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Advent History and Tradition
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The traditions and history of the Advent Season, the beginning of the Christian year.
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All Hallows Eve Traditions
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A historical discussion of All Hallows Eve and Halloween, including traditions and observances.
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All Saints Day Traditions
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Information on All Saints Day / Day of the Dead / Dia de Los Muertos traditions, observances, and history, based upon a vigil originating with the Antioch Church for all saints.
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Annunciation -- A Virgin Will Conceive
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In regard to the annunciation and birth of the Messiah, the point is usually taken to be the majesty of a God who is able both to control events before they happen, and to create life in any way He chooses. Jesus is then seen as GodâÂÂs decision to bless us in a practical manner, taking notice of human needs. This, of course, is part of what Mary affirms in Luke 1:47. A more careful look at Isaiah, however, will reveal a surprising and disturbing depth to the opening chapter of Matthew.
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Annunciation -- the Truth
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Confronted with the announcement of her pregnancy, Mary might have posed many questions, but the poignant cry of this young woman rings as true today as it must have then. <i>&ldguoHow can this be?&rdquo<i>
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Ascension and The Great Commission
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The Great Commission. They are the words of Jesus spoken just prior to his ascension following the 40 days he lived on earth as the resurrected Christ. It is called The Great Commission because it is a command that disciples go into the world and spread the Gospel. In fact, Matthew 18:16-20 is often used when teaching or preaching on the subject of service, missions and evangelism.
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Ascension Day Meaning and Traditions
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An explanation of the history of Ascension Day with Biblical reference and emphasis on its status as an Ecumenical feast in the Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions.
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Ascension from Bethany
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The Ascension of Jesus not only closed the chapter of his ministry on earth, it also welcomed in the kingdom of God. The work that Jesus accomplished on the cross assures Christians today that the price for sin has been paid.
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Ash Wednesday
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The origins of Ash Wednesday as discussed through biblical history, ritual, and tradition
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Baptism of the Lord -- the Feast
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The Baptism of the Lord is an feast day that memorializes the Holy Spirit descending on Christ in the Jordan River as John the Baptist gave Jesus a full immersion baptism. Some Christians believe that at the time of Jesus’ baptism, God revealed Himself as the Holy Trinity, that is, God the Father spoke from the heavens, the Son of God was baptized, and the Holy Spirit descended in a form like a dove.
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Baptism of the Lord -- the Scriptures
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This occasion memorializes the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. All the gospel writers agree that God spoke to confirm His Son, Jesus the Christ, and this began Jesus’ public ministry.
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Candlemass February 2nd
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Candlemass (or Candelaria), on February 2, celebrates the Lord as the Light of the World.
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Christian New Year -- Celebrate New Beginnings
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It is by way of the renewed mind that the newness of life is realized. As a believer grows up in Christ, believing and understanding what God has done through Jesus on his behalf, the quality of life gets better and better. It is always God’s will for His children to grow up in Christ.
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Christian New Year -- Historical and Spiritual Aspects
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For political and military reasons, January 1, 153 B.C. became the beginning of the new year. The Roman calendar was widely used throughout western Europe, until revised by Aloysius Lilius, an Italian doctor, astronomer, philosopher and chronologist. Pope Gregory XIII commanded Christians to use this new and improved calendar in 1582, and named it after himself. It is still the most widely used calendar in the world.
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Christian New Years -- Pursue Godly Goals
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Choosing to do the will of God is always a right choice for a Christian New Years resolution. God’s favor and blessings should be incentive enough to pursue Godly goals.
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Christian New Years Resolutions
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Traditionally, many people in the world get inebriated, only to wake up sometime the next day not knowing what they might have said, what happened, or with whom. As a safe and sane alternative to the typical New Year’s bash, Christians can gather together with music, food, games, perhaps an inspirational message, and some powerful prayer. Then go home, go to bed, and enjoy the next day without a smashing headache or an upset stomach.
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Christian New Years SMART Resolutions
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Striving for perfection isn’t the worst thing. But when making New Year's resolutions it is important to understand that it takes time to change habits and lifestyles. Often it takes extra time and effort to reach an important personal goal, but the result is well worth it. Instant success might be an unrealistic expectation, so if there is a temporary setback or postponement, try again.
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Christmas Eve Traditions
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A discussion of Christmas Eve's observances and customs around the world.
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Christmas Traditions of the Nativity
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It is true that the Nativity scene represents more than just a religion. It memorializes the birth of Jesus Christ. It captures that single moment in time when God, because of His mercy, sent the Savior of the world.
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Christmas Traditions of Blended Families
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While God never intended for families to be broken, His grace can bring blended families out of the brokenness into peaceful acceptance of each other. With time, the relationships can even grow into unity and fellowship where division and anger once ran amuck.
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Christmas Traditions of Food
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Next to Thanksgiving, Christmas is perhaps the biggest food-producing holiday in America. From candies to casseroles, and from homemade cinnamon rolls to roasted chestnuts, everyone’s palate can be tantalized by the tastes of Christmas.
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Christmas Traditions of Gift Giving
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People all across America look forward to giving and receiving gifts wrapped in bright and glittery paper and ribbon. There’s something about the way the Christmas tree looks when beneath its branches lies a mound of shiny gifts of all sizes.
