Friday, November 29, 2019

'Self-partnered' woman in Singapore

Source Website: https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/tips-live-your-best-life-self-partnered-woman-singapore
By CLEO Singapore, Asiaone, 08 November 2019


To be able to love someone else you must first love yourself.
PHOTO: To be able to love someone else you must first love yourself. This is the healthiest way to then enter into any new relationship, having realised you’re okay alone and you’re happy alone too.
PHOTO: Pexels
Picture posted by CLEO Singapore, Asiaone on 08 November 2019
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtXts8edZkXy2KAVWv9vimovvsKDCssbTe9GaAAZTkdH9xGflFnl-yOBWsXowjwf8P29wXaw_qYhRtTzJOPQawHLFzIJ-OYQbGUeudxEMkd0z26VyKXhtBUaduJbjOrvbFE_qxJe3Pio/s1600/woman-posing-937483_1.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/original_images/Nov2019/woman-posing-937483.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/tips-live-your-best-life-self-partnered-woman-singapore


Emma Watson came out yesterday to say she’s “self-partnered”. No, it’s not any kinky s**t—it just means being single.

The Harry Potter actress spoke to British Vogue about being 30 and how it comes with certain expectations.

“I was like, ‘Why does everyone make such a big fuss about turning 30? This is not a big deal’.

“Cut to 29, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I feel so stressed and anxious.

“And I realise it’s because there is suddenly this influx of subliminal messaging around.


There is suddenly this influx of subliminal messaging around.
PHOTO: There is suddenly this influx of subliminal messaging around.
Picture saved by Barbara Raviolo to Domina
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8eN5TTf_I4IgLbC9lhGdga_SdWxHffQlHXTXIlRi_2ZViDlUpiLPKfeJdIP1m97DjnwKp7jbvjKfqX5YltXyJj0fKI-PFVesrxdqGGQyOh5Bl32vb6lv8ymleSQ8948pBA4_BD1Kzyk/s1600/0ad19438ad4aeffbfbb2abfe29d4d392_1.png
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/0a/d1/94/0ad19438ad4aeffbfbb2abfe29d4d392.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/567594359281800120/


“If you have not built a home, if you do not have a husband, if you do not have a baby, and you are turning 30, and you’re not in some incredibly secure, stable place in your career, or you’re still figuring things out…There’s just this incredible amount of anxiety.”

She added, “…It took me a long time, but I’m very happy [being single].”

And honestly, there is nothing wrong with being single. In fact, the single life can be fulfilling.

Just think about it: there’s no one to fight over the blanket with you at night, you have extra cash to spend on yourself because you don’t need to buy gifts for anniversaries… well, there’s a lot more.

Think you’re missing out on sex? There are ways to pleasure yourself.

So, instead of thinking of all the reasons why you need a boyfriend now, think of living your best life as a singleton.


Instead of thinking of all the reasons why you need a boyfriend now, think of living your best life as a singleton.
PHOTO: Instead of thinking of all the reasons why you need a boyfriend now, think of living your best life as a singleton.
Picture posted by Ademola Aderele on 03 March 2018 - kidnapped woman
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrtNHb0X2eG5AKpQEQDrJoEhzn6YoICY9_xN1TfW2rsZyI099oK6IHHzvM1ZTxPZesNV9mgIWQMya4OIUX29Um7rjdtPGojCZVoqQQrA4Q8waL6wxzJXREfhXUrhyLDrhpjWWskq1kUs/s1600/kidnapped-woman.jpg
https://www.newsbreak.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/kidnapped-woman.jpg
https://www.newsbreak.ng/journalist-says-n2million-ransom-paid-wife-sons-release/kidnapped-woman/


After all, Singles’ Day is coming (November 11) and it’s time to celebrate your relationship status.

Here are tips on living it up as a single woman in Singapore.

STOP CHASING A DREAM AND START LIVING REALITY
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in an ideal — something that you think would make everything better.

If you had a partner, you’d do more. Go out more. See more.

You easily put your future in the hands of someone imaginary, assuming that once you find ‘the one’, everything will fall into place.

It definitely will not be the case.


STOP CHASING A DREAM AND START LIVING REALITY
PHOTO: STOP CHASING A DREAM AND START LIVING REALITY
You easily put your future in the hands of someone imaginary, assuming that once you find ‘the one’, everything will fall into place. It definitely will not be the case.
Picture posted by Ebin's Drawing Book on 08 July 2014
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPwgZSKn1jrI7r_hf1NXqLPpt3yt6rhJzQ70tWAVBv1MC1_FJWVZpwX8FFD93IWCCXgXQx624g0FDOebGuLzxa_rf-z8t5Z4KWdK3OyjU_vsT22liy_aQbKLXqO2pwqMVv8gFIipxAIQ/s1600/10501836_743629035704480_4289447528328114040_n.jpg
https://scontent.fsin9-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10501836_743629035704480_4289447528328114040_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_ohc=XAtEh5D0Da4AQkDTvnz1sm5QSgZr9PUy2UTNfOGBqq2PEFhy3h9hgLPlA&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin9-1.fna&oh=7e2f9f5994ff54424a46bc1d703b1490&oe=5E3FC1FE
https://business.facebook.com/ebinsdrawingbook/photos/rpp.128571477210242/743629035704480/?type=3&theater


Sorry to burst that bubble, but the only person who can make you complete is you. Which is actually really awesome!

Because it means your happiness will never depend on someone else. It’s always in your own hands.

Rather than wait for someone else to come along, live in reality instead. See your life as it is now, fulfilled and whole.

Easier said than done right? Keep reading…

LOVE YOURSELF JUST AS YOU ARE, NO PLUS ONE NEEDED
The fast-track way to slaying at being single is first accepting that you are single.

Sounding easier than it is, but being happy without someone else around you is the key core value you need to master.

It’s time you enjoy your alone time — and that means enjoy doing things by yourself, for yourself.

Go watch a movie, get a massage or while away the afternoon reading a book at the cafe.

It’s time you realise that no man can make you complete.

Actually, to be able to love someone else you must first love yourself.


 LOVE YOURSELF JUST AS YOU ARE, NO PLUS ONE NEEDED
PHOTO: LOVE YOURSELF JUST AS YOU ARE, NO PLUS ONE NEEDED
It’s time you enjoy your alone time — and that means enjoy doing things by yourself, for yourself.
Picture posted by PWP is a Project of Drawing Hope Int. - this drawing is of a survivor who once again feels comfortable in her own skin and feels beautiful again
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-9F1lMDKvdXGh7G2u5eJoJ7LHRnhq-KYU3F5mrz1mAul-6Wtu-fcxONqWoh1Hd83UW2PgDDxkdFGEKmL8dSDsS1hDefNP_pN7bVkiAPIgXkPNqL9k5HbUHPxK5K4PdkTpYnnT4t35LI/s1600/PWP-Scan-11-2018-Big.jpg
https://www.pointswithpurpose.com/home/images/PWP-Scan-11-2018-Big.jpg
https://www.pointswithpurpose.com/home/index.php/browse/2014-03-20-21-19-08


This is the healthiest way to then enter into any new relationship, having realised you’re okay alone and you’re happy alone too.

