Mar. 1, 2009 - YES!!!!! I'm Actually ALIVE!!!!

I've had a very eventful summer this year, my family has been away on holidays and deputation since two days before Christmas and we won't get home for another two weeks!! As a result, this is the first time since December that I've had any time on the internet. It's been wonderful and terrible at the same time! But mostly wonderful.

I have to go again but hope to get back with a pictorial account of my holiday soon!

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Dec. 25, 2008 - Merry Christmas!

What Child is this, who laid to rest,

On Mary's lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet

While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate

Where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear: for sinners here,

The silent Word is pleading.

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through,

The Cross be borne, for me, for you:

Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,

The Babe, the Son of Mary!

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh;

Come peasant, king to own Him.

The King of Kings salvation brings;

Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Raise, raise, the song on high,

The Virgin sings her lullaby:

Joy joy for Christ is born,

The Babe, the Son of Mary!

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

 

 

Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-40 (New International Version)

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."

 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
 "Glory to God in the highest,
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Jesus Presented in the Temple

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.

 When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."

 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
      you now dismiss your servant in peace.
 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
    which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
      and for glory to your people Israel."

 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

The Birth of Jesus Christ

 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."

 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

 

 

Matthew 2:1-23 (New International Version)

The Visit of the Magi

 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi^[c] from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
 " 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
      are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
   for out of you will come a ruler
      who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.' "

 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

The Escape to Egypt

 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."

 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
 "A voice is heard in Ramah,
      weeping and great mourning,
   Rachel weeping for her children
      and refusing to be comforted,
   because they are no more."

 

 

The Return to Nazareth

 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."

 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."

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Dec. 24, 2008 - 1 Day to Go!

Malaysia

Location
Malaysia is in two parts. One part is south of Thailand on the Malaysian Peninsula. The other part is on the northern coast of the island of Borneo.

Main Languages
Malay, English, Chinese

History
Britain used to control Malaysia. In 1957, Malaysia became an independent nation. It included only the part of Malaysia that is on the Malaysian Peninsula. The states of Sarawak, Sabah, and Singapore joined the 11 states on the peninsula to form the Independent Federation of Malaysia in 1963. The new country’s 14 stripes and 14-pointed star stood for the 14 states.

In 1965, Singapore became a separate country. The 14 stripes and the star now stand for the 13 states and the capital, Kuala Lumpur.

Religion
Mostly Muslim, many Buddhist

Persecution
All Malays are considered Muslims at birth. (Many who follow Buddhism and other religions are descendants of people who came from other countries and are not Malays.) Changing to another religion is strongly discouraged. The government does not want Malays to read the Bible in their own language. In April 2005, the prime minister declared that copies of the Malay-language Bible must have the words "Not for Muslims" printed on the front and could be distributed only in churches and Christian bookshops.

9.2% of the population are Christians.

The majority are Muslim. (58%)

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Dec. 23, 2008 - 2 Days to Go!

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,

Let nothing you dismay;

Remember Christ, our Saviour,

Was born on Christmas day,

To save us all from Satan's power

When we were gone astray.

O tidings of comfort and joy,

comfort and joy,

O tidings of comfort and joy.

In Bethlehem, in Jewry,

This blessed Babe was born,

And laid within a manger,

Upon this blessed morn;

That which His Mother Mary,

Did nothing take in scorn.

O tidings of comfort and joy,

comfort and joy,

O tidings of comfort and joy.

From God our Heavenly Father,

A blessed Angel came;

And unto certain Shepherds

Brought tidings of the same:

How that in Bethlehem was born

The Son of God by Name.

O tidings of comfort and joy,

comfort and joy,

O tidings of comfort and joy.

"Fear not," then said the Angel,

"let nothing you affright,

This day is born a Saviour

Of pure Virgin bright,

To free all those who trust in Him

From Satan's power and might."

O tidings of comfort and joy,

comfort and joy,

O tidings of comfort and joy.

The shepherds at those tidings

Rejoiced much in mind,

And left their flocks a-feeding,

In tempest, storm, and wind:

And went to Bethlehem straightway,

The Son of God to find.

O tidings of comfort and joy,

comfort and joy,

O tidings of comfort and joy.

And when they came to Bethlehem

Where our dear Saviour lay,

They found Him in a manger,

Where oxen feed on hay;

His Mother Mary kneeling down,

Unto the Lord did pray.

O tidings of comfort and joy,

comfort and joy,

O tidings of comfort and joy.

Now to the Lord sing praises,

All you within this place,

And with true love and brotherhood

Each other now embrace;

This holy tide of Christmas

All other doth deface.

O tidings of comfort and joy,

comfort and joy,

O tidings of comfort and joy.

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Dec. 22, 2008 - 3 Days to Go!

Pakistan

Location
Northwest of India

Main Languages
Urdu, English, Punjabi

History
Pakistan was part of India until 1947. Muslims in India who wanted a country of their own started Pakistan. In 1971, East Pakistan left Pakistan to become Bangladesh.

