Tag: World Peace

Do Not Hold a Grudge

unfortunately religion often is at the root of human conflict (wars and the violation of human rights)

The Bible in Your Language: https://www.twr360.org/

Support Christians under persecution: https://www.persecution.com/

No Borders Visible Here– images from pixabay.com
How can these believers in religions that worship a loving God allow this to happen? Take the Balkan Peninsula of Southeastern Europe for example:

” The places of lowest religious concentration were Slovenia 65.4%, Serbia with 63.7% and Croatia with 63.6%. Religious differences between Orthodox Serbs, Catholic Croats, Muslim Bosniaks and Albanians alongside the rise of nationalism contributed to the collapse of Yugoslavia in 1991.” https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugoslavia

Countless peoples around the world have scores to settle with neighbors, some hundreds of years old. Sad to say even Christians can be found in this group.

Old Scores – images from pixabay.com

One of these conflicts became bloody several times within my lifetime: The Northern Ireland Conflict 1968-1998 – An Overview “… Another angle of the conflict was sectarian or communal violence between the majority unionist or loyalist Protestant population and the minority Catholic or nationalist one. …”http://www.theirishstory.com/2015/02/09/the-northern-ireland-conflict-1968-1998-an-overview/#.XJFDNoUnbno

Still Fighting – images from pixabay.com
Before you start judging who is more just, I want you to see how even the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ can bring a peaceful time even in the most dire of circumstances: Global war

“During World War I, on and around Christmas Day 1914, the sounds of rifles firing and shells exploding faded in a number of places along the Western Front in favor of holiday celebrations in the trenches and gestures of goodwill between enemies.” https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/christmas-truce-of-1914

CLIP: Christmas Truce of 1914, World War I – For Sharing, For Peace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KHoVBK2EVE

John 16:33 ESV

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Victim – images from pixabay.com

Matthew 5:9 ESV

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Forgive and Forget; Extent your hand in peace.

Go in the world and avoid conflict as much as it is possible. Let ancient grudges fade away – who living today even was witness to many of these happenings. Take care they are not the children of mythology causing harm to the innocent. You my fellow believer are the Representative of Christ and the expression of The Love of GOD.

SONG:Matthew West – Forgiveness (Lyrics) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KHoVBK2EVE

Dove – images from pixabay.com

No matter what the outcome and when the deadly evidence has vanished future generations may completely forget the great suffering the conflicts of the past had inflicted on humanity.

After the Great Wars – images from pixabay.com

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Martyrs and Isolated Churches

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Support Christians under persecution: https://www.persecution.com/

– images from pixabay.com

2 Timothy 3:12 ESV / 153 helpful votes

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Most dangerous places for Christians: North Korea, Afganistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Sudan, Erithria, Yemen, Iran, India . . .Read:https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/stories/10-dangerous-places-christian-world-watch-list/

Acts 7:59 ESV (the first martyr)

And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

– images from pixabay.com

Yes there are Christians being martyred even today and Isolated Churches can have difficulties

“China Closes Megachurches Before Christmas “

Christian Martyr – A: see cite below *

“Sri Lanka: Attacks on minority faiths keep increasing in the majority-Buddhist island nation.”

“Church leaders and toddlers arrested after singing in public: Communist country proves it is serious about newest religious restrictions.”

These and more stories can be found in “Chistianity Today” https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/topics/a/asia/

*Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division, The New York Public Library. “Christian martyr, in Madagascar in chains – receiving consolation.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed March 15, 2019. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47dd-c940-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

SONG: Christian Martyrs Be prepared to CRY! YouTube by Lerryson Christyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDSMDt4oq6k

Christian Martyr Burned at the Stake – B: See Cite Below**

**Art and Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. “And last of all, they burned him to ashes at the stake. Thus came Faithful to his end.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed March 15, 2019. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/72adcec2-57de-558a-e040-e00a18062a3e

Mark 16:15 ESV

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

List of Some Isolated Churches

Note: please visit the links for photos and a narrative; i do not wish to violate copyright law by re-posting without clearance.