Loving yourself just as you are is the crux of being happy single and then, happy in a relationship too.

ACCEPT THAT BEING SINGLE ISN'T A 'NEGATIVE'
This is darn important to your self-improvement. For some reason (particularly at family gatherings), being single is seen as a bad thing.

Unless you’re swanning around arm-in-arm with some perfect male, you’ve got a defect. That’s not true, FYI.

Do not allow other people’s opinions or ideals to make you feel pressured into needing a man, or make you feel that without one, you have an issue.

In fact, being single is an advantage.


ACCEPT THAT BEING SINGLE ISN'T A 'NEGATIVE'

PHOTO: ACCEPT THAT BEING SINGLE ISN'T A 'NEGATIVE'
This is darn important to your self-improvement. For some reason (particularly at family gatherings), being single is seen as a bad thing. In fact, being single is an advantage.
Picture posted by boris_gouts on 01 July 2017 at 14:01
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WNG9Cp7mz7uaFlxRKGkMj5HWbZuZGpYfkmK8aIDUXaG5CktDqADFXRup3Q1bJ8VMZtfXuaTf029ZLM_5O_rpGwZ2n5mxBj95mXxSqzddmCRR7lYo8zFlTDVjR77S2uMwNrM5PvNFdfY/s1600/742724_original_1.png
https://ic.pics.livejournal.com/boris_gouts/12968787/742724/742724_original.jpg
https://boris-gouts.livejournal.com/516557.html


It means you can spend time working on yourself — focusing on your future, your wants and needs and not settling for anything less than what you believe you deserve.

Don’t hate on the single life. Cherish it.

DO EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT, WHEN YOU WANT IT
Yoga at 9 pm? Why not. Takeout at 1 am just because? Sure. A weekend spent entirely in bed or binge-watching Netflix? Go for it.

There is something so infinitely precious about only having yourself to worry about.

Doing what you please and doing what you love are surefire ways to be happy about being single.

Once you do find someone (which you will), you’ll soon regret not making the most of all your free single time.


DO EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT, WHEN YOU WANT IT
PHOTO: DO EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT, WHEN YOU WANT IT
Doing what you please and doing what you love are surefire ways to be happy about being single.
Picture posted by Her World
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjF6VTDLfyEsa7757kccyaYNL9T1X77n-8dil7DlpngIbXfuzIXPn_iERse-7UBSZL3iXuEwp3ygO0eCuJCGqxTO_H9kybFWdZfxEf8jHUZ0ZdQi5Y7OG3tEMjwjtrrO4uLwqgCN_nkM/s1600/you_want_it_1.jpg
https://www.herworld.com/lifestyle/single-status-relationship-advice-valentines-day

FIND A NEW HOBBY/HONE A NEW SKILL
During all this single free time, start feeling accomplished and productive by learning something new.

It can be anything you wish — from a craft to a new exercise class, whatever you want to try, now is the time to do it.

It can be something as simple as downloading an app to help you learn a new language, or trying to meditate on your commute to work, or learning how to play the guitar from Youtube — it doesn’t have to be something that costs a lot or usurps your precious free time.


FIND A NEW HOBBY/HONE A NEW SKILL
PHOTO: FIND A NEW HOBBY/HONE A NEW SKILL
It can be anything you wish — from a craft to a new exercise class, whatever you want to try, now is the time to do it.
Picture posted by celebsofworld.com on 05 June 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1NiF1sHvZRmUjRxqUTWJVchOq5Zn_XLqyVj4hqcpbvfB3l2TKLhr0uMraY-Bk63ARK-bV7FeuXxuBXObNZqv-N7JVsPeWviHFxV3HuaFXV-KvUNN1GXa3ZyHJ-ue342q9MqwAg3QQXY/s1600/anna-hutchison-006-11.png
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6c2ACongM3uHqRP13HPIOvWz1IDm5SdkPT7d4pwAVHKKADm74AycnTPrD_OlaCoK_QSZOI7SG0_SsBHUuKb3xmDUHpTaBdGR5Vnj92d9lBtsl7pfQcRBlrxAVP0DPv03UndQLnmENaRc/s1600/anna-hutchison-006-1.jpg
https://www.celebsofworld.com/2018/06/anna-hutchison-photos.html


However, if you’re in the mood for some interaction, go for classes and workshops with other like-minded individuals.

That way, you’d have a safe place to socialise, make new friends, have fun and pick up something new. Win-win.

HIT CTRL + DELETE ON ANY CURRENT MEN THAT YOU KNOW, DEEP DOWN, ARE NO GOOD
For the single girls who have some men hanging around them — you know who you are — now is the time to delete.

Sorry to say, but if he isn’t that interested to make you his girl, then he isn’t worth any of it. Period.

Sure, he provides you with some attention and company, but you are worth much more than that.


HIT CTRL + DELETE ON ANY CURRENT MEN THAT YOU KNOW, DEEP DOWN, ARE NO GOOD
PHOTO: HIT CTRL + DELETE ON ANY CURRENT MEN THAT YOU KNOW, DEEP DOWN, ARE NO GOOD
He provides you with some attention and company but he isn’t that interested to make you his girl.
Picture saved by none to my vampire diaries
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6nfIMJUfXQRB-EaxgkUAiZJH5rDyzebVcqwIEXj8YN15JcBAZsXWNmoyp4jqqmdzOfWTXy7sVnPKp9e1cs-hSyA14fjxrI4J9L0aEcTPeYnA5fPCzYFk3XLciDtYzesQfflO4a5OcaY/s1600/c5b5df7cb5320cf144618961d129ecb1.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/c5/b5/df/c5b5df7cb5320cf144618961d129ecb1.jpg
https://www.pinterest.it/pin/435230751467349134/


Besides, while you’re focusing your attention on the guy and the ‘relationship’ that is not going anywhere, you are unknowingly warding off the decent ones.

CREATE A SOULMATE MOOD BOARD
While you’re kicking butt at being single, it’s fair to say you may still want to settle down with someone in the future.

So how do you get ready to find someone?

This sounds a little cringy, but mood boards are a fab way of projecting what you’re after into the universe.

Given the laws of attraction too, mood boards do help you bring about what you’re focused on.

So, focus on the kind of person you want to attract into your life. It’s that easy.


