old time;
Snow on your roof, your face and your shoes,
And presents that you'll; never use!
Grandma . . . feels twenty-two so,
She dons her gayest apparel;
He stands at the spinet and sings ev'ry carol;
'Cause this is that time of the year,
A silver bow, mistletoe time;
Etc.

Christmas Song: Christmas Dinner

And it came to pass on a Christmas evening
While all the doors were shuttered tight
Outside standing, lonely boy-child
Cold and shivering in the night

On the street, every window
Save but one, was gleaming bright
And to this window walked the boy-child
Peeking in saw, candle light

Through other windows he had looked at turkeys
Ducks and geese, cherry pies
But through this window saw a grey-haired lady
Table bare and tears in her eyes

Into his coat reached the boy-child
Knowing well there was little there
He took from his pocket,
his own Christmas dinner
A bit of cheese, some bread to share

His outstretched hands
held the food and they trembled
As the door, it opened wide
Said he, Would you share with me Christmas dinner
Gently said she, Come inside

The grey-haired lady brought forth to the table
Glasses two and her last drop of wine
Said she, Here's a toast to everyone's Christmas
and especially, yours and mine

And it came to pass on that Christmas evening
While all the doors were shuttered tight
That in that town, the happiest Christmas
Was shared by candle light

Christmas Song: Let There be Peace on Earth

Let there be peace on earth
and let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be

With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.

With ev'ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow;
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
and let it begin with me

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While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks

While Shepherds watch their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone arond
"Fear not," said he for mighty dread
had seized their troubled mind
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all man-kind"

"To you in David's town this day
Is born of David's line
The Savior who is Christ the Lord
And this shall me the sign
The heav'n'ly babe you there shall find
To human view displayed
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands
And in a manger laid"

Thus spoke the seraph and forth-with
Appeared a shiny throng
Of angels praising God who thus
Addressed their joyful song
"All glory be to God on high
And on the earth be peace
Goodwill hence-forth from heav'n to men
Begin and never cease"

Christmas Song: The Wassail Song

Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a wand'ring,
So fair to be seen.

Chorus
Love and joy come to you,
And to your wassail too,
And God bless you and send you a happy new year,
And God send you a happy new year.

We are not daily beggars
Who beg from door to door,
But we are neighbor's children
Whom you have seen before.

Chorus
Love and joy come to you,
And to your wassail too,
And God bless you and send you a happy new year,
And God send you a happy new year.

We have a little purse
Made of ratching leather skin;
We want some of your small change
To line it well within.

Chorus
Love and joy come to you,
And to your wassail too,
And God bless you and send you a happy new year,
And God send you a happy new year.

God bless the Master of this house,
Likewise the Mistress too;
And all the little children
That round the table go.

Chorus
Love and joy come to you,
And to your wassail too,
And God bless you and send you a happy new year,
And God send you a happy new year.

Christmas Song: Jingle Bell Rock

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun.

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air.

What a bright time, it's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet
That's the jingle bell,
That's the jingle bell,
That's the jingle bell rock.

Christmas Song: Blue Christmas

I'll have a blue Christmas without you;
I'll be so blue thinking about you.
Decorations of red
on a green Christmas tree
Won't mean a thing if
you're not here with me.

I'll have a blue Christmas, that's certain;
And when that blue heartache starts hurting,
You'll be doing all right
with your Christmas of white,
But I'll have a blue, blue Christmas.

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Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prospero Ano y Felicidad.

Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prospero Ano y Felicidad.

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart.

Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prospero Ano y Felicidad.

Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prospero Ano y Felicidad.

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart.

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Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
from the film Meet Me In St. Louis
Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane 1943

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here were are as in olden days,
happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
gather near to us once more.

Through the years we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

Free Download Midi Christmas Song: Silent Night

Download this song (Midi)

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

Christmas Song: All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth

Every body stops
and stares at me
These two teeth are
gone as you can see
I don't know just who
to blame for this catastrophe!
But my one wish on Christmas Eve
is as plain as it can be!

All I want for Christmas
is my two front teeth,
my two front teeth,
see my two front teeth!
Gee, if I could only
have my two front teeth,
then I could with you
"Merry Christmas."
It seems so long since I could say,
"Sister Susie sitting on a thistle!"

Gosh oh gee, how happy I'd be,
if I could only whistle (thhhh)
All I want for Christmas
is my two front teeth,
my two front teeth,
see my two front teeth.
Gee, if I could only
have my two front teeth,
then I could wish you
"Merry Christmas!"

Christmas Song: Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

Jolly old Saint Nicholas,
Lean your ear this way!
Don't you tell a single soul
What I'm going to say;
Christmas Eve is coming soon;
Now, you dear old man,
Whisper what you'll bring to me;
Tell me if you can.

When the clock is striking twelve,
When I'm fast asleep,
Down the chimney broad and black,
With your pack you'll creep;
All the stockings you will find
Hanging in a row;
Mine will be the shortest one,
You'll be sure to know.

Johnny wants a pair of skates;
Susy wants a dolly;
Nellie wants a story book;
She thinks dolls are folly;
As for me, my little brain
Isn't very bright;
Choose for me, old Santa Claus,
What you think is right.

Christmas Song: The Chipmunk Song

(all right you Chipmunks! Ready to sing your song?
-I'll say we are!
-Yeah!
-Let's sing it now!
Okay, Simon?
-Okay!
Okay, Theodore?
-Okay!
Okay, Alvin? Alvin? ALVIN!
-OKAY!!!)

Christmas, Christmas time is near
Time for toys and time for cheer
We've been good, but we can't last
Hurry Christmas, hurry fast
Want a plane that loops the loop
Me, I want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don't be late.