Grytviken Churchhttp://www.sght.org/grytviken-church/

Katskhi Pillar in Georgia https://georgianvoyage.com/katskhi-pillar/

Two Churches, Tristan da Cunha https://www.tristandc.com/churches.php\

Solovetsky Monastery, Russiahttps://orthodoxwiki.org/Solovetsky_Monastery

Svalbard Church, Norwayhttps://www.visitnorway.com/listings/svalbard-church/199335/

Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland. https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g797798-d2435680-i77090546-Kap_Hope-Ittoqqortoormiit_Sermersooq_Municipality.html

Chapel of the Snows, McMurdo Station, Antarcticahttp://www.southpolestation.com/trivia/history/chapel.html

Source for some of these churches: https://www.urbanghostsmedia.com/2014/04/10-most-remote-churches-places-christian-worship/

Hidden Christian sites in Nagasaki and Amakusa region:https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2253.html

ALSO SEE “Open Doors” :https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/stories/7-reasons-why-hotbeds-of-persecution-are-growing-in-central-asia/

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The Appeal of Modern Prophecy

Short Video of what Revelation may be like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyFEJ-Cptr4

Yes it may be a frightening time to be alive
Great Torment – images from pixabay.com

However we are curious: it is in our nature. We also have a tendency to gravitate toward drama. We may seek relief from our fears by knowing somethings others do not know. Or, it could just be entertainment for some people. Rest assure however our eternity is hinged on what we believe about GOD and Jesus. No doubt GOD has a plan; people may disagree on the details but what does scripture say? This blog cannot cover it all so I suggest a long term Bible study with good references and bona-fide teaching.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Lovers of Self – images from pixabay.com

Matthew 24:7 ESV

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

Nation against Nation – images from pixabay.com

Matthew 24:14 ESV

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

The Gospel Reached the Whole World– images from pixabay.com

Hillsong-This Kingdom (with lyrics)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUwNY7uEEc8

Kigdom of GOD on Earth – images from pixabay.com

What do I believe? I believe in the per-tribulation rapture: I with other Christians living and dead will be called up to meet Jesus when He returns I believe I will experience the 1000 year reign of GOD before the final judgement.

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Prophecy IV: Last Days

End Times – images from pixabay.com

The Bible in Your Language: https://www.twr360.org/

New Testament Prophecy: Last Days

Many people consider how the Earth will end, even Christians. Christians have a lot of clues and if prophecy is studied it is not such a mystery; the warnings are there in the Bible. Still “end of days”, “last days”, “The end of the World” are mixed in with pre-, mid- and post- Tribulation Raptures, the return of Jesus and the 1000 year reign. What are these ideas? Where to begin?

One thing should be clear: do not let all the different interpretations and opinions concerning “The Last” days and “The Return of Jesus” keep you from becoming more Christ-like every day.

Jesus is thw Way – images from pixabay.com

Some information on the Tribulation: https://thecomingtribulation.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/comparison-of-pre-trib-mid-trib-pre-wrath-and-post-trib-views/

So a close look at The New Testament reveals how to be saved, how we should live and what we may expect. Keep your eyes on Christ and do not let the common human fear of the unknown distort your daily life. Keep away from sin and consider Jesus could return at any moment.

Matthew 24:21 ESV

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.

Song: Jesus Is Coming Soon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1RHpkF8eLI

Warnings

1 Thessalonians 5:2 ESV

For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

Night Thief – images from pixabay.com

Remember GOD’S offer: Salvation through Jesus

1 Thessalonians 5:9 ESV

For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Jesus Christ Will Return – images from pixabay.com

Next Week: The Appeal of Prophecy in a Modern World

Revelation 1:1-20 ESV

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood …

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Prophecy III

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Jesus Returns – images from pixabay.com

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Prophecy: Jesus is Coming

All that pertains to the last days and end times is hinged on the return of Jesus and the events associated with that event. Christians have several variations of this event and even some may be misguided. First let us highlight the foretelling of Jesus’ first incarnation.

I will touch upon important scripture

GOD and Love – images from pixabay.com

These are a number of points made in widely separated times and made by different prophets, Apostles or Jesus. To get a better understanding a more complete Bible study considering context is important.

Malachi 3:1 ESV

“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.

Isaiah 7:14 ESV

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Micah 5:2ESV

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

John 4:25 ESV

The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.”

SONG: Jesus is Coming Soon Song | Even So Come

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFlPdNJAdOY

What you can count on?

Jesus and Apostles – images from pixabay.com

Jesus died for all sin belief in Him enables you an eternity with GOD. Getting into Bible studies and instruction from competent Christian teachers will help you understand what it means when we speak of The Second Coming of Jesus.

