Fabulous Pleasure Christmas

The now standardized Bible verse from Luke 2:14 echoes throughout the Christmas season:
Peace on earth, good will toward men.

Other, older and more common translations state after
Peace on earth,

… to those with whom god is pleased.
… among men on whom His favor rests.
… to those who have his good will.
… to men of good will.
as well as John Nelson Darby’s 19th century version:
… good pleasure in men.

Instead of today’s general ”good will toward men” most translations stipulate that some (many/most) ”men” should not enjoy good will. No good will for those who have not pleased God, no good will for the pedophiles, the rapists, the liars, the thieves, the hypocrites, the invaders, the killers, torturers, destroyers, hate mongers, bribe-takers, Mammon worshippers, etc. The weapon dealers don’t even get past ”peace on earth.”

I’m such a grumby old man that I even suspect the sincerity of all the shops and merchants showering me with well-wishes for the season. The one that wished me an awesome Christmas, shouldn’t have bothered. I am truly in awe of this commercial extravaganza. The wish for a ”fabulous” Christmas stimulated me to write this blog. The word fabulous can trace its pedigree to the meaning of fable, fiction, lie, falsehood.

I guess I’ll simply count my blessings and enjoy the pleasures I can find. I truly wish health and happiness to all people of good will. For my sake. I find great pleasure in having healthy and happy people around me.

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“May you feel your insignificance in the world at large
and realize your strength in the family of humanity.”
Dartwill Aquila

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