Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, December 22, 1993 - FIVE
“ Twas the Night Before”
Lexington Baptist, Pastor Glen Anderson
Christ Our Savior
Christian Life Center, Rev. Tim VanCleave
Luke 2:11 says, “ Today in the town of David a Savior has been
bom to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Jesus was bom as our Savior.
What does “ Savior” mean, and why is He called “ Savior?” What
did He come to save us from?
We are all born into sin which means a broken relationship with
God. Jesus came to save us from the guilt of sin. Jesus came so we
could once again be restored back to perfect fellowship with God
just like it was in the beginning of mankind.
I know and have met many people who knows about God or who
believe in God. Some are even very religious, but they don’t have
a personal relationship with Him. Many people do not know how
to fill that empty spot they feel inside, or how to have true purpose
in life. They don’t know how to deal with the guilt of sin. They have
not figured out how to experience God’s forgiveness.
I can tell you how. Invite the Lord Jesus Christ into your life as
Lord and Savior. Let Him run your life and you’ll never be happier.
The Bible says that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. If we don’t
have Him at the controls of our life, then we are lost. It doesn’t mat
ter how much money we have, how many things we have or don’t
have, or how high our status is in society. If we don’t have Jesus
in our life we’re lost and missing out on the best thing we could ever
hope for. That’s what Christmas is all about; a personal relationship
with Jesus Christ.
Why not receive the greatest gift of Christmas, Jesus Christ? You’ll
never be the same again.
Christmas Message
United Methodist Church, Rev. Bob Dowrey
I enjoy singing and hearing Christmas carols. They bring to us
the real meaning and spirit of Christmas. Their main purpose is for
their message to last all year.
I heard of a minister who wanted to do something different. So
he had a service in mid-July where the only hymns sung were
Christmas carols. The people found it hard to get used to this “ out
of season” use of carols, even though the messages were true.
The truth of the carols’ messages shouldn’t hinder us from grasp
ing their main point even if they are sung “ out of season” . There
is no “ out of season” for God’s love and mercy to us, which is what
the carols are all about.
And never forget to appreciate them, their authors, and ‘the supreme
author’. Even if we feel saturated with carols at this time of year,
and may say “ ho hum,” and may yawn when we hear them, con
tinue to search for the message and look for the true story behind
the song.
May God bless you and yours this season.
All Saints Episcopal Church
The Rev. A1 Miller
Have you ever watched closely a man whose first child has just
been born, especially a man who works with his hands for a living?
The first time he touches the baby is a spectacular moment. Those
‘big rough hands gently and with great concentration hold “ the most
precious being ever to enter the world.” In a moment, the man’s
world is transformed. There is indeed a sense of wonder and awe.
This is a moment without time, and yet it passes fleetingly.
We live in a world where the fast pace of our lives so seldom gives
us occasion to indulge ourselves of such awe filling moments as that
which was just described. We live with calendars, time pieces, cellular
phones, computers, fax machines and the like. It is possible to fill
every moment with entertainment, noise, household chores, and the
pursuit of financial success. Yet, I would say, when reflecting back
upon my own moments of awe and wonder, that they are well
remembered. The fast-paced, task-oriented, every minute-filled
routines of daily living soon fade into oblivion.
Moments of wonder and awe are transforming. They remind us
of our limited nature, and therefore they are also feared by us. They
pronounce that there is much going on in this world which is far big
ger, far deeper and far more reaching that we can control or imagine.
Such moments free us from control and are thus opportunities for
change. Such a moment is the celebration of the birth of a baby. Such
a moment is the celebration of the birth of THE baby.
Christmas is still celebrated by so many people because we long
for moments which free us. God is freeing. The freely chosen gift
of “ loving us so much as to come into our world and free us from
all those controlling and often empty moments” is the awesome
wonder of God at Christmas. A baby enters the world, and it is forever
changed. A normal event with extraordinary ramifications.
