Daniel 2-Mark McMillion
Monday, December 9, 2013
¿Eres tú Papá Noel?
Peter Amsterdam
Estamos en Navidad… ¡qué magnÃfica época del año! Me encanta cuando llega, cada año, porque a medida que se va acercando, pareciera que las personas se aprecian más unas a otras. Tienen más presente la importancia de familiares y amigos, y a menudo están más dadivosos y dispuestos a ayudar a los pobres y los necesitados. Por lo general, podrÃa decirse que se respira más amor en el ambiente durante la temporada navideña. ¡Y eso me fascina!
Algo en particular que me encanta de esta época del año es que la gente parece estar más receptiva a que le hablemos de Jesús a medida que se acerca la Navidad. Eso es fantástico, ya que nos da mayor oportunidad de darlo a conocer a los demás.
Últimamente he estado meditando sobre el significado de la Navidad y lo maravillosa que es esa fecha. En Navidad se honra el nacimiento más importante de la historia del hombre, cuando Dios Hijo ingresó fÃsicamente a este mundo, tanto en calidad de Dios como de hombre, en la figura de Jesús. Nunca antes habÃa venido al mundo una persona de semejante importancia y singularidad, ni nunca volverá a suceder.
En ese dÃa memorable, apareció un ángel para anunciar Su nacimiento a unos pastores que cuidaban de sus rebaños por la noche. Al aparecer, la gloria del Señor iluminó a los pastores. Sintieron miedo. Pero el ángel les dijo: «No tengan miedo. Miren que les traigo buenas noticias que serán motivo de mucha alegrÃa para todo el pueblo. Hoy les ha nacido en la ciudad de David un Salvador, que es Cristo el Señor»[1]. Después de anunciar el nacimiento del Señor, «repentinamente apareció con el ángel una multitud de las huestes celestiales, que alababan a Dios, y decÃan: “¡Gloria a Dios en las alturas, y en la tierra paz, buena voluntad para con los hombres!”»[2]
Mientras meditaba sobre el anuncio del ángel, me vino al recuerdo otro evento relacionado con el nacimiento de Jesús. Como Jesús fue el primer hijo de MarÃa, conforme a la ley mosaica se lo debÃa presentar en el templo para el ritual de la purificación. Cuando José y MarÃa lo llevaron al templo a propósito de ese ritual, se encontraba allà un anciano llamado Simeón a quien el EspÃritu Santo habÃa revelado que «no verÃa la muerte sin antes ver al Cristo del Señor. Movido por el EspÃritu fue al templo. Y cuando los padres del niño Jesús le trajeron para cumplir por Él el rito de la ley, él tomó al niño en sus brazos, y bendijo a Dios y dijo: «Ahora, Señor, permite que Tu siervo se vaya en paz, conforme a Tu palabra; porque han visto mis ojos Tu salvación la cual has preparado en presencia de todos los pueblos; luz de revelación a los gentiles, y gloria de Tu pueblo Israel.»[3]
Esos dos anuncios —uno, por parte del ángel que declaró: «les traigo buenas noticias que serán motivo de mucha alegrÃa para todo el pueblo», y la otra por intermedio de Simeón, quien afirmó «han visto mis ojos Tu salvación, que has preparado a la vista de todos los pueblos: luz que ilumina a las naciones»— expresan tanto la trascendencia como el profundo significado del nacimiento del Hijo de Dios. Ambas proclamas nos dicen que Jesús llegó a la tierra por la salvación de tantos como creyesen en Él, judÃos o gentiles[4]. La salvación, proclamaban ambos, está al alcance de todos por medio de Jesús.
El propósito del nacimiento de Jesús, de Su llegada a la Tierra, el que adoptase la condición humana; todo ello tenÃa que ver con la salvación de la humanidad. Su nacimiento, Su vida y Su muerte, Su resurrección y posterior ascensión al cielo tenÃan que ver con la salvación: la tuya, la mÃa y la de todo el mundo.
El mensaje de la Navidad es el mensaje de Juan 3:16, y yo agregarÃa también el versÃculo 17: «Pues Dios amó tanto al mundo que dio a Su único Hijo, para que todo el que crea en Él no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna. Dios no envió a Su Hijo al mundo para condenar al mundo, sino para salvarlo por medio de Él» (NTV).
Todo el que crea. Para que el mundo se salvase por medio de Él. La salvación está al alcance de todos. Es un regalo que Dios nos hace a todos por medio de Jesús; es el regalo de Navidad de Dios a la humanidad.
Dios ha hecho el regalo, pero nuestra tarea como cristianos, es ayudar a hacer entrega del mismo. En jerga navideña, podrÃa decirse que venimos a ser como Santa Claus, la persona que hace entrega del regalo. Me recuerda a algo que dijo el apóstol Pablo: «porque “todo el que invoque el nombre del Señor será salvo”. Ahora bien, ¿cómo invocarán a Aquel en quien no han creÃdo? ¿Y cómo creerán en Aquel de quien no han oÃdo? ¿Y cómo oirán si no hay quien les predique?»[5]
¿Cómo se enterarán del regalo transformador de Navidad que está a su disposición? ¿Cómo sabrán que está ahÃ? ¿Quién se lo dirá? ¿Quién será Papá Noel, y les llevará el regalo más valioso que se haya dado jamás, la vida eterna? La respuesta es: todos nosotros, los cristianos. Nosotros somos esos predicadores, esos testigos, esos mensajeros. Y en Navidad somos los «papá noeles» que se encargan de entregar el regalo.
Él dejó atrás la gloria del Cielo para poner la salvación a disposición de todos. Pagó el precio de manera que pudiéramos recibir gratuitamente Su regalo, y lo hemos recibido.Tenemos las riquezas de la vida eterna. Hay quienes no las poseen. Y lo más maravilloso es que tenemos el privilegio de dar esas mismas riquezas a otros, de compartir el mejor regalo que se haya dado jamás. Claro que cuesta darlo. Requiere tiempo y esfuerzo iniciar esa conversación con un extraño o profundizar con algunos de nuestros amigos o compañeros de trabajo; o pedir contribuciones o juntar juguetes u otros artÃculos para repartir entre los necesitados.
