FRAGILE!

We all have; somehow, somewhere, sometime come across the word, fragile. Most often then not they are written down on carton boxes in bold letters. This is because the content of such boxes are easily broken or damaged unless handled with care. When asked to give a list of things that are fragile, what would first come to our minds? It probably could be; a glass, something made of porcelain, or a china ware. Or we would probably think of our preciuos appliances like a 21 inch flat TV or our Notebooks (PC) or DVD players. We may definitely vary in opinions as to which should come first in our lists but one thing is sure we know what FRAGILE connotes.

Now, have we ever considered putting into that long list of ours our very own life? Yes, our life. How many of us have ever come into thinking how fragile life is indeed? As little children all we would use to think is the fun we could get. In our teens, we would still be thinking of the same. Those weekends out with the group or spending the evening away dancing or drinking. As adults, to most of us, much could probably be just the same. Or to some, having taken some serious turns in life could have brought soberness in our minds. Much more when we would have found a life partner and started a family.

Yet, how many of us are really aware how fragile our life is? Not withstanding that it's the only one we have. Have we ever considered the fact that just a snap of our bones could render us lame or crippled or even paralyzed? Or, has it ever occured to us that we could be the next victim of some ruthless suicide bombers? We could be caught among the hundreds or thousands trapped in a building after a devastating earthquake or could be the next 9/11 victim. We could be one of those affected by some destructive storm, typhoon or tornado as well. Or, we could just find ourselves battling a deadly disease anytime in our lives.

But, hold on. Is life on this planet, we call earth, everything we've got? Is there more to then just 40, 50 or 60 years of existence? Could there be something more than just a few decades of life that, to many, has brought nothing but misery and sufferings? Are we destined to vanish in thin air after we have lived our lives or is there some sub-existence beyond this short life? Could there be something better or worse then?

Definitely there is noone who has been alive and has long been gone who has the answer to these very questions. But there is someone who was once "amongst his people." Inspite of all the good things he had done he was hated by many. Eventually, because of jealousy he was handed down to the ruling body and was executed. He died a criminal's death by being crucified. The good thing is He did not remain in the grave but rose again. Only He can tell and has indeed said that there is more to this life. He himself promised us a life everlasting. Grab a book called the Bible and read it. It tells everything about Him.

Godspeed!

Greatest Gift

Merry Christmas! That's what we'll all soon be hearing from loveones, friends, acquantances, neighbors, colleagues, bosses, etc. We all love to hear those words. They just bring some tingling in our ears, some warmth in our hearts and reminds us of the gifts it brings. Oh yes, who can ever forget staying up late on the 24th of December or waking up early the next morning to see what Santa has dropped through the chimney.

Gifts have come in many sizes and lengths, as well as, wrapped in so many different ways in the brightest colors anyone can imagine. Those gifts were expressions of love from someone. Some, as costly as anyone can imagine, while others as simple as possible. For, "it is not the gift that counts," they say, "but the thought of it." Somehow, we all have recieved a gift in Christmas. Some of them, we have cherished so much, they still are stocked somewhere or probably visible to everyone. Others, we probably have forgotten all about it altogether.

But, there is one gift. The greatest gift ever given to any human being. A priceless gift all the money in the world could never buy. A gift that didn't have a costly box nor expensive wrapper. Neither did it have a ribbon attached to it. It wasn't even purchased from no Shopping Mall. This gift wasn't laid under a Christmas Tree. Neither was it brought in through the chimney. In fact, this gift wasn't brought into a home. Yet, it was the most precious gift. So delicate, it had to be handled carefully.

This greatest gift was laid in a manger. It was wrapped in swaddling clothes. It was the "son" of a carpenter who was espoused to an ordinary woman but found to be with child even before they were married. This gift made the angels of heaven herald its coming. In fact, a chorus of angels made the first carols ever. It had shepherds from a nearby hillside coming along searching for "that which was told them." This gift moved a jealous King in ordering the massacre of countless innocent infants from ages 1 day to 2 years old.

This gift has touch the lives of many. This gift has brought healing to the sick, made the lame to walk and the blind to see. This gift has brought even life to the dead. Space is not enough to say more about this gift. Anyone can see for himself how great this gift is indeed. It is the greatest gift I have ever received in my life. It will be the greatest gift you will ever receive.

This gift is in the person of JESUS CHRIST, the Son of the Living God. Ask him to come into your life and things will never be the same again.