You see, we really need wonder and awe. They are at the very
heart of what it means to be human. No other creature appears to
be capable of such a reaction as this. Jesus is indeed the bearer of
this gift. Christmas is the season of wonder and awe. Most of us
indeed take time to let go of control, to remember that God’s world
and God's ways are bigger than we are. We indeed yearn for the
transformation promised in the One who was born in a stable. Come
join those who worship Christ this Christmas. Be prepared for wonder
and awe. May you be touched by God.
Begotten in Us
United Church of Christ, Rev. Lea Mathieu
One spiritual challenge of the Christmas season is to look beyond
nostalgia or remembrance in order to find the present and future truth
that Immanu-EI: God is indeed with us.
The astounding Incarnation of God-made-human calls us to incar
nate God through our own lives by the power of the indwelling Spirit
and the eternal Christ.
Meister Eckhart. a 13th century theologian, posed the questions
and the challenge well: “ What good is it to me if this eternal brith
of the divine Son takes place unceasingly but docs not take place within
myself? And. what good is it to me if Mary is full of grace and if
I am not also full of grace? What good is it to me for the Creator
to give birth to his Son if I do not also give birth to Him in my time
and in my culture? This, then, is the fullness of time: When the Son
of God is “ bqgotten in u s." Amen.
Reflections are what we see and for some what they don’t want
to see. As the Christmas season comes many of us reflect back on
the nativity and the serenity of that scene. With this poem, 1 hope
many will reflect upon the implications of the future scene, as well.
Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house, not
a creature was praying, not one in the house. Their bibles were lain
on the shelf without care, in hopes that Christ Jesus would not show
up here.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed, not once ever kneeling
or bowing a head. Mom in her rocker with the babe on her lap was
watching the late show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter, I sprang to my
feet to see what was the matter. Away to the window J flew like a
flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but angels pro
claiming that Jesus was here. With a light like the sun sending forth
a bright ray, I knew in a moment that this must be THE DAY.
The light of His face made me cover my head. It was Jesus retur
ning just like He said. And though I possessed worldly wisdom and
wealth, I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the great Book of Life which He held in His hand, was written
the name of every saved man. He spoke not a word as He searched
for my name; when He said “ It’s not here,” my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love, He gathered
to take to His Father above. With those who were ready. He rose
without a sound, while all of the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late; I had waited too long, and
thus sealed my fate. I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
If only 1 had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear, the coming of Jesus
is drawing quite near. There’s only one life and when comes the last
call, we’ll find that the Bible was true after all.
Author Unknown
Christmas Message
St. Patrick Catholic Church, Fr. Gerry Condon
O ’Henry wrote many interesting stories. He has a story that is very
appropriate for this season. It is about a young married couple nam
ed Della and Jim. They lived in a small, furnished New York flat.
They did not own much. Jim’s small salary went to pay for the
apartment, the groceries and other incidentals. The day before
Christmas, Della only had $1.87 with which to buy Jim a gift. She
really wanted to get him a platinum chain for his pocket watch which
was his pride and joy. It had belonged to his father and grandfather.
She wondered how she could get the chain for him.
Suddenly, she had an idea. Her only possession of great value was
her hair. It was beautiful, long brown hair that fell in ripples all the
way to hfer knees. She was proud of her hair, and Jim loved it. So
she decided to sell it to Madame Soffonie, a seller of wigs and hair
goods. Madame Sofronie paid her $20, and so Della was able to buy
the platinum watch chain.
When Jim came home from work on Christmas Eve, he couldn’t
believe his eyes when he saw Della. When he asked her about her
hair, she told him she had sold it to buy his Christmas gift. He then
took a package out of his pocket, and give it to her. It was a set of
pure tortoise shell combs with jewelled rims. She had seen these in
a store window, and yearned for them. They were for her hair-the
hair she had sold.
Then she gave him his gift, the watch chain. He smiled as he looked
at it. It was then that he told her: “ I sold my watch to get the money
so I could buy you the combs. They laughed and hugged as their
hearts were filled with joy. They had each received the gifts they
wanted the most—each other.