La razón por la cual hacemos esos esfuerzos es para poder ofrecer el regalo, porque aquel que es el Regalo nos lo pide. Lo amamos. Lo servimos. Lo seguimos. Él vino a salvar al mundo, y como discÃpulos Suyos tenemos la responsabilidad de darlo a conocer a los demás. No solo tenemos la gran alegrÃa que nos da nuestra propia salvación, sino la alegrÃa adicional de poder participar en la salvación de otras personas. Me encanta que seamos Santa Claus, Papá Noel o el Viejito Pascuero en esta época del año.
Todo esfuerzo, grande o pequeño, que se haga a fin de entregar el mejor regalo —Jesús— a los demás, es importante, porque cada esfuerzo hace posible que alguien más llegue a conocer a Jesús. Es maravilloso compartir ese regalo con los demás. «¡Cuán hermosos son los pies de los que anuncian la paz, de los que anuncian buenas nuevas!»[6]
ArtÃculo publicado por primera vez en diciembre de 2010 y actualizado en diciembre de 2013. Traducción: Patricia Zapata N. y Antonia López.
[1] Lucas 2:10–11 NVI.
[2] Lucas 2:13–14 RV.
[3] Lucas 2:26–32 BDA (Biblia de las Américas).
[4] Se llamaba gentil a cualquiera que no fuese judÃo. En la época de Jesús, la salvación estaba al alcance de los judÃos, por su creencia en el Dios Único, el Dios de Israel y su adherencia a las Leyes de Moisés. Los gentiles, por lo general, no podÃan recibir la salvación a menos que se convirtieran al judaÃsmo. Todo aquel que no fuese judÃo se consideraba gentil. La muerte de Jesús puso la salvación a disposición de todos.
[5] Romanos 10:13–14 RV.
[6] Romanos 10:15 RV.
Estamos en Navidad… ¡qué magnÃfica época del año! Me encanta cuando llega, cada año, porque a medida que se va acercando, pareciera que las personas se aprecian más unas a otras. Tienen más presente la importancia de familiares y amigos, y a menudo están más dadivosos y dispuestos a ayudar a los pobres y los necesitados. Por lo general, podrÃa decirse que se respira más amor en el ambiente durante la temporada navideña. ¡Y eso me fascina!
Algo en particular que me encanta de esta época del año es que la gente parece estar más receptiva a que le hablemos de Jesús a medida que se acerca la Navidad. Eso es fantástico, ya que nos da mayor oportunidad de darlo a conocer a los demás.
Últimamente he estado meditando sobre el significado de la Navidad y lo maravillosa que es esa fecha. En Navidad se honra el nacimiento más importante de la historia del hombre, cuando Dios Hijo ingresó fÃsicamente a este mundo, tanto en calidad de Dios como de hombre, en la figura de Jesús. Nunca antes habÃa venido al mundo una persona de semejante importancia y singularidad, ni nunca volverá a suceder.
En ese dÃa memorable, apareció un ángel para anunciar Su nacimiento a unos pastores que cuidaban de sus rebaños por la noche. Al aparecer, la gloria del Señor iluminó a los pastores. Sintieron miedo. Pero el ángel les dijo: «No tengan miedo. Miren que les traigo buenas noticias que serán motivo de mucha alegrÃa para todo el pueblo. Hoy les ha nacido en la ciudad de David un Salvador, que es Cristo el Señor»[1]. Después de anunciar el nacimiento del Señor, «repentinamente apareció con el ángel una multitud de las huestes celestiales, que alababan a Dios, y decÃan: “¡Gloria a Dios en las alturas, y en la tierra paz, buena voluntad para con los hombres!”»[2]
Mientras meditaba sobre el anuncio del ángel, me vino al recuerdo otro evento relacionado con el nacimiento de Jesús. Como Jesús fue el primer hijo de MarÃa, conforme a la ley mosaica se lo debÃa presentar en el templo para el ritual de la purificación. Cuando José y MarÃa lo llevaron al templo a propósito de ese ritual, se encontraba allà un anciano llamado Simeón a quien el EspÃritu Santo habÃa revelado que «no verÃa la muerte sin antes ver al Cristo del Señor. Movido por el EspÃritu fue al templo. Y cuando los padres del niño Jesús le trajeron para cumplir por Él el rito de la ley, él tomó al niño en sus brazos, y bendijo a Dios y dijo: «Ahora, Señor, permite que Tu siervo se vaya en paz, conforme a Tu palabra; porque han visto mis ojos Tu salvación la cual has preparado en presencia de todos los pueblos; luz de revelación a los gentiles, y gloria de Tu pueblo Israel.»[3]
Esos dos anuncios —uno, por parte del ángel que declaró: «les traigo buenas noticias que serán motivo de mucha alegrÃa para todo el pueblo», y la otra por intermedio de Simeón, quien afirmó «han visto mis ojos Tu salvación, que has preparado a la vista de todos los pueblos: luz que ilumina a las naciones»— expresan tanto la trascendencia como el profundo significado del nacimiento del Hijo de Dios. Ambas proclamas nos dicen que Jesús llegó a la tierra por la salvación de tantos como creyesen en Él, judÃos o gentiles[4]. La salvación, proclamaban ambos, está al alcance de todos por medio de Jesús.
El propósito del nacimiento de Jesús, de Su llegada a la Tierra, el que adoptase la condición humana; todo ello tenÃa que ver con la salvación de la humanidad. Su nacimiento, Su vida y Su muerte, Su resurrección y posterior ascensión al cielo tenÃan que ver con la salvación: la tuya, la mÃa y la de todo el mundo.
El mensaje de la Navidad es el mensaje de Juan 3:16, y yo agregarÃa también el versÃculo 17: «Pues Dios amó tanto al mundo que dio a Su único Hijo, para que todo el que crea en Él no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna. Dios no envió a Su Hijo al mundo para condenar al mundo, sino para salvarlo por medio de Él» (NTV).
Todo el que crea. Para que el mundo se salvase por medio de Él. La salvación está al alcance de todos. Es un regalo que Dios nos hace a todos por medio de Jesús; es el regalo de Navidad de Dios a la humanidad.