CREATE A SOULMATE MOOD BOARD
PHOTO: CREATE A SOULMATE MOOD BOARD
Given the laws of attraction too, mood boards do help you bring about what you’re focused on. Focus on the kind of person you want to attract into your life.
Photo by sofi01 - While Perseus was on his way home with Medusa’s head he saw the princess Andromeda who was tied to a rock in the sea with a giant sea monster and fell in love with her.
Picture posted by haikudeck.com on 06 May 2019 - Slayer of Medusa and Rescuer of Andromeda, Perseus
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVGY8ISJ_wXxm7na6dNXVgCCmfeH0OG87pfDNeDHAQ5_o0Wu8Lq7FYrDaCrsDNoCdjLX4_CTb-6dCrzBSYnA0gcop2pSlVy9DSt3HBL2XlPdauNyE__vtxcuU6tSuNDRPAoYFDPvDFA4/s1600/15276894491_f05f37ef41_o.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/3919/15276894491_f05f37ef41_o.jpg
https://haikudeck.com/slayer-of-medusa-and-rescuer-of-andromeda-perseus-events-presentation-4ac86b76dd


You can use images, quotes, magazine clippings — whatever you so desire — to create yourself a mood board.

Make it positive, make it true to yourself and put it somewhere in your room that you can see every day.

Now sit back, and relish in your best life.


For the single girls who have some men hanging around them

PHOTO: For the single girls who have some men hanging around them — you know who you are — now is the time to delete. Sorry to say, but if he isn’t that interested to make you his girl, then he isn’t worth any of it. Period.

"And if you ask yourself, 'Why has this happened to me?'— it is because of your many sins that your skirts have been torn off and your body mistreated. I will pull up your skirts over your face that your shame may be seen—" (Jeremiah 13:22, 26).
Picture saved by 霧夜 to 吸血鬼
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RtdyHhPv9cxn6CTLPBiHGTUib4RU-O5ewsjaeW8B_TyG-SN0uoEz2MPLNSGHa4Dx3BCkKN2qfvlbycZlwDFF9LUlXdBrDjSbK3TtGq9PERbjOzHwq811gLhXSPK7ikqRBe4drGHxrf8/s1600/920bc913430c3f4ff4729168c9fbc9ea.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/92/0b/c9/920bc913430c3f4ff4729168c9fbc9ea.jpg
https://www.pinterest.it/pin/638526053389281014/


But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord
PHOTO: "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8).
Picture posted by TatyanaChe on 19 March 2019 - Dawn
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipf16cVQDKGd4VZ-FXcXMl9NMgODeGzFw-vlqk8vk8S0LVO10hORf4-w6ni08X7ICgGvFGw8sbqtWnvBmYsxK_X7Xk7M8wFYuGbjUM-jGgpAfINtegOkVkphNGN4C_Wi5h5JW_5apGKEw/s1600/dawn_by_tatyanache_dd2gasq-fullview.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxFqY9fPWc28Hh-dU1g2vsmazW8epB678Nfenn8pzoVctDMEZYUgtuJq8eOs5wGEWutg9O44qi3ya06_Dkje4A7QeI8kNR_Ynkg7vioSxXy-dKY9uyPaHg0yYb9VP2gF-Rq6d1A1uga8/s1600/dawn_by_tatyanache_dd2gasq-fullview.gif
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/53ad875e-7ace-4110-b139-f1c3e52a4cde/dd2gasq-503897cb-a514-41e3-a624-8098f4498dd4.jpg/v1/fill/w_800,h_1091,q_75,strp/dawn_by_tatyanache_dd2gasq-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9MTA5MSIsInBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzUzYWQ4NzVlLTdhY2UtNDExMC1iMTM5LWYxYzNlNTJhNGNkZVwvZGQyZ2FzcS01MDM4OTdjYi1hNTE0LTQxZTMtYTYyNC04MDk4ZjQ0OThkZDQuanBnIiwid2lkdGgiOiI8PTgwMCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.wnK5HhqKdXoU5hithSKNK6I8b3bSx_HSO5OWqNmOwuM
https://www.deviantart.com/tatyanache/art/Dawn-790180010
By CLEO Singapore, Asiaone, 08 November 2019
This article was first published in CLEO Singapore.


Reference
[1] CLEO Singapore, Asiaone, Tips to live your best life as a 'self-partnered' woman in Singapore, posted on 08 November 2019, https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/tips-live-your-best-life-self-partnered-woman-singapore
 
New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Reflection - It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Source (book): "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Chapter 9, "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear", Page 96.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Meditate on the sad news that you often hear about our troubled world.
PHOTO: Meditate on the sad news that you often hear about our troubled world. How does hearing the angel's song of peace affect your response to this news?
The current situation in the world is in the gloomy state. The angels' songs (of the glory of God and His gift of peace) is a much-needed application of the truth of Christmas. The angel’s song brings the message of Christ, the "prince of peace" and the king of the new era which will see the new heaven and earth. The current dark situation of the world now is also seen with the eschatological hope in Christ. (relating to death, judgement, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind).

Christ, the Prince of Peace, and a statement of the biblical fact that with His incarnation, He has become familiar with the sorry state of affairs in our weary world. In Him, God has come close to us as we suffer. He is truly Immanuel, God with us. We are reminded in Scripture that "he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17). We might had once been plagued with despair, but now look forward to the promised joy and real rest for eternity.

The message of peace emphasised by the angels' song gives us hope amidst the war and disturbance on earth. Moreover this message is from "heaven's all-gracious King" a reference to God. Our response should cease hearing only the troubling noise, and hear the message from heaven that needs to be heard.

Conflict and misunderstanding, dominates events in our world. Earth is weary, but heaven is still open - therein is our hope. The good news is that of a new age when wars will cease and sin will be no more. As foretold by prophets, a new age will dawn and peace will finally come to earth, exactly what the angels have been singing about all these years. We can then learn to sing with the angels, glorifying God and experiencing the peace that has been promised in Christ. And finally, the world will echo the song of the angels which has so far been ignored by most people in this troubled world.


Why is it necessary to trust in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and believe that He will bring about the peace that troubled human hearts and society so desperately need?
Christ is the Prince of Peace, on whom we can cast all our burdens and find His rest and peace (1 Peter 5:7). He cares for us, and we are urged to invite Him into our "longing hearts" so that He would live there to help us in our "daily toil". We can then learn to sing with the angels, glorifying God and experiencing the peace that has been promised in Christ.

This promise will only be fulfilled by Christ, the Prince of Peace. There will be no peace without Him, and no hope outside of Him. That why it is necessary to trust in Jesus, and believe that He will bring about the peace that troubled human hearts and society so desperately need.


Read John 14:27 and say a prayer to Jesus.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27).

Jesus speaks from the depths of his heart to his dearest friends. He is facing into his Passion. He wants his friends to know that he is with them, his father is with them. Jesus’ farewell wish is ‘Peace!’ His gift of peace is not a state, but a relationship. It is the fruit of deeply abiding in him. This relationship will never fail. It will enable the disciples to endure suffering and rejection.

The peace that Jesus gives is available to me; I have to do nothing to receive it. But maybe that’s the problem – I want to do something to earn what Jesus offers as a free gift.

This is a certain peace and joy that comes from knowing and loving God directly, that nothing else can give. The peace that surpasses all understanding - a peace the world cannot give on its own.

