Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 20 December 2002 — Page 17
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. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20,2002
THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER
PAQEB3
SALT: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love
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Art from around the world Chaplain Kathleen Crawford (loft) discusses a piece of art with Alfred Dosokun, owner of Oluobe Trading Co., at the American Legion Post 11249 Christmas Bazaar. (Photo/C. Guynn) i AL-ISLAM
► Continued from Page 6 lieve that Jesus is G-d. We have yet to read or hear of him, Christ Jesus making such a claim in any book of revelation. However we do read in both Bible and Qur’an where Jesus often mentions his subservient role to G-d. That is another reason why Muslims love Christ Jesus, may peace be upon him. Jesus never claimed in Christianity or Islam to be one that came to establish his own authority. Jesus came to establish the way of G-d. That too, is another reason why Muslims love
Jesus.
He came to establish the word of G-d in the land. The Qur'an states, “Then, in their wake, we followed them up with (others of) our messengers: We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary, and bestowed on him the gospel; and we ordained in tjte.frifyts pf
sgjfrand mercy. in America, c?o Imam asm which they invented for Mikal Saahir, send them to: themselves, we did not prescribe Nur-Allah Islamic Center, 2040 for them: (we commanded) only E. SL, Indpls, IN 46205. the seeking for the good pleasure Or e-mail: nurallah-
of Allah; but that they did not [email protected]
foster as they should have done. Yet we bestowed, on those among them whobelieved, their (due) reward, but many of them . are rebellious transgressors.” (Chapter 57; titled “Iron [Al-
Hadid]” Verse 27)
G-d is merciful to all of his creatures. G-d is good and creates only that which is good. When G-d created Christ Jesus, he made that which is 100 percent good. And that is what we
love about Jesus.
As our Christian brothers and sisters gather as families with their friends we pray that you continue to love Jesus the Christ as you practice loving one another. And remember too that a Muslim must love Jesus Christ as we must love all of the proph-
ets of G-d.
Please submit all inquiries to
J •’ri . u, 1
lenca, c/o m
► Continued from Pag* 6 following, although many prepare for watch night prayer services on New Year’s Eve. Kwanzaa has become another expression of the holy season. Some churches integrate this observance with their Christ centered events so that our African heritage clearly complements our faith in a substantive and traditional manner. For some, Kwanzaa may serve a dual function of celebrating the 12 days of Christmas while at the same time celebrating Kwanzaa. In all cases, the Christ child should be invited as the center of the season. The shopping and the flurry of activities surrounding the holy season should not distract from the substance of both the Advent and Christmas seasons. It is easy to get caught up in the commercial and material distractions. Meditation, prayer and finding new ways to love one another should be priorities during this holy
season.
Acts of hope in what may be called hopeless situations should be expressed. Acts of fear, violence and potential violence should be addressed so as to find peace from within and without. Moments of despair and struggle should be seen as opportunities for God’s transforming power to stimu-
late joy.
Joy is not to be confused with happiness. Happiness is the experience of temporary pleasures identified most often by short-term satisfaction. Joy comes in the realization and experience of struggle transformed by a celebration of God’s grace that transforms straggle to victory! Joy sustains and grounds the physi-
Specud holiday services • Christmas Musical, Sunday, Dec. 22,4 p.m. • "Bring to the King" Christmas Day Service, Dec. 25,8 a.m. (1 hour service) • Kwanzaa/Watchnight Service, Tuesday, Dec. 31,10 All services will be held at Northvlew Middle School, 8401 Westfield Boulevard (behind North Central High School). Everyone is welcome.
cal, mental and spiritual aspects of our lives into hope everlasting. Acts of love and kindness should speak to situations of loneliness and rejection. Love is not infatuation or mere attraction to another. It is not the celebration of the glamour and charms of another, rather, love is long-suffering and does not seek your own will but is obedient to love’s divine purposes and embrace for love is of God (see III
John).
May the diversity of our expressions of receiving the Christ child inspire and challenge us to live out a life of hope, peace, joy and love for Christ’s sake. Remember, “you are the salt of the Earth and the light of the world”... make a difference ...you really can. Send comments and suggestions to e-mail: [email protected] or write to Salt and Light, c/o Dr. Benjamin, P.O. Box 781344, Indianapolis, IN 46278-
1344.
y. • ’ 1 ” Bishop Benjamin says, “May the hope, peace, joy and love of this holy ■•day season fill your hearts agdhomesj”
MOMIPABTOEIVIA YOUNG TABORN lOOth Year Birthday Celebration December 21,2002 at First Baptist Church, North Indianapolis at 880 W. 28th. Naomi Tabom was bom December 21, 1902 to the late Elder Frank F. Young and Priscilla on the south side of Indianapolis. She is the oldest living member of the First Baptist Church, North Indianapolis, located at 880 West 28th Street. Naomi has lived most of her life in this city. Please join us for her 100th Birthday Party at First Baptist Church North Indianapolis on Saturday, December 21 at 2 P. M.
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Tkarsday December 361k Uiaeja (Unity) 7:00-8:30 pm (Adah Supervised Locfc-h raidrcn S-12 yean old • 9tf> pm. • 9:00 am.) Friday December 27th KaJIrhfaka (Self-Determination) 7:00-8:30 pm (AdoJtSapervieedLock-in9K»-9KX)a.m Youth 13-17old) Satardny December 2Sth Ujhaa (Collective Work and Responsibility) 7:00-8:30 pm Kwanzm Dance (Adnhs) 9:00 pm - 1:00 a.m. Si Rito Gym —Admission $5.00.
Sandny December 29th UJnamn Cooperative Economics) IMS D Csbkestlaa 3SS2 1WS itaAst
Monday December 30tk Nb (Purpose) Celebrate at home — No Charrii Cekbntkm Tuesday December 31st Knamkn (Creativity) 10:00 pm -12:00 am Night Mach Service - Ttibanme Haram IsRavred by the Knranm Feast 12WS-2iSS am Wednesday January 1.2003 kaaal(Faii^)A)|f|jug^|^i|s v+yj-; v-.-, i . ■
Kwanzaa / Watchnight Service Tuesday, December 31st, 2002 at 10:00pm
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Pastor Charles A. Sheppard
Of
First Free Will Baptist Church
Presents
A Holiday Message on CD “You Don’t Have to Eat No More Chitlins!” lb order, or for non toformattoa, please call (3171923-6667
New Life Worship Center f U A Local Church With A Global Vidou”
Worship Schedule Sunday Morning; 8:00 am 10HN) am Nsrtbnt Hb>Scknsd»S5Z> W.JdRSbnnt 12:00 pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12 Noon 7:00pm
5525 W. 341b