Faith

Pope to Faithful at Christmas Eve Mass: ‘See Through the Superficial Glitter of This Season’

Pope Christmas Eve Mass

(The Blaze/AP) Pope Benedict XVI decried the increasing commercialization of Christmas as he celebrated Christmas Eve Mass on Saturday night, beginning celebrations around the globe. Two hours before midnight at Vatican City, Pope Benedict urged the faithful to look to the holiday’s true meaning.

“Let us ask the Lord to help us see through the superficial glitter of this season, and to discover behind it the child in the stable in Bethlehem, so as to find true joy and true light,” Benedict told congregants in a packed St. Peter’s Basilica.

Benedict presided over the service in a packed St. Peter’s Basilica, kicking off an intense two weeks of Christmas-related public appearances that will test the 84-year-old pontiff’s stamina amid signs that fatigue is starting to slow him down.

The Christmas Eve Mass was moved up to 10 p.m. from midnight several years ago to spare the pope a late night that is followed by an important Christmas Day speech. In a new concession this year, Benedict processed down the basilica’s central aisle on a moving platform to spare him the long walk.

Benedict appeared tired by the end of the Mass and a dry cough interrupted his homily.

In his homily, Benedict lamented that Christmas has become an increasingly commercial celebration that obscures the simplicity of the message of Christ’s birth.

“Let us ask the Lord to help us see through the superficial glitter of this season, and to discover behind it the child in the stable in Bethlehem, so as to find true joy and true light,” he said.

It was the second time in as many days that Benedict has pointed to the need to rediscover faith to confront the problems facing the world today. In his end-of-year meeting with Vatican officials on Thursday, Benedict said Europe’s financial crisis was largely “based on the ethical crisis looming over the Old Continent.”

Benedict officially kicked off Christmas a few hours before the evening Mass, lighting a candle in his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square in a sign of peace, as crowds gathered to witness the unveiling of the Vatican’s larger-than-life sized nativity scene.

Security was tight for the evening Mass, as it has been in recent years. There were no repeats of the 2008 and 2009 Christmas Eve security breaches, in which a woman with a history of psychiatric problems and wearing a telltale red sweat shirt jumped the wooden security barrier along the basilica’s central aisle and lunged for the pope.

In 2008, the pope’s security detail blocked her from getting to Benedict. But in 2009, she managed to grab Benedict’s vestments and pulled him to the ground. The pope was unhurt and continued along with the service, but a French cardinal who was nearby fell and broke his hip.

On Sunday, Benedict will deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” speech, Latin for “to the city and the world,” from the central loggia of St. Peter’s overlooking the piazza. Usually, the speech is a survey of sorts of the hardships and wars confronting humanity. He’s also due to deliver Christmas greetings in dozens of languages.

Next weekend, he‘ll preside over a New Year’s Eve vespers service, followed by a New Year’s Day Mass. A few days later he‘ll celebrate Epiphany Mass followed by his traditional baptizing of babies in the Vatican’s frescoed Sistine Chapel.

Transcript of Pope Benedict’s complete homily. 

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of tourists and Christian pilgrims packed the West Bank town of Bethlehem for Christmas Eve celebrations Saturday, bringing warm holiday cheer to the traditional birthplace of Jesus on a raw, breezy and rainy night. With turnout at its highest in more than a decade, proud Palestinian officials said they were praying the celebrations would bring them closer to their dream of independence.

Bethlehem, like the rest of the West Bank, fell onto hard times after the Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation broke out in late 2000. As the fighting has subsided in recent years, the tourists have returned in large numbers. By late night, the Israeli military, which controls movement in and out of town, said some 100,000 visitors, including foreigners and Arab Christians from Israel, had reached Bethlehem, up from 70,000 the previous year. Thousands of Palestinians from inside West Bank also converged on the town. Festivities were to culminate with Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity, built over the grotto where tradition says Jesus was born. Among the visitors were a surprisingly large number of veiled Muslim women with their families, out to enjoy an evening out in what is normally a quiet town.

“We love to share this holiday with our Christian brothers,” said Amal Ayash, 46, who came to Manger Square with her three daughters, all of them covered in veils. “It is a Palestinian holiday and we love to come here and watch.” Israel turned Bethlehem over to Palestinian civil control a few days before Christmas in 1995, and since then, residents have been celebrating the holiday regardless of their religion. Pilgrims from around the world also wandered the streets, singing Christmas carols and visiting churches. ”

Pope Christmas Eve Mass

Today, only about one-third of Bethlehem’s residents are Christian, reflecting a broader exodus of Christians from the Middle East in recent decades. Overall, just 60,000 Christians live in the Palestinian territories, making up less than 2 percent of the population, according to Palestinian officials.