As we approach Christmas it is good to be aware that we are
celebrating a birthday, the birthday of Jesus. He comes to us with
love, but we sometimes become too engrossed with things. This is
a time to put our values in order, to be aware that people are more
important than things. Let us offer the gift of ourselves to our Savior:
the gift of a will that serves Him, and a heart that loves Him.
What If?
Seventh-Day Adventist,
Pastor Perry Melnychenko
Have you ever wondered, “ What if...?” What if there was no
Christmas?
I’m not talking about Christmas trees, ornaments, busy shopping
malls and the likes. What I mean is, what if Christ never came. What
if God didn't “ so love the world that He gave us His Son.” what
would the world be like? More likely, would there even be a world
to live in?
Every day we are assaulted by headlines reporting the latest
atrocities in the world. It seems there’s no place to run. No com
munity, however quaint, is immune. And yet, we need to realize that
if Christ hadn’t come, the reports we hear on a daily basis would
be only the “ tip of the iceberg?”
In the hustle and bustle of the season we can become so consumed
with “ Christmas” that we miss the meaning entirely. The good news
is that the question of “ What if...?” need not be asked, because God
did “ so love the world that He gave us His Son” . A Son who came
and died for us to provide the ultimate cure for the ails of the world
we live in. A Son who promises to return again to put an end forever
to depressing headlines by taking us to a home He’s prepared for us.
This Christmas, why not place Christ at the top of your wish list.
Appliances break down, the latest and greatest gadget you just can’t
live without is soon replaced by a new and improved model, and
even the most sought after toy is set aside before the needles fall
off the tree. But Jesus takes on greater meaning every day that we
allow Him to be a part of our life: and the “ gifts” He brings never
fade.
My prayer is that this Christmas may bring to each one joy, peace
and safety. And more importantly, that it may bring you closer to
the One who makes this day and every day possible, Jesus Christ.
Let There Be Light
Hope-Valby Lutheran, Rev. Stan Hoobing
Christmas would just not be Christmas without lights. As far back
as I remember there were lights at Christmas-white lights, colored
lights on Christmas trees, on houses, in store windows, businesses
and yard displays.
God likes lights too. In the beginning when the earth was without
form and void. God said, “ Let there be light” , and light appeared
and God was very pleased. God has since been creating light in the
deep dark places of the world. God's first lights were like Fourth
of July fireworks, powerful and bright, but all too soon gone and
easily forgotten. These first lights, Moses, Samuel. David, Isaiah,
Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Zachariah and Malachi, offered rays of hope, but
as the brilliance faded, so did the hope of the people.
But not for God. God went to work a long time ago in the hills
of Judea near Bethlehem to create a new light. At first it was just
a glimmer, but then steadily and slowly it grew in intensity and
brilliance. One observer of this light recorded these words, “ This
is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Later another
observer recorded these words: “ I am the light of the world, whoever
follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of
life” , John 8:12.
We live in a world full of brilliant, dazzling lights which we have
created. They light up our houses, our streets, sidewalks, businesses
and shopping malls. They have rearranged and enhanced our pat
terns of living.
This Light of Life which God has created and given to us-Jesus
the Christ—he is the light, we alone adore and celebrate. Amidst all
the dazzling lights, only this light is the everlasting light that can
save us from the deep darkness that threatens us.
What You See Is What You Get
First Christian Church, Roger Scharen
On many occasions Jesus talked about people who have eyes but
do not really see. They only see on the surface of things while the
real meaning passes them by.
The Gospel writer Mark records for us in chapter 8, verse 18 these
words: “ Having eyes do you not see and having ears do you not
hear?”
Have you ever stopped^ to consider, of all the people who must
have come by to see the Christ Child in the manger, only a few real
ly saw Him and were able to perceive the meaning of the event. There
must have been many people who came to see the baby because what
new baby doesn’t attract attention? But only a few looked at him
through the eyes of faith, and that made the difference.
We are told the shepherds went away glorifying God for all they
had seen. They were simple uneducated shepherds but they saw
through the eyes of faith. How much of this season do you think our
people really see and experience? Some people receive so much more
from life because they see more; they see more than just the surface
things.