Next Week: Prophecy IV: Last Days

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Prophecy II

The Bible in Your Language: https://www.twr360.org/

Title Page Depicting Prophets [Alle Propheten Teutsch] – See attached Cites

SONG From Last Week: Adam Zarn:The Prophets of the Bible Song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BxxPqV2jjA

Four Important Old Testament Prophets to Highlight their Function

Isaiah

No 1 Prophet Isaiah – See attached Cites

https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/prophets/prophets-of-the-bible/isaiah-the-prophet/

Isaiah 40:31 ESV

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Jeremiah

No 2 Jeremiah on the ruins of Jerusalem – See attached Cites

http://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-major-prophets/jeremiah

Jeremiah 1:5

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Ezekiel

No 3 The Prophet Ezekiel – See attached Cites

http://biblescripture.net/Ezekiel.html

Ezekiel 37:12-14 ESV

Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.”

Daniel

No 4 Belshazzar’s feast–Daniel interpreting the handwriting on the wall – See attached Cites

https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/prophets/prophets-of-the-bible/daniel-the-prophet/

Daniel 5:29 ESV

Then Belshazzar gave the command, and Daniel was clothed with purple, a chain of gold was put around his neck, and a proclamation was made about him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

NOTE:

Next Week Prophecy: Jesus Is Coming

God’s Story: The Prophets Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sumaXbjP2Kg

* * * * * *

The Bible must be studied as a whole and these and other prophets involve studies into themselves therefore, today’s blog is only a hint concerning the impotance of prophets.

Cites for Prophet Images

No 1 The Lower Pool of Siloam. The old mulberry-tree, supported by stones, is said to mark the spot where the Prophet Isaiah was sawn asunder, in the presence of King Manasseh

Dorot Jewish Division, The New York Public Library. “The Lower Pool of Siloam. The old mulberry-tree, supported by stones, is said to mark the spot where the Prophet Isaiah was sawn asunder, in the presence of King Manasseh” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed February 13, 2019. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-5dc7-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

No 2 Jeremiah on the ruins of Jerusalem

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. “Jeremiah on the ruins of Jerusalem” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed February 13, 2019. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e4-5d96-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

No 3 The Prophet Ezekiel

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. “The Prophet Ezekiel” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed February 13, 2019. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/cd843910-e6d6-0132-8e4f-58d385a7bbd0

No 4 Belshazzar’s feast–Daniel interpreting the handwriting on the wall.

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. “Belshazzar’s feast–Daniel interpreting the handwriting on the wall” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed February 13, 2019. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e4-133a-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

Title Page Depicting Prophets [Alle Propheten Teutsch]

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. “Title Page Depicting Prophets [Alle Propheten Teutsch]” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed February 13, 2019. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/5bd3f690-63d5-0133-b389-00505686d14e

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Prophecy I

The Bible in Your Language: https://www.twr360.org/

Baptism of Christ – images from pixabay.com

Ancient People Sought GOD or gods

The seeking was prompted by the so many unknowns humans were confronted by in their daily lives. Some among each population (clan, tribe, nation) were aroused to fill the void: discover ways to commune with GOD or gods and act as a representative of the people – a priest. This approach led to many forms of human invention meant to fill the void but, sadly at the expense of the general population for the aggrandizement of a few. With their power over others these intermediary few compelled the people to comply and obey or they would offend the gods. What is unique about the way our true Biblical GOD accomplished this? GOD approached, taught and guided people (not the other way around).

Adam and Eve walked with GOD.

Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library. “Full-page miniature of Adam and Eve questioned by God.” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed September 5, 2016. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47da-e6b0-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

Genesis 3:8 ESV

And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

Genesis 6:9 ESV

These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.

Genesis 5:22 ESV

Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters.

What we Believe as Christians is that GOD provided people with guidance knowledge and standards through Prophets

Bible The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. “Title page” New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed February 17, 2016. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-618c-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

“Prophet (general definition):In religion, a prophet is an individual who is regarded as being in contact with a divine being and is said to speak on that entity’s behalf, serving as an intermediary with humanity by delivering messages or teachings from the supernatural source to other people.[1][2] The message that the prophet conveys is called a prophecy. “

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophet

Music for You – images from pixabay.com

Adam Zarn:The Prophets of the Bible Song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BxxPqV2jjA

The test for a true prophet?

False Prophet – images from pixabay.com

Deuteronomy 18:20-22 ESV

But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.

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Turning away from substance abuse

Support Each Other – images from pixabay.com

Proverbs 20:1 ESV

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Mercy Me- Hold Fast- Recovery Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY_BTvsBeug

Not a Solution – images from pixabay.com

Before I became a Christian I lead a decadent life with few constraints; ultimately this lead to several negative challenges in my life – I failed to correct my faults. Finally admitting I was a sinner unable to control my sin nature without help. I turned my life over to GOD through Jesus Christ. Sure life became better but consequences still arouse and occasionally I needed to remind myself what my weaknesses were and that it was GOD not me that made the recovery possible.