Comments (103)

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  • RedDawn-2012
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 8:01am

    Who on earth but a fool could respect a man whose everyday wear includes silk garments adorned with gold and precious stones who begs us to discard our “superficial glitter” on a day of celebration. His hypocrisy is magnified by his evil insistence on a One World Government. He walks arm in arm with the gypsy banksters and their government stooges, our true enemies, who will never stop striving for control over the whole world. The total defeat of this evil cabal is the only hope for humanity.

    Report Post » RedDawn-2012  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 9:54am

      The Pope does not own any of the wealth you are perceiving. His vestments reflect his office as Supreme Pontiff and successor of Peter. The Catholic Church is the largest charitable organization on the face of the planet. Any “glitter” associated with Catholic vestments or churches is associated with giving glory to God Almighty.

      Report Post »  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 10:49pm

      Absolutely marvelous when the Roman Catholic Churches, upon paying themselves first, give money to organizations that have a negative impact on our society, such as, illegal Mexican immigration. God has engineered History so that evil is ulimately rewarded. Evil also has another characteristic, the foolish side of evil is ALWAYS economically inefficient. Godliness is cheaper. Just because Roman Catholic Churches gives more money (wasting all that you give), doesn’t create wealth. Obama is another example of this, so by your giving more senario, is Obama better for us?

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 27, 2011 at 11:31am

      The original response was to your assertion that the Pope dresses richly and the implication that the “wealthy” Catholic church is materialistic. My response to you is to say that the Pope dresses formally during formal occasions, as anyone would. Ordinarily he dresses very plainly in a white cassock. The Church is the largest charitable organization on the planet.

      I would not be in support of anyone who undermines the sovereignty of our country. I don’t think that is what individual bishops are doing – they are attempting to show Jesus’ love to innocent human beings who are refugees from a crime-infested, impoverished country.

      Make no bones about it – I am 110% against the socialist Barack Obama. His form of wealth redistribution is not Charity. It is theft. This is why the Catholic Church has been a staunch opponent of Socialism and Communism – it takes away the freedom given to men by God.

      Report Post »  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on December 27, 2011 at 7:42pm

      It’s a fact, nearly 80 percent of Hispanic Catholics voted for Obama, nearly 60 percent of white Catholics voted for Obama, Catholics overwhelmingly support the Socialist cause by voting Democrats into every nook and cranny. Look at the record, majority of Catholic Advocates are democrats. That in it’s self underminds sovereignty of our country.

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • antiepa
      Posted on January 1, 2012 at 8:17pm

      Most people don’t hate the Catholic Church, they hate what they’ve heard about the Catholic Church.

      Instead of harboring hate resulting from lies, listen to the truth:

      http://www.realcatholictv.com/share/watch.php?vidID=rtrt-2011-01-09

      Report Post » antiepa  
    • Caleb-Texas
      Posted on January 2, 2012 at 5:27pm

      At Poverty.sucks
      Your point can be misleading. Chuch going Catholic vote (at best) heavily leans Republican at worst is evenly split:

      In 2004 George W. Bush won the Catholic vote with 52% wheares Kerry got 47% of the Catholic vote. In 2008 Obama won the 54% of the Catholic vote. However there is a significant difference when you look at the percentage of church going Catholic who voted for Obama vs those who voted for McCain with 50% voting for McCain and 49% voting for Obama, according to CNN exit poll date…and we all know we can trust CNN.

      Report Post »  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 3:49pm

    Reading the dope’s transcript he merely mentions words such as savior, faith, God, God’s son, Jesus, love, ect… Because he has no degree on theology, he doesn’t lead people to Christ. Makes no mention on the steps to salvation, only that there’s a savior and no further explanation about what it means to have faith in Christ. No mention on Gods love for us is the greatest riches over anything on this earth. Without Gods love in your Heart, you are in poverty.

    Faith in Christ isn’t obtained by loving others, no amount of work gets you saved. When you want to know about Christ, don’t go to a dope Roman Catholic, go to the Holy Bible yourself. Then seek people who’ve studied the Gospel.

    http://www.PeaceWithGod.Jesus.net

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • Cgeezy
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 2:50am

      Nevermind my gold laced garments and diamond encrusted scepter!

      Report Post »  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 9:43am

      The Pope has a PhD in Theology (1953), and was a University Professor for many years. Like his predecessor, he has many publications both before and after he became Pope. He is extremely intelligent, and moreover very devout. He is the successor of Peter.

      If you’re really interested in his writings as pontiff, they can be found here.

      http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm

      Report Post »  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 12:29pm

      Thank you for bringing to light of the Pope’s PhD in Theology. Upon reading his transcript he failed to apply his education in Theology.

