How can technology make a Nigeria child a better citizen

 Nigeria is a country with a growing population of children, who are the future leaders of the nation. Therefore, it is important to prepare them to become better citizens, with an understanding of their roles and responsibilities towards the nation. One way to achieve this is through the use of technology.

Technology has become an essential part of our lives, and it can be used to enhance the education and development of children. With the increasing availability of affordable technology, such as smartphones and tablets, it is now possible to reach children in remote areas, and provide them with the tools they need to become better citizens.

One of the ways technology can be used to make Nigerian children better citizens is through e-learning. E-learning platforms can provide children with access to educational resources, such as books, videos, and tutorials. These resources can be used to teach them about their history, culture, and values, which are important for building their sense of identity and belonging to the nation.

Furthermore, e-learning can also be used to teach children about citizenship and their responsibilities towards the nation. Through online forums, children can engage with other students and teachers, discussing issues related to citizenship, such as patriotism, volunteerism, and community service.

In addition, technology can be used to teach children English, which is the official language of Nigeria and an important tool for communication and economic development. With the use of language-learning apps and online resources, children can improve their English skills, which will help them to better communicate with people from different regions of the country, and to compete in the global market.

Another way technology can be used to make Nigerian children better citizens is through online mentoring programs. These programs can connect children with mentors who can guide and inspire them to become better citizens. Mentors can provide children with advice, support, and encouragement, helping them to develop the skills and values they need to succeed in life.

In conclusion, technology has the potential to play a crucial role in the development of Nigerian children as better citizens. By providing them with access to educational resources, e-learning platforms, and online mentoring programs, we can empower them to become active, engaged, and responsible members of society. Through the use of technology, we can help build a better future for Nigeria, one child at a time.

Women of Methodist Church Nigeria

 

Women of Methodist Church Nigeria have been spotted at the popular OPET junction in Umuahia, capital of Abia State soliciting for good leaders in the state.

They formed a cycle with their full body to the ground as they prayed. Though they did not speak with newsmen when approached, they were heard loudly praying for God to send good leaders to salvage Abia State.

CREDIT: ABN TV

ASUU strike: Buhari told us not to sign agreement govt cannot implement, says minister

 By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, Tuesday, disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari warned the government team involved in the negotiation with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, against signing an agreement that government would be unable to implement.

The minister, in his speech at the ongoing meeting of Pro-Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities, at the National Universities Commission, said the meeting convened at the instance of NUC, became “necessary and urgent due to certain misconceptions and misinformation in the public domain, regarding the ongoing strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.”

“Not only is our interaction today necessary, it is also urgent to clarify the misrepresentations and draw your attention to the facts which you, as Managers of our Universities, ought to know by virtue of your assigned duties. It is indeed one of your statutory duties to negotiate with your workers on matters of their welfare and conditions of service,”he said.

He recalled that the “current industrial action in our Public Universities started on 14th February, 2022 when ASUU commenced a two-week warning strike over the non Implementation of agreements reached between Government and the Union.

“In all we have been doing, our guide has been the directive of Mr President Muhammadu Buhari, namely, that while the unions should be persuaded to return to work, Government should not repeat the past mistakes of accepting to sign an agreement it will be unable to implement. Government should not, in the guise of resolving current challenges, sow seeds for future disruptions,”he said.

He regretted that,”To confound matters further, the three other university non-teaching staff unions – SSANU, NASU and NAAT also declared trade disputes against the Federal Government and commenced nationwide Industrial actions a few weeks later. NAAT started its strike on March 17, 2022 while the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU followed suit on March 27, 2022.”

“In response to the Unions’ demands, the Federal Government reconstituted the FGN/University-based Unions 2009 Agreement Renegotiation Committee, with Emeritus Professor Nimi Briggs as Chairman on 7th March, 2022. The Committee was charged with the responsibility of concluding the ongoing Federal Government renegotiation efforts with the University-based Unions and producing appropriate solutions, workable and enduring agreements for the improvement of the Nigerian University System (NUS),”he said.

The minister’s speech read further:”While the Briggs Committee was busy interacting with the Unions on all the issues, a Federal Government Inter-ministerial Team, under the leadership of the Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige, was simultaneously engaging the Unions and resolving some of their minor demands, such as salary shortages and payment of arrears of the minimum wage consequential adjustments as well as payment of promotion arrears. The Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning was able to resolve most of these issues by the end of July, 2022.

“On May 12, 2022, about three months into the strike, a high powered Tripartite Plus Conciliation Meeting was held at State House Banquet Hall, at the instance of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, with a view to finding solutions to those issues that were considered thorny and generic to both the teaching staff (ASUU) and non-teaching staff Unions (SSANU, NASU and NAAT). Two of the issues specified during the meeting were categorised under the following:University Transparency and Accountability Solutions (UTAS) by ASUU and the University Peculiar Personnel and Payroll System (U3PS) b. Delay in Re-Negotiation of 2009 Agreements-conditions of service, wages and allowances

“It is important to note that this special conciliation meeting was chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari and had in attendance the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Ministers of Labour, Education and Finance, the Head of Service and top government officials. The meeting was also attended by the Sultan of Sokoto, the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and all the other critical stakeholders, including the leadership of the four University-based Unions (ASUU, NASU, SSANU and NAAT).

“There were two major outcomes of the meeting. The first was the decision to test the two proposed salary payment solutions, developed by the Unions namely, the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) proposed by ASUU, and the University Peculiar Personnel and Payroll system (U3PS), jointly proposed by SSANU and NASU, The two solutions were to be tested alongside the existing Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The report of the Presidential Committee that was charged with the responsibility of harmonizing the three payment platforms for effective deployment in the system, would be made public as soon as the process is concluded.

“The second outcome of the meeting was an agreement on the need to speedily conclude the renegotiation process in a manner that would be in tune with the realities of the national economy. This would require the Government to carefully and critically examine and review any draft agreement emanating from the Renegotiation Committee to ensure that the financial implications contained therein are sustainable by the current realities of the national economy.

“Soon after the Conciliatory Tripartite Meeting in May, the Nimi Briggs Team concluded the re-negotiation with ASUU and produced a Draft Agreement, which was forwarded to the Federal Government, through the Honourable Minister of Education, for consideration and approval. Similarly, the re-negotiation with the non-teaching staff unions had since commenced, and an appreciable progress had been made towards producing the desired agreements for consideration and approval by their respective principals.

“In the course of the exercise, the FGN Team made several attempts to wade into the Industrial crises between the FGN and the University-based Unions, with a view to finding a lasting and amicable solution to the challenges.

“After a series of meetings with His Excellency Mr President and the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning; Minister of Labour and Productivity; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy as well as the DG of Budget and the Chairman, Salaries and Wages Commission and the Minister of Education, the Draft Agreement was critically reviewed and the proposed salary increment considered unrealistic and out of tune with the current realities of the national economy.”

On government’s offer,he said:”It was at this meeting that Mr. President approved that the Minister of Education should take over the negotiation and resolution of the crisis. Soon after the meeting, the Minister of Education conveyed the Federal Government’s offer to the Nimi Briggs Renegotiation Committee and to each of the four Unions.