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Christmas Traditions of Santa Claus and Trees
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It is almost unheard of for a home to not have a Christmas tree. Likewise, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa Claus. The two just go together, there’s no doubt about it.
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Christmas: the True Meaning
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A celebration of Christmas in the Church and the history of Christmas lead to the true meaning of the holiday.
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Crown of Thorns in the Passion of Christ
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As a last act of humiliation against Jesus, the Roman officers twisted a crown of thorns and placed it on his head. Taking up the reed they had given him as a mock scepter, they repeatedly struck Jesus in the head with it. Then they bowed in mockery to the King of the Jews, and led him away to be crucified.
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Easter and the Resurrection
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Easter and the Resurrection as they relate to the Christian holiday, discussed through historical perspective and traditions.
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Easter Story: The Role of Pontius Pilate
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There are those who come face to face with the truth, and though they recognize it, they also choose to reject it. Pilate believed that Jesus was innocent, and did not want the moral responsibility of condemning an innocent man. Although Pilate had the power to set Jesus free, his fear of insurrection prevented him from making the right moral choice.
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Epiphany - the Star of Bethlehem
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Epiphany is celebrated as the day that this star had finally led the Magi from the East to the child Jesus. But the greatest significance of the Star of Bethlehem was not its brightness, but its part in the heavenly announcement of everything that Jesus was.
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Epiphany Meaning and History
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A definition of epiphany and the its meaning to Christians who observe the rituals and traditions associated with the celebration.
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Feast of Corpus Christi History
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The history and traditions of the Feast of Corpus Christi, also known as the Feast of the Body of Christ.
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Feast of the Annunciation History
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History and Traditions of the Annunciation, the March 25th celebration of what was once the Christian New Year.
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Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
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The traditions and history of the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus.
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Feast of the Transfiguration
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A discussion of the history and traditions of the Christian Feast of the Transfiguration, celebrated on August 6th.
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Forgiveness on the Cross of Calvary
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Two men hung next to Jesus on the day of his crucifixion. They were both sinners, but one had a hardened heart. The other man knew who Jesus was and took the opportunity to ask for forgiveness. He said: "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
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Good Friday Origins and History
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Good Friday's significance and origins as understood through its history, rituals, and traditions.
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Good Friday: The Passion of Christ
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The story of Good Friday can be studied and discussed in many ways. There's the why of it, the how of it, the people involved in it, and the repercussions of it. But the bottom line to the Good Friday story is that Jesus suffered and died so that mankind could be saved and find peace.
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Holy Week Customs and Traditions
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The customs and traditions of Christian Holy Week in Preparation for the Easter Sunday Resurrection.
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Judas Iscariot's Betrayal of Jesus
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Following the arrest of Jesus, guilt and despair were too much for Judas to overcome. Rather than seek forgiveness or reconciliation, Judas committed suicide. His death was a tragedy; he would have had the same opportunity as Peter to turn things around, and he would have been in the Upper Room with the other disciples to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Instead, like Cain, Judas' actions forever dishonored him.
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Lent History and Traditions
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A discussion of the history and traditions of the Season of Lent in the Christian Faith.
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Maundy Thursday History and Observances
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The origins and traditions of Maundy Thursday in relation to the Christian calendar.
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Ordinary Time Traditions and Meanings
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Information on the Ordinary Time periods of the Christian liturgical year.
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Palm Sunday Meaning and Traditions
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Palm Sunday's history and meaning in relation to the Christian belief in Jesus and his ascenscion.
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Palm Sunday: Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
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There was great anticipation and excitement as Jesus began to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. Many wondered what Jesus was going to do next. But not all of the people were excited about Jesus arriving in the city for the Passover. The scribes, chief priests, Pharisees and Sadducees and other religious leaders were afraid of Him, and wanted to stop His influence.
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Pentecost Meaning and Traditions
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A discussion of the meaning of Pentecost through its story and status as the Church's birthday.
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Peter's Denial of Christ
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Peter went from denying Christ to becoming the leader of the 12 apostles, proving the words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 16:17: "<i>And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it</i>."
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Reformation Day and Martin Luther
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The history of the day commemorating Martin Luther's posting of the ninety-five theses, thereby beginning the Protestant movement.
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Resurrection of Jesus Christ
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The Resurrection of Jesus Christ goes beyond a paranormal event in history. It divided those who opposed its miracle from those who desired and desperately needed the restoration, salvation and redemption it promised.
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Resurrection: The Witnesses
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Of the many people that witnessed Jesus Christ in His resurrected body, only a handful of specific people are named. Each appearance was purposeful, even though some incidents are recorded without details. For the events that are recorded, the Scriptures reveal specifics that are both intriguing and inspiring. When each Gospel narrative is read carefully, and all the details are put together, the big picture becomes quite clear.
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Resurrection: The Words of Jesus
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After Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected, He spent 40 days on earth. In all, more than 500 people became witnesses to the prophetic promise that was fulfilled. The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John provide an overview of Jesus' teachings, instructions and inspiration as the resurrected Christ.
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Resurrection: Women at the Tomb
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In most versions of the gospels, women were the first know and see that Jesus had risen from the dead. In Luke, several women went to the tomb to prepare Jesus' body with spices, only to find it empty.
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