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 3:00pm

      I think it is wonderful that you‘re concerned about spreading Jesus’ message. Perhaps you should re-read the Pope’s message.

      He expounds on the wonder of our God becoming man to save us, being born as a weak, powerless, and impoverished man. Almighty God humbles himself to find us. The Pope is suggesting that we should humble ourselves to find God, putting aside false certainties, and intellectual pride and the things of this world (commercialism). Doesn’t salvation start with Christ being “born” in our hearts? This is certainly a valid message for Christmas.

      May the Peace of Christ be with you.

      Report Post »  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 7:35pm

      The Pope‘s use of words isn’t any different than Obama saying this is this and that is that.

      No where in the Dope’s message does he use the power of language to spell it out, give specific instructions as does the scripture, begin a personal relationship with Christ our Savior.  Admit to Him, and Him alone of your sins.  Because only he can forgive you.  Ask Christ to come onto your life, fill you with His Glory, and His Grace, and ask Him to lead you into the Kingdom of Heaven.

      Pope Benedict XVI gives a false sense of Christianity.

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 7:45pm

      Thanks for the advice. A “personal relationship” with Jesus isn’t exclusive to non-Catholics or whatever your denomination/non-demonination/personal interpretations would suggest. This is what we develop from the moment we are baptized and continue to do so throughout our lives as we celebrate the sacraments. At Mass where we participate in the mystical sacrifice of the Cross, and encounter Christ in the Real Presence of the Eucharist – we have a very PERSONAL interaction with Jesus. When I go to Confession, I confess my sins to Jesus through my Priest and receive Jesus’ forgiveness – just as Christ instructed Peter and the Apostles.

      Soul of Christ, sanctify me
      Body of Christ, save me
      Blood of Christ, inebriate me
      Water from Christ’s side, wash me
      Passion of Christ, strengthen me
      O good Jesus, hear me
      Within Thy wounds hide me
      Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
      From the malicious enemy defend me
      In the hour of my death call me
      And bid me come unto Thee
      That I may praise Thee with Thy saints
      and with Thy angels
      Forever and ever
      Amen

      Report Post »  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 8:34pm

      Personal relationship with Christ isn’t 3rd party nor a ritual. When using a membership script your only goin through motions therefore heartless.

      Through thoughtful prayer will you develope a personal relationship. That’s between you and God, dump the Priest who lives an ungodly life.

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 10:35pm

      @atUnsavedbyLame

      Your little Raw Raw ritual, stand-up Sit-Down Fight Fight Fight routine has a lyric repetition of Me Me Me Me all about Me Me Me. I wanna talk about me, wanna talk about I, wanna talk about number one, Oh my me my, What I think, What I like, What I know, What I want, What I see.

      Please reference all the prophets of the Holy Bible that recites your gimmick. When going to Christ to profess your sins, He doesn’t respond with wait, I don’t see your priest with you. La-La-La-La-La I don’t hear you La-La-La-La No Priest, No Shirt, NO DICE! Salvation isn’t a Union, getting a shop stewart as your representative before Christ. Please provide the TEXT of James or Paul that backs up your claim. God says to come before Him.

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • by faith
      Posted on December 27, 2011 at 10:38am

      Mental Poverty Sucks

      Where in the Bible can you provide text that proves you have a brain?

      Reading your post surely does not .

      Report Post » by faith  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 27, 2011 at 10:59am

      Poverty – Although I would love to take the time to provide you specific references in response to your wild assertions about Catholicism, let me leave you with a few references. If the Holy Spirit prompts you, the material is there for you to read.

      1. The Mass is Biblical – there are mountains of information to back this up. One good source to check out is this: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0385496591/davidscottwri-20/002-0802523-7455220. There is no empty ritual as you suggest – although I am sure those who go “through the motions.” The Mass is a beautiful experience which puts orders one’s mind and soul to God. It is a WONDERFUL experience to participate in the timeless, unbloody sacrifice of the Mass and accept my Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. It is the “source and summit” of our Faith. I pray that you will one day experience this.

      2. Confession is Biblical. Here is a nice piece on this sacrament. http://www.aboutcatholics.com/worship/penance_reconciliation/. Confession of sins to Jesus through the priest holds one accountable – again a wonderful experience. Jesus already knows what’s in my mind, but the process of examining my conscience and discussing my Sins with my confessor and receiving absolution is a way to make sure those sins are *corrected* and *not repeated.*

      My friend I urge you to pray for wisdom and discernment on these matters. Having a loving heart and Christian charity rather than making fun and mocking would be a g

      Report Post »  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on December 27, 2011 at 7:35pm

      @So Lame

      Thank you for your honesty that you don’t read the Holy Bible that contains the truth of Gods spoken words. Because you’re well versed in Catholic Text, proves you’re brain washed in Catholic Idolatry in direct conflict of Gods 2nd Commandment.