Dios ha hecho el regalo, pero nuestra tarea como cristianos, es ayudar a hacer entrega del mismo. En jerga navideña, podrÃa decirse que venimos a ser como Santa Claus, la persona que hace entrega del regalo. Me recuerda a algo que dijo el apóstol Pablo: «porque “todo el que invoque el nombre del Señor será salvo”. Ahora bien, ¿cómo invocarán a Aquel en quien no han creÃdo? ¿Y cómo creerán en Aquel de quien no han oÃdo? ¿Y cómo oirán si no hay quien les predique?»[5]
¿Cómo se enterarán del regalo transformador de Navidad que está a su disposición? ¿Cómo sabrán que está ahÃ? ¿Quién se lo dirá? ¿Quién será Papá Noel, y les llevará el regalo más valioso que se haya dado jamás, la vida eterna? La respuesta es: todos nosotros, los cristianos. Nosotros somos esos predicadores, esos testigos, esos mensajeros. Y en Navidad somos los «papá noeles» que se encargan de entregar el regalo.
Él dejó atrás la gloria del Cielo para poner la salvación a disposición de todos. Pagó el precio de manera que pudiéramos recibir gratuitamente Su regalo, y lo hemos recibido.Tenemos las riquezas de la vida eterna. Hay quienes no las poseen. Y lo más maravilloso es que tenemos el privilegio de dar esas mismas riquezas a otros, de compartir el mejor regalo que se haya dado jamás. Claro que cuesta darlo. Requiere tiempo y esfuerzo iniciar esa conversación con un extraño o profundizar con algunos de nuestros amigos o compañeros de trabajo; o pedir contribuciones o juntar juguetes u otros artÃculos para repartir entre los necesitados.
La razón por la cual hacemos esos esfuerzos es para poder ofrecer el regalo, porque aquel que es el Regalo nos lo pide. Lo amamos. Lo servimos. Lo seguimos. Él vino a salvar al mundo, y como discÃpulos Suyos tenemos la responsabilidad de darlo a conocer a los demás. No solo tenemos la gran alegrÃa que nos da nuestra propia salvación, sino la alegrÃa adicional de poder participar en la salvación de otras personas. Me encanta que seamos Santa Claus, Papá Noel o el Viejito Pascuero en esta época del año.
Todo esfuerzo, grande o pequeño, que se haga a fin de entregar el mejor regalo —Jesús— a los demás, es importante, porque cada esfuerzo hace posible que alguien más llegue a conocer a Jesús. Es maravilloso compartir ese regalo con los demás. «¡Cuán hermosos son los pies de los que anuncian la paz, de los que anuncian buenas nuevas!»[6]
ArtÃculo publicado por primera vez en diciembre de 2010 y actualizado en diciembre de 2013. Traducción: Patricia Zapata N. y Antonia López.
[1] Lucas 2:10–11 NVI.
[2] Lucas 2:13–14 RV.
[3] Lucas 2:26–32 BDA (Biblia de las Américas).
[4] Se llamaba gentil a cualquiera que no fuese judÃo. En la época de Jesús, la salvación estaba al alcance de los judÃos, por su creencia en el Dios Único, el Dios de Israel y su adherencia a las Leyes de Moisés. Los gentiles, por lo general, no podÃan recibir la salvación a menos que se convirtieran al judaÃsmo. Todo aquel que no fuese judÃo se consideraba gentil. La muerte de Jesús puso la salvación a disposición de todos.
[5] Romanos 10:13–14 RV.
[6] Romanos 10:15 RV.
Você É Papai Noel?
De Peter Amsterdam
Natal… Que época maravilhosa do ano! Sempre me deixa muito feliz, porque conforme o Natal se aproxima, as pessoas tendem a valorizar mais as outras. Ficam mais atentas à importância da famÃlia, dos amigos, costumam ser mais generosas, dispostas a ajudar os pobres e os necessitados. Em geral, prevalece uma atmosfera de amor nessa época do ano e eu adoro isso!
Uma coisa em particular que me atrai nesse perÃodo é que as pessoas parecem mais receptivas para ouvir sobre Jesus. Isso é maravilhoso, pois nos dá maiores oportunidades para falar com os demais sobre Seu amor e Sua mensagem.
Nos últimos dias, tenho meditado na importância do Natal e na maravilha que é esse dia. Celebra o nascimento mais importante na história da humanidade, quando, por intermédio de Jesus, o Deus Filho entrou fisicamente no mundo como Deus e homem. Em nenhum outro momento da história nasceu alguém de tal forma singular.
Naquele grande dia, um anjo surgiu para anunciar Seu nascimento aos pastores que cuidavam das ovelhas à noite. Naquele momento, a glória do Senhor brilhou em volta daqueles homens, que, assustados, foram consolados pelo ser angélico, que lhes disse: “Não temais. Eu vos trago novas de grande alegria, que o será para todo o povo. Na cidade de Davi vos nasceu hoje o Salvador, que é Cristo, o Senhor.”[1] Depois de comunicar o nascimento do Salvador, surgiu subitamente uma hoste celestial que, louvando a Deus, dizia: “Glória a Deus nas maiores alturas, paz na terra entre os homens, a quem Ele quer bem!”[2]
Pensava nas palavras do anjo, quando me lembrei de outro acontecimento, também relacionado ao nascimento de Jesus. Como Ele era o primeiro filho de Maria, deveria, conforme determinava a Lei Mosaica, ser apresentado para purificação. Quando José e Maria O levaram ao templo para esse propósito, estava ali um homem já idoso, chamado Simeão. “Fora-lhe revelado pelo EspÃrito Santo que ele não morreria antes de ver o Cristo do Senhor. Movido pelo EspÃrito foi ao templo. Quando os pais trouxeram o menino Jesus para com Ele procederem segundo o que a Lei ordenava, ele O tomou nos braços, e louvou a Deus, dizendo: ‘Agora, Senhor, despede em paz o Teu servo, segundo a Tua palavra, pois os meus olhos já viram a Tua salvação, a qual preparaste perante a face de todos os povos, luz para iluminar os gentios, e para glória do Teu povo Israel.’”[3]
Foram duas proclamações. Uma foi feita pelo anjo: “Trago novas de grande alegria, que o será para todo o povo”; e a outra por Simeão: “Meus olhos já viram a Tua salvação, a qual preparaste perante a face de todos os povos”. Ambas expressam a importância e o propósito do nascimento do Filho de Deus. Os dois anúncios nos dizem que Jesus veio à Terra para a salvação de todos que nEle crerem, judeus ou gentios..[4] A salvação, ambos apregoaram, é disponibilizada a todos por intermédio de Jesus.
O nascimento de Jesus, Sua vinda à Terra, Ele se tornar humano, tudo estava relacionado à salvação da humanidade. Seu nascimento, vida, morte, ressurreição e ascensão estavam relacionados à salvação — à sua, à minha e à de todos.