Not the Answer – images from pixabay.com

Finally after more than thirty-five years my most difficult battles seem to be in the past.

Pills – images from pixabay.com

Lisa Scinta – Addiction Lyrics Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2DLZOAth78

I must not drop my guard: In a culture that seems to be challenged more and more by substance abuse, depression and declining morals my only hope for a better life, the resistance to temptation is my trust in Jesus and the Word of GOD as my guide.

Like minded Christians can be of enormous help

Support Each Other – images from pixabay.com

Hebrews 10:25 ESV

Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Help one another, study The Bible together and encourage each other. If one stumbles prop him or her up.

Renewed Life – images from pixabay.com

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Excerpt from a secular blog of mine: Odd Thoughts (with Christian influence)

What is a Realistic Education (Biblical Stewadship; resonsibility)
Somewhere along the way Americans seem to have lost their understanding of what a useful education really is: A realistic education prepares a student for becoming a productive citizen with realistic expectations, skills for industry and in home life and, an understanding of right and wrong. Knowledge of our political system with its checks and balances with accurate expectations as a citizen. What do I believe about this topic?
First there is no one route to success, second few people will achieve recognition for some esoteric or exotic invention. The overwhelming majority of our citizens will work for a living and mange their affairs in a responsible way which yields satisfaction (contentment and happiness). What kind of knowledge and training do people need?
There is more than one (or just a few) paths
A. Basics: Language – reading and writing and, math skills.
B. Advanced Basics:

Education – images from pixabay.com
  1. Health: Nutrition, dangers, medical routines, exercise . . . etc.
  2. Personal Economics: Money management, retirement planning, running a household.
  3. Thorough knowledge of American History and our relationship to World History.
  4. Detailed knowledge of our political system with checks and balances and relationship of majorities to minorities; our economic system.
  5. Morality: right from wrong; civility and common courtesies. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS Respect for spiritual matters.
    C. Advanced Studies: in compact programs, vocational schools, military service and then Colleges or Universities.
  6. Job skills
  7. Leadership skills (if applicable)
  8. Advanced Mental Health: accurate knowledge of self and the relationship with others.

New Woman – images from pixabay.com

TRW360 learn about Christianity in your language.

LINK: https://www.twr.org/

New Man – images from pixabay.com

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Materialism Fades

Things are Temporary

Dead Tree – images from pixabay.com

James 4:14 ESV

Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

Old House – images from pixabay.com

Christmas Trees drop their needles, toys break, cars wear out and our buildings eventually crumble. Our bodies age and need more attention with each passing year. So, what can we do about the process of entropy that we are immersed in? First we focus on what is eternal: GOD.

Rusty BMW – images from pixabay.com

SELFISHNESS SONG, being selfish. Christian kids song about selfishness.

We can plan for our financial security

Retirement – images from pixabay.com

Jeremiah 29:11-12 ESV

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.

This is wise because while statistically we all may not reach old age there is our progeny we may wish to provide for; a spouse; a non-profit organization. Responsible stewardship is a positive endeavor.

But making material gain a priority is flawed

Greed – images from pixabay.com

As I pointed out above the things of this world fade and crumble; our descendants may benefit but must make their own way eventually. The old adage, “We can’t take it with us.” rings true.

1 Timothy 6:10 ESV

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Shawn McDonald – Greed (Acoustic)

Good News: (biblical pun?) GOD has a plan for each and every one of us.

GOD and Love – images from pixabay.com

GOD is eternal

Hebrews 13:8 ESV

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

ESV- English Standard Version: Crossway

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Happy New Year

Concert– images from pixabay.com

Happy New Year

Celebration in Kuwait – images from pixabay.com

С новым годом,  Šťastný nový rok,  Boldog új évet,

Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku,  Feliz Ano Novo,

Feliz año nuevo   rohes neues Jahr  Bonne année

新年快乐, 明けましておめでとうございます

새해 복 많이 받으세요, สวัสดีปีใหม่, नया साल मुबारक हो

May GOD BESTOW Blessings Upon You and remember you are a new creation in Christ when you accept(ed) Jesus

from James Halifko

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

from James Halifko

Happy Ending – images from pixabay.com

1947 version: Guy Lombardo – Auld Lang Syne (with vocal trio)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK0Lfrr5Wpo

Guy Lombardo And His Royal Canadians – Auld Lang Syne (Capitol Records 1953)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik7ktS3PqEs