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • by faith
      Posted on December 28, 2011 at 6:27pm

      Mental Poverty
      The same God commands the Israelites to make two golden statues of angels as part of the lid of the Ark of the Covenant (Ex 25:17-19). That’s an image of something from heaven. Then, in 1 Kings 6, God commands that graven images of flowers and palm trees be made, as well as 15-foot tall statues of cherubim. And in Numbers 21, God commands that a bronze serpent be made and uses it to heal the Israelites. It was preserved for 800 years and then destroyed when some began to worship it (2 Kgs 18:4).
      When a Catholic bows to a statue, he is not worshiping it any more than King Solomon worshiped Bathsheba when he bowed to her in 1 Kings 2:19. In other words, the honor given to images does not detract from the honor that is due to God. After all, if one member of the body is honored, the others should share in its joy (1 Cor 12:26).

      Report Post » by faith  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 7:06pm

      It does none of us any good to fling scripture references at each other. Your basic understanding of the Catholic Faith is in error. Until the Holy Spirit moves you to realize this and to find out more about Catholicism that trace her origin to the Apostles, nothing I can say will really matter.

      There is one idea to contemplate as you pray. As we read scripture, what is the disposition of the Apostles? Do any of them ever say our faith should be guided only by scripture? No. They constantly refer to the teachings that they orally shared with the new Christian communities. As a church, they even convened the Council of Jerusalem to decide which dictates of Judaism that Gentile Christians should follow.

      Jesus Christ did not leave the New Testament for us to read when he Ascended to Heaven. He left us a Church with the power and obligation to teach and bind or loose sins on earth. That Church is still here today.

      The Catholic Church eventually wrote down her teachings in 27 books — it became the New Testament, and combined with the 46 books of the Septuagint, was codified into the Bible in the 4th Century. If you’d like to read more about this, go here: http://www.catholicapologetics.info/apologetics/protestantism/wbible.htm

      So yes, the Bible is a sacred record of God’s word, inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is a teaching tool of Christ’s Church on earth. See 2 Tim 3: 14-17

      The Mass and this http://www.divineoffice.org are examples of this in

      Report Post »  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 7:14pm

      My last post in all charity was directed at Brother Poverty, not Brother Faith.

      The last link is an online link to The Liturgy of the Hours, which all priests and religious, and many lay people (including myself) pray each day. It is a beautiful set of prayers, psalms, hymns, and writings. http://divineoffice.org.

      The readings for the Mass, as well as prayers for the entire liturgy can be found in the Roman Missal (newly translated from Latin). The readings can be found online here:

      http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122911.cfm

      Happy 5th Day of Christmas to everyone!

      Report Post »  
    • Caleb-Texas
      Posted on January 2, 2012 at 5:44pm

      Dear Poverty.sucks:

      Are you a Christian? I am asking you because your post does not reflect the attitude of humility and charity that all Christian should have but the complete opposite. They do reflect an attitude of mockery and malise underserving of God fearing, Christ loving Christian.

      May I remind you 1 Peter 3:15:

      “…always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…”

      You said very hurtful things. I honestly hope that they were made out of ignorance and a deep seated bigotry against the Catholic Church and I pray that one day you may come to know Christ through the Church that he founded.

      May the Pease of our Risen Lord be with you.

      Report Post »  
  • WAKEUPUSA2012
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 2:47pm

    The same POPE that called for world government

    Report Post » WAKEUPUSA2012  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 7:18pm

      Some theologians think it will be a pope who will be the false prophet.Mystery Babylon the mother of harlots that sits on the seven hills.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 9:47am

      #1 The Pope did not call for one world government.

      #2 Vatican City is not built on one of the seven “hills” of Rome. It is built on Vatican Hill. Please share which theologians think that The Vatican is the Harlot. It would be interesting to read their work. Here are other thoughts about the Harlot of Babylon.

      http://www.catholic.com/tracts/hunting-the-whore-of-babylon

      Merry Christmas

      Report Post »  
  • barber2
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 11:03am

    Merry Christmas to our Religious Trolls ! Guess even the Christmas spirit can’t warm the depths of your hate- filled little hearts. The “Dope” in Rome is probably praying for you while the rest of us are just praying that you will go away ! Ciao !

    Report Post »  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:36pm

      See through all the glitter of cult that the Roman Catholic Church represents. God has spoken, only his words and directions will bring you salvation.

