The Mail-Journal, Volume 18, Number 47, Milford, Kosciusko County, 9 December 1981 — Page 18

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., December 9.1981

18

The true meaning of Christmas

Bv PASTOR NORMAN E. MCVEY Wawasrf Heights Baptist Church We are indeed grateful today as we approach this Christmas season that we are not left to the speculations or the imaginations of men as to the ‘True Meaning of Christmas." God, in His grace, has not left us without witness to His truth, and has given to us His Word, the * Bible, as the sole authority of our faith and practice in life He has given to us. the meaning of Christmas, and it is for us to believe it. receive it. and apply it to our daily lives Seven hundred years before the birth of Ch t, the prophet Isaiah, under the inspiration of God penned these words, "'nierefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son. and shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). In the Hebrew language. Immanu means, "with us.” and El is the shortened form of Elohim or God. thus Immanuel means "God with us " God has always desired to dwell with His people that He might make Himself known to us. that He might meet with us. guide us. and make provision for the forgiveness of our sin

1 j^p-TT.. 11 T * to'ltff 1— ■ S 1 v Nft _ /wJw nSiS 5^ _/ , fmF jf ■ m mm S is iDn jJt W JK J ME WING OF CHRISTM AS— "Therefore the I>ord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son. and shall call his name Immanuel" < Isaiah 7:14). In the Hebrew language. Immanu means, "with us." and El is the shortened form of Elehim or (iod. thus Immanuel means. "God with us." < Photo by Deb Fox)

Lakeland Churches

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The Bible further declares in John 1:14, "And the Word (Christ) was made flesh and dwelt among us <and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth. Phillippians 2:7 adds more to this advent of Chnst and the true meaning of Christmas, when the Apostle Paul wrote: "But He made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." It is significant that the Word of God also reveals to us the reason why Chnst came in the flesh in Bethlehem s manger, when in Matthew 1:21 we read: "And she shall bring forth a son. and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins " This is God s stated purpose, to dwell with His people, because of His. love for their souls Romans 3:23 states: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” and Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death" or separation from God Mans sin has eternally separated us from God who cannot look upon our sin. yet by the grace and love “of God. Romans 6 23 also informs us that the "gift of God is eternal life, thru our Lord Jesus Christ What a difference there is. bet-

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GRACE BRCTHRENCHURCH LEESBURG Ralph Burnt Pastor Sunday School * JO 10 JO * m Morning Worship 10 4S 11 *5 A m Evening Worship* Prayer Service l^riaai’lpm SYRACUSE UNITEO RENTE COSTAL CHURCH (Carner Harrison A Peart St ) D**<o Hi.town. Raitor Sunday School 10 a m P'au* and Worship Sunday! )0 pm Vou*h Var net 1 u*»da y? p m BtoWStody Thursday 7 JOp m WAWASEE LAKESIDE CHAPEL Harlan StoHen Pallor Franc's Dan ton Adult Supervisor Marga and Roger Kryder Primary Super vtor Wor s*-p siirvle* 18 a m Sunday School tVa m j CLUNETTC UNITED METMOO IST CHURCH Ken Fail Pallor Worship Service*# m Sunday School 10 IS am BARBEE COMMUNITY CHURCH (Kuhn Drive, Lilt* Barbaa Laha) JohnPetgen, Pastor Sunday School * a m Worship Service >0 a m Sunday E ven.ng Ipm PrayarMeeting. Wednesday i»m MORRIS CHAPEL UNITEO ME THOOIST (Caunty Road! IRRUdOTII Cnartai Taylor, Paitor Don Con** Supi Sunday School* *am. Wershtp 10 JO a m SAINT ANDREW'S UNIT EO METHOOIST CHURCH SYRACUSE Rev Philip Frew. Pallor Church School* lSam Wgrthip Hour 10:30a m UMYFap m ZION CHAPEL U B CHURCH (Caraar SyraWeb Rd And toaON) Rav Don Roil Paitor Barnard Robarti. S S Supt Sunday School*# m Worship Warn Evening Worship 7p m GOSHEN FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST Service »0 JO a m Sunday School i# 30# m Wadna Way Sarvica J lSp m

