Last Thursday, I went for a routine blood test, which has always been challenging due to my very small veins. I was directed from one department to another until finally reaching the blood collection area where many patients were waiting. Despite my upcoming elective procedure on Monday requiring these results, I still needed to wait my turn.
Jesus Shed His Blood For Us
When my time came, the phlebotomist struggled as expected. In a final attempt, she asked me to stretch out both hands, successfully drawing blood from each—though it was quite painful. This experience sparked a profound thought: the discomfort in my hands reminded me of Christ’s crucifixion, though my momentary pain was insignificant compared to His suffering.
What makes this reflection especially meaningful is the Easter season we’re celebrating today! Jesus didn’t remain on that cross or in the tomb—He conquered death and rose again! As the Scripture beautifully declares, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said,” (Matthew 28:6).
This resurrection isn’t just a historical event but offers hope to everyone. The promise that “because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19) transcends religious boundaries, inviting all to consider what new beginnings might be possible in their lives.
Whether you share my faith in Christ Jesus or not, Easter’s themes of renewal, hope, and perseverance through suffering speak to the universal human experience. Even from small moments of discomfort can come beautiful reflections on life’s deeper meaning.
May we all find moments of peace, renewal and joy during this season!
As I pause on this Christmas Eve, my heart turns to the true essence of this sacred celebration – the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. Beyond the wrapped presents and twinkling lights, I’m reminded that the greatest gift ever given wasn’t placed under a tree but in a humble manger in Bethlehem.
Looking back over this year’s journey, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Each morning I could rise, and work was a blessing. Every moment of peace in a turbulent world was a gift. The warmth of family gatherings, the laughter shared with friends, the simple joy of good health—these precious gifts have filled my days with grace and meaning.
My heart especially reaches out to those who are hurting this Christmas. I see you, dear friends, who are facing an empty chair at your table, whose loved ones have left this earthly realm this year. Your pain is real. I want you to know that while today’s sorrow feels overwhelming, I promise you that healing will come. Not to erase your memories but to transform your tears into tender remembrances of the love you shared. I miss my dad at Christmas, but I have hopes of resurrection, and that I will see him again, someday. Not in this world, but in heaven. That, is my faith.
Reflecting on that first Christmas night, I’m moved by its powerful message of hope rising from humble circumstances. Mary and Joseph, far from home, found light in their darkest hour. This reminds me—and all of us—that even in our moments of deepest sadness, we’re held in divine love’s embrace.
Whether you’re celebrating joyfully or quietly nursing a tender heart this Christmas, I invite you to join me in embracing the profound love that entered our world that holy night. In Jesus’s birth, we find our ultimate source of gratitude – the assurance that dawn always follows darkness, that love never truly ends, and that hope blooms eternal in even the coldest seasons of our lives.
As I bow my head in prayer today, I’m thankful not just for the blessings I can count but for the limitless love that counts us all worthy, that’s our pain, celebrates our joy, and promises us that better days lie ahead. This is the true spirit of Christmas – a love that transforms, heals, and makes all things new.
Merry Christmas my dear friends, and to those who don’t celebrate, have a fabulous and relaxing holiday. See you in 2025!
When I think about Jesus, I feel joy, appreciation for His sacrifice, and overwhelming relief that my life is free from the clutches of sin and shame. Christ paid the ultimate price for me and everyone who believes in Him. He translated my earthly being into a spiritual and heaven-bound believer.
What an overwhelming victory!
Death could not hold Him. Propelled by love, Christ went down to hell and defeated the enemy of our souls. As we enter into the Easter season, I am drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Scripture, which illuminates the significance of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection for humanity:
“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
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
Matthew 28:6
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate triumph over sin and death, signalling the promise of new life for all who believe in Him.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”
1 Peter 2:24
This Easter, let us reflect on these powerful truths and rejoice in the hope and redemption that Christ’s death and resurrection bring. May our hearts be filled with gratitude and our spirits renewed as we celebrate the victory of our risen Saviour.
Embracing Kindness with Jesus at the Center is the True Meaning of Christmas.
As the world transforms into a festive wonderland, we should remember that it’s not just about the glittering lights and wrapped presents. Christmas, at its core, is a celebration of kindness, and there’s no better reminder than the heart-warming presence of Jesus. He is the reason for the season, although many have conveniently forgotten that in the feverish gift buying, adverts and consumerism that seems to have pervaded our society.
The True Gift: Kindness Beyond Wrappings
It’s true that the anticipation of wrapped surprises is undeniable, but let’s not forget the real magic – kindness. It’s an intangible gift that doesn’t need fancy ribbons. A kind word, a thoughtful gesture – that’s the essence of a Christmas well-celebrated.
Jesus, the Anchor of Compassion:
In the hustle and bustle, pause to remember the true reason for the season – Jesus. His birth and life are the spirit of Christmas, encouraging us to love one another and extend kindness in every interaction.