A mensagem do Natal é a de João 3:16, e eu acrescentaria o versÃculo 17: “Porque Deus amou o mundo de tal maneira que deu o Seu Filho unigênito, para que todo aquele que nEle crê não pereça, mas tenha a vida eterna. Porque Deus enviou o Seu Filho ao mundo, não para que condenasse o mundo, mas para que o mundo fosse salvo por Ele”.
Todo aquele que crê. —Para que o mundo fosse salvo por Ele. A salvação está disponÃvel a todos. É da dádiva que em Jesus Deus oferece a todos nós — é o presente de Natal de Deus para a humanidade.
Deus concedeu essa dádiva e é nossa incumbência, enquanto cristãos, ajudar a entregá-la. Usando a terminologia natalina, serÃamos um tipo de Papai Noel — alguém que entrega o presente. Isso me lembra do que disse o apóstolo Paulo: “Porque ‘todo aquele que invocar o nome do Senhor será salvo.’ Como, pois, invocarão aquele em Quem não creram? E como crerão nAquele de quem não ouviram? E como ouvirão, se não há quem pregue?”[5]
Como ficarão sabendo do presente de Natal que tudo transforma e lhes está disponÃvel? Como ouvirão a seu respeito? Quem lhes falará? Quem será o Papai Noel, que lhes dará a dádiva mais valiosa já oferecida, a vida eterna? A resposta é, todos nós, cristãos. Somos os pregadores, os mensageiros e, no Natal, temos a função de Papai Noel, distribuindo presentes.
Ele deixou a glória do Céu para vir para a Terra com o propósito de tornar a salvação disponÃvel para todos. Pagou o preço para que pudéssemos livremente receber Sua dádiva e, de fato, a recebemos. Temos as riquezas da vida eterna. Há os que não as têm. É uma alegria ter o privilégio de distribuir essas riquezas, a melhor dádiva que existe. Sem dúvida, isso tem um preço. Consome tempo. Exige esforço puxar conversa com um estranho, ser mais profundo com os amigos ou colegas de trabalho, associar-se a outros membros para ensaiar, preparar uma apresentação de Natal, participar de algum evento de testificação, solicitar contribuições, arrecadar alimentos, brinquedos ou outros itens para os necessitados.
Fazemos esses esforços para podermos oferecer o presente, porque Ele, que é O Presente, nos pede. Nós O amamos. Nós O servimos. Nós O seguimos. Ele veio para a salvação do mundo e, por sermos Seus discÃpulos, temos parte em divulgar isso aos demais. Não apenas temos a alegria da salvação, mas temos a satisfação adicional de participar da salvação dos outros. Essa é a bênção do discipulado. Gosto muito que nessa época do ano temos a oportunidade de nos fazer de Papai Noel.
Todo esforço, pequeno ou grande, para dividir com as pessoas o maior presente de Deus —Jesus— é importante, porque torna possÃvel que alguém O conheça. É algo lindo compartilhar essa dádiva com os outros. “Quão formosos são os pés dos que anunciam a paz, dos que anunciam coisas boas!”[6]
Publicado originalmente em dezembro de 2010. Editado e republicado em dezembro de 2013. Tradução Hebe Rondon Flandoli e Denise Oliveira. Revisão Hebe Rondon Flandoli.
[1] Lucas 2:10–11.
[2] Lucas 2:13–14.
[3] Lucas 2:26–32.
[4] Gentio é qualquer um que não seja judeu. Nos tempos de Jesus, a salvação estava disponÃvel somente para os judeus, por causa da crença destes no único Deus verdadeiro, o Deus de Israel, e à observância à s Leis de Moisés. Os gentios, de uma maneira geral, não podiam ser salvos a menos que se convertessem ao judaÃsmo. Todos que não eram judeus eram chamados gentios. A morte de Jesus tornou a salvação possÃvel para todos.
[5] Romanos 10:13–14.
[6] Romans 10:15 NKJV.
Natal… Que época maravilhosa do ano! Sempre me deixa muito feliz, porque conforme o Natal se aproxima, as pessoas tendem a valorizar mais as outras. Ficam mais atentas à importância da famÃlia, dos amigos, costumam ser mais generosas, dispostas a ajudar os pobres e os necessitados. Em geral, prevalece uma atmosfera de amor nessa época do ano e eu adoro isso!
Uma coisa em particular que me atrai nesse perÃodo é que as pessoas parecem mais receptivas para ouvir sobre Jesus. Isso é maravilhoso, pois nos dá maiores oportunidades para falar com os demais sobre Seu amor e Sua mensagem.
Nos últimos dias, tenho meditado na importância do Natal e na maravilha que é esse dia. Celebra o nascimento mais importante na história da humanidade, quando, por intermédio de Jesus, o Deus Filho entrou fisicamente no mundo como Deus e homem. Em nenhum outro momento da história nasceu alguém de tal forma singular.
Naquele grande dia, um anjo surgiu para anunciar Seu nascimento aos pastores que cuidavam das ovelhas à noite. Naquele momento, a glória do Senhor brilhou em volta daqueles homens, que, assustados, foram consolados pelo ser angélico, que lhes disse: “Não temais. Eu vos trago novas de grande alegria, que o será para todo o povo. Na cidade de Davi vos nasceu hoje o Salvador, que é Cristo, o Senhor.”[1] Depois de comunicar o nascimento do Salvador, surgiu subitamente uma hoste celestial que, louvando a Deus, dizia: “Glória a Deus nas maiores alturas, paz na terra entre os homens, a quem Ele quer bem!”[2]
Pensava nas palavras do anjo, quando me lembrei de outro acontecimento, também relacionado ao nascimento de Jesus. Como Ele era o primeiro filho de Maria, deveria, conforme determinava a Lei Mosaica, ser apresentado para purificação. Quando José e Maria O levaram ao templo para esse propósito, estava ali um homem já idoso, chamado Simeão. “Fora-lhe revelado pelo EspÃrito Santo que ele não morreria antes de ver o Cristo do Senhor. Movido pelo EspÃrito foi ao templo. Quando os pais trouxeram o menino Jesus para com Ele procederem segundo o que a Lei ordenava, ele O tomou nos braços, e louvou a Deus, dizendo: ‘Agora, Senhor, despede em paz o Teu servo, segundo a Tua palavra, pois os meus olhos já viram a Tua salvação, a qual preparaste perante a face de todos os povos, luz para iluminar os gentios, e para glória do Teu povo Israel.’”[3]
Foram duas proclamações. Uma foi feita pelo anjo: “Trago novas de grande alegria, que o será para todo o povo”; e a outra por Simeão: “Meus olhos já viram a Tua salvação, a qual preparaste perante a face de todos os povos”. Ambas expressam a importância e o propósito do nascimento do Filho de Deus. Os dois anúncios nos dizem que Jesus veio à Terra para a salvação de todos que nEle crerem, judeus ou gentios..[4] A salvação, ambos apregoaram, é disponibilizada a todos por intermédio de Jesus.