ween the truth of God and the speculations of men concerning the meaning of this Christmas season Yes in the great mercy and love of God for lost sinners, from the very moment that Jesus stepped from Heaven’s glories to take upon Him the form of a servant and was fashioned in the likness of man in that manger of Bethlehem. He was Lord and Saviour The greatest gift that you can give Jesus on His birthday is the gift of you. to bow the knee before Him as the Wise Men of old. confessing your sin and your need of a Saviour, and receiving Christ as your own personal Saviour, and lovingly surrendering all to Him, acknowledging Him as your Lord and God. letting His love flow through you and to your fellow man To each one who personally knows Him as their Saviour, is given the great promise of God. the fulfillment of God s plan of redemption in Revelation 21; 3. ‘ Behold the tabernacle of God is with men. and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God ." What a glorious purpose and meaning God has m Christmas May you know the personal fulfillment erf it in your life.

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH (Armitrong Road) OSWEGO Da* W Parker Pastor Sunday School * JO a m Morning Worship 10 JOa m Sunday E waning Worship a p m Wednesday Prayar Me**mg 7pm SAINT MARTIN OE PORRES CATHOLIC CHURCH SYRACUSE Faihar Robert Hammond Sunday Mail MS a m 10 45 a m Saturday Man * JO p m Contassion Bator* Manas Holy Dan T a m and) JO p m HASTINGS ISLANO CHAPEL UNITEOMETHOOIST CHURCH David Wdmoyer Pastor MihaZimmarman. Jr Sup! hen dan BiUar. Supt Sunday School * 30 a m Worship 10 JOa m Prayar Mealing Thursday 7 JOp m APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN MILFORD Thao Baer Henry Bear. Jana Bear. E Imer Harttar and Waller Stotten. Mm is tan Morning Worship 10 a m Afternoon Worship lj JOp m CHRISTIAN CHURCH M.LFORO Cart Shearer, Minister Fred Wads Anode* Minister Bfe*School* JOam Worship 10 JOa m and Ip m Wednesday Bib* Study fpm TURKEY CREEK CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN GRAVELTON OMan Mitchell. Pastor Church School * JOa m Worship 10 JO am CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH CROMWELL (111 W. OraagaSt.) Frank Barcus. Pastor Sunday School • JOa m Worship Sarvica 10 as a m NEW SALIM CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN (TOONBMOE) Gienn Byars. Pastor Sunday School *Joam Warship IB: JOa m Evening Worship 7 p.m UNITE O METHOOIST CHURCH NORTHWEBSTER Rea LmdemoecL Pastor Worship 130 am and 10 45am Church School * JB a m

Speaking words of wisdom

By G. EDW.ARD GEANS Minister The celebration of Christmas each year seems to become more and more commercial and secular. The practices adopted by many people border on the profane and the sacrilegious People get drunk. Family quarrels erupt. Tempers run wild. Money is wasted. And somewhere behind the turmoil and tinsel, the Bethlehem cradle is all but forgotten. It is no wonder, therefore, that many Christians question the ethics of participating in a holiday celebration which often seems to be nothing more than a well-merchandised fiasco. Since the Bible gives no definitive command regarding the celebration of Christ’s birth, we need to carefully examine these issues over which all sincere Christians are concerned. Perhaps the following thoughts will help put Christmas in perspective 1. Jesus observed and participated in human ceremonies which had no Scriptural foundation. Jesus taught in the synagogue during His ministry. Yet there is no reference to synagogues in the Old Testament. And what New Testament references we do have, it is apparent that the and practices in many synagogues were corrupt and vain. Jesus also attended the feast of dedication (John 10:22). which was of human origin after the completion of the Old Testament The Bible teaches that neither the observance or non-observance of a day is anything, but that each day is to be lived for the Lord (Romans 14:5-6). 2 The date of Christ's birth is not given. Christians, therefore, are not limited to a special day to express gratitude to God for His unspeakable gift 3. The taking on of human form by Christ is a vital teaching of Scripture. There is value in praising God for becoming man It is a cardinal doctrine of the Christian faith. Generally speaking, cultists who deny the deity of Christ discourage any observance of the birth of Christ. 4. Satan is able to abuse and corrupt that which is precious and holy. The idea of celebrating the coming of Christ to earth can be a pure form of Christian praise But Satan can take this celebration and turn it into a diluted mixture of Christianity, humanism, politics, commerce and culture. 5. “To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure” (Titus 1:15). "Therefore let no one act as your judge in regard to

