SUNDAY CHOICE – The Jesus Story – By Charles Schokman Our Daily Bread — The Jesus Story Read 1 John 1:1-5 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it. 1 John 1:2 Most people have never heard of Kate Hankey, but she was a remarkable woman. A teacher, evangelist, school organizer, missionary, and poet, she faithfully served Jesus in 1800s England. In 1867, Kate contracted a serious illness. During her recovery, she penned a lengthy poem in two parts: “The Story Wanted” and “The Story Told.” The poem expresses in a very personal way her relationship with Jesus and the events of His life. All Scripture points to Jesus and tells His story. John begins his epistle reminding readers how they had personally experienced Jesus: “That which . . . we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we ...

Read More →

SUNDAY CHOICE – NO MORE LEFTOVERS – By Charles Schokman Image Source : facebook NEW YEARS RESOLUTION The day after Christmas, we had enough leftovers in our refrigerator to feed the eight people who had shared the meals again. As the week went on, we reheated, snacked, and made full meals out of the leftovers. We tossed most of the leftovers and kept a few that we thought would still be usable and enjoyed a pizza. As we begin a new year, I wonder if containers of spiritual, emotional, and mental leftovers are taking up space in my mind and heart. Maybe the same is true for you. What about that foil-covered dish of unforgiveness hidden away on that lower shelf? Maybe you pulled it out, dumped it, cleaned the container, and made space for love. Forgive the person who hurt them. Why are you keeping that plastic bowl of resentment? It’s ...

Read More →

SUNDAY CHOICE – COME HOLY SPRIT – By Charles Schokman Image Source : facebook Be Our Light for this New Year-2025 May this new year be a time of deep spiritual growth for us, A time of welcoming your graces and gifts, A time for forgiving freely and unconditionally, A time for growing in virtue and goodness. Let this be your prayer Come, Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Risen Christ, be with us today and always. Be our Light, our Guide, and our Comforter. Be our Strength, our Courage, and our Sanctifier. May this new year be a time of deep spiritual growth for us, A time of welcoming your graces and gifts, A time for forgiving freely and unconditionally, A time for growing in virtue and goodness. Come, Holy Spirit, Be with us today and always. Pray this song will be a Blessing to you.   You are welcome to pass this on. ...

Read More →

SUNDAY CHOICE – Storms Never Last – By Charles Schokman STORMS NEVER LAST”A SONG OF HOPE FOR THIS NEW YEAR. “Storms never last, do they baby? Bad times all pass with the wind.  Your hand in mine stills the thunder, and you make the sun want to shine.” The lyrics of “Storms Never Last” encapsulate the notion that difficulties and hardships are temporary, and love has the power to transcend any storm. Jennings’ smooth and soothing vocals, coupled with his honest lyrics, create an emotional connection that touches the soul of listeners. The song carries a message of hope, reminding us that the darkest nights will eventually give way to brighter days. Waylon Jennings drew inspiration for “Storms never last” from his personal experiences. Having endured the turbulence of a rocky relationship, he found solace in the idea that storms in life eventually pass, and love can weather any storm. A ...

Read More →

SUNDAY CHOICE – FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN – By Charles Schokman   “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!”  Isaiah 9:6-7   I can’t read this passage without hearing echoes of the glorious chorus from Handel’s Messiah: “For unto us a child is born. . . .” I envision a booming choir and a sanctuary decked out for Christmas. How wonderful! The original context of this passage is quite different. Isaiah 9 expands upon the theme of God’s judgment of Israel for her unfaithfulness. However, ...

Read More →

eLanka Newsletter – 18th December 2024 – 6th Edition Sri Lankans in Australia Click here or on the image below to read this week’s elanka Newsletter Sri Lanka is determined to repay $3 billion in foreign loans by 2027, as planned – By Dr Harold Gunatillake Aches and Shakes in the Elderly – By Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam Provincial Councils-District Councils-District Secretariate-Municipal/Urban Councils – By Oscar Fernando From Christ to Commercialism: Rediscovering the True Meaning of Christmas – by Charles Schokman Toilets an obligatory prerequisite needs an upthrust – By Sunil Thenabadu Want a career in project management? Learn these terms. – By Alok Das Prime Minister Modi’s administration on progressive track ,despite political bickerings – By N.S.Venkataraman Random walking tour of Tokyo by an Australian Color Theory for Dressing: Master the Art of Coordinating Colors in Fashion – By Nadeeka – eLanka Color Theory for Dressing: Master the Art of ...

Read More →

From Christ to Commercialism: Rediscovering the True Meaning of Christmas – by Charles Schokman Image Source : facebook   Christmas in Australia is a beloved holiday marking the end of year, holidays, family gatherings, and the various traditions we have such as watching Christmas movies, singing Christmas Carols, Christmas parties and more. Longer summer evenings and barbeques, Christmas in Australia is a unique experience. In early November, Christmas trees begin appearing in stores, Santa Claus can be found in shopping centres, and by the end of November the black Friday sales weekend kick off as people search for perfect (and discounted) gifts. Australians embrace Christmas with enthusiasm, but for many, the deeper meaning of the holiday has completely faded into the background.  Today, the cultural celebration of Christmas often centers around Santa Claus, presents, food and consumerism. While I personally don’t believe there is nothing inherently wrong with having a Christmas tree, ...

Read More →

SUNDAY CHOICE – Silent Night Holy Night – By Charles Schokman Image Source : sistersofcarmel Silent Night Meaning and Review A Timeless Masterpiece “Silent Night” is more than just a beloved Christmas carol; it’s a timeless masterpiece that encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season. Its enduring popularity stems from a combination of factors: its simple yet profound lyrics, its evocative melody, and its powerful message of peace and hope. The song’s ability to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries has made it a truly global anthem, sung by millions around the world each year. Image Source : quotefancy An Atmosphere of Tranquility One of the most striking aspects of “Silent Night” is its ability to evoke a sense of tranquility and reverence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the nativity scene: the quiet stillness of the night, the holy family bathed in the soft light, and the shepherds awestruck by the ...

Read More →

SUNDAY CHOICE – A Parable of a Wedding Banquet – By Charles Schokman THE Parable of the Wedding Banquet. Matthew 22: 1- 14 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. 4 “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’5 “But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business 6 The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned ...

Read More →

An Inspirational Message for the Month of December 2024 – Euthanasia and the Culture of Death – By Charles Schokman Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:21 NIV. Image Source : eastleighcarehomes Letter to A Post Christian Nation  – Euthanasia and the Culture of Death. We live in a society where governments and most of our establishment elites tell us that the unwanted baby’s life is not worth living and so we should facilitate ending her life. This week we look at the other end of the spectrum. The question of euthanasia. This is the latest issue which ‘progressives’ are seeking to impose on all of Western society. The UK parliament is about to have yet another attempt to introduce ‘assisted dying’. All Australian states now permit euthanasia ...

Read More →