O nascimento de Jesus, Sua vinda à Terra, Ele se tornar humano, tudo estava relacionado à salvação da humanidade. Seu nascimento, vida, morte, ressurreição e ascensão estavam relacionados à salvação — à sua, à minha e à de todos.
A mensagem do Natal é a de João 3:16, e eu acrescentaria o versÃculo 17: “Porque Deus amou o mundo de tal maneira que deu o Seu Filho unigênito, para que todo aquele que nEle crê não pereça, mas tenha a vida eterna. Porque Deus enviou o Seu Filho ao mundo, não para que condenasse o mundo, mas para que o mundo fosse salvo por Ele”.
Todo aquele que crê. —Para que o mundo fosse salvo por Ele. A salvação está disponÃvel a todos. É da dádiva que em Jesus Deus oferece a todos nós — é o presente de Natal de Deus para a humanidade.
Deus concedeu essa dádiva e é nossa incumbência, enquanto cristãos, ajudar a entregá-la. Usando a terminologia natalina, serÃamos um tipo de Papai Noel — alguém que entrega o presente. Isso me lembra do que disse o apóstolo Paulo: “Porque ‘todo aquele que invocar o nome do Senhor será salvo.’ Como, pois, invocarão aquele em Quem não creram? E como crerão nAquele de quem não ouviram? E como ouvirão, se não há quem pregue?”[5]
Como ficarão sabendo do presente de Natal que tudo transforma e lhes está disponÃvel? Como ouvirão a seu respeito? Quem lhes falará? Quem será o Papai Noel, que lhes dará a dádiva mais valiosa já oferecida, a vida eterna? A resposta é, todos nós, cristãos. Somos os pregadores, os mensageiros e, no Natal, temos a função de Papai Noel, distribuindo presentes.
Ele deixou a glória do Céu para vir para a Terra com o propósito de tornar a salvação disponÃvel para todos. Pagou o preço para que pudéssemos livremente receber Sua dádiva e, de fato, a recebemos. Temos as riquezas da vida eterna. Há os que não as têm. É uma alegria ter o privilégio de distribuir essas riquezas, a melhor dádiva que existe. Sem dúvida, isso tem um preço. Consome tempo. Exige esforço puxar conversa com um estranho, ser mais profundo com os amigos ou colegas de trabalho, associar-se a outros membros para ensaiar, preparar uma apresentação de Natal, participar de algum evento de testificação, solicitar contribuições, arrecadar alimentos, brinquedos ou outros itens para os necessitados.
Fazemos esses esforços para podermos oferecer o presente, porque Ele, que é O Presente, nos pede. Nós O amamos. Nós O servimos. Nós O seguimos. Ele veio para a salvação do mundo e, por sermos Seus discÃpulos, temos parte em divulgar isso aos demais. Não apenas temos a alegria da salvação, mas temos a satisfação adicional de participar da salvação dos outros. Essa é a bênção do discipulado. Gosto muito que nessa época do ano temos a oportunidade de nos fazer de Papai Noel.
Todo esforço, pequeno ou grande, para dividir com as pessoas o maior presente de Deus —Jesus— é importante, porque torna possÃvel que alguém O conheça. É algo lindo compartilhar essa dádiva com os outros. “Quão formosos são os pés dos que anunciam a paz, dos que anunciam coisas boas!”[6]
Publicado originalmente em dezembro de 2010. Editado e republicado em dezembro de 2013. Tradução Hebe Rondon Flandoli e Denise Oliveira. Revisão Hebe Rondon Flandoli.
[1] Lucas 2:10–11.
[2] Lucas 2:13–14.
[3] Lucas 2:26–32.
[4] Gentio é qualquer um que não seja judeu. Nos tempos de Jesus, a salvação estava disponÃvel somente para os judeus, por causa da crença destes no único Deus verdadeiro, o Deus de Israel, e à observância à s Leis de Moisés. Os gentios, de uma maneira geral, não podiam ser salvos a menos que se convertessem ao judaÃsmo. Todos que não eram judeus eram chamados gentios. A morte de Jesus tornou a salvação possÃvel para todos.
[5] Romanos 10:13–14.
[6] Romans 10:15 NKJV.
Scrooge or the Insurance Policy?
By Jesus, speaking in prophecy
Audio length: 7:42
Download Audio (7MB)
Christmas is generally understood to be a time of warmth, of happiness, of goodwill to men, and of the spirit of giving. To some, however—particularly those who have recently experienced loss, those who are lonely, and those who have gone through difficult times—it can seem as if Christmas flaunts in their face everything that their life is missing. It’s easy to resent Christmas and to feel that somehow it plays a part in how sad they feel.
In the story A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge calls Christmas “humbug,” and angrily demands, “What right have you to be merry?” He was looking at Christmas like any other time of the year, and foolishly thought that happiness was all about the things that one possesses, the money that one has, or achieving one’s personal ambitions. Besides the fact that Christmas celebrates My birth, which in itself makes it a special occasion, Christmas is meant to be a pleasant season filled with kindness and charity. The joy of Christmas comes from within, and although, as Scrooge later finds out, that joy doesn’t fill your pockets with silver or gold, it can transform you from the inside and give you a fresh outlook on life.
In the story, Scrooge’s heart had been hurt by difficulties in his childhood and by a failed romance, and this caused him to harden himself against others and to resent the happiness of others. In return, he received only coldness and a measure of fear-inspired respect. In the end, having realized his errors and wanting to make amends for his ways, he learned to give to others, and consequently was blessed with gladness and joy himself.
One of the morals of the story is that you can only take out of the chest of Christmas cheer as much as you contribute to it. To avoid the futility and emptiness of Scrooge’s “humbug” Christmas, you can take out an insurance policy for Christmas cheer. It’s a simple plan: Give of your time and your efforts to better the lives of people around you; give to others more than you hope to receive from them; open your circle of friendship to those who are more alone than you are. When you do this, you will receive the “dividends” that God has promised.