It was Helen Keller who wrote about people who “ have the sunrise
and the sunset, the purple of the distant hills, yet go through this
enchanted world with nothing but a barren stare.” What we see is
what we get. What we see has a great deal to do with what we are.
Have A Mary Christmas
Church of Nazarene, Rev. Larry Benjamin
Do you remember the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 2:38-42?
Martha was the head of this house. She may have been a widow whose
husband left her with the house and a means of support. Perhaps Mary,
Martha and Lazarus were living in the house they had inherited from
their parents. Because Martha was the oldest, she would have been
recognized as the head of the house. Either way, they were close
friends with Jesus, and she opened her home up to Him.
When Jesus dropped in (probably unannounced). Martha busied
herself preparing a meal and possibly making accommodations for
their overnight stay.
Then there was Mary. Mary had probably started out helping Mar
tha. but had gotten caught up in listening to Jesus, and had forgotten
what she was doing. Luke tells us that she was sitting at the feet of
Jesus. “ Sitting at the feet” was a phrase used to describe teacher
and pupil, a setting where a person was learning from a master. Or
she could have been literally sitting at Jesus’ feet.
I think what is important to note here, is that Martha is so busy
doing things that she felt needed to be done, that she is missing a
chance to talk and listen to her Lord.
Are we so busy doing the things we feel must be done during the
Christmas season, that we forget to take time to spend with Jesus?
Are we too busy decorating our house, buying the perfect gifts, and
making the best meal anyone has ever had to remember that Jesus
is the reason for the season? I would like to challenge you this year,
to have a Mary Christmas. Spend time with Jesus and don’t worry
so much about the physical preparations.
Christmas church services
St. Patrick and St.
William Catholic Church
A candlelight procession and
Vigil Mass with Christmas carols
will begin at 8 p.m. on Christmas
Eve, Dec. 24 at St. Patrick
Catholic Church in Heppner.
Christmas day Mass with
Christmas carols will be held at
8:45 a.m. at St. William’s
Catholic Church in lone and at 11
a.m. at St. Patrick’s
All Saints Episcopal
All Saints Episcopal Church
will celebrate Christmas with a
service on Friday. Dec. 24 at 7
p.m. Worship will start with the
singing of Christmas carols. A
festive service of Holy Commu
nion will follow. There will be a
c h ild ren ’s hom ily and a
Christmas sermon for adults. All
people are invited to share in this
blessed occasion, said the Rev. A1
Miller.
Sunday. Dec. 26. a celebration
of Christmastide will be held at
10:30 a.m. Christian education
and Bible study will begin at 9:30
a.m. for all ages. Child care is
provided.
United Methodist
A Christmas Eve service will
be held Friday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.
at the Methodist Church, com
plete with Christmas carols.
The choir, directed by Geneva
Mathews, will sing “ No Candle
Was There” . The public is in
vited to attend.
Hope-Valby Lutheran
C hristm as
Eve
carols,
candlelight and communion ser
vice will be celebrated Christmas
eve, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. at Hope
Lutheran church and at Valby
Lutheran at 9 p.m. The congrega
tion will sing Christmas carols.
Special music will be provided by
children of the congregation and
Rachel Hoobing. "A String of
Lights” , a sermon based on
scripture reading of St. John
1:1-14, will be given by Pastor
Stan Hoobing.
The outside walkway to the
churches will be lit with special
Christmas candles pointing the
way to the manger of Bethlehem
where the Christ child was bom.
Rachel Hoobing, a third-year
biology major at Pacific Lutheran
University in Tacoma. WA. will
deliver the sermon Sunday, Dec.
26 the Feast of St. Stephen's Day.
The service will begin at 9 a.m
at Valby and
at 11 a.m. at
Hope Lutheran church.
The Hoobings will host an open
house following worship service
at the Lutheran parsonage from
12 noon to 7 p.m. for members
and friends of the Hope-Valby
Lutheran Parish.
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