(Okay fellas get ready.
That was very good, Simon.
-Naturally.
Very good Theodore.
-Ahhh.
Ah, Alvin, you were a little flat, watch it.
Ah, Alvin. Alvin. ALVIN!
-OKAY.)

Want a plane that loops the loop
I still want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don't be late.
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don't be late.

(Very good, boys
-Lets sing it again! Yeah, lets sing it again!
No, That's enough, lets not overdo it
-What do you mean overdo it?
-We want to sing it again!
Now wait a minute, boys
-Why can't we sing it again?
-[chipmunk chatter]
Alvin, cut that out..Theodore, just a minute.
Simon will you cut that out? Boys...)

Renungan Natal: Hati bagi Allah dan belas kasihan bagi sesama

Hati bagi Allah dan belas kasihan bagi sesama. Yusuf adalah salah seorang tokoh Alkitab yang mempunyai karakter mengagumkan. Mengikuti tradisi orang Yahudi, ia telah bertunangan yang akan mengikatnya menuju pernikahan. Banyak ahli Alkitab mengasumsikan bahwa Yusuf adalah seorang yang sudah cukup umur.

Sesudah bertunangan, Maria tinggal bersama orang tuanya sampai cukup usia untuk menikah, kemudian pindah ke rumah Yusuf. Ketika Yusuf mengetahui Maria hamil, ia memperlihatkan belas kasihan yang luar biasa. Ia tidak mau mencemarkan nama istrinya di muka umum meskipun hatinya sakit dan telah dikhianati, ia bermaksud menceraikan istrinya diam-diam. Matius menyebut Yusuf sebagai orang yang benar (19: terjemahan yang lebih tepat daripada tulus hati). Mengapa? Menurut hukum Taurat, hukuman untuk perzinahan adalah dilempari batu hingga mati. Apakah tindakan Yusuf terhadap Maria dapat dikatakan benar? Tidakkah ia benar jika menuntut Maria dihukum sesuai dengan hukum Taurat? Jawabannya terletak pada fakta bahwa ‘benar’ dalam Perjanjian Lama adalah sesuai dengan hati Allah dan hukum-Nya. Bahkan Saul pun menyadari bahwa kemurahan hati lebih mendemonstrasikan kebenaran daripada kaku mengikuti hukum yang berlaku ketika ia menangis kepada Daud, ‘Engkau lebih benar dari pada aku, sebab engkau telah melakukan yang baik kepadaku, padahal aku melakukan yang jahat kepadamu (ISam. 24:18). Yusuf menerapkan prinsip ini. Meskipun ia menganggap Maria sudah memperlakukan dia tidak baik, ia tetap akan memperlakukan Maria dengan baik. Karena itu secara rohani dan jasmani, Yusuf adalah anak Daud yang sejati (Mat. 1:20).

Perjanjian Baru tidak banyak berbicara tentang Yusuf kecuali yang tercatat dalam kitab ini. Yusuf adalah seorang manusia seperti nenek moyangnya—yaitu Daud—yang mempunyai hati untuk Allah dan belas kasihan yang besar untuk sesamanya.

Renungkan: Tidak menjadi masalah seberapa tenarkah Anda di lingkungan keluarga dan masyarakat, namun jika kata-kata Matius tentang Yusuf dapat diterapkan dalam hidup kita, secara rohani kita sudah menjadi ‘orang besar‘. Pada hari Natal ini apa yang akan Anda lakukan untuk mengekspresikan bahwa Anda mempunyai hati untuk Allah dan belas kasihan yang dalam bagi sesama?

Sumber: RH 2000

Christmas Song: White Christmas

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

Christmas Song: Ding Dong Merrily on High

Ding Dong! merrily on high
In heav'n the bells are ringing
Ding, dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis

E'en so here below, below
Let steeple bells be swungen
And i-o, i-o, i-o
By priest and people be sungen
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis

Pray ye dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers
May ye beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis

Renungan Natal: Perawan Hamil

Perawan hamil. Seorang gadis hamil pada zaman ini dianggap biasa. Tetapi di zaman Maria, hal itu suatu aib besar yang dituntut hukum mati (Ul. 22:23,24). Kebudayaan Yahudi mengenal tiga tahap perkawinan. Pertama, kedua pihak keluarga setuju. Kedua, diumumkan kepada orang banyak. Kemudian terjadi pertunangan. Namun keduanya belum bergaul secara seksual. Sekalipun demikian, apabila batal harus dilangsungkan perceraian kecuali terjadi kematian. Ketiga, keduanya hidup bersama.

Yesus Manusia Allah. "Dilahirkan dari perawan Maria" menjadi sangat penting bagi iman Kristen. Yesus, Anak Allah, maka Ia bebas dari kodrat manusia yang berdosa yang diwariskan oleh Adam (Rm. 5:17). Karena dilahirkan Maria, Yesus sungguh manusia. Namun bukan hasil persetubuhan. Yesus manusia yang tidak dicemari dosa sedikit pun. Karena keberadaan-Nya itulah, Dia dapat memahami pencobaan yang kita derita dan pengalaman manusiawi kita tanpa harus ikut berdosa (Ibr. 4:15,16). Karena itu pula Dia menjadi korban yang berkuasa melepaskan kita dari dosa dan maut.

Renungkan: Bila Sang Pencipta sendiri rela menjadi ciptaan, pastilah keadaan ciptaan itu sangat serius dan penting di hadapan-Nya

Sumber: RH 97

Free Download WMV Christmas Song: Silent Night

Download this song (WMV)

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

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