Religion
Mostly Muslim

Persecution
Many Muslims in Pakistan get along with Christians, but Christians are harshly persecuted by radical Muslims. Christian children are sometimes treated unfairly in school, and Christian adults often have difficulty getting good jobs. Many Christian children and youth have to work at hard jobs to help support their families.

Muslims who decide to follow Jesus often face the worst persecution. Even their families treat them badly.

Pakistan’s laws say that no one may say anything against Islam or the founder of Islam, Muhammad. It is against the law to damage the Muslim holy book, the Quran. Even Christians who do not do these things are sometimes falsely blamed for them. If they are found guilty, they are punished harshly. If the courts find them innocent, angry Muslims may hurt them anyway.

2.3% of the population are Christians.

The majority are Muslim. (97%)

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Dec. 21, 2008 - 4 Days to Go!

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

Refrain

O star of wonder, star of light,
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.

Refrain

Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshipping God on high.

Refrain

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.

Refrain

Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.

Refrain

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Dec. 20, 2008 - 5 Days to Go!

*I Can't find the picture for this one - It's a wise man*

Matthew 2:7-12 (New International Version)

 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

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Dec. 19, 2008 - 6 Days to Go!

Matthew 2:1-6 (New International Version)

Matthew 2

The Visit of the Magi

 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
 " 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
      are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
   for out of you will come a ruler
      who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.' "

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Dec. 18, 2008 - Teacups

When I read the Growing in Grace article about serving tea, I decided on a whim to take up Miss Jocelyn's challenge to take a picture of my favourite, and admittedly, my only teacup and post it on my blog. As a matter of fact, there are exactly four teacups in my house (there used to be five, but one broke). Three are identical because they are part of Mum's wedding set, and this one is mine, given to me by my Dad's cousin. Unfortunately, it's only about three inches high, so I don't normally use it.

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Dec. 18, 2008 - 7 Days to go!

India

Location
South of Pakistan, China, and Nepal

Main Languages
Hundreds of languages are spoken in India. Hindi is a main language.

History
India became an independent country in 1947. Britain ruled India before that time. Most Indians believe everyone in India should be free to practice their religious beliefs. However, in recent years, extreme Hindus have become more powerful. They would like India to be more influenced by Hindu ways and beliefs.

Religion
Mostly Hindu

Persecution
Christians in many places in India are mistreated because of their faith in Christ. The persecutors know they are less likely to get punished in areas where radical Hindus are in power. Hindus accuse Christians who help the poor and needy of trying to “bribe” or “force” people to become Christians. They also attack pastors who have led Hindus to Christ. In some states of India, Hindus are trying to get the government to pass laws that will make it harder for Christians to help people.

2% of the population are Christians.

The majority are Hindu. (81%)

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Dec. 17, 2008 - 8 Days to Go!

The first Noel the angels did say

Was to certain poor shepherds

in fields as they lay,

In fields where they lay

keeping their sheep

On a cold winter's night

that was so deep.

Noel Noel Noel Noel!

Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star

Shining in the East beyond them far,

And to the earth it gave great light,

And so it continued both day and night.

Noel Noel Noel Noel!

Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star

Three wise men came from country far,

To seek for a King was their intent

And to follow the star

wherever it went.

Noel Noel Noel Noel!

Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest

Over Bethlehem it took its rest,

And there it did both stop and stay

Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Noel Noel Noel Noel!

Born is the King of Israel!

Then did they know assuredly

Within that house the King did lie:

One entered in then for to see,

And found the Babe in poverty:

Noel Noel Noel Noel!

Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those wise men three

Full reverently upon their knee,

And offered there in His presence

Their gold, and myrrh and frankincense.

Noel Noel Noel Noel!

Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord

Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,

That hath made heaven

and earth of naught

And with His blood

mankind hath bought.

Noel Noel Noel Noel!

Born is the King of Israel!

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Dec. 16, 2008 - Home Educator Appreciation

I have entered the Growing in Grace Magazine's Home Educator Appreciation competition. And as a part of that competition, I am required to write a blog post about why my teacher (a.k.a. my Mum) deserves to win, so here goes!

I have been homeschooled by my Mum on and off since I first started school, almost eleven years ago (wow! I feel old!). This latest stint started two years ago when I began Grade seven. I am especially thankful to my parents for taking the time to make sure I had a good, solid foundation both spiritually and academically all those years ago. I would especially like to see my Mum win this competition because I think it would greatly encourage her in her endeavour to prepare my three younger brothers and I for the wonderful adventure we like to call 'life'. And although I'm not sure my Dad would particularly enjoy the prizes on offer, he deserves a big hurrah too, because, well, there's nothing out there quite like a dad.

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Dec. 16, 2008 - 9 Days to Go!

Saudi Arabia

Location
On the Arabian Peninsula between Africa and Iran

Main Languages
Arabic

History
Long ago, most of the people on the Arabian Peninsula were nomads. Isaiah 13:20 talks about Arabians pitching tents. Muhammad, the man who started Islam, lived on the Arabian Peninsula in the early 600s A.D. He and his followers united the Arabs as Muslims. The region became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, ruled by King Abdul Aziz. Today the country is rich from selling oil.

