Wise Men [astrologers] From the East

Sunday, January 2, 2011
The End of Christmas Celebration


"NOW WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men [astrologers] from the east came to Jerusalem, ... And on going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then opening their treasure bags, they presented to Him gifts--gold and frankincense and myrrh.


A priest is answering questions children Faith Youth (FY), about the Christmas show.

FY: Father, why when Jesus was born, it was only the Shepherds, the Magi, Simeon and Anna, who seems happy and know the presence of Jesus, Savior of the world?

Father: God gave His only begotten Son to all mankind in the world, but unfortunately many people hearts and minds closed 'their doors'. And it seems Shepherds of the field whose lives are simple, which opened the door of their heart to receive good news from the angels. And the Magi astrologers who are smart and is a sign they are smart and have a desire to know nature and natural occurrences as well as trying to find the best for them by following the big stars shine.

FY: Father, why did the Magi gave gold, frankincense and myrrh? Is there a meaning?

Father: Gold symbolizes that the Magi recognize Jesus as their king. Frankincense symbolizes that the Magi would contact directly with God. Myrrh/ Fragrance symbolizes the Magi want close friends with Jesus.

FY: Well, it turns out our church has many stories behind the Christmas show ya. The cave / cage symbolized the many meanings of Christmas ya .. Since when did the church we have a custom made cage Christmas? And why are there no Christmas tree (pine tree) in the church?

Father: Caves / nativity scene is the work and thoughts of saint Francis of Assisi in the XII century, which is a reflection of the Christmas grotto will related with the holy book, the Bible. While Christmas trees were the work of the traders to enliven the Christmas event, XVIII century.

BIR: O. ... so yes. We're understanding now.

Father: You also can find out by searching on the Internet, on wikipedia. Congratulations Searching yes ...

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Isaiah.60 :1-6 + Psalms.72 :1-2 ,7-8 ,10-13 + Ephesians.3 :2-3 ,5-6 + Matthew.2 :1-12
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Minggu, 2 Januari 2011
HARI RAYA PENAMPAKAN TUHAN

" Sesudah Yesus dilahirkan di Betlehem di tanah Yudea pada zaman raja Herodes, datanglah orang-orang majus dari Timur ke Yerusalem ... Maka masuklah mereka ke dalam rumah itu dan melihat Anak itu bersama Maria, ibu-Nya, lalu sujud menyembah Dia. Merekapun membuka tempat harta bendanya dan mempersembahkan persembahan kepada-Nya, yaitu emas, kemenyan dan mur."


Seorang romo sedang menjawab pertanyaan anak-anak Bina Iman Remaja (BIR), mengenai acara Natal.

BIR : Romo, mengapa ketika Yesus lahir, rasanya hanya para Gembala, orang Majus, dan Simeon Hana, yang nampaknya gembira dan tahu kehadiran Yesus, Juruselamat dunia ?

Romo : Allah telah mengaruniakan Anak-Nya yang tunggal kepada semua umat manusia di dunia, tetapi sayangnya banyak orang menutup pintu hatinya dan akalnya. Dan nampaknya Gembala di padang yang hidupnya sederhana, yang membuka pintu hatinya untuk menerima kabar gembira dari malaikat. Dan orang Majus yang pintar dan ahli perbintangan merupakan tanda mereka yang pintar dan mempunyai kerinduan untuk mengenal alam dan kejadian alam serta berusaha mencari yang terbaik bagi mereka dengan mengikuti bintang besar bersinar.

BIR : Romo, mengapa orang Majus memberikan emas, kemenyan dan mur ? Apa ada artinya?

Romo : Emas melambangkan bahwa orang Majus mengakui Yesus sebagai raja mereka. Dupa/ Kemenyan melambangkan bahwa orang Majus mau berhubungan langsung dengan Allah. Mur/ minyak wangi melambangkan orang Majus mau bersahabat erat dengan Yesus.

BIR : Wah, ternyata gereja kita memiliki banyak cerita di balik acara natal ya. Gua/ kandang natal melambang banyak arti ya.. Sejak kapan gereja kita memiliki kebiasaan membuat kandang natal? Dan mengapa tidak ada pohon natal (pohon cemara) dalam gereja ?

Romo : Gua/ kandang Natal merupakan buah karya dan pemikiran santo Fransiskus Asisi di abad ke XII, dimana gua Natal merupakan refleksi dari penghayatannya akan kitab suci, alkitab. Sedangkan pohon Natal merupakan hasil karya para pedagang untuk memeriahkan acara Natal, sekitar abad XVIII.

BIR : O....begitu ya. Baru tahu.

Romo : Kamu juga bisa mencari tahu dengan mencari di Internet, di wikipedia. Selamat Searching ya...

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Yes.60:1-6 + Mzm.72:1-2,7-8,10-13 + Ef.3:2-3,5-6 + Mat.2:1-12
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