Krissy's Digest...

We went to church last Sunday and I was really touched by the pastors message. As today's commercialism get more and more absurd, we all forget the true meaning of Christmas. Who is this season for and why we are all celebrating it?

First point, Santa Claus Vs. Jesus Christ. Nowadays, most people see Santa Claus as the symbol of Christmas, which is really not supposed to be. Whose billboards are hanging around tall buildings? Who are on all the commercials on TV? Who do children expect to come and give them gifts at Christmas? Answer to all the questions is Santa Claus. Who is Santa Claus anyway? Why are people revering to him more than Jesus during Christmas?



1881 Illustration of Santa Claus by Thomas Nast



Saint Nicholas - is a Saint and the bishop of Myra, part of what is not the modern day Turkey. He came from a wealthy family and had the reputation of secretly giving gifts. He is also the patron saint of sailors. He have supposedly saved life of a young sailor who fell from ship's rigging during storm.



He also have brought to life 3 young boys who have been butchered and placed in a barrel for curing to sell as ham.

Another popular on is the tale of the 3 virgins. A man who is so poor cannot afford dowry for his 3 children. He feared that they wouldn't be able to marry and wouldn't be employed. The only possible thing left for them to do is to be prostitutes. Hearing of the man's plight, Saint Nicholas, helped him. But he was modest and wanted to help the man secretly to avoid embarrassment, he threw gold coins into the 3 socks that were hanging on the fire place. This have been a tradition to a lot of homes up to this time. Hanging socks at doors, windows and fireplaces.

Saint Nicholas is just doing the deeds of the Lord. He is not supposed to be more popular than Jesus Christ, especially on the Lords birthday...

Jesus Christ, was born in a manger. He was clothed in rags and was born with simple parents. Mary and Joseph the carpenter. God the father, gave him to us, to save us from our sins. When in fact all of us are not worthy of it. He is the greatest gift that have been given to us. The gift of forgiveness and eternal life...


Second Point - Gift Giving



Why do we give gifts? What is your purpose in giving gifts? Gift giving has been a tradition especially at Christmas time. We have our exchange gifts and we expect to receive and give gifts to people we know and care about. There are about 5 types of gift giving.

Obligatory - Where you feel the need to give the gift. For example, every Christmas, your God children (Inaanaks) come to your house asking for their gifts. As a dutiful Godparent, you either have prepared a gift for them or give them cash gifts.

Exchange Gifts - Where you give gifts with each other.Like you have exchange gifts at home or at your workplace.

Favor Giving - You give gifts because of a favor done to you.

Sacrificial - Where you sacrifice some of your precious belongings or some of the things you usually do during Christmas and give to the poor instead...

Anonymous - Secretly giving gifts or help to people without disclosing your identity...

Which of these are you? Some people just give gifts because they know if they give, they will also receive. I wonder where the true spirit of Christmas is? Giving without expecting to receive, helping people in need, celebrating the true cause of this season, which is the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.


Third Point - Christmas for us

Who do we love at Christmas? Who do we prioritize? What is Christmas for us?

Christmas now has different meaning for people. Instead of thinking and being happy for the birth of Christ, we have made Christmas as time for worldly things.

Having the much awaited Christmas Vacation Leave for those who are working. Relaxing time, time to go on a tour, receiving/giving gifts, Christmas parties, getting new things and More money from Christmas bonus and gifts from relatives.

Now, where is Jesus Christ in all of this? What is our focus? We should all be grateful. The very best gift given to all of us is not wrapped in fancy gift wrapping, is not expensive, it is eternal but given for us free. Jesus Christ... Now think , What is Christmas for you? How do you celebrate it? What do you teach your children about it? Just a thought... Merry Christmas to all...

I just found this site and got interested by it. First of all I was looking for youtube videos and then I saw their ad saying earn more by watching youtube videos. Sounds interesting? So I got to their site and saw that it was basically a platform where you could rant about those things that you hate and rave about the things that you love, and that includes youtube videos.

Rant Rave is not just restricted for youtube videos. You can go on ranting about what you hate about politics, issues or simply talk about the movie you saw and the music you have just heard. You can earn money by putting your adsense code on your RantRave Page.

Go on and make your own RantRave page. Talk about whatever interests you and see people coming to your RantRave Page. Sign up is free and quick... Go on and sign up, don't be left behind... :)

Technorati Tags:cool websites, platforms, rant, rave, comments, views

Almost all eyes are glued to their television yesterday, December 7 , as the "Dream Match" started. Some are skeptic that Manny Pacquiao would win because of the huge size advantage that Oscar De la Hoya poses, but Manny of course proved them wrong.

Both Manny and Oscar have earned names for themselves. Both also have risen from humble beginnings to becoming rich and famous. Both are legendary boxers.

I am really happy of the result. Manny was in great shape and was throwing punches at a very incredible speed, that Oscar can't hardly cope up. At round 6-7 I really felt sorry for Oscar, that I wanted him to surrender. Because his face was badly swollen. Even if Oscar De la Hoya lost the game, he was man enough to admit that he lost to a really great player and he had nothing to say but praises for Manny Pacquiao.

To our Manny, I hope you continue giving our country pride. Congratulations to your win and I hope, you won't change... Be humble and don't get all the fame and fortune get in your head...

Technorati Tags:boxing, sports, fight, oscar de la hoya, manny pacquiao

I know this topic maybe sensitive but I have just came across a post about having a Frenemy. It is not a new post, but it seem to be interesting enough because it touches some events that recently happened to me. Before, I had lots of friends, swarming around our house, accompanying me wherever I go and just being by my side always. Now I don't have them. All that is left are the ones who stucked through thick and thin with me. Every little move I make, my so called friends assists me and they are always there if I needed advice. When I went through some financial hardships, they suddenly were nowhere to be found.

My mom warned me about being too trusting and too generous to people. I tend to be very friendly, even if I have just met the person. I also lost some friends that I had way back when I was still in my high school years. So, were they really my friends? Or they are my frenemies? Friends and enemies at the same time. Or simply friends when you still have something to give.

This saddens me, but one positive thing I got out of this is, knowing who my real friends are. The ones who stood by me through thick and thin and doesn't ask for anything in return... Before, I couldn't count my friends with my 10 fingers, now they are only less than 10, but they are more than enough for me... I thank my real friends... You know who you are... I love you and will forever be thankful for being by my side always...

Technorati Tags:friends, enemies, buddies, feelings, deciet,

Really cute I saw this at Abowman. Great t put on your blogger sidebar or on your desktop... Place your mouse inside and click to feed the fish... Enjoy...

Me and my whole family watched this movie about 3 days ago. We were all excited and want to see the movie that people everywhere was talking about. I have never heard about the twilight series, only knew more after watching the movie. I researched about it online and found out that it was a series of books. No wonder when the movie ended, it seems like there is still a continuation for it.

It is a vampire love story. The whole setting is quite different from traditional vampire stories that we read from books or watch from movies. The vampires live in a very nice house, they own great cars and they could mingle around with people. When they are hit by the suns rays, they would only glitter, like diamonds sparkling. The story evolves around how Edward and Bella, came to know and love each other.

We think that the movie is great, but I have read some excerpts of the book and I think the book is much more exciting. In terms of how well the scenes are depicted. I am definitely going to buy the book series to know how the story would end.

If you have not watched the movie yet, better go to the nearest theater and watch it with your family and friends. Will have a review of the book after I buy and read it...