Religion
Muslim

Persecution
Christians are not allowed to have church buildings in Saudi Arabia. Non-Muslims must worship in private. Even when they do, they may be bothered by the police and arrested for their faith. Sharing the gospel with Muslims is illegal. The police have warned shopkeepers not to sell Christmas gifts or cards, and not to celebrate Valentine’s Day. All women must dress according to strict Muslim rules.

4.5% of the population are Christians.

The majority are Muslim. (92.8%)

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Dec. 15, 2008 - 10 Days to Go!

O come, all ye faithful,

Joyful and triumphant,

O come ye,

O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold Him

Born the King of angels;

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

Christ, the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels,

Sing in exultation,

Sing, all ye citizens

of heaven above;

Glory to God,

Glory in the highest;

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

Christ, the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,

Born this happy morning,

Jesus, to Thee be

all glory given;

Son of the Father,

Now in flesh appearing;

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

Christ, the Lord.

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Dec. 14, 2008 - 11 Days to Go!

Luke 2:15-20 (New International Version)

 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

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Dec. 13, 2008 - 12 Days to Go!

Luke 2:8-14 (New International Version)

The Shepherds and the Angels

 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
 "Glory to God in the highest,
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

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Dec. 12, 2008 - 13 Days to Go!

Vietnam

Location
South of China and east of Laos

Main Languages
Vietnamese

History
The Vietnamese people have a long history of struggle. Many times they have fought for independence from others who wanted to rule them. In 1945, North Vietnam was declared a communist country. There were wars in the region from 1941 to 1985. Soldiers from the United States were part of the fighting during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Communist North Vietnam took over South Vietnam in 1975. Many Christians fled because they knew that belief in God is forbidden or discouraged under communist governments. The Communist Party still controls the government. Vietnam’s constitution promises freedom of religion, but the government still controls religious activities.

Religion
Many Buddhists, many spirit worshippers, many follow no religion

Persecution
The Communist Party still controls the government. Vietnam’s constitution promises freedom of religion, but the government still controls religious activities. Bibles are not printed in the languages of some Vietnamese tribal groups. Christians from other countries smuggle Bibles into the country for the Christians to read.

Tribal Christians and Christians who belong to churches that do not register with the government face the worst persecution. Arrests and fines for these Christians are common. Sometimes Christians hide their Bibles and read them in secret. They also worship and are baptized secretly.

8% of the population are Christians.

The majority are Buddhist. (54%)

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Dec. 11, 2008 - 14 Days to Go!

Hark! the herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King

Peace on earth and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!"

Joyful, all ye nations rise;

Join the triumph of the skies;

With angelic host proclaim

"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"

Hark! the herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ, by highest heaven adored;

Christ the everlasting Lord;

Late in time behold Him come,

Offspring of the favored one.

Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;

hail the incarnate Deity

Pleased as man with men to dwell,

Jesus, our Emmanuel

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King"

Hail! the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

Hail! the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings,

risen with healing in His wings.

Mild He lays His glory by,

born that man no more may die;

Born to raise the sons of earth,

born to give them second birth

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King"

Luke 2:8-15 (New International Version)

The Shepherds and the Angels

 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
 "Glory to God in the highest,
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

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Dec. 10, 2008 - 15 Days to Go!

Bhutan

Location
South of China and north of India

Main Languages
Dzongkha

History
Bhutan has been ruled by kings for many years. For a long time, the country was very isolated. Television was not even allowed. In recent years, the government has been working toward allowing more openness and changing their form of government to a democracy.

Religion
Mostly Buddhist, many Hindus also live in Bhutan

Persecution
Christian missionaries have not been allowed to come to Bhutan. The government has limited the rights of non-Buddhists to build places of worship. People are pressured to follow Buddhist ways. Christians hope that there will be more freedom of religion as Bhutan learns to work as a democracy.

0.5% of the population are Christians.

The majority are Buddhist. (72%)

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Dec. 9, 2008 - 16 Days to Go!

O holy night,

the stars are brightly shining;

It is the night of

our dear Savior's birth!

Long lay the world

in sin and error pining,

Till He appeared

and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope,

the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks

a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees,

O hear the angel voices!

O night divine,

O night when Christ was born!

O night divine, O night,

O night divine!

Led by the light of Faith

serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts

by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star

sweetly gleaming,

Here came the wise men

from Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus

in lowly manger,

In all our trials

born to be our Friend!

He knows our need,

To our weakness no stranger;

Behold your King!

Before the lowly bend!

Behold your King! your King!

before Him bend.

Truly He taught us

to love one another;

His law is love and

His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break

for the slave is our brother

And in His name

all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in

grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us

praise His holy name!

Christ is the Lord,

Oh praise His name forever,

His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim

His pow'r and glory

evermore proclaim.

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