“The package offered made centred around the four positions agreed upon by the government. It is as follows:That the Federal Government can only afford a 23.5% salary increase for all category of the workforce in Federal Universities, except for the professorial cadre which will enjoy a 35% upward review;

“That henceforth allowances that pertain to ad-hoc duties of the academic and non-academic staff shall be paid as at when due by the Governing Councils of Universities to which such services are rendered and to the staff who perform them;

“That a sum of 150 billion Naira shall be provided for in the 2023 Budget as funds for the revitalization of Federal Universities, to be disbursed to the Institutions in the First Quarter of the year, and

“That a sum of 50 billion Naira shall be provided for in the 2023 Budget for the payment of outstanding areas of earned academic allowances, to be paid in the First Quarter of the year.”

The four University-based Unions, in separate letters addressed to the Chairman of the Government Re-negotiating Team, rejected Government’s offer which they described as inadequate to meet their respective demands needed to tackle the challenges confronting the university system.

“Following the above development, I held several meetings with the individual striking University-based Unions, during which I explained the prevailing economic situation limiting the ability of Government to accede to all their demands. On those occasions, I also appealed to the Unions to consider and accept the Government’s offer and call off the on-going industrial actions in the interest of the nation’s educational system. Consequently, the Joint Action Committee of NASU/SSANU and NAAT suspended their industrial action. Unexpectedly, and quite fortunately, on Monday, 29th August, 2022, ASUU decided to extend its strike indefinitely. I want to say, categorically, however, that all is not lost: We have secured successes elsewhere.”

7 Roles and Responsibilities to Boost Your Media Ministry

The only agenda on a church media team should be to spread the Gospel in a strategic way that reaches as many people as possible.

Having a team and media leader in place who will act in the best interest of, both, the church and the pastor should be a top priority of using media as a ministry.

When composing your media team, seek out those members who are not only interested and creative, but those who have the heart and trust of the leader.

After all, there will be times when the media team will have to make media decisions on behalf of the pastor.

As you read the team roles below, keep in mind that these are not mandatory, nor is it an exhaustive list of all roles in the realm of church media.

Your church may not have the capacity or interest for all of these roles. They are listed to help kickstart your thinking in terms of what you should expect from (and expect to invest in) the individuals serving in those roles.

Team roles

Advertising Manager

Reports to Media Manager

Develops relationships with local media (radio/tv/print/outdoor), oversees and strategizes with them to develop an effective media strategy that provides the most bang for your buck

Closely monitors airplay, ensuring that all contractual obligations are met

Oversees advertising budget

Works closely with Social Media Manager and Website Manager to ensure consistency and oneness across all platforms

Media Manager

Delegates all duties of the media team

Monitors and keeps the leader informed of all media movement

Crafts, monitors, and implements media strategy

Responsible for staying abreast of media trends and determines if/how they are to be used

Photographer

Reports to Media Manager

Collects images of church happenings

Recommends equipment

Organizes and stores files weekly

Stays current on photography trends

Works closely with videographer (may also serve as videographer)

Print Liason

Reports of Media Manager

Proficient in a quality print/layout software such as Adobe in Design

Works closely with Advertising Manager for all projects involving printing

Responsible for ensure proper resolutions, file sizes, etc. necessary for optimal printing results

Social Media Manager

Reports to Media Manager

Responsible for crafting the social media message of the church (This is done by gathering relevant content and strategically posting it.

Responsible for searching for and sharing positive mentions of church name or happenings

Demonstrates timely responses and interaction with followers

Responsible for staying abreast of world news and determining its relevance to the overall media message and vision of the church (the two should already coincide)

Videographer

Reports to Media Manager

Responsible for collecting and editing videos church happenings

Stays current on video trends

Works closely with photographer (may also serve as photographer)

Website Manager

Reports to Media Manager

Responsible for keeping website updated (calendar dates/events are current, overall look is modern, typo-free, information is accurate, pictures/videos/audio are clear)

How to Effectively Build a Social Media Team for your Church Ministry

Social media is a powerful tool for any ministry that wants to serve people in this digital age. But it takes an army to keep it going. Having the right social media team can help you fulfil your ministry communication and promotional goals successfully.

Social media campaigns require multiple components to work together and various skill sets to execute them. For example, one simple image-based social media post on your Facebook page needs a minimum of 5 components – the image, the title, the body text, the link and the hashtags.

And to create these 5 components, you need 8 different skill sets (and one or more team members with these skills) – a strategist to come up with the strategy of why you are posting what you are posting, the leadership team to decide on the goal or objective of the post, a designer to work on the image for the post, a copywriter to create the posting content and title, a marketer to decide the landing page & the hashtags that go with the post, the IT web technology team to create the landing page for the post, the social media team to post it and a coordinator or manager to manage them all.

All this for just one social media post, in one social media channel!

That is why understanding the multiple skill sets required to run a social media campaign and having a plan to acquire these skills within your ministry team or volunteers team can be critical.

 Skills required for the efficient functioning of an effective social media team:

The various skills required and the various roles that need to be played by team members who run social media campaigns for your ministry are:

1. Source content creator

Team member(s) in your ministry who will preach, teach, advise and counsel people on a particular topic and create the source material for the ministry. This material could be in written format or spoken format – video or audio.

2. Digital strategist

Team member(s) who will use the source content to come up with digital & social media marketing campaigns, strategies, ideas and innovative ways of presenting your core message. This person should have knowledge of current industry trends and stay on top of developments in digital marketing.

3. Project manager

Team member(s) who will convert the social media strategy into an actionable plan with tasks, calendars, campaigns, timelines and more, coordinating with the rest of the team on a regular basis to bring the plan to life and measuring impact on a regular basis. The project leader should have an in-depth knowledge of your operations since they will be the coordinator for the entire social media effort of your ministry.

4. Content manager

Team member(s) who will take the original source content and work on it, customise it, package it, edit it and make it suitable for various social media channels.

5. Visual content producer

Team member(s) who are graphic designers and video editors with the responsibility of creating visual elements to represent an idea. Visual elements are vital for social media.

6. Social media manager

Team member(s) who will release or post the content and visual elements on various social media channels. This team will monitor all the social media accounts and engage with people on a regular basis, and they will also measure and track the progress of all the social media activities and report back to the rest of the team on what changes need to be made.

Strategies for building an A-team for your social media ministry

As a ministry, there are multiple ways for you to put together an effective social media team with people who can play these roles. You can use a combination of the following 5 ways:

1. Recruit one person with multiple skills (a one-man army)

If you are a small church and you are the only person in the social media division, you can work on the roles and responsibilities listed above by yourself. Even though it looks like a lot of work (and it is), if you manage your time efficiently and use the right tools, you can handle it. But as you reach a stage where your ministry grows and you are unable to manage the workload, then you might have to think about getting help.

2. Recruit a social media team on staff

If you have the resources to do it, you could build a social media team as part of your staff by hiring people with the required skill sets given above and start the operations.

3. Recruit a team of volunteers

You can get access to some of the skillsets using a combination of in-house team and volunteers. But make sure you have at least one coordinator or leader who can guide the volunteers and implement processes/systems.

4. Hire a digital marketing consultant

If you already have a team and you need a bit of direction and focus, you can hire a social media & digital marketing consultant to help you put these systems in place, set up the tools, train the team and ensure that you are on your way to being efficient and successful in your social media ministry.

