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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 23, 1998)
FOUR - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, December 23,1998 The True Meaning o f Christmas, inspirational messages from local pastors God is with us in good times and bad A recent letter I received discussed three Old Testam ent p eop le (they lived around 800-1,000 years before Jesus was bom ) w hose lives were highlighted by encounters and victories against overwhelm ing odds. David, as a young man, came face to face on the field o f battle with die giant Philistine warrior, Goliath. And David prevailed using only a stone and his shepherd's sling to fell the m ighty warrior. And David's cry before he went into combat? "This day the Lord w ill deliver you up into my hands." (1 Samuel 17:46) And G oliath fell. Jehosphat, King o f Judah, was surrounded by fierce armies. V astly outnumbered, the king turned to the Lord and heard this prophesy: "Do not fear or be dism ayed because o f this great m ultitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15.) And the enem y o f Judah was routed, and King Jehosphat won a great victory. K ing H ezekiah found him self under siege by an Assyrian army. Confronted with potential disaster, he used these words to encourage his workers as they fortified Jerusalem: "Assyrian K ing Sennacherib is only an arm o f flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles." (2 Chronicles 32:8.) And H ezekiah prevailed. W hen w e read stories such as these it is easy to get the idea that i f you are in trouble or want a certain outcom e in one o f life's "situations", all you have to do is believe in God and everything com es out great. In fact, I have heard televangelists bringing that m essage in their broadcasts: Do you want financial su ccess and security? Go to God. Do you want a life o f ease where you don't face problem s and disappointm ents like everyone else? Becom e a Christian and see everything "come up roses." But it seem s to m e reality is very different. Life is exactly as w e read in the G ospel o f Matthew: "For He makes H is sun rise on the evil and on die good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous." (5:44) Bad things happen to good people and vice versa. So what is the point? The pdint is you don't have to be a great leader like David or a king like Jehosphat or Hezekiah to have God's gif! o f presence and help in your life. The answer is found in the angel's announcement to the shepherds o f Bethlehem on Christmas Day (shepherds were on the bottom o f the totem pole in their society). T he first words the angel spoke were to these low ly shepherds: "Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good new s o f great jo y for all the people: 11 to you is bom this day in the city o f D avid a Savior, who is the M essiah, the Lord." (Luke 2: *10b-11.) The angel announced the com ing o f "Emmanuel - God with us." Life is filled with challenges and difficulties, and they com e to all o f us - Christian or not. But the angel's pronouncement is o f a Savior who com es to us when we are exhausted, frustrated, facing seem ingly insurmountable difficulties, and says "Do not be afraid", I am with you. That is what the Christmas m essage is all about at its core. A God who loved each and every person in the world so much, that he cam e into the world to bring us peace and strength, forgiveness and confidence for our daily lives. In the 10th chapter o f the Gospel o f John, the purpose for God's incarnation - becom ing man in Jesus - is beautifully described. "I cam e that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10:10.) This is hope for living that is a gift o f grace to us through the Christ Child. May God bless you ¿his holiday season, and in the days and years ahead. Merry Christmas to you all. - The Rev. R.G. "Dick" Metz, Pastor, Hope and Valby Lutheran Parish A savior fo r all times The chosen people had hope. Their hope was for a redeemer. A lm ighty God had prom ised that he would send a redeemer. They never forgot that. So when God sent them prophets and kings the people knew that they were m essengers o f God. The prophets often brought them m essages o f hope. The kings were God's ambassadors on earth. W hen M oses led them out o f slavery, and when David was victorious, they knew