Getting everything you’ve wanted will not make your Christmas special; the unique and distinctive bliss that is available at Christmastime comes through the love and consideration that are unselfishly shared with others. Start working on your policy today.
*
During this Christmas season, I ask you to think about giving. I ask you to remember what I gave you by coming down to earth, and what I have given you personally since then. Think about the little things and the big things; the prayers I answered quickly and the prayers that took time, but which also show evidence of My hand in your life through the answers you’ve received. Take some time to reflect on your life from the perspective of all that you have received from Me.
Now I want you to ponder what you have given to others. Think of when you chose to consider the happiness and welfare of someone else more important than your own. Think of the times you sacrificed, the times you reached out to another even when it was difficult. Then think of the blessings you have received for giving to others.
Now think about what you will give to others this year. Pray about who needs something that you have to give. Think of the positive effects that will come about, not only in the lives of those you give to, but in your own life through your service to others. Think of how I will smile with joy when I see you doing your part to share and spread My love.
I want My Spirit of love to touch every life. I want the beauty of the gift of giving to be known to every person. For great joy accompanies the act of truly giving from the heart.
So give, My children, and it will be given to you. Give My love. Give My truth. Give of your service. Give what you have to offer. Give My Word to others. Give the touch of My Spirit to everyone you can.
Let your light so shine in this world that grows darker and darker. Be My Christmas candles, shining to pierce the darkness. My love can enlighten the darkest and coldest hearts. The warmth of My Spirit is a part of you; it is within you. You can make your life a tribute to the greatest gift that was ever given.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”—John 3:16 NIV
Christmas Commitments
This Christmas, I will…
Mend a quarrel.
Seek out a forgotten friend.
Dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust.
Write a love letter.
Share some treasure.
Give a soft answer.
Encourage youth.
Manifest my loyalty in word and deed.
Keep a promise.
Listen.
Apologize if I am wrong.
Try to understand.
Examine my demands on others.
Think first of someone else.
Appreciate.
Be kind.
Be gentle.
Laugh a little more.
Express my gratitude.
Welcome a stranger.
Gladden the heart of a child.
—Author unknown
Originally published December 2005 and November 2001. Updated and republished December 2013. Read by Gabriel Garcia Valdivieso. Music taken from the Christmas Moments album. Used by permission.
Audio length: 7:42
Download Audio (7MB)
Christmas is generally understood to be a time of warmth, of happiness, of goodwill to men, and of the spirit of giving. To some, however—particularly those who have recently experienced loss, those who are lonely, and those who have gone through difficult times—it can seem as if Christmas flaunts in their face everything that their life is missing. It’s easy to resent Christmas and to feel that somehow it plays a part in how sad they feel.
In the story A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge calls Christmas “humbug,” and angrily demands, “What right have you to be merry?” He was looking at Christmas like any other time of the year, and foolishly thought that happiness was all about the things that one possesses, the money that one has, or achieving one’s personal ambitions. Besides the fact that Christmas celebrates My birth, which in itself makes it a special occasion, Christmas is meant to be a pleasant season filled with kindness and charity. The joy of Christmas comes from within, and although, as Scrooge later finds out, that joy doesn’t fill your pockets with silver or gold, it can transform you from the inside and give you a fresh outlook on life.
In the story, Scrooge’s heart had been hurt by difficulties in his childhood and by a failed romance, and this caused him to harden himself against others and to resent the happiness of others. In return, he received only coldness and a measure of fear-inspired respect. In the end, having realized his errors and wanting to make amends for his ways, he learned to give to others, and consequently was blessed with gladness and joy himself.
One of the morals of the story is that you can only take out of the chest of Christmas cheer as much as you contribute to it. To avoid the futility and emptiness of Scrooge’s “humbug” Christmas, you can take out an insurance policy for Christmas cheer. It’s a simple plan: Give of your time and your efforts to better the lives of people around you; give to others more than you hope to receive from them; open your circle of friendship to those who are more alone than you are. When you do this, you will receive the “dividends” that God has promised.
Getting everything you’ve wanted will not make your Christmas special; the unique and distinctive bliss that is available at Christmastime comes through the love and consideration that are unselfishly shared with others. Start working on your policy today.
*
During this Christmas season, I ask you to think about giving. I ask you to remember what I gave you by coming down to earth, and what I have given you personally since then. Think about the little things and the big things; the prayers I answered quickly and the prayers that took time, but which also show evidence of My hand in your life through the answers you’ve received. Take some time to reflect on your life from the perspective of all that you have received from Me.
Now I want you to ponder what you have given to others. Think of when you chose to consider the happiness and welfare of someone else more important than your own. Think of the times you sacrificed, the times you reached out to another even when it was difficult. Then think of the blessings you have received for giving to others.
Now think about what you will give to others this year. Pray about who needs something that you have to give. Think of the positive effects that will come about, not only in the lives of those you give to, but in your own life through your service to others. Think of how I will smile with joy when I see you doing your part to share and spread My love.
I want My Spirit of love to touch every life. I want the beauty of the gift of giving to be known to every person. For great joy accompanies the act of truly giving from the heart.
So give, My children, and it will be given to you. Give My love. Give My truth. Give of your service. Give what you have to offer. Give My Word to others. Give the touch of My Spirit to everyone you can.
Let your light so shine in this world that grows darker and darker. Be My Christmas candles, shining to pierce the darkness. My love can enlighten the darkest and coldest hearts. The warmth of My Spirit is a part of you; it is within you. You can make your life a tribute to the greatest gift that was ever given.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”—John 3:16 NIV
Christmas Commitments
This Christmas, I will…
Mend a quarrel.
Seek out a forgotten friend.
Dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust.
Write a love letter.
Share some treasure.
Give a soft answer.
Encourage youth.
Manifest my loyalty in word and deed.
Keep a promise.
Listen.
Apologize if I am wrong.
Try to understand.
Examine my demands on others.
Think first of someone else.
Appreciate.
Be kind.
Be gentle.
Laugh a little more.
Express my gratitude.
Welcome a stranger.
Gladden the heart of a child.
—Author unknown
Originally published December 2005 and November 2001. Updated and republished December 2013. Read by Gabriel Garcia Valdivieso. Music taken from the Christmas Moments album. Used by permission.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Tis the Season to Attack the Gospels?