5. Hire a social media agency

If you are not sure about handling all of this in-house, then you can hire an agency, partnering with people specialised in this niche activity. You can assign one coordinator from the ministry to be the point of contact, and allow the agency to handle all the activities. Any good agency will have experienced people on their team for each of the roles listed above. So, you get access to all the skill sets and since it is managed by someone else on a regular basis, you are freed up to focus on your ministry while they handle all the social media operations. You can get weekly and monthly reports from the agency in order to stay on top of the campaigns and activities.

When you have the right team, you have won half the battle. A good team can help you save time and accelerate your ministry’s growth plans. So spend time and effort on this very important piece of the social media puzzle.

Do you have any specific question related to the people-component of social media in your ministry? If so, let me know and I will be happy to help you answer them. To share your thoughts about social media teams for churches and to ask questions, please use the comments section below.

The 'Joker' Virus Has Returned to Android: It Can Empty Your Bank Accounts Without You Noticing It and It Is Hidden in These Apps in the Google Play Store

 The Belgian Police warned about the return of the 'Joker' virus , which attacks Android devices and hides itself in various applications on the Google Play Store . This malware is capable of subscribing the user to payment services without their authorization and emptying their bank accounts without them noticing.

"This malicious program has been detected in eight Play Store applications that Google has suppressed," say the Belgian authorities in a statement published this Friday on their website.

It may interest you: Did you get a free ebook for Kindle from Amazon? This new hacking method can access your bank details

The 'Joker' malware became famous in 2017 for infecting and robbing its victims by hiding in different applications. Since then, the Google Play Store defense systems have removed around 1,700 apps with the 'Joker' malware before they were downloaded by users.

In September 2020, the 'Joker' virus was found in 24 Android applications that registered more than 500 thousand downloads before being removed. It is estimated that that time it affected more than 30 countries including the United States, Brazil and Spain. Through unauthorized subscriptions, hackers could steal up to $ 7 (about 140 Mexican pesos) per subscription weekly, a figure that has most likely increased in recent months.

How does the Joker virus work in Android apps?

The 'Joker' Trojan virus belongs to a family of malware known as Bread , whose objective is to hack cell phone bills and authorize operations without the user's consent.

Researchers from the cybersecurity company Quick Heal Security Lab, cited in the statement, explain that this virus can enter text messages , contacts and other information on the infected smartphone.

What makes this malware more dangerous is its ability to subscribe the affected Android user to paid services , usually Premium or the most expensive version, without their prior authorization.

In the beginning, apps infected with 'Joker' or another Malware from this family carried out fraud via SMS , but then began to attack online payments . These two techniques take advantage of the integration of telephone operators with vendors, to facilitate the payment of services with the mobile bill . Both require verification of the device, but not the user, thus they manage to automate payments without requiring any user interaction.

#FinanzasPersonales The excess of streaming platforms, apps, online services and others, they make a hole in your portfolio. See how to do a subscription 'detox' to have a healthier monthly budget and take care of your money. 

- Entrepreneur in Spanish (@chrisyoung computers) August 26, 2021

"You risk a big surprise at the end of the month in your bank account or on your credit card," said the Belgian police, referring to the unknown charges that the victim will see at the end of the month.

In fact, it is very common for those affected by 'Joker' to become aware of the theft until they review their account statement in detail. This is because the bank does not suspect an apparently 'normal' subscription and, generally, the charges are so small that they are not detected as unusual movements, so they do not even send a usage alert to the account holder.

In which Android apps could the 'Joker virus be?

On this occasion, the harmful applications that the Google Play Store eliminated after detecting that they contained the 'Joker' virus are:

Auxiliary Message

Element Scanner

Fast Magic SMS

Free Cam Scanner

Go Messages

Super Message

Super SMS

Travel Wallpapers

However, other specialists warn that more apps are affected and, therefore, millions of users who do not know that they are already victims of this cyber fraud.

We recommend: Uber, Facebook, Instagram and other apps that are slowly killing your smartphone

The cybersecurity company Zscaler, cited by La Razón , made public the names of 16 other apps that, according to their analysis, also contain this malicious code:

Private SMS

Hummingbird PDF Converter - Photo to PDF

Style Photo Collage

Talent Photo Editor - Blur focus

Paper Doc Scanner

All Good PDF Scanner

Care Message

Part Message

Blue Scanner

Direct Messenger

One Sentence Translator - Multifunctional Translator

Mint Leaf Message-Your Private Message

Unique Keyboard - Fancy Fonts & Free Emoticons

Tangram App Lock

Desire Translate

Meticulous Scanner

Of course, the recommendation for Andriod users is to check if they have any of these apps installed on their smartphone and delete them immediately, since the fact that they are deleted from the Google Play Store does not imply automatic uninstallation from the computers where they were downloaded.

15-seconds to illness how tiktok is contributing to an eating disorder epidemic

 Today, the idea that social media has a great effect on mental health is hardly a revelation. As more individuals join these social networks and harmful content becomes easier and easier to disguise, the number of affected children and teens continues to grow. In particular, new social media networks such as TikTok have contributed to a higher, and still growing, number of eating disorders than ever before – globally. Eating disorders (EDs), mental health problems affecting an individual’s relationship with food and body image, have more than doubled in prevalence over the last twenty years. In fact, they affect thirty million Americans and are the second most lethal mental illness after opioid overdose.

While eating disorders are arguably one of the most commonly known mental illnesses, their recognized history is very recent. Descriptions of ED-like behaviors date back to the Middle Ages, but it wasn’t until 1980 that bulimia and anorexia were listed, albeit as childhood disorders, in the DSM-III.[1] It took almost two decades for anorexia and bulimia to be recognized as their own diagnostic grouping in the DSM-IV (1994) and an additional seventeen years for binge-eating disorder to be distinguished, in the DSM-5 (2013).

Of course, along with these changes in recognition came changes in societal view and treatment. During the early 1900s, EDs were largely regarded as issues of the endocrine system, specifically having to do with the pituitary gland. In the 1940s, however, the psychiatric community began to realize that these disorders were associated with mental illness. As a result, the 1970s saw work from both psychiatric and psychoanalytical professionals as well as an increase in rates of anorexia and bulimia (or perhaps greater rates of diagnosis).

The first attempts at appropriate treatment were introduced in the 1980s coinciding with increased awareness in the public eye towards eating disorders. Methods included cognitive-behavioral, meal, group, and exposure therapies. Additionally, colleges began to offer ED counseling, allowing for greater treatment accessibility. The 2000s brought about the treatments we know today. These include comprehensive methods that combine medicine, psychology, and dietetics, emphasizing personal healing, family, and group therapy. In addition, in-patient care through residential treatment centers has become increasingly available, along with in-hospital treatment for severe cases. Novel treatment options continue to be studied, sparking hope for innovative methods like repetitive transcranial stimulation in the future.

One would think that today’s seemingly successful body positivity movements would have led to a decrease in eating disorder prevalence, but this is simply not the case. It seems as though social media is still split: one side is focused on self-acceptance, while the other portrays unrealistic ideals of beauty and body image.