A Resolution for Eternal Joy:
Life is temporal and things can change swiftly, so let’s love truly, and forgive quickly, that’s the true meaning of Christmas.
From me to you, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May your days be filled with the warmth of Jesus’ love, and inspiring acts of kindness that create a ripple effect of joy in every corner of your life.
While I was working as usual, I had my music playing underground—it helps me when I’m writing and editing. The music’s rhythm matched my creative work well. A captivating melody danced into my ears, its beauty too fascinating not to share. It’s incredible how great music can make us feel strong emotions and touch our inner selves.
Photo credit: Marc Girard. Our Beautiful World
As the notes enveloped me, I couldn’t help but envision the scenes painted by the music, a vivid landscape of awe-inspiring beauty that beckons us to pause and contemplate the intricate masterpiece crafted by the divine hand of our Creator, God Almighty. At this moment, wherever you may be, I hope that your day is going on well. With Stive Morgan’s enchanting compositions as the backdrop, may we all find ourselves awestruck by the boundless magnificence of the world we call home.
Today marks the 18th anniversary of the London transport bombings, which caused the death of 52 people and numerous injuries. Here in Europe, we’re still watching the carnage unleashed on Ukrainians when Russia invaded their country, killing thousands of innocent people and inflicting untold suffering on both sides. I’ve lost count of the mass shootings in the US this year. Here in the UK, we’re grappling with knife crimes, young lives snuffed out at regular intervals. Then today, I read about an Ohia man, Chad Doerman, who executed his three young sons, allowing the mother to witness the heinous crime. He would probably claim insanity, which brings me to the complexity inherent in the human heart.
The human heart, both anatomically and metaphorically, has long captivated our imaginations. The heart is a fascinating organ that sustains life and influences emotions and actions. While the heart is often associated with kindness, love, and compassion, it can also exhibit darker aspects of human nature. Today I want to explore the duality of the human heart, highlighting its potential for both wickedness and kindness.
The Wickedness of the Human Heart:
Human history is replete with tales of cruelty, violence, and malevolence that originate from the depths of the human heart. Suffering and pain can be caused by actions stemming from evil thoughts in the heart. The seeds of wickedness can grow within and sprout as greed, envy, hatred, or revenge. The book of Jeremiah from the Bible echoes this message.
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the LORD, search all and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”
Jeremiah 17: 9-10
Selfishness and wrong beliefs have caused terrible acts throughout history. Some of the darkest moments in history have been centred around the human heart, including wars, genocides, violence, and oppression. It’s a reminder of the capacity for evil that lives within us.
The Kindness of the Human Heart:
However, amidst the wickedness, the human heart is also capable of immense kindness and compassion. It’s the source of love, empathy, and altruism that can lead to acts of selflessness and generosity. The heart encourages kindness and support towards others.
Comforting friends, helping strangers, and donating to charity are simple acts of kindness. It’s also evident in the tireless work of individuals and organisations that strive to address social injustices, fight for equality, and improve the well-being of others. The human heart, when guided by empathy and compassion, has the potential to create positive change and heal wounds.
The Balance of the Human Heart:
Human hearts contain a mix of both wickedness and kindness. Everyone has the potential for both good and evil, and their choices shape their path. Our hearts is not a static entity. It can evolve and transform over time, influenced by experiences, education, and personal growth. Acknowledging both wickedness and kindness within ourselves helps us understand our humanity and strive to cultivate a kind heart while rejecting wickedness.
The human heart is a complex entity that harbours both wickedness and kindness. It holds the capacity for great evil and the power to generate immense love and compassion. Reflecting on our actions helps us understand this paradox. By doing so, we can work towards creating a world that celebrates the inherent goodness within us and endeavours to minimise the wickedness that can sometimes arise.
The paradox of the human heart reminds us that our emotional experiences are complex, nuanced, and multifaceted. It encapsulates the simultaneous capacity for immense strength and vulnerability, guiding us to navigate the depths of our emotions with self-awareness and compassion. By embracing this paradox, we can achieve a more profound understanding of ourselves and others, resulting in a richer, more fulfilling human experience.
In our corners of the world, let’s make our world a better place!
They argue from sunrise to sunset, throwing blood on the ground wet with tears of babes. They haggle senselessly, putting a price on peace and stoning themselves with hatred. They pummeled houses with tanks of metal and started a duel with the mountains. They grind soft bones into powder, using it to dress their home. They are the peace hagglers.
They are for peace, they say, yet their guns continue to sing. I laugh without showing my teeth. They fail to see my beauty. They refuse to acknowledge my work. Instead, they splatter evil all over the world. I weep for my clouds; I cry for my mountains.
My hills groaned with displeasure as my leaves danced with agitation. When will sons see their foolishness and embrace joy? Until I steal the wind? Or make my rivers dry? When will they realise the price of peace is cheap? While they massage their ego with foetuses and abort the dreams of teenagers. My silence is at an end. I open my arms and swallow them whole.