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BIBLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH NORTHWEBSTER DeanMcFaddcn Pastor Sunday School* JOa m Worship >0 30am ipm Wednesday Ser* tes 7pm TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOO LIGONIER Don Fischer, Vicar Church Sarvice*a m Sunday School 10'IS a m OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH (41h And Mam Streets) MILFORD Rea Maaimttian Korecki, O F M Conv Spanish mass noon Docirma iCCD) Sunday 10 JOa m CHURCH OF GOO SYRACUSE Rev Michael Johnson Pastor Tom Sliver S S Supt Sunday School* JOa m Morning Worship 10 JOa m Junior Worship 10 JOa m FIRST RRETHREN CHURCH MILFORO Paul Tinkat. Pastor Church School *: JOa m Morning Worship 10 JO a m BYC Sunday *p m Mtd nook worship 7pm Choir practice ( 10pm BETHEL CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN MILFORO Roger Eberiy. Pastor Maryann Ooarty Bd Chm Sunday School* JOa m Worship to JOa m BETHANY CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN (USA) F Wayne Lawson. Pastor Morning Worship *:JO a m. Sunday School to JOa m CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN SYRACUSE John McFarland. Pastor Junior Btough. Supt. Sunday School * J 0 a m Morning Worship lOJOarn Sunday Bibto Study 7p m GRACE BIBLE CHURCH SYRACUSE Dr David R Haiflay Pastor Sunday School * aS Am. Morning Worship item Evening Sarvica 7p.m Wednesday Evanmg Service 7pm

food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon . . iCoilosians2:l6). Each Christian must decide according to personal conscience. And each Christian that chooses to celebrate Christmas should carefully sift through the secular rubble and cherish the real meaning of Christmas. While there is no command to observe Christmas, we are exhorted to praise God for His unspeakable gift. With the attention of the world focused on the birth of Christ, believers have an opportune time to present the message,"... today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke2:ll>. Christmas theme for Syracuse WCSC The ladies of the Syracuse Church of God W’CSC met for their regular monthly meeting at the home of Mrs Jack Elam with 12 members present President Mrs. Louis Firestone opened the meeting with a poem and prayer The group sang "Joy to the World." Committee reports were given Prayer requests were made and prayer offered by Mrs Elam Mrs. Richard (‘‘Butch’) Plikerd and Mrs David Byrd were in charge of the program which had a Christmas theme A skit was given on the birth of Christ The program ended with the singing of "Silent Night." A gift exchange of secret pals was held. Dismissal prayer was offered by Mrs Walter Williams and refreshments were served In Janaury the ladies will be going to the Prime Rib Program at Wakarusa New Testament For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and . giving in marriage, until the day that No’e entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:38,39