With 689 million monthly users and 33 million app store downloads, making it Apple’s 2019 most downloaded app, it’s no wonder that TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media networks. The app is full of challenges, dance videos, funny clips, and eating disorder content disguised as health advice and body positivity. An enormous number of videos on the platform feature diet, exercise, weight-loss advice, and dramatic body transformations. While these matters are extremely individualized, it doesn’t stop millions of young TikTok users from comparing themselves to those they see on screen. One popular trend is the “what I eat in a day” video, which showcases a (usually fit) TikToker’s every meal, snack, and sometimes even calorie count for a given day. Individuals who post seem relatable because they appear to be everyday people, in their home kitchens, eating after-school meals instead of celebrities with personal chefs. This makes it exceptionally simple for young users to directly compare their bodies and meals, or perhaps lack thereof, to the person on screen.

Millions of young TikTok users compare themselves to those they see on screen. (Courtesy Pexels)

Psychologists warn that this comparison game encourages negative body image, disordered thoughts, and the desire to change one’s appearance to fit a perceived ideal. In fact, eating disorder specialist Dr. Alix Timko explains that this exposure alone can cause the development of, or lead to the perpetuation of, an existing ED. Another expert, Melissa Harrison, confirms these fears after working with twelve-year-old clients who gained knowledge on limiting their eating through TikTok. Harrison says that some of her patients are so young that they don’t understand why purging after a meal is harmful.

When these are the possible effects of benevolent “inspiration” videos, it is frightening to consider the consequences of videos featuring ED supportive content either explicitly or under the guise of “ED recovery.” It is easy to find videos outwardly promoting anorexic, bulimic, and binge behaviors with comment sections congratulating users on “achievements” like getting through the day on just 300 calories. Needless to say, those watching and attempting to recover themselves or desiring a certain body image are put in great danger. Moreover, once one takes an interest, such content is almost impossible to escape. TikTok’s algorithm ensures that users consistently see what they are most interested in; interacting with a video by leaving a comment, like, or viewing the user’s page ensures they're consistently shown similar videos. While TikTok has addressed and attempted to filter for such content, little has changed.

Ultimately, the responsibility of preventing children and teens from being exposed to such harmful content must be shared. TikTok and other social platforms must be more vigilant in removing and filtering for possibly triggering or suggestive ED content. Additionally, parents must play an active role in their children’s social media consumption paying special attention to the types of creators and subject matter their children watch. However, simply banning such videos or stopping children from watching certain creators is not enough. One 2015 study showed that prohibiting ED content on social media without providing support or educational resources in their place is ineffective.[2] Social media platforms, parents, schools, and physicians must work together to put an end to the idea of the unrealistic, ideal body and instead encourage a healthy, balanced lifestyle as beautiful no matter one’s appearance. After all, a meager 15 seconds should never be enough to make someone hate themselves.

How to Create a 3D Black and Gold Text and Logo Mockup

 Tutorial Assets

The following assets were used during this tutorial:

Raleway font

Blue background

Before you start creating our text mockup, download and install the font and also download the background.

1. Load a Document Background

We will use the blue background from the Tutorial Assets as our document background. It is a 2000 x 3000 px JPG file. Go to File > Open and open the blue-background.jpg.

2. Create a Smart Object

In these steps you will create the main smart object.

Step 1

Create a new layer by going to Layer > New > Layer, name this layer Hide me and hit OK. Fill this layer with any colour—for example, to fill it with the background colour, hit Control-Delete.

Step 2

Pick the Type Tool and select the Raleway font. Set the Font Style to Black and the Font Size to 635 pt, and select Center text. Now write BLACK GOLD in the center of the document, on two lines and all uppercase.

Step 3

Select the BLACK GOLD layer in the Layers panel, hold Control and select the Hide me layer. While both layers are selected, go to Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object.

Step 4

Right click on the BLACK GOLD smart object layer and choose Edit Contents to open the smart object.

Step 5

Delete the Hide me layer in the Layers panel. Then close the BLACK GOLD.psb document and hit Yes to save changes.

Step 6

Select the BLACK GOLD layer, go to Layer > Rename Layer, and change its name to Gold.

3. Create the Shrinking Action

The last step, before we can start creating the main effect, is to create a small action which will be very helpful, as you will see later.

Step 1

Right-click the Gold layer in the Layers panel and select Duplicate Layer. Change the name to Action and hit OK.

Step 2

Open the Actions panel with Alt-F9, and then hit the Create new set button at the bottom and name it Shrinking Action. Hit OK.

Step 3

Select the Action layer in your Layers panel and then hit the Create new action button at the bottom of the Actions panel. Change the name to Shrink and hit Record.

Step 4

Hit Control-J to duplicate the Action layer.

Step 5

Go to Layer > Arrange > Send Backward. This step will move the Action copy layer under the Action layer.

Step 6

Transform the selected layer with Control-T and set the horizontal scale to W: 99.93% and the vertical scale to H: 99.90%. Hit the Enter key twice to apply the transformation.

Step 7

Hit the Stop button at the bottom of the Actions panel and delete the Action and Action copy layers from your Layers panel. The Shrink action is now ready to be used.

4. Create the 3D Effect

In this part we will be creating multiple layers using the previously created action.

Step 1

Select the Gold layer in your Layers panel and then select the Shrink action in your Actions panel.

Step 2

Now we will create 105 layers for the 3D effect. Hit the Play button at the bottom of the Actions panel to play the action, and keep hitting the Play button until it creates the Gold copy 105 layer in your Layers panel.

Step 3

Select layer Gold copy 105, go to Layer > Duplicate layer, and name it Shadow. Then move this layer backwards by going to Layer > Arrange > Send Backward.

Step 4

Let's make some groups and clean up our Layers panel a little bit. Select the layer Gold copy and Shift-click the Gold copy 19 layer to select these layers and all between. Hit Control-G to make a group, and then go to Layer > Rename group and name it Effect 1.

Step 5

Select the layer Gold copy 20 and then Shift-click the Gold copy 29 layer to select these layers and all between. Hit Control-G on your keyboard to make a group, and then go to Layer > Rename group and name it Effect 2.

Step 6

Select the layer Gold copy 30 and then Shift-click the Gold copy 39 layer to select these layers and all between. Hit Control-G on your keyboard to make a group, and then go to Layer > Rename group and name it Effect 3.

Step 7

Select the layer Gold copy 40 and then Shift-click the Gold copy 59 layer to select these layers and all between. Hit Control-G to make a group, and then go to Layer > Rename group and name it Effect 4.

Step 8

Select the layer Gold copy 60 and then Shift-click the Gold copy 89 layer to select these layers and all between. Hit Control-G to make a group, and then go to Layer > Rename group and name it Effect 5.

Step 9

Select the layer Gold copy 90 and then Shift-click the Gold copy 94 layer to select these layers and all between. Hit Control-G to make a group, and then go to Layer > Rename group and name it Effect 6.

Step 10

Select the layer Gold copy 95 and then Shift-click the Gold copy 100 layer to select these layers and all between. Hit Control-G to make a group, and then go to Layer > Rename group and name it Effect 7.

Step 11

Select the layer Gold copy 101 and then Shift-click the Gold copy 105 layer to select these layers and all between. Hit Control-G to make a group, and then go to Layer > Rename group and name it Effect 8.