Picture posted by http://nevseoboi.com.ua
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMl29dRZLrHoxuZfD_APFwve6ujbVL5aae-YJFwX8GQ1R66h9apONmVujQHkO-QYoy_AogeGY0tU9OSE5QIvqVmRbFcpyTy10WuRXLR7Sa-aMUePAN8S5WdTHh4RyBFS1ceDhEKa45Jc/s1600/1412299057-5032155.jpg
http://nevseoboi.com.ua/wallpapers-collection/bolshaya-podborka-oboev/17220-.html
 

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
PHOTO: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
This rather melancholic but hopeful song was written in 1849 by. It was a depressing situation for a depressed poet, who saw the world as a dark place of conflict and war. He wrote this hymn to proclaim the Christian message that the world so badly needed to hear.
Picture posted by mygodpictures - Jesus Christ Birth Night Scene 
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzidzNRFJI37xn5_A4H2YmhTGrDZ4nUsWvV3PpQaOGxZ25r9bSVOtuW4K3qa1P5jZpkhXxFeCOlL6AJLW06st3dYWs03N2C6VkFUvQ-YzjyQcsNus57iqcCN_Om6RmBFE94xW9Lq2wDSo/s1600/Jesus-Christ-Birth-Night-Scene.jpg
https://www.mygodpictures.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Jesus-Christ-Birth-Night-Scene.jpg
https://www.mygodpictures.com/jesus-christ-birth-night-scene/


It Came Upon the Midnight Clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold;
"Peace on the earth, good will to men
From heaven's all-gracious King" -
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come
With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heavenly music floats
O'er all the weary world;
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wing.
And ever o'er its Babel-sounds
The blessed angels sing.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife
The world has suffered long;
Beneath the angel-strain have rolled
Two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not
The love song which they bring; -
O hush the noise, ye men of strife,
And hear the angels sings!

And ye beneath life's crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing; -
Oh, rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing!

For lo! the days are hastening on
By prophet bards foretold,
When, with the ever circling years
Shall come the age of gold;
When Peace shall over all the earth,
Its ancient splendors fling,
And the whole world give back the song,
Which now the angels sing.

(Source: Service Book and Hymnal [Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1958], #23)


American pastor Edmund Hamilton Sears (1810-1876)
PHOTO:  American pastor Edmund Hamilton Sears (1810-1876)
After seven years of active pastoral ministry, Sears had a nervous breakdown (today, we would say that he had a burnout experience), and returned to Wayland to serve as a part-time preacher. It was while doing this that he wrote "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear".
Picture posted by First Parish in Wayland
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbz7e2OCAVTmIA2ZybQxtzSlgZ4tYi4KPPl1C1e8Ymx4xckHCZnRqRh9kPwiWvjVQwZU3hkOOQEfeG-fKDTYJo_D_kS5QVBTY9uWRQknnwNOzEaq1RFlasDD5AmneLCCgt6o412Y0xbw/s1600/Sawyer_201206.jpg
https://www.uuwayland.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Sawyer_201206.jpg
https://www.uuwayland.org/our-church/ministers-and-staff/


History of the Carol [1]
This rather melancholic but hopeful song was written in 1849 by American pastor Edmund Hamilton Sears (1810-1876). A direct descendant of one of the pilgrims who landed at Plymouth in 1630, Sears was educated at Harvard Divinity School, after which he served a number of Unitarian congregations, including the Greater Boston Unitarian congregation in Wayland. Unitarians do not subscribe to the historical Christian doctrine of the Trinity. They accept the moral authority but not the divinity of Jesus. They reject the Christian doctrine of original sin (that we all suffer from human depravity and are unable to save ourselves) and, therefore, merely emphasise moral living following the example of Christ, without the standard doctrines of predestination and salvation.

Though serving in a Unitarian denomination, Sears revealed that he held to the truth of the divinity of Christ. He wrote in his book Sermons and Songs of the Christian Life (1875), "Although I was educated in the Unitarian denomination, I believe and preach the Divinity of Christ."

Sears wrote several books, the most well-known of which was The Fourth Gospel; The Heart of Christ, published in 1872. In his sermons he condemned slavery and laws that supported it; when human and divine laws clash, he urged that the latter be followed.

After seven years of active pastoral ministry, Sears had a nervous breakdown (today, we would say that he had a burnout experience), and returned to Wayland to serve as a part-time preacher. It was while doing this that he wrote "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear". The breaking news in those days had to do with the war between America and Mexico and revolution in Europe. It was a depressing situation for a depressed poet, who saw the world as a dark place of conflict and war. He wrote this hymn to proclaim the Christian message that the world so badly needed to hear.

The hymn was published in the Christian Register in 1849. A melody for the hymn was written the following year, in 1850, by composer Richard Storrs Willis (1819-1900) and published in his Church Chorals and Choir Studies (No. 23). Willis, who is said to have trained under Felix Mendelssohn, referred to his melody as a "Carol", and it is Willis's tune that became popular in America. In 1874, celebrated English composer Arthur Seymour Sullivan (1842-1900) wrote an alternate melody, "Noel", which is the popular tune in Britain.


Though serving in a Unitarian denomination, Sears revealed that he held to the truth of the divinity of Christ.
PHOTO: Though serving in a Unitarian denomination, Sears revealed that he held to the truth of the divinity of Christ. A melody for the hymn was written in 1850, by composer Richard Storrs Willis (1819-1900) and published in his Church Chorals and Choir Studies (No. 23)
Artwork by Rembrandt - The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds, 1634
Picture from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6fSljGHpZ4B2clS_UenxU3ySMIuWLdnXcUC1Iz88Le3Cso4NoqdntX2WvQ2AeQOR3YaxhWLLB0tJAz-wic3WTVU_7CTzAipBN2aDDT1G3LBOOwAL4nK4r_Y7w8lkgh9zKtMLq-tJSZc/s1600/Rembrandt_van_Rijn_-_The_Angel_Appearing_to_the_Shepherds.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/Rembrandt_van_Rijn_-_The_Angel_Appearing_to_the_Shepherds.jpg
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/It_Came_Upon_the_Midnight_Clear


Biblical Insights from the Carol [1]
The hymn has a sad note as it focuses in the gloomy state of the world. The songs of the angels that appeared in Bethlehem are set more generally in the context of this troubled world. There is no mention of Bethlehem, the shepherds, the magi, the guiding star, Joseph and Mary, and even of the child who was born on Christmas.