JEHOVAH'S WITNESS KINGOOMHALL (East Papakaachta Lake Drive) Sunday Public Lecture* 30a m Walchtowar Stody 10 »a m Tuesday. Study ol Prophecy 7 X p m Thursday, Ministry School 7 p m SALEM COMMUNITY CHURCH (iv, Mile Southeast Os Witmat) Pastor E Imer Millar Sunday School * 30 a m Mometg Worship 10 JOa m Sunday Evening Service 7p m Prayer Bible Study Wednesday 7 pm GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH SYRACUSE (2*o E. Main St.) Frank Barcus. Pastor Worship* ISa.m. Sunday School 10 IS a m CHURCH OF THE NAIARENE SYRACUSE HeroM Barton. Pastor Sunday School * JOa m Morning Worship 10:30a m Sunday Evening Worshpap m Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7p m CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN NORTHWEBSTER Paul F Shr dor. Pastor Morning Worship * JOam Sunday School 10 JOa m BURR OAK UNITEOMETHOOIST CHURCH Lawrence Byrnes. Pastor Sunday School* JO am Worship to JOam __ CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY (OM SR IS) MILFORD JUNCTION Pearl Avetoa. Poster Sunday Service W OO a m . 6 30 p m Mid Week Worship Wed.. ♦: 30 p m UNITEOMETHOOIST CHURCH LEESBURG Ross Richey. Poster Gitt Smith. Supt Morning Worship * 30 a m Church School W: 30 k.m • FIRST CHURCH OF CHRtST SCIENTISTS I7S N. Detroit WARSAW Sunday School Warn Sunday service Warn Wednesday 7 p.m ALL SAINTS' EPISCOPAL CHURCH SOUTH SNORE LAKE WAWASEE Vicar: Rev DavidL Hyndman Holy Eucharist: * Am.

Christmas events this week at area churches

The Christmas season is here and a variety of programs are being planned in the churches of the Lakeland Community. Some churches have already begun their celebrations with special programs. Upcoming programs are listed below: Milford The Junior Sunday School department and Junior Church department of the Milford First Brethren Church will be in charge of the 7 p.m worship service Sunday, Dec 13 The service will be an all-church fellowship with music and a Christmas presentation. At Bethel Church of the Brethren the children s department will have a program practice and party on Saturday, Dec. 12. from 1-3 pm The program will be presented at the 10:30 a m. service Sunday. Dec 13. This year's project is the purchasing and giving of blankets through Church World Service. On Saturday evenirtg" there will be a caroling party at 6:30. The Joy Class is sponsoring a chili supper following the caroling. Other classes of the church will be having special parties Our Lady of Guadalupe will be celebrating the Feast of Our Lady on Sunday by gathering at the fire station at 10 a m and marching to the church carrying a picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. with special music and a special mass written by Carolos Rosas. San Antonio. Texas, entitled "Mass To Our Lady.” Following the mass a movie on the story of Our Lady will be shown and a pot-luck dinner will be held During the time of fellowship poetry will be read by a parishioner and the children will do Mexican dances as well as listening to Mexican music. Syracuse The Chancel Choir of Saint Andrew's United Methodist Church will be featured m the morning worship service and will be singing "Mary Had A Baby," "Christmas Day In The Morning." "While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks." "Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming” and “In The Stable" will be sung by the Chancel and Wesley Choirs. On Wednesday, Dec 16. at 7 p.m. there will be a special Church of God Youth Advance Children's program The public is invited A children's program at Calvary United Methodist Church will l>e held at the 10 40 a m. service Sunday. Dec. 13 The annual Christmas choir concert will be at 7:30 p.m. that evening