5. Add Layer Styles

Step 1

Select the layer Gold and Double-click the layer to apply the following layer style:

Add a Bevel & Emboss with these settings:

Style: Inner Bevel

Technique: Smooth

Depth: 32%

Direction: Down

Size: 3 px

Uncheck the Use Global Light box

Angle: -81°

Altitude: 26°

Select Gloss Contour: Ring - Double

Highlight Mode: Linear Dodge (Add) with a color #ffffff and Opacity: 18%

Shadow Mode: Linear Burn with a color #171718 and Opacity: 33%

Step 2

Add a Stroke with these settings:

Size: 3 px

Position: Inside

Blend Mode: Normal

Fill Type: Gradient

Style: Angle

Angle: 90°

Check Dither box

Scale: 150%

Click on the Gradient and set these color stops:

Color stop with a Color: #7a6b37 on Location: 7%

Color stop with a Color: #84753f on Location: 43%

Color stop with a Color: #7d6d37 on Location: 70%

Color stop with a Color: #ffe785 on Location: 85%

7 color stops with a Color: #f7c753 on these Locations: 0%, 13%, 19%, 48%, 63%, 81% and 100%

5 color stops with a Color: #c59f44 on these Locations: 16%, 27%, 55%, 75% and 93%

Step 3 

Add a Satin style with these settings:

Blend Mode: Linear Burn with the color #afa182

Opacity: 4%

Angle: 0°

Distance: 22 px

Size: 1 px

Check the Invert box

Step 4

Add a Color Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Linear Burn

Pick the color #000000

Opacity: 7%

Step 5

Add a Gradient Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Normal

Check the Dither box

Opacity: 100%

Style: Linear

Angle: 67°

Scale: 100%

Click on the Gradient and set these color stops:

Color stop 1 - Color: #010202 Location: 11%

Color stop 2 - Color: #737373 Location: 34%

Color stop 3 - Color: #010202 Location: 58%

Color stop 4 - Color: #737373 Location: 75%

Color stop 5 - Color: #010202 Location: 100%

Hit OK to apply all of the changes.

Step 6

Collapse the Effect 1 group, select the layer Gold copy, and Double-click the layer to apply the following layer style:

Add an Inner Glow with these settings:

Blend Mode: Linear Dodge (Add)

Opacity: 14%

Pick the color #ffffff

Technique: Precise

Source: Edge

Choke: 100%

Size: 136 px

Check the Anti-aliased box

Step 7

Add a Color Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Color

Pick the color #fee691

Opacity: 100%

Step 8

Add a Gradient Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Normal

Check the Dither box

Opacity: 100%

Style: Reflected

Angle: 90°

Scale: 150%

Click on the Gradient and set these color stops:

4 color stops with a Color: #7a6b37 on these Locations: 7%, 23%, 58% and 89%

Color stop with a Color: #84753f on Location: 43%

2 color stops with a Color: #7d6d37 on these Locations: 70% and 100%

5 color stops with a Color: #ffe785 on these Locations: 4%, 25%, 39%, 85% and 97%

6 color stops with a Color: #f7c753 on these Locations: 0%, 13%, 19%, 48%, 63% and 81%

5 color stops with a Color: #c59f44 on these Locations: 16%, 34%, 55%, 75% and 93%

Step 9

The same gradient will be used in the next steps, so let's save it to our gradient Presets by pressing the New button. Then hit OK to apply all of the changes.

Step 10

Right click with your mouse on the Gold copy layer and select Copy Layer Style, and then Shift-left click the layer Gold copy 19. While all of these layers are selected, right click on any of these layers and select Paste Layer Style. This will apply the same style from the Gold copy layer to all the selected ones.

Step 11

Close the Effect 1 group and collapse the Effect 2 group. Select the layer Gold copy 20 and Double-click the layer to apply the following layer style:

Add an Inner Glow with these settings:

Blend Mode: Linear Dodge (Add)

Opacity: 7%

Pick the color #ffffff

Technique: Precise

Source: Edge

Choke: 100%

Size: 136 px

Check the Anti-aliased box

Step 12

Add a Color Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Color

Pick the color #fee691

Opacity: 100%

Step 13

Add a Gradient Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Normal

Check the Dither box

Opacity: 100%

Style: Reflected

Angle: 90°

Scale: 150%

Click on the Gradient and select the previously saved gradient from Presets.

Hit OK to apply all of the changes.

Step 14

Right click with your mouse on the Gold copy 20 layer and select Copy Layer Style, and then Shift-left click the layer Gold copy 29. While all of these layers are selected, right click on any of these layers and select Paste Layer Style.

Step 15

Close the Effect 2 group and collapse the Effect 3 group. Select the layer Gold copy 30 and Double-click the layer to apply the following layer style:

Add an Inner Glow with these settings:

Blend Mode: Linear Dodge (Add)

Opacity: 3%

Pick the color #ffffff

Technique: Precise

Source: Edge

Choke: 100%

Size: 136 px

Check the Anti-aliased box

Step 16

Add a Color Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Color

Pick the color #fee691

Opacity: 100%

Step 17

Add a Gradient Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Normal

Check the Dither box

Opacity: 100%

Style: Reflected

Angle: 90°

Scale: 150%

Click on the Gradient and select the previously saved gradient from Presets.

Hit OK to apply all of the changes.

Step 18

Right click with your mouse on the Gold copy 30 layer and select Copy Layer Style, and then Shift-left click the layer Gold copy 39. While all of these layers are selected, right click on any of these layers and select Paste Layer Style.

Step 19

Close the Effect 3 group and collapse the Effect 4 group. Select the layer Gold copy 40 and Double-click the layer to apply the following layer style:

Add a Color Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Color

Pick the color #fee691

Opacity: 100%

Step 20

Add a Gradient Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Normal

Check the Dither box

Opacity: 100%

Style: Reflected

Angle: 90°

Scale: 150%

Click on the Gradient and select the previously saved gradient from Presets.

Hit OK to apply all of the changes.

Step 21

Right click with your mouse on the Gold copy 40 layer and select Copy Layer Style, and then Shift-left click the layer Gold copy 59. While all of these layers are selected, right click on any of these layers and select Paste Layer Style.

Step 22

Close the Effect 4 group and collapse the Effect 5 group. Select the layer Gold copy 60 and Double-click the layer to apply the following layer style:

Add an Inner Glow with these settings:

Blend Mode: Linear Burn

Opacity: 3%

Pick the color #000000

Technique: Precise

Source: Edge

Choke: 100%

Size: 136 px

Check the Anti-aliased box

Step 23

Add a Color Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Color

Pick the color #fee691

Opacity: 100%

Step 24

Add a Gradient Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Normal

Check the Dither box

Opacity: 100%

Style: Reflected

Angle: 90°

Scale: 150%

Click on the Gradient and select the previously saved gradient from Presets.

Hit OK to apply all of the changes.

Step 25

Right click with your mouse on the Gold copy 60 layer and select Copy Layer Style, and then Shift-left click the layer Gold copy 89. While all of these layers are selected, right click on any of these layers and select Paste Layer Style.

