RichRock : Running Free

I’ll admit I’m a total bloke when it comes to Christmas. I haven’t done any shopping. Yet. I’ve got to get it done this week for two reasons:

1 - It’s Christmas next week.
2 - I’m off to the girlfriend’s on Saturday.

So, with that in mind, I have to get a list of things for Christmas that can be purchased locally. At least I don’t have to worry about parents until after Christmas, as they’re away Christmas week.

Of course, there should be something special for the babe, as the first thing she said when I asked ages ago was ‘Dressing Gown’. How awfully practical dear… At least it was a suggestion, which is better than ‘I don’t know darling, why don’t you surprise me?’ Words like these must strike dread in the minds of many blokes. This can be interpreted as ‘Whatever you get me won’t fit/be the right colour/completely useless/the third one I’ve had this year….

It misses the point of Christmas. Sure gifts are good, and the adage ‘Tis better to give than to receive’ rings true. Our gift-giving should be a reflection of the gift God gave us. (If you’re thinking life, well close, but no cigar). Christmas is a remembrance of Jesus, God’s gift of salvation to mankind. He came to earth human as you or I, and lived among us until that fateful day when He paid the price for our sin. Jesus did not appear out of thin air (well, except the immaculate conception bit) and suddenly just go ‘Right - sin. Paid for. I’m off on holiday.’ No. He lived as we did, sharing our lives, as now He still does, resurrected. But I’ll come to that at easter.

So Christmas, giving of gifts with love, not with the value and size, is more important. I’ve noticed that when my folks give me my Christmas presents, occasionally the smallest gift is the most awesome.

If I don’t blog before the day, merry Christmas y’all.

I hope people forgive the whole tongue in cheek heading. I for one, am glad that the same law of the land applies to the Hindu’s as well as the farmers who have lost their cattle in the Bovine Tuberculosis culls. Why should an animal be allowed to live, whilst posing a potential threat in terms of infection? Since when did religion give way to common sense?
We as Christians have a responsibility. To live by the law of the land, until it conflicts with the law of God. How can we live in the face of such injustice? That many farmers (I am related by relationship to some organic meat farmers) should suffer at the hands of our government and yet the hindu ‘god’ should live. That is not right. I for one applaud the strength of choice taken by the court of appeal. Yes, I understand that animals suffer, and so do men. God gave us a command to have dominion of the animals of the land. Think about this - natural selection - we should have lost (if) we were cavemen, trying to develop weapons… No, God kick-started farming and everything associated with it. Meat and all.
I know some people will find this offensive. If it makes you think about the state of things, then good. Try this:
Animals have never developed political, judicial and economic systems. Why have we? Whether this leads you to God, I do not know. But…
Can you imagine Lemurs becoming Maoist? Or Wildebeest adopting a democratic system, and peacefully protesting about the crocodiles that eat them during their migrations?

No.

I’m sorry, but many people go on about equality for all, and yet this goverment panders to the needs of the minorities - I am glad that someone had the balls (pardon my language) to stand up to this tide of ‘equality’ and say no.
Strong words and opinions from a strong minded Christian? Yes. There could be more. But I hear the sound of pitchforks being sharpened already. Get over this. It’s a cow. Animals don’t have faith, cannot save you, and do not have any influence over you (unless you’re worshipping them). Jesus came to be a sacrifice, a blood offering to stop all blood offerings. Jesus was not a cow, a dog, a sacred frog. He was God, in human form, come to save mankind from his sins, and in His resurrection we have victory.
Now it’s late, I’m going to sleep.