that the pow er o f God was at work. Since the kings and prophets were anointed, the people considered them as chosen by God, and a sign o f God's presence with them. H ow ever, their expectation o f the M essiah was colored by their own w ishful thinking. They wanted and expected a powerful M essiah but not a divine one. They expected a M essiah w ho w ould be an instrument o f God's power, but they did not expect a M essiah who w as God incarnate. It was only after the resurrection o f Jesus that his contemporaries cam e to recognize his divinity. Jesus even had to explain to two o f his d isciples as they made their way to Emmaus how the words o f the prophets were fu lfilled in him. S t Paul, in his letter to the Romans, makes it clear that Jesus was die Son o f God when he states: "..but established as Son o f G od in power according to the spirit o f holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Chnst our Lord." Rom. 1,4. St. Matthew also indicated the divinity o f Christ when he tells o f the angel speaking to Joseph: "For it is through the H oly Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She w ill bear a son and you are to name him Jesus." Matt. 1,20. In our world today there are those who struggle with their concept o f the M essiah. They, too, would like to see a powerful leader rather than a tiny baby. Y et that baby grew into the m ost powerful spiritual leader o f all time. He did not com e to conquer but to convert: he did not com e to rule but to serve; he did not com e to oppress but to free. So, for those who wish to find inner happiness even in this world, he is there waiting for them. He w ill be as precious a gift to them as he was to the shepherds, and as he was to the Magi. Come to him as w e celebrate his birth. He m ay be waiting just for you. - Fr. Gerry Condon SL Patrick's and S i William's Catholic churches The greatest Christmas gift How well do you know the Christmas story? On July 29, 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong climbed down an aluminum ladder and put his feet on the surface of the moon. In an address to the nation President Richard Nixon said, "The greatest event in human history occurred when man first put his foot on the moon." I disagree with that statement. I believe the greatest event in human history was when God put His foot on the earth. He stepped out of heaven through the womb of a Jewish virgin. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and lqid in a manger. His name was Jesus. Once again it is Christmas time. We realize this is the occasion when the Son of God became the Son of Man, and the God of Genesis became the Babe of Bethlehem. What does Christmas mean to you? Family gatherings, decorated trees, bright colorful lights, giving and receiving gifts, wonderful food, beautiful holiday music, Santa Claus, fruitcake, eggnog, cards and friends? We each have our own special memories of Christmas. I hope your Christmas takes in the true reason for the season. Imagine if you will, what enormous joy God the Father must have felt as he gave to the world, the greatest gift ever given, His Son, Jesus. Imagine Him looking down on the scene at the stable, with a huge smile on His face, wondering who, if anyone, had any idea of the importance of this child, this gift. Think about all those who were present at the time, the shepherds, the innkeeper, the wisemen, and the townsfolk. Who knew the meaning of this gift? How was the gift received? How would you have received the gift had you been there? As you give and receive gifts this Christmas, remember the first Christmas gift ever given. Remember that the Christ Child was given to all mankind. May you experience the gift of Jesus Christ this Christmas by accepting him into your life. Don't allow another Christmas to go by, without Christ in you, the hope of glory. Have a very Merry Christmas and New Year. •Pastor Tim Van Cleave Christian Life Center Jesus sent to be in our hearts Dear Friends, A cartoon from a few years ago showed a woman saying to her husband, "Good grief, Henry. Here's Christmas at our throats again!" Amid the preparations for Christmas each year, there always seem to be a few voices like hers, proclaiming a "Bah, humbug!" on the whole business. And if the truth be known, some of us may feel less than excited about Christmas ourselves. The