The hymn has a sad note as it focuses in the gloomy state of the world.
PHOTO: The hymn has a sad note as it focuses in the gloomy state of the world. The songs of the angels are set more generally in the context of this troubled world.
Picture posted by Dreamstime
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEE4At0NBALXDI9aD0r8QcRJ0AQlObDq4eYYHrx4ztdVN7OaUfMoR7o8R63vZVEL20rd8J7T97YaXKzFVRaSThYHQpdLbBdrzuDdqd29N9JMd0fTZ_rmllOy_bNBHEEBRdR8QMCJej484/s1600/130308644_11.png
https://www.dreamstime.com/modern-christmas-nativity-scene-silhouette-profiles-baby-jesus-joseph-mary-multiple-exposure-blue-background-banner-image130308644
https://www.dreamstime.com/illustration/nativity-scene-silhouette.html


The question is whether this carol expresses Unitarian theology. If so, why is it included in the United Methodist Hymnal, the Lutheran Book of Worship, and other major hymnals? The reason is that the carol applies the Christmas message to the current situation in the world and urges people to listen to the angels' songs (of the glory of God and His gift of peace). This is a much-needed application of the truth of Christmas.
 

The carol applies the Christmas message to the current situation in the world and urges people to listen to the angels' songs (of the glory of God and His gift of peace).
PHOTO: The carol applies the Christmas message to the current situation in the world and urges people to listen to the angels' songs (of the glory of God and His gift of peace). This is a much-needed application of the truth of Christmas.
Picture posted by catholictradition.org
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkR5XHGbO6pc87-Sm-udtDUnidx5_QxTtOjO8zMv7AgHX2mvmAub7nWTA7cEQpYKAIPjxKqyI0nBtn966wefAwIiis3eLFsD9W2st1lfMCe1o9nsHt1SStbq53Tlfum-B4-cuu1erNEA/s1600/creed-8.jpg
http://www.catholictradition.org/Children/creed-8.jpg
http://www.catholictradition.org/Children/creed8.htm


To make it clear that the angels were singing about the birth of Christ, some amendments were made. The fifth stanza was changed to the following by Rev. Edward Henry Bickersteth, and Anglican clegryman who became a bishop in 1885, in his Hymnal Companion to the Book of Common Prayer (1870);

For lo! The days are hastening on,
By prophets seen of old
When with the ever circling years,
Shall come the time foretold
When the new heaven and earth shall own
The prince of peace their King
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.

The major change is the clearer reference to Christ, the "prince of peace" (Stanza 4; see Isaiah 9:6) and the king of the new era which will see the new heaven and earth. Not only is Christ referred to, but the current dark situation of the world is also seen with the eschatological hope in Christ.


The major change is the clearer reference to Christ, the 'prince of peace' and the king of the new era which will see the new heaven and earth.
PHOTO: The major change is the clearer reference to Christ, the "prince of peace" and the king of the new era which will see the new heaven and earth. The current dark situation of the world is also seen with the eschatological hope in Christ.
Artwork by Thomas Buchanan Read, Dayton Art Institute - 'The Angel Appearing before the Shepherds'
Picture from Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNnY4uJnJ9aBdZ-GYKZJw1DxddOo63xPcE7tlgpfdktAUp4OpVSq6Vpd_UkeDveBzrUDnnUCNMTrYKToqK2jIUQrpfzfPbsV9hQ1wWoaudy5jPaFXydeQZJsN_A4wFSgog2I-RXDp-60/s1600/%2527The_Angel_Appearing_before_the_Shepherds%2527_by_Thomas_Buchanan_Read%252C_Dayton_Art_Institute.JPG
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/'The_Angel_Appearing_before_the_Shepherds'_by_Thomas_Buchanan_Read%2C_Dayton_Art_Institute.JPG
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:'The_Angel_Appearing_before_the_Shepherds'_by_Thomas_Buchanan_Read,_Dayton_Art_Institute.JPG


An alternate fourth stanza was provided in Church Hymns (1874);

O Prince of Peace, thou knowest well
This weary world below;
Thou seest how men climb the way
With painful steps and slow,
O still the jarring sounds of earth
That round the pathway ring;
And bid the toilers rest awhile,
To hear the angels sing.

The improvement was, again, a clearer reference to Christ, the Prince of Peace, and a statement of the biblical fact that with His incarnation, He has become familiar with the sorry state of affairs in our weary world. In Him, God has come close to us as we suffer. He is truly Immanuel, God with us. We are reminded in Scripture that "he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17).


Christ, the Prince of Peace, has become familiar with the sorry state of affairs in our weary world. In Him, God has come close to us as we suffer.
PHOTO: Christ, the Prince of Peace, has become familiar with the sorry state of affairs in our weary world. In Him, God has come close to us as we suffer. He is truly Immanuel, God with us. A merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, making atonement for the sins of the people.
Picture posted by artpictures.club
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL1L38ZlS6RRbNaATPQGVB701AU7V3EtRd7TFlSXHWxa0mjt3Y7Ur2_AMpMzxnmPK77yyg1CImkZDPQAPZdVbMAgjtaO1fUsYaTCQ3jc-d2dE3cKyV1UIDzpgcLa9NCDIPR0uD0h6o78/s1600/Angels-angels-7949172-800-600.jpg
http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/7900000/Angels-angels-7949172-800-600.jpg
http://artpictures.club/shans-november-26-12.html


Another alternative fifth stanza is provided in The Westminster Carol Nook (1899), edited by Rev. Edgar Pettman, and English organist and choral conductor.

O Prince of Peace, on Whom we Cast
Our every cross and care,
Come enter Thou our longing hearts,
And make Thy dwelling there;
And may we 'mid our daily toil
To Thee our praises bring,
Until on high we learn the song
That now the angels sing,

Here too, Christ is the Prince of Peace, on whom we can cast all our burdens and find His rest and peace (1 Peter 5:7). He cares for us, and we are urged to invite Him into our "longing hearts" so that He would live there to help us in our "daily toil". We can then learn to sing with the angels, glorifying God and experiencing the peace that has been promised in Christ. All the above alternative lyrics help to focus more clearly on Christ and how we can find our peace in Him.


Christ is the Prince of Peace, on whom we can cast all our burdens and find His rest and peace (1 Peter 5:7).
PHOTO: Christ is the Prince of Peace, on whom we can cast all our burdens and find His rest and peace (1 Peter 5:7). He cares for us, and we are urged to invite Him into our "longing hearts" so that He would live there to help us in our "daily toil". We can then learn to sing with the angels, glorifying God and experiencing the peace that has been promised in Christ.
Picture saved by Elizabeth to Easter
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUq5e43dfSFDaMkBGBcVeGxA6sBD3przMTbcwoquD6v6PgOFFblcoQra9NKCMEaAQAWF55NFl3vwc3fpngX5R-tE0vSK7nDQgh6KL-Cj2msX6W5K8yKF9wo8XXkWXwXlnQvXDJ4bVsxQ/s1600/73225ca44b09f0f4cd7bbb819eaf8eeb.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/73/22/5c/73225ca44b09f0f4cd7bbb819eaf8eeb.jpg
https://www.pinterest.ch/pin/421016265164329353/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/11/reflection-hark-herald-angels-sing.html


Both the United Methodist Hymnal and the Lutheran Book of Worship drop the fourth verse, but retain the others in their original forms. If we remember the helpful amendments above, we can still sing the carol faithfully and meaningfully. We will reflect briefly on the original stanzas, four of which are normally sung in churches today.