Step 26

Close the Effect 5 group and collapse the Effect 6 group. Select the layer Gold copy 90 and Double-click the layer to apply the following layer style:

Add an Inner Glow with these settings:

Blend Mode: Linear Burn

Opacity: 10%

Pick the color #000000

Technique: Precise

Source: Edge

Choke: 100%

Size: 136 px

Check the Anti-aliased box

Step 27

Add a Color Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Color

Pick the color #fee691

Opacity: 100%

Step 28

Add a Gradient Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Normal

Check the Dither box

Opacity: 100%

Style: Reflected

Angle: 90°

Scale: 150%

Click on the Gradient and select the previously saved gradient from Presets.

Hit OK to apply all of the changes.

Step 29

Right click on the Gold copy 90 layer and select Copy Layer Style, and then Shift-left click the layer Gold copy 94. While all of these layers are selected, right click on any of these layers and select Paste Layer Style.

Step 30

Close the Effect 6 group and collapse the Effect 7 group. Select the layer Gold copy 95 and Double-click the layer to apply the following layer style:

Add an Inner Glow with these settings:

Blend Mode: Linear Burn

Opacity: 16%

Pick the color #000000

Technique: Precise

Source: Edge

Choke: 100%

Size: 136 px

Check the Anti-aliased box

Step 31

Add a Color Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Color

Pick the color #fee691

Opacity: 100%

Step 32

Add a Gradient Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Normal

Check the Dither box

Opacity: 100%

Style: Reflected

Angle: 90°

Scale: 150%

Click on the Gradient and select the previously saved gradient from Presets.

Hit OK to apply all of the changes.

Step 33

Right click on the Gold copy 95 layer and select Copy Layer Style, and then Shift-left click the layer Gold copy 100. While all of these layers are selected, right click on any of these layers and select Paste Layer Style.

Step 34

Close the Effect 7 group and collapse the Effect 8 group. Select the layer Gold copy 101 and Double-click the layer to apply the following layer style:

Add an Inner Glow with these settings:

Blend Mode: Linear Burn

Opacity: 22%

Pick the color #000000

Technique: Precise

Source: Edge

Choke: 100%

Size: 136 px

Check the Anti-aliased box

Step 35

Add a Color Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Color

Pick the color #fee691

Opacity: 100%

Step 36

Add a Gradient Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Normal

Check the Dither box

Opacity: 100%

Style: Reflected

Angle: 90°

Scale: 150%

Click on the Gradient and select the previously saved gradient from Presets.

Hit OK to apply all of the changes.

Step 37

Right click with your mouse on the Gold copy 101 layer and select Copy Layer Style, and then Shift-left click the layer Gold copy 105. While all of these layers are selected, right click on any of these layers and select Paste Layer Style.

6. Create Shadows

Step 1

Select the layer Shadow and hit Control-J on your keyboard twice to make two duplicates of this layer.

Step 2

Select the layer Shadow and hit Control-T, and then add 20 px to the horizontal position X: and also add 30 px to the vertical position Y: The position values shown in the picture below may be different from yours.

Hit Enter to apply the changes.

Step 3

Double-click the layer Shadow to apply the following layer style:

Change the Blending Options with these settings:

Opacity: 35%

Step 4

Add a Color Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Normal

Pick the color #312000

Opacity: 100%

Step 5

Add a Drop Shadow with these settings:

Blend Mode: Multiply

Pick the color #010101

Opacity: 75%

Uncheck the Use Global Light box before setting an Angle: 120°

Distance: 17 px

Spread: 0%

Size: 5 px

Hit OK to apply all changes.

Step 6

Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur, set the Radius to 4.3 pixels, and hit OK.

Step 7

Go to Filter > Blur > Motion Blur, set the Angle: -60° and Distance: 97 pixels, then hit okay

Step 8

Select layer Shadow copy and Double-click the layer to apply the following layer style:

Change the Blending Options with these settings:

Fill Opacity: 0%

Step 9

Add a Drop Shadow with these settings:

Blend Mode: Linear Burn

Pick the color #000000

Opacity: 47%

Uncheck the Use Global Light box before setting an Angle: 124°

Distance: 0 px

Spread: 50%

Size: 2 px

Hit OK to apply all changes.

Step 10

Select layer Shadow copy 2 and Double-click the layer to apply the following layer style:

Change the Blending Options with these settings:

Opacity: 50%

Fill Opacity: 0%

Step 11

Add a Color Overlay with these settings:

Blend Mode: Normal

Pick the color #000000

Opacity: 100%

Step 12

Add a Drop Shadow with these settings:

Blend Mode: Linear Burn

Pick the color #000000

Opacity: 11%

Uncheck the Use Global Light box before setting an Angle: 45°

Distance: 87 px

Spread: 0%

Size: 79 px

Hit OK to apply all changes.

Step 13

Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur, set the Radius to 16.8 pixels, and hit OK.

Step 14

For better clarity we will group all of the shadow layers. Select layer Shadow copy 2, and then Shift-right click the Shadow layer and hit Control-G on your keyboard to make a group of layers.

Congratulations! You Are Done

In this tutorial we learned how to make a 3D black and gold text and logo mockup using a smart object and the layer styles.

We started by creating the smart object, and then we created the shrinking action. After that, we added multiple layers to create the 3D effect and also added the layer styles. Finally, we added some shadows.

From now on, you can change the content from the BLACK GOLD title to any other text, shape, or vector. To change the content, right click the Gold layer and select Edit contents. When you are done editing the content, close the .psb document and hit Yes to apply the changes.

How to create a mock-up from scratch

 To create a mock-up from scratch there are a few things you need, and need to know.

A photo of the object you want to use for your mock-up. For example a coffee mug, billboard or laptop. Doesn't matter if there is already content on the mug or said screen or billboard.

A good quality image of your logo. It needs to at least match the resolution of your photo in “1″ above.

You need to have a clue about smart layers. They allow you to preconfigure transformations and effects which are applied to any content added to that layer.

You need to know how to work with transform tools in photoshop. Tools such as rotate, distort, perspective skew and warp.

The last thing you need is a short tutorial to get you started. The simplest I could find:

The Easiest Way To Create Digital Mockups In Photoshop

Once you can comfortably add your logo to simple shapes like the laptop screen in the tutorial you can start adding it to more obscure shapes using the distort and warp transformations to create more complex grids to mimic shapes and dynamicism for example a T-shirt with all its creases or a flag in the wind with its waves.

After you get the hang of distorts and warp and perspectives, you can now embark on creating the entire image yourself instead of applying the logo to stock photos and your own photos. For example if you want a mock-up of a brochure with a star shape. What are the chances you'll find a photo online? Slim to none. So you'll need to create it from scratch using layers and layer styles and colors and textures with your own lighting.

6 Bad Habits That Can Cause The End Of Even A Strong Relationship

 The truth is that even if you have the most perfect and wonderful marriage, there is a chance or possibility that it can end in a divorce. 

Despite how happy couples can start off as newly word partners, there is a chance that they could both be hiding certain things from their significant other.

This is why many couples struggle to maintain a happy relationship, but with the right tools, things can start on the right path once again. Here are 6 things that could even destroy a strong marriage;

1.   Not being on the same page

Often couples feel their own personal goals and feelings are the most important ones to focus forgetting that they are supposed to be on the same page. The moment a partner fails to be on the same page things are likely to go messy.

2.   Not meeting each other’s needs

We all have unique needs and sometimes want our partners to fulfil them, however, sometimes, couples fail to speak up about such needs and hence, leave their significant needs unmet.