expense, the crowds, the overindulgence, the hurried schedules and all the other trappings of modem Christmas celebrations are enough to make all o f us take a jaundiced look at the season. In the face of the humbug state of affairs, it is helpful to remember that God did not send Jesus to be "at our throats," but to be "in our hearts." The difference between those two concepts defines the gap between gloom and glory. There's a reason we call the gospel good news. As John so aptly put it, "For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him" (3:17). Jesus is God's gift to our world — and to our hearts. When Jesus resides within, whether we enjoy or merely tolerate the flurry o f seasonal preparations, Christmas itself is a grand opportunity to say thank you to God for the gift of the Son. Please join us as we seek to celebrate Christmas in our hearts. In God's peace, -Pastor Andrew Johnson First Christian Church Area churches plan Christmas services Christmas Church Services First Christian Church The Christmas Eve candlelight service will be held Thursday, Dec. 24. beginning at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend. Hope Lutheran Church The Christmas Eve candlelight worship with Holy Communion will be held Thursday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. Valby Lutheran Church The Christmas Eve candlelight worship with Holy Communion is planned for Thursday, Dec. 24, at 9 p.m. St. Patrick's Church The Christmas Eve Mass at St. Patrick's Church in Heppner, Thursday, Dec. 24, will begin with a procession of lights at 9 p.m. with the blessing of the nativity scene and the Vigil Mass. Friday, December 25, the Christmas Mass with the singing of Christmas carols will begin at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend. St. William's Church Christmas Mass with the singing of Christmas carols will be held at St. William's Church in lone beginning at 8:45 a.m. Christmas day, Friday, December 25. Everyone is invited to attend. "Jesus is the Reason for the Season." Most people have seen this statement before. Sadly, though, many people do not know, or do not remember, the details and origin of the first, Christmas. The following quiz will help one learn or recall many events o f the biblical story about the birth of Jesus: 1) As long as Christmas has been celebrated, it has been on December 25 (true or false). 2) Joseph was from: A-Bethlehem; B-Jerusalem; C-Nazareth; D-Egypt; E-Minnesota; F-None of the above. 3) How did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem? A-Camel; B-Donkey; C-Joseph walked, Mary rode a donkey; D-Taxi; E- Who knows? 4) Mary and Joseph were married when Mary became pregnant (true or false). 5) Mary and Joseph were married when Jesus was bom (true or false). 6) Mary was a virgin when she delivered Jesus (true or false). 7) What did the innkeeper tell Mary and Joseph? A-"There is no room for you in this inn;" B-"I have a stable you can use;" C- "Come back after the Christmas rush and I should have some vacancies;" D-Both A and B; E-None of the above. 8) A "manger" is a: A-Stable for domestic animals; B- Wooden hay storage bin; C-Feeding trough; D-bam. 9) Which animals does the Bible say were present at Jesus' birth? A-Cows, sheep, goats; B-Cows, donkeys, sheep; C-Sheep and goats only; D-Miscellaneous barnyard animals; E-unknown. 10) Who saw the "star in the East"? A-Shepherds; B-Mary and Joseph; C-Three kings; D-Both A and C; E-None of the above. 11) How many angels spoke to the shepherds? A-One; B- Three; C-A "multitude"; D-None of the above. 12) What "sign” did the angels tell the shepherds to look for? A-"This way to baby Jesus;" B-A star over Bethlehem; C-A baby that doesn't cry; D-A house with a Christmas tree; E-A baby in a stable; F-None of the above. 13) What did the angels sing? A-"Joy to the World, the Lord is Come;" B-"Alleluia;" C-"Unto us a child is bom, unto to us a child is given;" D-"Glory to God in the Highest;" E-"Glory to the newborn King;" F-"My Sweet Lord." 14) What is "frankincense"? A-A precious metal; B-A precious fabric; C-A precious perfume; D-An Eastern monster story; E-None of the above. 15) What is "myrrh"? A-An easily shaped metal; B-A spice used for burying people; C-A drink; D-After-shave lotion; E- None o f the above. 