The first stanza recalls the choir of angels that appeared to the shepherds. The phrase "harps of gold" is poetic licence, since Scripture does not mention these. The first part of the angels' song is also not mentioned ("Glory to God in the highest"), but the message of peace is emphasised because of the central theme of war and disturbance on earth. The message is from "heaven's all-gracious King" (Stanza1), a reference to God. And the ideal image is given - of a world silently (and carefully) listening to what the angels sang.


The choir of angels appeared to the shepherds with the message of peace to a world with wars and disturbances.
PHOTO: The choir of angels appeared to the shepherds with the message of peace to a world with wars and disturbances. The message is from "heaven's all-gracious King", a reference to God. The world silently (and carefully) listening to what the angels sang.
Picture posted by hugocolodedeus
Picture saved from Annapetrovich - Great cloud of witnesses
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuvncvSNbJ83Qp22vfmioQ2_RUeF6NkibbYBYF7v9Ajz3AKa-EnjrMPAHjaGkzjGXvqjAbjacUYVAUH7-3Og1OPkPkjSQvZSNhWf8cjwFARwBPcp2IUSQuUhNuqd96Lxllw33bRBUtPY/s1600/c87aa804b3c18aa4933988aef07cdfc9.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c8/7a/a8/c87aa804b3c18aa4933988aef07cdfc9.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/633529872560257039/?lp=true
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-angels-from-realms-of-glory.html


The second stanza moves sadly to the current situation. The ancient message of the angels can still be heard, though it is not clear whether it has been heeded. Unlike Stanza 1, the world is not in "solemn stillness" to hear the angels. Instead the cacophony of "Babel-sounds" (Stanza 2), of conflict and misunderstanding, dominates events in our world. But the angels still sing, if only we would care to listen. Earth is weary, but heaven is still open - therein is our hope, Stanza 3 laments the long suffering the world has seen because of human "sin and strife". While the angels have been singing their message, 2,000 years have gone by, marked by war and violence, in contrast to the "love song" (Stanza 3) of the angels. Humankind is told to cease our troubled and troubling noise, keep silent, and "hear the angels sing!"


The ancient message of the angels can still be heard, though it is not clear whether it has been heeded.
PHOTO: The ancient message of the angels can still be heard, though it is not clear whether it has been heeded. The cacophony of "Babel-sounds" (Stanza 2), of conflict and misunderstanding, dominates events in our world. Humankind is told to cease our troubled and troubling noise, keep silent, and "hear the angels sing!"
Picture posted by sammlungfotos
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrNeW9ECPscqfZTmo34dUcTxo7rOh_3PJzcH7YNznEnz3F3tpRbQH-HlHHI27W-f0WmWaYGapAVEgEYyU07jR049zsTWhhXzv2XUYoFS_wwxq17eEw6GE8iDHKW6RcojKb0CLtIP_uOg/s1600/a03984dd34b5accb6ef8c87578fc23e7.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a0/39/84/a03984dd34b5accb6ef8c87578fc23e7.jpg
http://sammlungfotos.online/brandsbdwn-baby-jesus-and-angels.htm


Stanza 4 offers hope for the weary, who are burdened with "life's crushing load". The image is of exhausted people painfully climbing up and making slow progress. They are also told to rest to hear the angels sing. There is a message from heaven that needs to be heard.
 

Hope is offered for the weary, who are burdened with 'life's crushing load'.
PHOTO: Hope is offered for the weary, who are burdened with "life's crushing load". The image is of exhausted people painfully climbing up and making slow progress. They are also told to rest to hear the angels sing. There is a message from heaven that needs to be heard.
Picture posted by celestial Prompter on Thursday, 30 June 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SLUDmKbWAJ1F1rI7u92TKygSh_Nv9AwaqyCOeS080L0b7OpPkMhfoPWEoJNmAE1eC1LWc7iem1_2da4BcJ-nb2EqSo-jmseHQDkRaEParvjW-0NvkkX0s1y_I0t1DP0lKw8zwaQoZWk/s1600/2092350-853x683-%255BDesktopNexus.com%255D.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsWU4mLANs04LG8btkVN3qLrhRgk_SDRTKwRphNQbWebF9SvEd3HSlD1s9kfOD1hh0_0uq9g220HCvK6pEj-xqFMT9dqQyTsHtiTP9EzQDyVoqy95Ojpw7ppzZtVCECEzuG-NHLzluC0z/s1600/2092350-853x683-%255BDesktopNexus.com%255D.jpg
http://anaemanuelanebeska7tau.blogspot.com/2016/06/molitva.html


In the final stanza, the good news is that of a new age when wars will cease and sin will be no more. As foretold by prophets, a new age will dawn and peace will finally come to earth, exactly what the angels have been singing about all these years. The phrase "age of gold" has brought some opposition from those who think it looks back to a golden age (a pagan concept). If so, the alternative verses mentioned above may clear up all doubt. And finally, the world will echo the song of the angels which has so far been ignored by most people in this troubled world. We know that this promise will only be fulfilled by Christ, the Prince of Peace. There will be no peace without Him, and no hope outside of Him.


The good news is that of a new age when wars will cease and sin will be no more.
PHOTO: The good news is that of a new age when wars will cease and sin will be no more. As foretold by prophets, a new age will dawn and peace will finally come to earth, exactly what the angels have been singing about all these years. The world will echo the song of the angels which has so far been ignored by most people in this troubled world. We know that this promise will only be fulfilled by Christ, the Prince of Peace. There will be no peace without Him, and no hope outside of Him.
Picture saved by Herman Cuervo to Learn Bible truth
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuK1XAlN_x4SRLEahRCgfVb5540E1rd-ccVgw1QpdZBlBMx-ckvJVQZnO8zVpeGLSGEqeQ0OWjTzrCPKYe5Rz3PTnsnYX3nNWv98aMGtbQKlo9tBS8AIrYflDAyAKMnlYaYfGWpOdoqg/s1600/682a0661296ae0a8ccffd7d4d547db7e.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/68/2a/06/682a0661296ae0a8ccffd7d4d547db7e.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/542120873874004347/


Meditate on the sad news that you often hear about our troubled world. How does hearing the angel's song of peace affect your response to this news? Why is it necessary to trust in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and believe that He will bring about the peace that troubled human hearts and society so desperately need? Read John 14:27 and say a prayer to Jesus.

Meditate on the sad news that you often hear about our troubled world. How does hearing the angel's song of peace affect your response to this news?
The current situation in the world is in the gloomy state. The angels' songs (of the glory of God and His gift of peace) is a much-needed application of the truth of Christmas. The angel’s song brings the message of Christ, the "prince of peace" and the king of the new era which will see the new heaven and earth. The current dark situation of the world now is also seen with the eschatological hope in Christ. (relating to death, judgement, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind).


