HAPPY HOLIDAYS and MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
We continue or paragraph discussion with today's topic: (Fasting).
This topic, fasting, comes at a time when most people are making preparation for family gatherings, good food, gift openings, and fun. People are feasting during the Christmas Holidays and not fasting. Christ, in this sermon, tells us what we should do when we fast. He begins by saying: "And when you fast,". The statement assumes that we will fast. It tells us that Christ knows that we will fast and that we should follow these instructions when we do.
Do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, he tells us. Do not disfigure our face as the hypocrites do. Instead, wash the face and anoint the head with oils to show that you are alive and upbeat. Show to the public that you are living as normal and keep the spiritual practices that you do in secret to yourself . It is not for the public that you fast. It is not for the public that you seek to gain recognition. It is for your Father in heaven that you secretly fast, who's recognition you seek. He will know your secret. He will know the truth in your heart and the joy with which you fast because it is his secret and yours. It is your secret that you seek to come closer to him in what you do. It is your secret that you would sacrifice the things of this world to do the things for him. It is your secret that through the fast, you find joy and happiness, and peace. It is your secret that you bring your physical body under control and deny it the daily pleasure that it wants. It is your secret that you allow yourself to suffer the pains of withdrawal from the foods that you eat.
It is God's secret that he sets aside gifts for you in heaven. It is God's secret that he rejoices in your love for him. It is God's secret that he finds your actions pleasing to him. It is God's secret that through your actions he knows your love for him. For Christ tells us, in this sermon, that our Father in heaven will see what we do in secret and will reward us.
Let us take a moment in this time of joyous celebration to remember those less fortunate than ourselves, those that are suffering through this holiday season. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God for all of the blessings that he has given us. Christ came to live among us to teach us how to live according to God's principles. Give a gift to those who do not have. Give a donation to the needy. Give a helping hand to those who ask in this time of giving. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and help the suffering. This is the season of giving. Let our giving extend to all in this joyous season.
We continue or paragraph discussion with today's topic: (Fasting).
This topic, fasting, comes at a time when most people are making preparation for family gatherings, good food, gift openings, and fun. People are feasting during the Christmas Holidays and not fasting. Christ, in this sermon, tells us what we should do when we fast. He begins by saying: "And when you fast,". The statement assumes that we will fast. It tells us that Christ knows that we will fast and that we should follow these instructions when we do.
Do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, he tells us. Do not disfigure our face as the hypocrites do. Instead, wash the face and anoint the head with oils to show that you are alive and upbeat. Show to the public that you are living as normal and keep the spiritual practices that you do in secret to yourself . It is not for the public that you fast. It is not for the public that you seek to gain recognition. It is for your Father in heaven that you secretly fast, who's recognition you seek. He will know your secret. He will know the truth in your heart and the joy with which you fast because it is his secret and yours. It is your secret that you seek to come closer to him in what you do. It is your secret that you would sacrifice the things of this world to do the things for him. It is your secret that through the fast, you find joy and happiness, and peace. It is your secret that you bring your physical body under control and deny it the daily pleasure that it wants. It is your secret that you allow yourself to suffer the pains of withdrawal from the foods that you eat.
It is God's secret that he sets aside gifts for you in heaven. It is God's secret that he rejoices in your love for him. It is God's secret that he finds your actions pleasing to him. It is God's secret that through your actions he knows your love for him. For Christ tells us, in this sermon, that our Father in heaven will see what we do in secret and will reward us.
Let us take a moment in this time of joyous celebration to remember those less fortunate than ourselves, those that are suffering through this holiday season. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God for all of the blessings that he has given us. Christ came to live among us to teach us how to live according to God's principles. Give a gift to those who do not have. Give a donation to the needy. Give a helping hand to those who ask in this time of giving. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and help the suffering. This is the season of giving. Let our giving extend to all in this joyous season.