They haggle for the price of peace when they only need to love.
Photo credit: Laurent, Flickr
They haggle for the price of peace when they only need to love.
SS David
I’m late to the party, it’s the 2nd of February 2023 already, and I hope this year has started on a positive note for everyone. Every day is a chance to start anew and begin again. The poem above (can I call it that?) decries the state of our world. Putin of Russia is hellbent on starting World War 3, and police officers in the United States still kill unarmed and innocent men(mostly black). Kindness is so scarce now that even in our Royal Family, it’s one scandal after another. People are quick to judge and blame everyone but themselves.
Love is the antidote to all the madness and craziness in our world, but why is it so difficult to love? This question keeps me awake at night, and I believe I’m not alone. I know kindness still exists, and decency is still around, but all I see sometimes is debauchery and sexual immorality on our screens. People need to remember what it means not to cheat. Our politicians are only interested in themselves. People can die for years in their homes, and nobody cares.
That’s the reason selfless love is what we need to make our world a safer, kinder place to live.
I choose love over hate and am confident I’m not alone.
May we find it in our hearts to love this year, and then we will truly live.
This song is so soothing, and I have to post it. Jason Upton is a worship leader I just stumbled upon on YouTube. His songs drip with such revelation and mystery that I know he must be a profoundly spiritual man who loves the Lord.
Our lives are fast-paced, and sometimes we don’t pause to listen to our heartbeats, which yearn for something greater than ourselves. I have found love in God, and it settles my heart. I hope whoever listens to this deep song will find rest in God and His love. Below are the lyrics of the song. I hope you’ll enjoy listening to the music.
Love is a winding road Older than old, and hard to straighten Love is a mystery It’s got a hold on me And I just can’t shake it Love It’s a winding road
And love is a dangerous word to those who fear losing control ‘Cause love is a wild wind and no one knows which way it goes Love It’s a dangerous word
So, take a piece of bread and a cup of wine A common place and a common time And sit down at the table with love
Sit down at the table with love
Love is not far away It’s a home that stays right where we are ‘Cause love it can let us go It can hold us close It can heal our heart Oh, love
Is not far away Is not far away Sit at the table Come on, sit down at the table Come at the table If you haven’t already, come by me Come on, sit down at the table Do you feel ashamed? Let the shame go Sit down at the table
I hope you enjoyed the song, have a lovely weekend friends!
I love the story of redemption. The ability to be able to start again, rebuild and succeed appeals to me immensely.
And that’s what heaven did through Jesus’s crucifixion on the cross. No matter how bad we’ve erred the fact that there is redemption means heaven is looking at our frailty through the eyes of grace.
I am a product of heaven’s grace through the redemptive power of Jesus, and I am proud of that.
I leave you with this song from the Prince of Egypt ‘Through Heaven’s Eyes,’ it blesses my soul. Have a fabulous week ahead, friends!
Life could be a jumbled mess, even at Christmas but smile, be happy because great things are afoot. That is if you believe it.
Last year Christmas, I was in the hospital. It was like a prison because for the first time in my life; I wasn’t with my family at Christmas. Two months before my admission, I’d had surgery, and for whatever reasons, my body reacted badly to the anaesthesia, and my right knee, ankle and hips bore the full brunt of the invasion. My knee was angry, red, bloated and painful. It was as if it had a life of its own, so morphine, tramadol, and cocodamol became my best pal.
I’d been on the waiting list for over a year now to rectify the anomaly in my joints, but our dear old NHS is also going through a tangled mess of its own, so I have to wait it out, in pain. A few days ago, my joints seemed to have had enough, and I had to seek medical help. It’s especially angrier at winter, so it’s like a vicious circle. So why am I writing this? In spite of my health challenges, I love celebrating Christmas because it’s about Jesus Christ, not Santa or the frenzy buying of gifts. There’s nothing bad in gifts, I’ve bought mine and it’s all wrapped up but it’s more than that. I believe Jesus is the son of God, and Christmas is a time to continue to spread the love of Christ and joy in our world. Although I must confess that as a Christian, it saddens me to see Santa glorified to gargantuan proportion, but hey, that’s life.
Life’s a mess sometimes, and I am using this article to reach out to anyone who’s faced or is still facing disease, disappointments, breakdowns of relationships at Christmas and this holiday season. Live strong, and it would pass. People will always piss you off, your expectations may fall short, and the gaiety of this season may appear fake, but life is truly rich and beautiful. We should always have hope irrespective of our circumstances, that things will always get better. If you’re a Christian, that hope is in Jesus Christ, If you’re of another faith, have this hope that things will get better by channelling your energies to positive things, do good to others and believe great things will come your way.
Smile with confidence, like the boy in the picture because things will work out in ways you’d never imagined.
Merry Christmas my friends, wherever you are in the world and have a fantastic New Year!
S. S. David 