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 7:40pm

      Dec 25 is the birthday of Hercules, son of Zues.Jesus/Yeshua was conceived on Chanukah as he is the light of the world, born nine months later on the Feast of Tanbernacles..He dwelt, or tabernacled among us being God manifest in flesh.Christmas is a combination of many false pagan themes. Chanukah is celebrating the triumph over pagan ways.What a contrast. How many ate ham today to celebrate the birth of the Messiah who was born a Jew and kept all the kosher laws??

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 9:58am

      Wow. Pagan themes? For Pete’s Sake.

      The last time I checked Jesus came to bring a New Covenant. St. Paul wrote that the gentiles are not bound by the laws of Judaism.

      Love God. Love your Neighbor.

      Merry Christmas

      Report Post »  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 10:27am

      @ Savedbythelamb – that was convenient of Paul. You cannot dismiss the Old Testament if it is indeed the word of god. If some of it is false and contradictory, then it all is. Can’t have it both ways.
      Isaiah 40:8
      “The grass withers, the flower fades;
         but the word of our God will stand for ever.”
      Seems to me that would mean that the word of god, as stated in the Old Testament, would be just as relevant after Jesus was born and “saved” all the believers. “Word of god will stand for ever.” Is Paul saying that god made a mistake? Sure sounds like it.

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 10:38am

      St. Paul was pointing out that Jesus came to save Gentile and Jew, and as later confirmed in the Council of Jerusalem, one did not have to become a Jew to be a Christian. The Old Covenant stands between God and Jews, but the New Covenant is for all men.

      That is my humble understanding of it.

      Report Post »  
  • barber2
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 10:56am

    ELIASIM: Take your meds and lie down. Have ordered an exorcist . Should arrive momentarily….

    Report Post »  
  • commoncents5
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 10:23am

    Luke Chapter one KJV tells us all the details about the Conception but it isn’t taught by main stream religion. So seek the information for yourself and depend on no man’s words. Stay with God’s words. His words maybe foreign at first but He will always send you the information you need to figure it out. You will always remember His words but you never remember a man’s words when you leave the pew!The New Covenant is the fulfillment of the Old Covenant. So you must know both to learn the plan that God has set in motion. If you study His words there is no reason for any Christ follower to be afraid. Don’t listen to fables as told to us in Timothy. Santa and the easter bunny are fables. We teach our children to ask santa to provide for them and we have our children gather colored eggs because we as parents think the whole concept is cute & fun. All the world churches have embraced these fables on days that should be dedicated only to God. If you were our Heavenly Creator of the universe how would you like be pushed aside for fables? Isn’t that what the House of Israel to the north and the House of Judah to the south did? They kept falling away to idols and God scattered them among the heathen. So where are they? Think about it.
    So back to chapter one in Luke (Isaiah 7:14 a sign from God) (Daniel 9:21-25 Gabriel spoke to Daniel making known the coming of Christ) There were duties in the priest line and the time was divided into 24 courses(Chronicles 24:6-10 lays it

    Report Post »  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 10:20am

    To summarize what the Dope said is “Discovery”, because Francis liked the Jesus story we should to. The door way is low, perhaps we should bow. What a bunch of crap.

    The Roman Catholic Dope fails to lead to scripture that Jesus Christ was born to die. He dies for our sins, he and only he is the way to the truth and Father our God. Believe in Him, or forever parish.

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • barber2
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 10:54am

      POVERTY . SUCKS…..and so does your comment.

      Report Post »  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:44pm

      And you are referring to Jesus Christ was born specifically to die for you and me? What part of that don’t you understand?

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 10:01am

      Poverty.Sucks — Jesus was born to die. The Catholic Church teaches this.

      Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

      Merry Christmas

      Report Post »  
  • RisetovotesiR
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 2:36am

    know the truth glenn won’t tell you,

    http://www.hourofthetime.com/

    Report Post » RisetovotesiR  
  • BOMUSTGO
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 2:12am

    The Prophet Isaiah is told by God why judgment is coming on the Earth..
    Isaiah 24:5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.
    Rome has changed many ordinances, and transgressed the laws (Laws means the Torah) (Replaced one of the Ten Commandments about making graven images..Changed the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday, replaced the Biblical lunar calendar with the Gregorian calendar, and have done away with the Biblical Holidays and replaced them with pagan days and ways.
    Matthew 5:17-19 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

    Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 2:38am

      Surely it will come to the Lord breaking out on to men. It is written as per “Heaven” that Thou shalt not kill. But men lift their tools unto their stone “Their first-born”, and therefore have killed “In Heaven.” And therefore because they kill in Heaven, then it reflects on the face of the earth, and they kill on earth as they do in Heaven.