By Jerry Newcombe, Christian Post, December 5, 2013
Every year at Christmastime, like clockwork, you can expect the mainstream media to come out with some sort of “fresh” perspective on Jesus. We see this on TV specials and in magazines and reports. Since December has just begun, I thought I’d be pro-active in answering the critics.
The basic questions are these: Can we trust the Bible? Can we trust the Gospels? If they were put on trial, as in a court case, how would they hold up?
One man who contributed significantly to Christian apologetics was one of America’s great legal leaders. Simon Greenleaf (1783-1853) was a professor at Harvard Law School (1833-1848). He contributed a great deal to the school, expanding it, including its library.
Greenleaf wrote a major textbook used widely, A Treatise on the Law of Evidence.
Contrary to some accounts (even found extensively on the Internet, to this day), Greenleaf was not an atheist or agnostic converted to Christianity by the evidence for the resurrection. He was livelong, active member of the Episcopal Church. In 1847, Greenleaf applied his expertise as a pioneer in the area of trial evidence to the Gospels in a landmark book.
Greenleaf wrote The Testimony of the Evangelists: The Gospel Examined by the Rules of Evidence. The evangelists, of course, are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. As he applied the rules of evidence to the Gospels, he found them reliable.
Greenleaf says, “The foundation of our religion is a basis of fact—-the fact of the birth, ministry, miracles, death, resurrection by the Evangelists as having actually occurred, within their own personal knowledge. Our religion, then, rests on the credit due to these witnesses. Are they worthy of implicit belief, in the matters which they relate? This is the question, in all human tribunals, in regard to persons testifying before them; and we propose to test the veracity of these witnesses, by the same rules and means which are there employed…” He answers, Yes.
He goes on from there to highlight the four Gospel writers:
Matthew (also called Levi), the tax-collector and one of the twelve, an eyewitness of the Gospel events. Writes Greenleaf: “Matthew was himself a native Jew, familiar with the opinions, ceremonies, and customs of his countrymen; that he was conversant with the Sacred Writings…”
Mark (also known as John Mark) was essentially Peter’s scribe in his Gospel—-from the early Church comes the consistent report that Peter’s recollection of the Gospel events are found in the second Gospel. Mark went on to preach the gospel in Egypt, where he was martyred.
Luke, believed to be a physician, traveled with Paul. Says Greenleaf, “If…Luke’s Gospel were to be regarded only as the work of a contemporary historian, it would be entitled to our confidence. But it is more than this. It is the result of careful science, intelligence and education, concerning subjects which he was perfectly competent to peculiarly skilled, they being cases of the cure of maladies.”
John was a fisherman of Bethsaida, on the Sea of Galilee. Greenleaf says he wrote his Gospel after the other three, recognizing their truthfulness, and added things not found in the others.
Greenleaf notes a great unfairness shown the Evangelists in modern scholarship: They are somehow guilty until proven innocent. They are viewed as untrustworthy for no cause, until they can somehow be corroborated by some outside secular source.
Says Greenleaf: “But the Christian writer seems, by the usual course of the argument, to have been deprived of the common presumption of charity in his favor; and reversing the ordinary rule of administering justice in human tribunals, his testimony is unjustly presumed to be false, until it is proved to be true.”
Greenleaf adds, “It is time that this injustice should cease; that the testimony of the evangelists should be admitted to be true, until it can be disproved by those who would impugn it; that the silence of one sacred writer on any point, should no more detract from his own veracity or that of the other historians, than the like circumstance is permitted to do among profane writers; and that the Four Evangelists should be admitted in corroboration of each other, as readily as Josephus and Tacitus, or Polybius and Livy.”
He affirms: “their honesty…ability… the consistency of their testimony…the conformity of their testimony with experience…the coincidence of their testimony with collateral circumstances. Let the evangelists be tried by these tests.” He does and finds them trustworthy. He also answers common objections, such as the miraculous elements found in the Gospels.
So, be prepared, when you see the TV specials coming up about “the true story of Christmas” or the like, when they attack the Gospels. The Gospels have been put on trial, and they have passed the test. Don’t take my word for it—take that of the legendary professor at Harvard Law School.
Every year at Christmastime, like clockwork, you can expect the mainstream media to come out with some sort of “fresh” perspective on Jesus. We see this on TV specials and in magazines and reports. Since December has just begun, I thought I’d be pro-active in answering the critics.
The basic questions are these: Can we trust the Bible? Can we trust the Gospels? If they were put on trial, as in a court case, how would they hold up?
One man who contributed significantly to Christian apologetics was one of America’s great legal leaders. Simon Greenleaf (1783-1853) was a professor at Harvard Law School (1833-1848). He contributed a great deal to the school, expanding it, including its library.
Greenleaf wrote a major textbook used widely, A Treatise on the Law of Evidence.
Contrary to some accounts (even found extensively on the Internet, to this day), Greenleaf was not an atheist or agnostic converted to Christianity by the evidence for the resurrection. He was livelong, active member of the Episcopal Church. In 1847, Greenleaf applied his expertise as a pioneer in the area of trial evidence to the Gospels in a landmark book.
Greenleaf wrote The Testimony of the Evangelists: The Gospel Examined by the Rules of Evidence. The evangelists, of course, are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. As he applied the rules of evidence to the Gospels, he found them reliable.
Greenleaf says, “The foundation of our religion is a basis of fact—-the fact of the birth, ministry, miracles, death, resurrection by the Evangelists as having actually occurred, within their own personal knowledge. Our religion, then, rests on the credit due to these witnesses. Are they worthy of implicit belief, in the matters which they relate? This is the question, in all human tribunals, in regard to persons testifying before them; and we propose to test the veracity of these witnesses, by the same rules and means which are there employed…” He answers, Yes.
He goes on from there to highlight the four Gospel writers:
Matthew (also called Levi), the tax-collector and one of the twelve, an eyewitness of the Gospel events. Writes Greenleaf: “Matthew was himself a native Jew, familiar with the opinions, ceremonies, and customs of his countrymen; that he was conversant with the Sacred Writings…”
Mark (also known as John Mark) was essentially Peter’s scribe in his Gospel—-from the early Church comes the consistent report that Peter’s recollection of the Gospel events are found in the second Gospel. Mark went on to preach the gospel in Egypt, where he was martyred.