The current situation in the world is in the gloomy state. The angels' songs (of the glory of God and His gift of peace) is a much-needed application of the truth of Christmas.
PHOTO: The current situation in the world is in the gloomy state. The angels' songs (of the glory of God and His gift of peace) is a much-needed application of the truth of Christmas. The current dark situation of the world now is also seen with the eschatological hope in Christ.
Picture posted by angyalforras - Angelic Hosts Geoffrey Hodson
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdTu_O-ZralB6HmyJSkg1qBYyAKluDqPpjlUD2YZS32qvtb3_Byv2a21s1Cq20PWrMU7MwvLXvF1PDmaGOueOHAS8lnJlBOuiQ3Nnf_Sx5TCHpxx0j4O7xu_EGF7jQSSc9-LHg6MTZGo/s1600/fold-angyalai-93820.jpg
https://angyalforras.hu/upload/images/229/fold-angyalai-93820.jpg
https://angyalforras.hu/angyalok/angyalok/fold-angyalai


Christ, the Prince of Peace, and a statement of the biblical fact that with His incarnation, He has become familiar with the sorry state of affairs in our weary world. In Him, God has come close to us as we suffer. He is truly Immanuel, God with us. We are reminded in Scripture that "he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17). We might had once been plagued with despair, but now look forward to the promised joy and real rest for eternity.
 

Christ, the Prince of Peace
Christ, the Prince of Peace
PHOTO: Christ, the Prince of Peace, "he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17). We might had once been plagued with despair, but now look forward to the promised joy and real rest for eternity.
Picture posted by Elena Soloveika
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7_vHG2s9ikzQrZJMTGBVR-JIvXY0jtFzTNzDlOVodajLRQKC-ihisABb8ffzKsGXLqbOyZkxKmgJmJB2GyM70vpaD8lMlku4eusFpeeg-yuY8w72Xxc_eZ0sordtyKKb6kT79R-hq84/s1600/12_869734_1.png
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPoQFOvLNgidX2TxXqik2V1O7sGllGMyUoedpxVXMVrbThRwbXX1o2cgZYwrDSra-jiHoF__b9bmIKzIYV7F5Qg40I9maown5Uum49vDAc2TVzMP9GzuF3RUTVP3saKcx2LmuIhaBr8E/s1600/12_869734_1.gif
https://yadi.sk/a/4c0DEBgN3WGSvp/5b0249655d8e14d7a2f9f999


The message of peace emphasised by the angels' song gives us hope amidst the war and disturbance on earth. Moreover this message is from "heaven's all-gracious King" a reference to God. Our response should cease hearing only the troubling noise, and hear the message from heaven that needs to be heard.
 

The message of peace emphasised by the angels' song gives us hope amidst the war and disturbance on earth.
PHOTO: The message of peace emphasised by the angels' song gives us hope amidst the war and disturbance on earth. This message is from "heaven's all-gracious King" a reference to God. Our response should cease hearing only the troubling noise, and hear the message from heaven that needs to be heard.
Picture saved by Kathy Runkle - Monat Representative to Paradise in Art
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwaGx4zaGF3e8V5YoAFq2OBfeuhZCX5zbRO0FN0KSPqJJbOIu05Qod6NICdXD89HzUpSw1U8iyr02RxYE184wIt0jCuUOMJBINM8hkktha9DVzyEEQRqrbKq6LF7qk6EF6-695Ce2UKc/s1600/d7db9368f9eb4b06e075195f953f7427.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d7/db/93/d7db9368f9eb4b06e075195f953f7427.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/50454458303859078/


Conflict and misunderstanding, dominates events in our world. Earth is weary, but heaven is still open - therein is our hope. The good news is that of a new age when wars will cease and sin will be no more. As foretold by prophets, a new age will dawn and peace will finally come to earth, exactly what the angels have been singing about all these years. We can then learn to sing with the angels, glorifying God and experiencing the peace that has been promised in Christ. And finally, the world will echo the song of the angels which has so far been ignored by most people in this troubled world.
 

Conflict and misunderstanding, dominates events in our world.
PHOTO: Conflict and misunderstanding, dominates events in our world. Earth is weary, but heaven is still open - therein is our hope. The good news is that of a new age when wars will cease and sin will be no more. As foretold by prophets, a new age will dawn and peace will finally come to earth, exactly what the angels have been singing about all these years.
Picture posted by Behance
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqBwirWzj1vKjrExawHkWFIm59Krkaf4Vt3JkDhtENX7mbPxYH9pcsU0Tof-f0EDzQxUDgN8xpYy03mmLGaFdagCjdKP-QBchCJBytmjEWkSOEFZIKJ4FYZ3qWFbebCJUnAcY5Ciy8v0/s1600/3e910e31405719.564ec423d10ac.jpg
https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/max_1200/3e910e31405719.564ec423d10ac.jpg
https://www.behance.net/gallery/31405719/freski-fotooboi


Why is it necessary to trust in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and believe that He will bring about the peace that troubled human hearts and society so desperately need?
Christ is the Prince of Peace, on whom we can cast all our burdens and find His rest and peace (1 Peter 5:7). He cares for us, and we are urged to invite Him into our "longing hearts" so that He would live there to help us in our "daily toil". We can then learn to sing with the angels, glorifying God and experiencing the peace that has been promised in Christ.
 

Christ is the Prince of Peace, on whom we can cast all our burdens and find His rest and peace (1 Peter 5:7).
PHOTO: Christ is the Prince of Peace, on whom we can cast all our burdens and find His rest and peace (1 Peter 5:7). He cares for us, and we are urged to invite Him into our "longing hearts" so that He would live there to help us in our "daily toil".
Picture posted by AntonioLopezGC
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOW2vHUbqGB83RJgJmVKfGFi41PKkM_ctHkWWbbLuWhMRdKphK3U3LUa1JRhD47sVWI0B7VyJWBwbcdDqw_gr8F86G57odP56c9jqs0_2pAMs54FLgextxpkuABbSXm4w6k2knCLOAQ-s/s1600/tenor.gif
https://media1.tenor.com/images/d89c0e5d19bddcdaa3b0cb2b6372c709/tenor.gif
https://tenor.com/view/jesus-es-amor-prince-of-peace-jesus-christ-redeemer-savior-gif-13768713


This promise will only be fulfilled by Christ, the Prince of Peace. There will be no peace without Him, and no hope outside of Him. That why it is necessary to trust in Jesus, and believe that He will bring about the peace that troubled human hearts and society so desperately need.


Read John 14:27 and say a prayer to Jesus. [2]
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27).


Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
PHOTO: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)
Picture saved from Adrian Walker
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCULd9h4xwlL-8r9Im6ojEl6qYgRCU3i4oWkTkOzwbBmiWKJXmPF7UQxKT7Yfdtzj_acCq2J95ZTh2spex9opLhyphenhyphenFIROOpZYw1FECv5FxlYxhNfedQLO6AgUfYegZRCLYbgOzWSol2qZA/s1600/b1da89cacf2daab05f751102b2d9d5c8.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b1/da/89/b1da89cacf2daab05f751102b2d9d5c8.jpg
https://www.pinterest.ch/pin/408701734910815545/?lp=true


Jesus speaks from the depths of his heart to his dearest friends. He is facing into his Passion. He wants his friends to know that he is with them, his father is with them. Jesus’ farewell wish is ‘Peace!’ His gift of peace is not a state, but a relationship. It is the fruit of deeply abiding in him. This relationship will never fail. It will enable the disciples to endure suffering and rejection.
 