      Report Post »  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 10:34am

      Jesus came to bring a new Covenant. Christianity is the fulfillment of Judaism, but is not obliged to follow the old law. See Acts 15:1-35. In the Council of Jerusalem, it was decided that those that were not already Jewish did not have to convert to become Christian. There were three things that they were required to adopt from Judaism. Subsequent councils, guided by the Holy Spirit, have made additional changes including the changes you mentioned.

      It is important to remember that Jesus left men in charge of his Church — Peter and the Apostles — the first bishops. The new testament is full of examples of Sts. Paul and Peter providing instruction and direction to the new Christian church. Those in the direct line of succession to Peter and the Apostles have continued to exercise that authority given them by Jesus. This includes the authority to interpret and teach the meaning of scripture. See 2 Thess 2:15 and 2 Pet 1:20-21.

      Merry Christmas

      Report Post »  
  • judyaz
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:59am

    “O Little Town of Bethlehem…”
    Listen to angels speak in a parable about the Holy Land, Bethlehem, the USA, and that state of the world in this time, and in preparation for the coming of the Messiah.
    http://soundcloud.com/aka-13/parable-of-the-holy-land-aka

    Report Post » judyaz  
  • woemcat
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:55am

    oh, shut up, you anti-Christ! you don’t speak for God!

    Report Post » woemcat  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 2:18am

      What is an Antichrist? Someone who doesn’t believe Jesus is the son of God. Who is “That One” Antichrist? Someone who knows Jesus is the Son of God, and wants to destroy Jesus. For example: Cain was of the wicked one, and God even said that [ it wasn't that God didn't like Cain's gifts, but the things in Cain's heart that God didn't like].

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 2:24am

      Therefore humor me for a moment because the devil is more sneaky than you know. If say perhaps God didn’t like the gifts of the Catholic Church, then it would mean that it could not be the home of “That One” Antichrist, because God did indeed like the gifts Cain offered, and Cain was of the wicked one.

      Report Post »  
  • Eliasim
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:05am

    It appears to me that the Pope is trying to get the Catholic Church on the right track.

    Report Post »  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:13am

      That would require a 180 degree turn.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:19am

      Well it’s a start. When God commands to put the monies in the store-house it means to store the monies away, because only then is the good-wine getting made. Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, that is to say give it back to Caesar and or the Store-house.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:24am

      People are mistaken about the “Wilderness” in that Americans have already been in the Wilderness. When you are tempted by this device or the constant blast of music filling your head, anything that distracts is the wilderness. Have you been lead captive while in the wilderness? Is your heart and mind taken into captivity? Thus where your heart and mind leads you, the skin and bones will follow.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:29am

      But if it is that you should choose to leave this Babylon of spiritual captivity you will be on higher ground, and it is like that the pillar of fire and cloud shifts, and the fire moves from the front of the mass to the rear, and the cloud moves from the rear to the front.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:33am

      Most lukewarm people think that when a system collapses, that that is the wilderness, and it is not, and yet for those with no understanding it is.

      Report Post »  
    • singleparent
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 7:11am

      Oh he turned in those pedaphile priests.Muslims prey on woman catholics prey on are children.They both want a one world government and transfer of wealth and the pope was a nazi youth.. keep on drinking the koolaid…both are evil in there own way……….

      Report Post »  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:04am

    The Pope should have said, ““Let us ask the Lord to help us see through the superficial glitter of MY CLOTHES”! What a joke. Look at all the wealth, gold and glitter!

    Report Post » The-Monk  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:09am

      All the glitter blinds the sheeple from the real truth.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • woemcat
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:53am

      yep. he’s the anti-Christ.

      Report Post » woemcat  
    • Sabian187
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 7:33am

      I don’t understand these Anti-Christ comments.
      We need to get over this whole calling people we don’t like “the Anti-Christ”.
      It’s just not productive and shows everyone your ignorance.
      I agree with the OP.
      It’s like the 600 pound Buddha teaching people about self control.
      When you own solid gold everything and then tell people to look past the “Glittering Commercialism”. Something just doesn’t ring true.

      Report Post »  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 11:54am

      I think there are some grave misconceptions here about the Pope’s clothing. Just as anyone would dress up for formal occasions, the Pope and other bishops and priests wear formal clothing when they are presiding at formal ceremonies. For instance, when he celebrates Mass, the Pope wears a Miter and a chasuble which represent his office Pontiff. This is a mark of honor, not for the man, but for Jesus Christ whom the priest (bishop, etc.) represents.

      Ordinarily the Pope wears a simple robe called a Cassock and a hat (the beanie) called zucchetto. I have read that the Pope wears white – because that was adopted from the Dominican habit (religious dress) of a previous post.