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QUAKER HAVEN FRIENDS ISOOE And*ooN) DEWARTLAKE Quaker Had —lO am WAWASEE HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH (Across From High School) Nor man D McVey. Pastor Jon Rumley, $ S. Supt Sunday School * 30 a m Worship 10 30 a m and 7 p m Md Week Wed 7p m AWANACIubs Thurs a 30pm CALVARY UNITED METHOOIST CHURCH (SR U South) SYRACUSE Paul Sloe*. Pastor Church School* JOa m Morning Worship 10 a m Jr B Sr. YF Sunday UNITE O METHOOIST CHURCH MILFORO Kenneth Greenwood Pastor Mary Duncan. Lay Leader Lnurcn school ♦ 30 a m Worship 10 30 a m UMYF Sunday 6p m LAKELANOCOMMUNITY CHURCH. OSWEGO Rev Roy Mick*y. Pastor Sunday School 9:30 a m Worship Service 10:30# m Evening Service 7 p.m. SOLOMON'S CREEK UNITEOMETHOOIST CHURCH F. Hawn Sparks, Pastor Worship* JO a.m Sunday SchooilOJO am MILFORD CHAPEL (Beer Read) Ben Shirk. Pastor Burt Bontrager, Supt Sunday School 10a.m. Warship Service 11 a.m Wednesday Service 7 p.m CHURCH OF GOO NORTHWEBSTER Henry McCray. Associate Pastor Worship * 30 a m Sunday School 10:40a.m. Evening Service 7p m Family Night. Wednesday 7 Am.

Included in the program will be: "The Many Moods Os Christmas,” “Therefore Be Merry," “Rise Up Shepherd and Follow," "Christmas In A Small Town," “O Holy Night," “Shepherd, Come, Now Leave Your Sheep,” "Chirstmas Sleigh." "Dear Santa. Have You Had The Measles?" "Christmas Was Meant For Children,” "The Twelve Days Os Christmas,” "Baby. What You Goin’ To Be?” and “Caribbean Carol." Dr. Robert L. Jones will be directing the choir and Diana Steele will be the organist. At the close of the concert, refreshments will be served in the church parlor.

Football coach to be speaker

Ron Johnson, a high school teacher and football coach from Gary, will be the speaker for the Lake Wawasee Chapter of Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International — .meeting. Thursday, Dec. 17, at 6:30 p.m. The chapter will be meeting in Kimmel Hall at Oakwood Park. The program meeting will begin at 7.30p.m. Johnson attended an FGBMFI meeting in 1972 and since then the Lord has opened doors for him in teaching and coaching to share a new life through Jesus to many young people. He has ministered Jesus- to students in the classrooms, in the hallways, in the locker room and even on the football field Through Johnson s BIBLE VERSE "When you pray . go into your room and shut the door, and pray to your Father who is in i secret: and your Father ; who sees in secret will reward you. " 1. Os what well known . oration is the above verse I a part? 2. By whom was it spoken? 3. What does this verse warn particularly about? 4. Where may it be found? Answtrt to Bible Vorso (ASH) 9-9 woquepyj f •Bui.\'ejd oqqnd oiuos qSnojqj paAejdsip ‘Xioid jo .woqs pje*ano uy T snsof ,<a ‘z lunoj\ oqi uo uouijos oqi ‘i

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Syracuse Church of the Brethren will have a Chrismon and candlelight service during the morning service Sunday, Dec. 13. During the service four new Chrismons will be dedicated in memory of Doris Barnhart North Webster North Webster Church of God will have a children's music program entitled "Super Gift From Heaven," at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Dec. 16. The United Methodist Church will be having a children's program at 7 p.m. Sunday. Prior to the program there will be a carry-in dinner at 5 p.m

ministry many teenagers have been set free from drug use, depression, rebellion and boredom. This meeting will be of interest to teachers, parents and teenagers. Reservations for the dinner may be made by contacting Steve Bornman. Cromwell or Jay Busscher. Syracuse. Concert at Calvary on Sunday The Chancel Choir of Calvary United Methodist Church will present its annual Christmas concert on Sunday. Dec. 13. at 7:30p.m. The program will consist of religious and secular music. Included in the program will be “O Holy Night." " The Many Moods of Christmas,” "Christmas in a Small Town." "The Twelve Days of Christmas." “Rise Up Shepherd and Follow ” and other choral selections The director is Dr Robert L. Jones and the organist is Diana Steele. Following the concert refreshments will be served by the women's group of the church Calvary Church is located in Syracuse on SR 13 south The public is cordially invited to attend

There is nothing that so -convinces the mind of the inspiration of the Bible as does the reading of the Bible itself. — Author Unknown