The Christmas Story

http://www.gospeltube.com/watch/?v=FE9BMMNU

      This is the link to the video "The Christmas Story - Luke 2". This 3 minute narration video tells the story of the birth scene of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. The narration tells the events occurred in and out of the manger that Jesus was born in. All Christians should and probably know about this story, as this is one of the well known stories. As Christmas is approaching, I would like everyone, whether a Christian or non-Christian, to watch this video to know what the Christians believe and why they celebrate Christmas.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christianity explained in 2 MINUTES! :)

It is explaining what christianity is. It starts off with back when it was first taught, "how there is only one god and that "in the beginning" this god spoke the entire universe into existence. The story starts off with Adam and Eve. They are to tend to a garden in which they live, and are free to eat from any tree except the "Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil." The rest of the video goes more in-depth with the story, and even adds on about how Jesus was resurrected from the dead to open heaven for those who believe in him.

Jesus in the Carols

Jesus in the Christmas Carols

For Christians all over the world, Christmas is more than just presents and family get-togethers. He is the “reason for the season” as some would say. So, to begin our look into the Christian religion, please complete this assignment at some time from now until January 4^th.

Attend a Christmas Carol concert or other service where Christian Christmas carols are sung. Get a short video (less than 30 seconds) or picture of yourself at this concert/service. While you are there, pick one of the carols that is unfamiliar to you (or one of the ones you know least).

Research that Christmas carol online. When was it written? By whom? What part of the Christmas story is it talking about or celebrating? Is that part of the Christmas story even in the Christian scriptures? (Read Luke, Chapter 2 in the Bible or at biblegateway.com). Finally, how is Jesus portrayed in this carol? What is he called? What does he “bring” or give to people?

Upload the picture or video, your research (less than a page of reflection on this) on your blog page by January 4^th.

Here is a list of potential Christmas carol services and concerts here in Seoul before you leave:

•       Friday, Dec. 7^th : 9 Lessons and Carols

•       British School concert at 7pm in the Lyso Center

•       Monday, Dec. 10^th- 5:15 in the Choir Room- Caroling around SFS

•       Meet the Psalms singers and carol around campus. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. There will be hot chocolate in the CM office afterwards!

•       Saturday, Dec.15^th- Handel's "Messiah" by the Camarata Music Company

•       7PM at Chungdong First Methodist Church.  

•       Tickets are 15,000 won in advance (see Mrs. Lyso) and 25,000 won at the door.  

•       Christmas Eve services in the churches around the world

•       Look into any Christian church website for services on Dec. 24^th.

أَذَان‎

adhan

   Adhan is the islamic call to prayer. It is recited by a muezzin, a person who is chosen to lead and recite five times per day at a prescribed time. Perhaps for people who reside in Islamic countries, it is not uncommon at all. The sound comes from mosques, and is meant to be heard by the entire city in Islamic countries.

                                Picture by: En Yen Justin Chu (ME!!)

 

   The picture above is the Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz, state mosque of Selangor, Malaysia. Whenever my father goes to the outskirt of Kuala Lumpur for his work, we stay at a place just about 300metres away from this state mosque. I hear the adhan all the time. Eventhough Malays in Malaysia do not speak Arabic, they still use Arabic for adhan becuase it is the language of Heaven.

                                   

  This is an example of a great adhan, recited in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Since it is recited by different people, it can vary from mosques to mosques. Here is basically what is being said:

4x	الله أكبر	Allahu Akbar	God is greatest
2x	أشهد أن لا اله إلا الله	Ash-hadu an-la ilaha illa llah	I bear witness that there is no deity except God.
2x	أشهد أن محمدا رسول الله	Ash-hadu anna Muħammadan-Rasulullah	I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God.
2x	حي على الصلاة	Hayya 'ala s-salah	Come to prayer ('salat').
2x	حي على الفلاح	Hayya 'ala 'l-falah	Come to success.
2x	الله أكبر	Allāhu akbar	God is greatest.
1x	لا إله إلا الله	La ilaha illa-Allah	There is no deity except God.