      Our Christian commitment is not demonstrated by wearing exactly the clothes that Jesus would have worn but by imitating his example of holiness. The Pope is a very holy man who has dedicated his entire life to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

      Report Post »  
  • lodgerat
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 12:54am

    I came here tonight to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. When I came to this page the ads just started to play. I will not continue to come here if this continues. Surely the B;aze doesn’t need money so badly that have to force ads on us. Goodnight, God Bless and Merry Christmas

    Report Post » lodgerat  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:01am

      Haha. You don’t understand Mormons yet do you? Real Golden plates that suddenly disappear? The connection between material, historic value, and heaven. Who calls themselves a “Saint?”

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:03am

      The devil calls himself a saint. Jesus said, “Me, good? There is only one good, the Father in Heaven.”

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:13am

      Wanting Heaven too much is unto wanting to live too much. If a person follows the law only because they don’t want to get caught by the police, then do they really follow the law? Do they have discipline? No, because if they knew 100 percent the police were not, then they would break the law.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:43am

      It is through having the understanding that people will obey when there is no police that exist. How can a “Man” ever become Lord as the Lord’s before? That is to say that even in the beginning with the Lord, the word of the Lord was good. And God told Moses when he first came on the Mount to build an alter of earth, and if you build one of stone then it shall not be hewn stone because lifting man’s tools will pollute it. Therefore, your first-born child is your stone “Your rock” and you should not lift your tools to the child, by offering your child to the leadership of the Holy spirit.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:51am

      Moreover not raising men’s tools is done by giving them to be taught by the Holy spirit. An earthen alter is in the mind and heart of people, that be the way we see, and understand earth “Our awareness.” And the planet earth itself is the face of the earth.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 2:00am

      How do you not understand this concept? Jacob named Reuben Jacob’ strength (that is to say “His rock”), and Levi and Simon knew this thing, which means Levi and Simon were there for the kill, but Judah was a Lion’s Whelp away from the prey. When Jesus named Simon Peter Jesus’ strength, Andrew and Phillip were Present for the kill, but Nathaniel (Jesus said a true Israelite with no guile), was not present for the kill, and thus was a true Israelite with no biased angle, like Judah.

      Report Post »  
  • BOMUSTGO
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 12:41am

    Tis the season to be pagan.

    Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • Hrothgar
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 12:24am

      Indeed, the pope has become very un-pope-ular. Odin saves.

      Report Post » Hrothgar  
  • MCDAVE
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 12:01am

    Merry Christmas pope ….Rest assured because of Obama’s economic policies Christmas is a lot less commercial this year in the USA…No disrespect to you intended

    Report Post »  
  • patricius
    Posted on December 25, 2011 at 12:00am

    May God bless the Holy Father. Merry Christmas to all. Christ, our precious Lord, savior, and redeemer is born – hallelujah!

    Report Post » patricius  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 12:30am

      Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • woemcat
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:54am

      really????? the holy what????? oh good grief!

      Report Post » woemcat  
    • Greenwood
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 10:20am

      Do you know the meaning of the word “hallelujah!” ?

      Hallelujah = Praise Jah you people

      Report Post » Greenwood  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 10:46am

      Agreed. May God Bless the Holy Father.

      Bishops and Priests are our spiritual fathers. They guide us to the Divine Father through Jesus Christ Our Lord. This is no more controversial than you calling your own father, Father or Dad.

      Again, this is why Jesus left us with consecrated men guided by the Holy Spirit in charge of his Church — Peter and the Apostles. Because he knew the chaos there would be if it were up to every individual and sect to interpret scripture and if there were no final earthly authority on these matters. For example, the chaos of hundreds of denominations and thousands upon thousands of “non-denominational” churches.

      Merry Christmas

      Report Post »  
  • lel2007
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 11:18pm

    The Pope probably already has his own pair of Air Jordan basketball shoes.

    Report Post » lel2007  
    • DesdemonasCrew
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 11:46pm

      go pound sand

      Report Post » DesdemonasCrew  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 12:36am

      LEL2007

      That was pretty tacky.
      A little RESPECT and tolerance for the beliefs of others, eh?

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 12:25pm

      It is really unfortunate how disrespectful many are to the Pope, especially other Christians.

      Did you know that when a Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals, that they first go to what is called “The Room of Tears” where many break down in tears in recognition of the enormous responsibility they are undertaking? The Pope is a spiritual father to a billion Catholics and the Vicar or Christ on earth.