3.   Neglecting each other

Sometimes it happens, we forget that we are to give each other an amount of attention irrespective of what we are doing. Neglecting your partner can sometimes be seen as disrespect, and it is often bad.

4.   Harbouring resentment

Unspoken and unresolved issues can sometimes cause partners to resent themselves. Harbouring resentment is a poison and it is bad to have this habit in a relationship.

5.   Criticizing each other

Criticizing your partner can eventually result in the end of your relationship or marriage. Criticizing can become a comfortable habit which helps you communicate and support your partner in a nice way. 

But when it becomes a habit of only picking on their shortcomings, things can be bad for the marriage.

6.   Neglecting sexual intimacy

When you start forgoing the s3xual needs of your partner, it results in disconnection and sometimes leads to cheating. It is important to make sure that s3x isn’t neglected in your relationship.

Adobe Photoshop CS5 Extended Serial Numbers

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Adobe Photoshop CS6 Serial Number and CS6 Full Crack Download

Adobe Photoshop CS6 Serial Number and CS6 Full Crack Download

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Adobe Photoshop is the latest version of adobe’s Raster Graphic Editor where CS stands for “Creative suite” so CS5 is Adobe Photoshop Creative suite 6. The company has launched two editions of cs6 named “Adobe Photoshop CS6 premium” and “Adobe Photoshop CS6 Extended“. The key difference between premium edition and extended one is extended one comes with some additional plugins and features.

No Doubt Photoshop cs6 is the top most graphic editor right now available in the market. Here we have CS6 premium serial key and CS6 extended serial key for you guys.

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There is no Rocket Science behind getting your system Photoshop cs6. It is as easy as getting your system a new operating system. If you are looking to install a new windows, this article might help you- windows 7 product key. for now you are here to install and crack Photoshop cs 6 in your system . To get that you just need to download cs6 from Adobe’s official site and install it your PC. do Remember that at first it will allow you to use and try cs6 for a limited period of time for free than you have to enter serial number of adobe Photoshop cs6 which sometimes referred as  license key for Photoshop cs6.
Both terms stands equal and that is basically a set of numbers. 5 sets of 4 number totaling 20 number combination to unlock or crack your Photoshop cs6. a noticeable thing here in cs6 is that Photoshop cs6 serial is just numbers combination unlike windows product key where serial key is a combination of letters and numbers. So don’t get confused guys. Just use the serial key Photoshop cs6 in your Photoshop cs6 crack from the list below. try keygen one by one.

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Thanks

What Is Christmas: Understanding the History and Origin

Christmas is so full of wonder, meaning and tradition. But, where did all these things that we now call "Christmas" come from? Let's briefly sketch the origin and development of what we now celebrate as Christ's birth.

Below we will look at the origins of Christmas, holiday traditions (and their Christian significance!), favorite Christmas carols, Scripture about the nativity story and birth of Jesus, and history you might not know: 

What is Christmas and When Did it Start

Christmas is the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ's birth, held on December 25 in the Western Church. The traditional date of December 25 goes back as far as A.D. 273. Two pagan festivals honoring the sun were also celebrated on that day and it is possible that December 25 was chosen to counteract the influence of paganism. To this day some people feel uncomfortable with Christmas because they think it is somehow tainted by the pagan festivals held on that day. But Christians have long believed that the gospel not only transcends culture, it also transforms it. In A.D. 320 one theologian answered this criticism by noting, “We hold this day holy, not like the pagans because of the birth of the sun, but because of him who made it.” 

The Dates of Christmas

Why do we celebrate on December 25th?

There are two specific theories for why we use the date of December 25th for Christmas.

First, People and religion of the day celebrated some sort of holiday around that time. From Jewish Chanukah to Pagan Winter Solstice to Germanic Yule to Roman Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (Birth of the Unconquered Sun); the sheer number of celebration days with their trees, decorations, yule logs, mistletoe and feasts seem to point to a season of celebration to which Christians added the birth of Jesus as a counter-cultural event and possibly even an escape from the pagan holidays for early believers.

December 25th was the Saturnalia Festival of emancipation, gift giving and the triumph of light after the longest night. The Christian sees the truth implicit in this pagan tradition that reflects: Christ the Light of the world, His triumph over the night of sin in Luke 1:78-79:

"...Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Second theory centers around the date “accepted” by the Western Church of March 25 as the Annunciation or Immaculate Conception of Jesus in Mary’s womb. December 25 is 9 months later and thus celebrated as the birthday of Jesus. Regardless of the possible reasons for the date, the Church calendar was set in the West during Constantine’s reign while the Eastern Church held onto the date of January 6 for some time. 

The Origin of Christmas Eve

For centuries, Christmas was celebrated not as a single day, but as a whole season in parts of the world, beginning with this day, December 24, Christmas Eve. Perhaps the practice of celebrating the evening before the big day is an echo from ancient Jewish reckoning. Among earlier Jews, a day began at six in the evening and ran until six the following evening. Had not Moses written: "An evening and a morning were the first day"?

Christmas means "Christ-mass." Although the date is a guess, the tradition of observing it goes back to at least the fourth century. Under the influence of the church, Christian traditions replaced pagan solstice festivals throughout Europe. Often the more innocent pagan practices (such as bringing in a Yule log, decorating with holly and the like) were carried over into the Christmas observance, transfigured with new meaning.

The Christian Meaning Behind Ancient Traditions

Evergreen Trees were the symbol of eternal life. Martin Luther introduced them to the Reformation Church as a picture of our endless life in Christ, by bringing in a tree to his family on Christmas Eve lit with candles (Isaiah 60:13).

Candles are a picture that Christ is the Light of the world (John 8).

Holly speaks of the thorns in His crown (Matthew 27:29).

Red is a color of Christmas that speaks of Christ's blood and death.

Gifts are a reminder of the gifts of the Magi to baby Jesus. Each of them speak to a component of His incarnation: Majesty in life, Bitterest Agony in Death and He as Gods Perfect gift to us (Matthew 2).

More Holiday Traditions

The Yule Log was a symbol by which all the men in the family would carry a log large enough to burn for 12 days into the house. They were identifying with Christ and His Cross. The fire was started with a fragment from the previous years [this refers to the eternal existence of Christ before His birth] log. It speaks of warmth, unity, joy and the security of endless life.

Mistletoe was an ancient symbol from the Roman times. It was under Mistletoe that old enmities and broken friendship were restored. So Christ was the One who took away the enmity and gave us Peace with God (Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1).

Bells are associated with ringing out news. Christ is the good news, the best news of all.

Modern Traditions

In 1822 Clement Moore wrote a poem for children that has never been forgotten. It was entitled, "Twas the Night before Christmas..."!

Santa Claus is a Dutch word that is actually Sinter Claus, Saint Nicholas in English.

Saint Nicholas was the supposed early Bishop of a church in Asia Minor [the modern country of Turkey]. He became aware of some desperate needs in his congregation, and a family having to sell their children into slavery, so one night he came and left money on their doorstep. It was gold in a stocking

Christmas Cards started in 1844. An English artist named William Dobson, drew up some pictures in England for use at this season. They found local use there and soon spread to America. In 1846 Cole and Horsley saw the commercial potential of this growing tradition and started the production of what is now over a $1,000,000,000.00 industry, that sees 4 billion cards sent each year in America alone. 