Luke, believed to be a physician, traveled with Paul. Says Greenleaf, “If…Luke’s Gospel were to be regarded only as the work of a contemporary historian, it would be entitled to our confidence. But it is more than this. It is the result of careful science, intelligence and education, concerning subjects which he was perfectly competent to peculiarly skilled, they being cases of the cure of maladies.”
John was a fisherman of Bethsaida, on the Sea of Galilee. Greenleaf says he wrote his Gospel after the other three, recognizing their truthfulness, and added things not found in the others.
Greenleaf notes a great unfairness shown the Evangelists in modern scholarship: They are somehow guilty until proven innocent. They are viewed as untrustworthy for no cause, until they can somehow be corroborated by some outside secular source.
Says Greenleaf: “But the Christian writer seems, by the usual course of the argument, to have been deprived of the common presumption of charity in his favor; and reversing the ordinary rule of administering justice in human tribunals, his testimony is unjustly presumed to be false, until it is proved to be true.”
Greenleaf adds, “It is time that this injustice should cease; that the testimony of the evangelists should be admitted to be true, until it can be disproved by those who would impugn it; that the silence of one sacred writer on any point, should no more detract from his own veracity or that of the other historians, than the like circumstance is permitted to do among profane writers; and that the Four Evangelists should be admitted in corroboration of each other, as readily as Josephus and Tacitus, or Polybius and Livy.”
He affirms: “their honesty…ability… the consistency of their testimony…the conformity of their testimony with experience…the coincidence of their testimony with collateral circumstances. Let the evangelists be tried by these tests.” He does and finds them trustworthy. He also answers common objections, such as the miraculous elements found in the Gospels.
So, be prepared, when you see the TV specials coming up about “the true story of Christmas” or the like, when they attack the Gospels. The Gospels have been put on trial, and they have passed the test. Don’t take my word for it—take that of the legendary professor at Harvard Law School.
Giving Thanks--A Post-Thanksgiving Thought
By Bob Burg, ETR, Dec. 6, 2013
So, it’s a week or so after Thanksgiving (in the U.S.). On that special day, we are constantly reminded to feel gratitude and express gratitude for how much we have to be thankful for. Indeed, with all of life’s hurriedness and angst, it’s so easy to forget the many blessings we have. And, having a special day to re-center us is certainly an excellent idea.
I know with me, it sometimes seem like such a stretch when thinking about actually listing the blessings that we—especially in Western Civilizations—are fortunate enough to have and for which we should be appreciative. Personally, I always have to think really hard, then I feel a sense of embarrassment because I know I’m trying to look for all the “extra-special” things, and unintentionally forgetting the “regular” things.
So, just what can/should we be grateful for? Being grateful for what we have is a key to happiness.
The Sages asked, “Who is rich?” then answered, “That person who rejoices in their lot.” That doesn’t mean that one must settle. Actually, when one begins with a foundation of gratitude for what they currently have, they’re much more likely to be able to obtain even more of what they desire. This, in part, because the person who acts out of gratitude is more pleasant to be around, more easily attracts others into their life (and network) and tends to operate out of a sense of confidence and positive expectancy.
They are also more closely connected with the Source of all abundance, which in turn leads to greater abundance. Depending upon your theological beliefs you may or may not identify with that last statement. Even so, you’ve most likely noticed that those with gratitude tend to be more successful in most ways, including financially. And, they then have even more to be grateful about and grateful for.
Let’s look at just a few things which “rate” gratitude, or gratefulness:
Comfortable shelter. A job or career that satisfies you (again, not that you can’t strive for more, while still appreciating what you have), while paying you enough to feed yourself, and any other mouths for which you are responsible. A vehicle which takes you from point A to point B. Clothes that keep you warm. A spouse or significant other you love and who loves you. Family members you love and who love you.
Those are really good. Let’s dig a bit deeper:
Eyes out of which you can see, from your loved one in front of you, to the magnificence of a sunrise/sunset, to the deep green grass to the majestically beautiful mountain.
Ears out of which you can hear, from your child saying, “I love you,” to your dog barking, to anyone telling you hello, to the music playing (even loud, obnoxious music that isn’t your type).
A mouth out of which you can communicate after using your mind to first reason out what you’re going to say :) , from telling someone you love, “I love you,” to warning someone to look out for the banana peel, to sharing a funny story, to offering much needed advice to someone who has come to you for help.
Legs with which you can walk, fingers with which you can touch and feel, and arms with which you can hug.
Let’s go to even more of a micro level
You know that cup of coffee you enjoyed this morning, or might even be enjoying now? There’s a lot to appreciate there, as well.
Of course, it probably just tastes incredibly good. But, more so, how did it come to be that you could even have it there to enjoy?
Well, first it had to be grown somewhere. Then, cultivated. Then shipped. Then blended. Then transported. Then, transported again. Finally, it was in the store where you either bought it in a can or bag, or it was already brewed for you. And, anything you put into the coffee to enhance your level of enjoyment from it had to go through a similar process.
Then, you got to taste it…the warmth, the richness, the flavor, the incredible feeling of simply enjoying a cup of coffee while at your computer or perhaps reading your newspaper. While you’re at it, take a moment to also appreciate all the work from different people and places that went into the producing of the newspaper and/or the computer. It’s almost overwhelming how much there is for which to be grateful!
How do we apply this appreciation in our dealing with others? So often we become angry at the difficult person whose bad attitude makes our life difficult. If we can look at this person, however, with total appreciation for what they are; a fellow child of our Creator, a human being doing the best they can based on their knowledge, upbringing, circumstances and way of seeing the world, we can have a whole new respect and level of appreciation for that person and what they represent. Even if what they represent to us is simply a learning experience from which we can grow to be a better, more understanding, and more effective person ourselves.
As we see, appreciation for everything we’ve discussed, and much more, is not limited to one day of Thanksgiving. We can practice the “skill” of appreciation as much as we want to, every single day. Do this for as long as it takes to take hold—it will change your life!
For whatever reason it is, for the first 35 years of my life I tended to focus more on what I didn’t have than on what I had. Thus, it didn’t matter how much I had; since I didn’t truly appreciate it, it was as if it didn’t exist. What did exist? That which I didn’t have or didn’t like. And, my level of happiness reflected this.
Once I embraced the attitude of gratitude; being grateful for what I had, and practicing the “skill of gratitude,” my life changed for the better…and in so many ways.