      The Pope is absolutely correct in his assertion that we have become to commercialized. How many in the world take the time to celebrate Advent – to prepare one’s self for the birth of Christ in our hearts. This is the season to reflect and root out whatever is preventing Jesus from being born in our heart, and then to celebrate what God has done for us. Despite all of our nonsense, arrogance, hatred, and outright evil, God humbled himself to be born as a defenseless person – to bridge the gulf between Him and Us – to fix the tear created when Adam and Eve capitulated to the Devil. Christ became the “new Adam” and showed us the way. What a wonderful thing!

      May God be born in all of our hearts through Jesus the Lord this Christmas. May we all strive to be Saints and order our lives around God. May we all fulfill our true destiny which is to spend an eternity in the presence of the Most High worshiping him forever.

      Praise God!

      Report Post »  
  • Arizona Luke
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 10:03pm

    Amen Pope… Merry Christmas to everybody here reading The Blaze and those working for The Blaze and all things Beck.

    Let’s serve God by serving 1 another starting now, regardless of denomination/dogmatic difference. Let‘s also obey God’s call to serve each other as well as others outside of our Christian faith as explained in the parable of the Good Samaritan.

    Rejoice everybody – Christ is Born,
    Luke

    Report Post » Arizona Luke  
  • TheGreyPiper
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 9:43pm

    And the beautiful Byzantine Hymn of the Nativity, sung in the original Arabic. Yes, Arabic.

    http://www.antiochian.org/

    Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 12:06pm

      This is a great example of how diverse the catholic church is. The Apostles as they spread out across the Middle East and Europe formed many communities, most of which are a part of the church lead by the Supreme Pontiff, a.k.a. The Pope. The Coptic Church, for instance, that we’ve read a lot about as they are greatly persecuted in Egypt is a part of the Catholic Church.

      The Roman Rite is just one piece, there are many other Rites in the church such as the Byzantine. I went to a Byzantine Mass as a child and still remember the icons and incense — a thing of real beauty. Some Roman Catholic priests are bi-ritual (can celebrate Mass in more than one rite) but most are not.

      This is fascinating stuff.

      Thanks for sharing the link. I need to find a quiet time and watch in its entirety.

      Report Post »  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 12:51pm

      I misspoke in the last post. While the Eastern Orthodox church can trace its roots back to the apostles through Apostolic succession, they and the Roman Catholic Church are currently not in communion under the Pope. We do share many rich traditions and points of theology and we pray that one day we will be one again.

      Report Post »  
    • TarletonsQuarter
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 4:33pm

      Savedbythelamb,

      I had the great honor of living near a Maronite Catholic Church (although I am Latin Rite) until a couple of years ago. There is nothing more moving than hearing the Mass in Aramaic!

      Report Post »  
    • SavedByTheLamb
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 7:46pm

      Tarleton, I’d love to experience that. I think there is a Maronite church in my metropolitan area.

      God Bless

      Report Post »  
  • the white guy
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 9:41pm

    long live christmas!!!

    Report Post »  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 11:44pm

      Util the 1000 year Millinnium, when Christ puts an end to all pagan celebrations and we all celebrate his actual birth date during the Feast of Tabernacles.(Zechariah 14:16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.) We will also observe the proper Sabbath which never was or is a Sunday and back to the Biblical, Lunar, “New Moon to New Moon” Calendar. (Isaiah 66:23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.)

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
  • the white guy
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 9:38pm

    indeed

    Report Post »  
  • BornJewishMuslimByFaith
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 9:34pm

    Happy Christmas to the people who celebrate Christmas tomorrow.

    Report Post »  
  • MonkeyBeagle
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 9:23pm

    Does anyone else just get commercials over and over on these vids?

    Report Post »  
    • TheGreyPiper
      Posted on December 24, 2011 at 9:34pm

      Yeah, my adblockers aren’t doing the job any more.

      Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 12:40am

      yea , me too. I just mute the computer.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • lodgerat
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:00am

      Yes, and I will not continue to visit this page if this become common practice.
      God Bless everyone on this Happy Day. Merry Christmas

      Report Post » lodgerat  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on December 25, 2011 at 1:06am

      It’s the link to the video clips and not The Blaze to blame for the autoplay of the commercials.
      Merry Christmas everyone!

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • RedDawn-2012
      Posted on December 26, 2011 at 8:10am

      It’s not just the commercial before every video, it’s the incessant damned “Next Story” popup that jumps from the right side of the screen every time I click to another screen. I HATE IT!

      Report Post » RedDawn-2012  
  • Dumpa
    Posted on December 24, 2011 at 9:12pm

    MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!! Happy Birthday Jesus! We should start voting for the decommercialization of Christ’s birthday celebration with our wallets. Reduce the number of gifts you give, remind the ppl do do give gifts to that we are celebrating the birth of Christ ,and the gift is a representation of the Lord’s gift of his son unto us.

    Report Post » Dumpa  
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