16) The wise men found Jesus in a: A-Manger, B-Stable; C- House; D-Holiday Inn; E-Good mood. 17) Why did the wise men stop in Jerusalem? A-To inform Herod about Jesus; B-To find out where Jesus was; C-To ask about the star they saw; D-To buy gas; E-To buy presents for Jesus. 18) Who told Mary and Joseph to go to Bethlehem? A-The angel; B-Mary's mother; C-Herod; D-Caesar Augustus; E- Alexander the Great. 19) Where do we find the Christmas story in order to check up on all these questions? A-Matthew; B-Mark; C-Luke; D-John; E-All of the above; F-Only A and C; G-Only B and D. 20) I think that this quiz was: A-Super; B-Great; C-Fantastic; D-All of the above. Answers: 1) False. (Not until the fourth century did it settle on the 25th.) 2) A. (See Luke 2:3-4.) 3) E. (The Bible doesn't say.) 4) False. (See Matthew 1:18.) 5) False. (See Luke 2:5.) 6) True. (See Matthew 1:25). 7) False. (There was no word on the innkeeper. See Luke 2:7.) 8) C. 9) E. (The Bible doesn't specify.) 10) E. (The wise men did (they were not kings)). See Matthew 2:2.) 11) A. (See Luke 2:9.) 12) F. (See Luke 2:12.) 13) D. (See Luke 2:14.) 14) C. (See Exodus 30:34.) 15) B. (See John 19:39.) 16) C. (See Matthew 2:11.) 17) B. (See Matthew 2:1-12.) 18) D. (See Luke 2:1,4.) 19) G. 20) D, of course. -Pastor Duane Jones Church o f the Nazarene lo n e S ite C o u n c il m e e ts The lone Site Council met on Dec. 9 for their monthly meeting. Steve Schaber reported that he had talked with Barbara Stefani- Peterson about the middle school student government taking over Positive School Action Commit tee activities. She indicated that they would take over those duties. The high school girls’ volley ball team was recognized for their league, district and state champi onship victories. Also, Jessica Krebs was honored for earning a trip to 4-H Congress in Atlanta, GA for leadership. Becky Hunt passed out copies of the criteria for the President’s Award for Educational Excellence for students in elementary, middle and high school. Students meet ing criteria can receive a signed award from the President of the United States. The council was in favor of the program. Hunt will give the information to principal Dick Allen and will report further at the next meeting. Dale Holland reported that the Honor Society would like to give out academic letters twice a year, in the fall for the previous spring and again in the spring for letters earned in the fall. Schaber asked that the council approve a request from Allen to apply for a grant for the Oregon Dept, of Education. The grant is based on state math assessment scores and, if successful, each teacher could receive $ 1,000 to be used in the classroom. The coun cil approved the request. The next meeting of the site council will be held on Wednes day, Jan. 13, beginning at 5 p.m. in room one of the lone High School. St. Patrick's Senior Center Bulletin Board All Saints Episcopal Church A Christmas Eve service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. Holy Eucharist will be presided over by the Rt. Rev. Rustin Kimsey, bishop of the Diocese of Eastern Oregon. “We welcome everyone to be with us on this special evening,” said a church spokesperson. Births COPY • COPY • COPY • COPY • COPY • COPY • COPY • COPY • COPY WE MAKE COPIES • HEPPNER GAZETTE-TIMES • WE MAKE COPIES L isandro V era C hairez-a son Lisandro Vera was bom to Maria and Camilo Vera of Irrigon on December 9,1998 at Good Shep herd Community Hospital in Hermiston. The baby weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. Eighty-five people were present for the senior Christmas dinner Dec. 16. Members of the Christian Missionary Fellowship Church served. A large group of home schooled children from Heppner, Lexington lone sang Christmas carols in the sitting room and the dining room. They were accompanied on the piano by Myma VanCleave. The Seniors really appreciate their beautiful voices and smiling faces. T he menu for December 30 will be sweet and sour chicken, chow mien noodles, fried rice, oriental vegetables, apricots and carrot cake with frosting. Members of the Episcopal Church will serve. Exercise class was held Tuesday and Thursday. Pinochle was played Tuesday and Friday afternoon and Bingo played Friday evening. Bingo was preceded by a Christmas buffet. Irene Anhom fell Wednesdy, breaking her hip. She had surgery in Hermiston and is now at the hospital here in Heppner. M erry C hristm as, everyon e.