What Is Christmas: Understanding the History and Origin

Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies / What Is Christmas: Understanding the History and Origin

Christmas is so full of wonder, meaning and tradition. But, where did all these things that we now call "Christmas" come from? Let's briefly sketch the origin and development of what we now celebrate as Christ's birth.

Below we will look at the origins of Christmas, holiday traditions (and their Christian significance!), favorite Christmas carols, Scripture about the nativity story and birth of Jesus, and history you might not know:

What is Christmas and When Did it Start

Christmas is the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ's birth, held on December 25 in the Western Church. The traditional date of December 25 goes back as far as A.D. 273. Two pagan festivals honoring the sun were also celebrated on that day and it is possible that December 25 was chosen to counteract the influence of paganism. To this day some people feel uncomfortable with Christmas because they think it is somehow tainted by the pagan festivals held on that day. But Christians have long believed that the gospel not only transcends culture, it also transforms it. In A.D. 320 one theologian answered this criticism by noting, “We hold this day holy, not like the pagans because of the birth of the sun, but because of him who made it.”

This content was adapted from "Christmas Eve" by Dan Graves.

The Dates of Christmas

Why do we celebrate on December 25th?

There are two specific theories for why we use the date of December 25th for Christmas.

First, People and religion of the day celebrated some sort of holiday around that time. From Jewish Chanukah to Pagan Winter Solstice to Germanic Yule to Roman Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (Birth of the Unconquered Sun); the sheer number of celebration days with their trees, decorations, yule logs, mistletoe and feasts seem to point to a season of celebration to which Christians added the birth of Jesus as a counter-cultural event and possibly even an escape from the pagan holidays for early believers.

December 25th was the Saturnalia Festival of emancipation, gift giving and the triumph of light after the longest night. The Christian sees the truth implicit in this pagan tradition that reflects: Christ the Light of the world, His triumph over the night of sin in Luke 1:78-79:

"...Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Second theory centers around the date “accepted” by the Western Church of March 25 as the Annunciation or Immaculate Conception of Jesus in Mary’s womb. December 25 is 9 months later and thus celebrated as the birthday of Jesus. Regardless of the possible reasons for the date, the Church calendar was set in the West during Constantine’s reign while the Eastern Church held onto the date of January 6 for some time. 

The Origin of Christmas Eve

For centuries, Christmas was celebrated not as a single day, but as a whole season in parts of the world, beginning with this day, December 24, Christmas Eve. Perhaps the practice of celebrating the evening before the big day is an echo from ancient Jewish reckoning. Among earlier Jews, a day began at six in the evening and ran until six the following evening. Had not Moses written: "An evening and a morning were the first day"?

Christmas means "Christ-mass." Although the date is a guess, the tradition of observing it goes back to at least the fourth century. Under the influence of the church, Christian traditions replaced pagan solstice festivals throughout Europe. Often the more innocent pagan practices (such as bringing in a Yule log, decorating with holly and the like) were carried over into the Christmas observance, transfigured with new meaning.

This content was adapted from "Christmas Eve" by Dan Grave.

The Christian Meaning Behind Ancient Traditions

Evergreen Trees were the symbol of eternal life. Martin Luther introduced them to the Reformation Church as a picture of our endless life in Christ, by bringing in a tree to his family on Christmas Eve lit with candles (Isaiah 60:13).

Candles are a picture that Christ is the Light of the world (John 8).

Holly speaks of the thorns in His crown (Matthew 27:29).

Red is a color of Christmas that speaks of Christ's blood and death.

Gifts are a reminder of the gifts of the Magi to baby Jesus. Each of them speak to a component of His incarnation: Majesty in life, Bitterest Agony in Death and He as Gods Perfect gift to us (Matthew 2).

More Holiday Traditions

The Yule Log was a symbol by which all the men in the family would carry a log large enough to burn for 12 days into the house. They were identifying with Christ and His Cross. The fire was started with a fragment from the previous years [this refers to the eternal existence of Christ before His birth] log. It speaks of warmth, unity, joy and the security of endless life.

Mistletoe was an ancient symbol from the Roman times. It was under Mistletoe that old enmities and broken friendship were restored. So Christ was the One who took away the enmity and gave us Peace with God (Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1).

Bells are associated with ringing out news. Christ is the good news, the best news of all.

Modern Traditions

In 1822 Clement Moore wrote a poem for children that has never been forgotten. It was entitled, "Twas the Night before Christmas..."!

Santa Claus is a Dutch word that is actually Sinter Claus, Saint Nicholas in English.

Saint Nicholas was the supposed early Bishop of a church in Asia Minor [the modern country of Turkey]. He became aware of some desperate needs in his congregation, and a family having to sell their children into slavery, so one night he came and left money on their doorstep. It was gold in a stocking.

Christmas Cards started in 1844. An English artist named William Dobson, drew up some pictures in England for use at this season. They found local use there and soon spread to America. In 1846 Cole and Horsley saw the commercial potential of this growing tradition and started the production of what is now over a $1,000,000,000.00 industry, that sees 4 billion cards sent each year in America alone. 

This content was adapted from the original article "The Origin of Christmas Traditions and Christ's Birth" by Dr. John Barnett.

The Origin of the Christmas Tree

Among the many accounts claiming to explain the origin of the Christmas tree, the three most popular are from Germany — making it the likeliest place of origin. The stories span from the 8th to the 16th century. All three have some element of historical fact, and they may even loosely connect from one to another.

1. The first story is about St. Boniface. In the 8th century, he was a missionary to some of the remotest tribes of Germany. He is probably best known for what is called the “Felling of Thor’s Oak.” It is said that upon entering a town in northern Hesse (Hessia), Boniface learned that the people worshiped the god Thor who they believed resided in a great oak tree among them. Boniface determined that if he wanted to earn an audience with the people, he would have to confront Thor. He announced before the people that he was going to cut down the oak, and he openly challenged Thor to strike him down. Miraculously, as Boniface began to chop the oak, a mighty wind blew and hurled the tree to the ground. Tradition holds that a fir tree was growing in the roots of the oak, and Boniface claimed the tree as a symbol of Christ. Needless to say, the people readily accepted Boniface’s message, and the tree eventually came to be associated with the birth of Christ and a celebration of the day when the mighty God (who could hurl a gigantic oak to the ground) chose to humbly enter the world as a babe.

2. Another possible source of the Christmas tree (and probably the most likely) comes from medieval religious plays in Germany. Among the most popular of these plays was the “Paradise” play. It started with the creation of man, acted out the first sin, and showed Adam and Eve being expelled from Paradise (the Garden of Eden). It closed with the promise of a coming Savior, which made the play a particular favorite during the Christmas season. In the play, the Garden of Eden was most often represented by a fir tree hung with apples and surrounded by candles.

3. A third tradition about the origin of the Christmas tree attributes it to Martin Luther, an influential leader of the Reformation. Some say that on Christmas Eve, Luther was walking through the woods near his home. He was struck by the beauty of how the snow shimmered in the moonlight on the branches of the trees. In an effort to re-create the magnificent sight for his family, he cut down the tree, placed it in his home, and decorated it with candles.