THE DALLAS POST — THURSDAY, Feast Of —_ RRR Eh LLL. Che ii b DECEMBER 12, 1963 Christmas The feast of Christmas is a holy day because God has made it so. St. Paul, sums it up: “When the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour appeared, then not by reason of good works that we did our- selves, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the bath of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit; Whom He has abundantly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Saviour”. Men would be in a sorry state if that first Christmas had never hap- pened. Sin had cast a deep shadow over the earth that left mankind to despair of the mercy of God, since all he had tolive on was the promise of a Redeemer to come. Why a From The Manger To The Cross “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). There appeared in the heavens an angel, and with him a throng of heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the high- est, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.” Since this time, the traditional birth- day of Christ has become the most important event in history. How- ever, man seems to have forgotten THE REAL REASON that God be- came incarnate—that Christ was born to die! Certainly, we should recognize the birth of the Saviour of man as a cause for much joy —but only be- cause of the “path which led from the manger to the Cross of Cal- vary”. If Christ had not given His life — had not been buried —had never been resurrected, there would be no reason for joy in recalling His birth. During this Christmas season, let us remember the WHOLE Christ- mas story, the WHOLE Gospel of Jesus Christ— from the manger to the cross — and beyond. by Rev. William Hughes First Church of Christ Sweet Valley, Pa. Christ’s Birthday Holy Stranger, Asleep in a manger, Joseph and Mary near by. Some shepards that night Saw a wonderous sight, A Heavenly Host on high. Three kings from the East, On a two humped beast, Followed a star in the sky. To adore the child, So holy and mild, All goodness and love in His sigh. by Mary Catherine Stiles 4-104 Gate of Heaven Redeemer? It was as simple as the story of the human race that had turned its back on God in commit- ting the first sin. Countless genera- tions found themselves not friends of God but actually His enemy since they carried the stain of the first transgression. The coming of Christ helped man to break the shackles of sin and gave him hope that he would be taken back into the love and friend- ship of God. This is the joy of Christmas, this is the fulfillment of the longing of the centuries. Man was no longer cast adrift but was called to a new vocation, to recognize Christ the infant babe, as the Son of God and our brother. We see God in a new dimension, the dimension of love and mercy. Let us, on this day, pray along with the church assheprays — “We bring you our offerings, O Lord in remembrance of the manifestation of your Son, born for us, humbly beseeching you, that as He is the Author of our gifts, so He may also, in His mercy accept them”. by Rev. Francis A. Kane Gate of Heaven Church I Am Not Alone This morning thetelephonerang. The voice on the other end said, “Pastor, mother passed away this morning.”’ Is there no relief from this shadow of death that follows us from the cradle? Is there no purpose that does not end in the depths of the grave? Without Christ, there is none. The mangerbaby is the only hope I have. His are the only words that bring comfort to my soul. ‘‘ Hethat lives and believes in me shall never die.” Jesus is the only sun in my sky. He shines on me from above the horizon of the eternal morning and the shadow of death falls be- hind me. I walk in the sunlight. Jesus is himself; the star of Beth- lehem and Christmas is the cradle of my blessed hope. by Rev. Grove Armstrong Trucksville Free Methodist The Christmas Tree I have a little Christmas tree, It looks as pretty as can be. It’s covered with tinsel, bulbs and lights. Aren’t decoreated trees beautiful sights? by Harry Loomis Lake Elementary AT HENRY W. WEST DALLAS 674-6616 Are Beautiful GOODMAN’ by Charles Doron Dallas Sr. High School THE LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS ROSE When Jesus was born in the little town of Bethlehem, there came Wise Men from the East bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. A little shepherdess, watching from afar, wept because she had no gift to offer the Christ Child. Where her tears fell to the ground, there sprang up flowers which she hastened to gather and bring to the Infant. In adoration, she knelt at the crib, so Jesus could see the flowers, where His blessed littlehands touched the petals a delicate pink appeared. And so a flower that never bloomed before came into existence — the Christmas Rose. To this day, the Christmas Rose blooms more abundantly at Christ- mas Time than at any other season. From Mrs. James D. Hutchison As we stand on the threshold of another Christmas, the picture tt world presents is in many ways : dark and foreboding one: But ther was never a darker age in world’s history than that in which Jesus Christ, the son of the living God, made his appearanceas atiny baby in Bethlehem’s manger. That day was one of profo significance for all mankind. The angel’s song proclaimed a King- dom and a new King! God had come to earth to dwell among men! The prophecy of peace on earth and good will to men has lostno of its meaning — within it still lies the unconquered territory of spirit- ual achievements. The King and the Kingdom are there for whoso- ever will proclaim Him and enter in. There is no time for discourage ment for those of us who profess the name of Christ. The world is beginning to find out that the only way of survival is in the way Hi to Bethlehem this Christmas seaso and let your soul be filled with ne joy and new dedication as you wor- ship at the feet of Him who is th source of light for each of ourlives Rev. Robert DeWitt Yost : Shavertown Methodist Chure Merry Christmas Merry Christmas! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Trucksville takes the opportunity to wish the residents of the Ba Mountain area a season of joy and happiness. 5 May each individual feel the true spirit of Christ this Christmas. Let us especially teach our children why Christ came to the earth and why we worship Him. Make this a sea- son of instruction to “live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this pres- ent world.” by Elder Riggs Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints and Joy and Happiness. Alfred D. and Mildred LICENSED DIRECTORS SWEET VALLEY May the above thought carry you through the beautiful Christmas Season and with. it, our prayers that you may have much “Neither let worry | and care depress you—nor let them brush each day's joy away - - - But rather, arise and give thanks to our Father above, for all His Love and another Blessed Day!” A. Brendon pointed out to men. Journey again 7