Musings

The vivid red poinsettias, which stand out against the azure skies of Cyprus, are not without symbolism for the Christmas celebration. The star shape in the centre resembles the star of Bethlehem and the leafy red bracts represent the blood of Christ, a visible reminder of the reason for His coming. While we enjoy the festive ambience and quality family time of the Christmas season, there is infinitely more to the mere outward festivities. A deeper look at the Christmas story reveals a heart-changing message. The Impact of Christ's Birth Christ's birth impacted the course of history like no other because of who He was and why He came. The Bible records the words proclaimed to Joseph by the Angel of the Lord concerning Mary and the Lord's birth: She will give birth to a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus (The LORD is salvation), for He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 (Amplified Bible) As the angels announced His arrival to the humble shepherds that holy n

Nature's treasures The ornamental bougainvillaea in Cyprus enhances the beauty of countless idyllic scenes. God’s creational glory is displayed once again in the pictures below and His aesthetic touch is evident in all He has made. Vibrant bougainvillaea bracts are readily visible in gardens and villages throughout the island. When the delicate, paper-like leaves are shed in the wind, they produce a glorious carpet of colour. Who is like our God, the One who created this world from  the treasures of wisdom and knowledge  within His being? Our relationship with Christ provides all the wisdom and knowledge we need for our lives. These hidden treasures are found in Him alone and are revealed to those who seek them in sincerity and truth. May nature’s treasures direct our minds to the Source of all wisdom and knowledge as we delight in His handiwork. Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.  R.W. Emerson

  Biblical Thoughts Inspired by Nature Wildflowers Life is short Spring is undoubtedly the most beautiful and most colourful season in Cyprus. Bright blooms appear in unexpected places throughout the island, for example, on the uncultivated land in Paphos Archaeological Park pictured above. The flowers appear in season, but it is not long until their glory fades and they wither away. Such is the human story; the gift of the longest life on earth is only a drop in eternity’s ocean! So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12, NKJV) Paphos Lighthouse God is sovereign The brilliant blue sky in Cyprus is most welcome after an unusually prolonged winter of grey and cloudy skies. Looking heavenwards inspires thoughts of God’s majesty and sovereignty. His realm is open and receptive to our prayers as we seek His guidance for our spiritual path.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your th

Thoughts on the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ Contrary to popular belief, the Lord Jesus' life did not end in a tragic death. There are countless claims that His life was cut short by the Romans and that He did not rise from the dead. As we reflect on the events surrounding the Lord's death and resurrection over the Easter period, we recall that He willingly gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins and that He did indeed rise from the dead! The Garden of Gethsemane, Jerusalem He Laid Down His Life Scripture declares that the Lord came into the world with the purpose of dying on the cross. His life was not taken from Him by the Roman soldiers, albeit they were instrumental in the crucifixion. He laid down His life in obedience to His Father. “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have

Knocking on the door   Fasoula village, which has 400 inhabitants, is 7 km north of Limassol and has existed since Medieval times. The name may be derived from the Frankish word 'fasoula', which means 'sickle'.  The village is a peaceful, rural retreat with several museums displaying traditional Cypriot life. Visits to the Agricultural Museum, Olive Press, Carob Museum and Folklore Museum require a prior appointment and are accessible all year round.  Several sculptures are displayed by the famous Cypriot sculptor, Philippos Yiapanis, who relocated from Famagusta to the village. Typical stonework can be seen in the centre of the village on Aristotle Street. A number of traditional taverns and coffee shops are located in this area. As spring approaches, the villages begin to display the vibrant colours we have missed during the winter months. The surrounding area is lush at this time of year with its blossoming almond, olive and carob trees. The ornate doo

What we learn from almond trees  The sight of flowering almond trees currently in the Troödos Mountain range in Cyprus is nothing short of delightful. Not only do they add bursts of light to the drab winter landscape, but they also shed a delicate fragrance in the wind. When we see the almond blossoms, we know spring is on its way. History   Originating in the Middle East, almond trees are now found throughout the Mediterranean, Southern Europe, Africa and America. It is not known when the tree was domesticated, but evidence of domesticated almonds from as early as the 4th century B.C. has been found at the archaeological site Numeira in Jordan.¹  The almond tree is also mentioned several times in the Old Testament. Almonds were among the produce sent by Jacob as a gift for Joseph in Genesis 43. The miraculous budding of Aaron’s rod in Numbers 17 was that of an almond rod. The design of the lampstand in the Tabernacle was based on the motif of almond buds and blossoms (Exodus 25:31–3

Thoughts on God's Love St. Valentine's Day gives the opportunity to celebrate love and most importantly, God's love. Without His redeeming love, we would never have known His salvation or forgiveness. Because God is love, He mercifully drew up a plan of eternal reconciliation. While God's redeeming love is the central theme of the Bible, there are three other aspects that should encourage us as we consider God's agape love. Everlasting Love We read a declaration of God's everlasting love in Jeremiah 31:3: The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying : "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you." While this was originally directed towards His people, Israel, in the Old Testament, it is the same God who paid for the Church with the blood of His Son and draws us to Himself. His love is unconditional and constant. Often we do not feel worthy of His love, particularly if we believe in a performance-based