Jesus’ farewell wish is ‘Peace!’
PHOTO: Jesus’ farewell wish is ‘Peace!’ His gift of peace is not a state, but a relationship. It is the fruit of deeply abiding in him. This relationship will never fail. It will enable the disciples to endure suffering and rejection.
Picture posted by fineartamerica.com - The True Vine
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcMg0IXPRbhFxMdhWoW9SPd7OnorTsDwf39nz934aSUTjZ1jnXp4v34h0nJ_ttayzutVP5msT3GuZdKnRplIvXaWi7VCumzE9oSjhJnYsumsChtSgcQjw0IbE4PCb2QQpLLs6-tVA3fw/s1600/the-true-vine-michele-davis.jpg
https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/the-true-vine-michele-davis.jpg
https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-true-vine-michele-davis.html


The peace that Jesus gives is available to me; I have to do nothing to receive it. But maybe that’s the problem – I want to do something to earn what Jesus offers as a free gift.
 

The peace that Jesus gives is available to me; I have to do nothing to receive it.
The peace that Jesus gives is available to me; I have to do nothing to receive it.
PHOTO: The peace that Jesus gives is available to me; I have to do nothing to receive it. But maybe that’s the problem – I want to do something to earn what Jesus offers as a free gift.
Picture posted by Lisa Galloway - Angel wings
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4zCumr05FHDA9jprWqD1EIDEGF3F-7SpirpBdMrTFn0m78waStFB6h3-0GdKCFJJIrfT4UWK4451iCQTDr_Vlp1eLY58Z3c0akEAEcmrSbvy6LqV1EwUE29CZjehZ8SQ8fnD6GdccQs/s1600/ba166c7a3a8be91d469a5cadd58ab14c.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACTgta0DDxCjluyjQMFkehDLEpcmymXVdpPnie0NVCDfPu3olwUpq6_wYUK8LOpnxRRwqdwrSGZRXlU08MUnha6qJh1UVzgULnfWjchUY_5x46DySEdRXpnWAFCJ1_NNNWbWAwjwmksw/s1600/ba166c7a3a8be91d469a5cadd58ab14c.gif
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ba/16/6c/ba166c7a3a8be91d469a5cadd58ab14c.jpg
https://www.google.com.sg/imgres?imgurl=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ba/16/6c/ba166c7a3a8be91d469a5cadd58ab14c.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.pinterest.com/pin/372109987942874250/&h=576&w=510&tbnid=msa9BUaAeCcYZM&tbnh=239&tbnw=211&usg=K_1_lUMUJIEjgZ-NA2KydREBLMH6Q=&hl=en-SG&docid=BtizcQ7C9nZMHM&itg=1
https://www.pinterest.es/pin/372109987942874250/?lp=true


This is a certain peace and joy that comes from knowing and loving God directly, that nothing else can give. The peace that surpasses all understanding - a peace the world cannot give on its own.
 

This is a certain peace and joy that comes from knowing and loving God directly, that nothing else can give.
PHOTO: This is a certain peace and joy that comes from knowing and loving God directly, that nothing else can give. The peace that surpasses all understanding - a peace the world cannot give on its own.
Picture posted by goodsalt.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wx8xMR0IjVzq9PnvNxVCLxStlXVgvA3mmfs-C8XhLqiW6L945PdunMISPPmc9Q_nULoYES-TaIxwUvLC0l-I_cRi2XbhYRpUacrboNLDuupmTSv6KR6Qh62aU4XTt2YeDgnxvhsoCD8/s1600/jesus-1-1-GoodSalt-pppas0337_1.png
https://www.goodsalt.com/view/jesus-1-1-GoodSalt-pppas0337.jpg
https://tl.goodsalt.com/popup/pppas0337.html
 

Dear Lord, help me to do nothing in this time of prayer but to be ready to receive what you offer.
Dear Lord, help me to do nothing in this time of prayer but to be ready to receive what you offer.
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, help me to do nothing in this time of prayer but to be ready to receive what you offer. I thank you Lord for your being, and the miracle of your presence in my life.

Lord, I need your gift of peace! So often I find myself unsure, anxious, worried, and angry. Talk to me about how we coped when things were out of control in our life, especially at the end. Help me always to rise from prayer with renewed trust in you as I face the things you want done. May I always act out of love.

Shape us to be instruments of your peace in a divided world. As I emerge from prayer each day, may I be more peace-filled than when I began.

I may not recognise the peace that Jesus gives immediately; it is not like the peace that the world gives and a troubled or fearful heart may miss the blessing. The peace that Jesus promises is not an escape from trouble - but rather the courage to face it calmly. I take some time to dive deeper, beneath the surface concerns of my life, to acknowledge the peace about which Jesus speaks.

Lord, that is the peace I seek: to be able to face sorrow and pain without the overwhelming fear that all is lost.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"

Picture posted by AprilLight on deviantART - Dream has Wings
gif file is generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghd3Dzvr2CpNA5S_vgAX8VoMFKa8GmDJE9iaYcG5z0zQZ5pt70OYdHJq_w9HrKUgv_Kze0Flzy8ADV58ANMqtgr6eRQzk1rscifSKEG5riTEOKwMjOONbs8sIGRmKotvQiYtny9K1-dts/s1600/c812784190736f54fc43a856d9c40f6c_2.png
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrEk0fYGGdhfVfpRrKPYsnJn1boUe9X6nBf57Ez0rXjIdF3MDUaH_tg_vI7_z97bb_Er667TLCEWXBEB00a_bloORT0_cvFcFDOEcTEafqsWvdYPd_qJg_DfNO-An0zop-GsA97WZjao/s1600/c812784190736f54fc43a856d9c40f6c_2.gif
http://quicpic.pw/Hope-Has-Wings-by-AprilLightdeviantartcom-on-deviantART.html
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fe/b7/a4/feb7a48dbaa31fffd83e8ae8d08d5979.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/547117054726277810/?lp=true
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/03/reflection-jonah-gets-second-chance.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/03/woman-in-singapore-dies-5-days-after.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/03/sgh-ranked-worlds-third-best-hospital.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/04/reflection-jonah-gets-second-chance.html

Reflection - Angels from the Realms of Glory
Question from source (book): "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Chapter 9, "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear", Page 96.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012





Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
Reference
[1] From "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Copyright © 2017 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-11-6752-2, Chapter 9, "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear", Page 87-96.

[2] Sacred Space, John 14:27-31, https://www.sacredspace.ie/scripture/john-1427-31#


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.


Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)