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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 22, 1999)
rpt>aee On ôcutlh, 1/Oill Çf& <ML JHjankind Q7te Q/y/é^íea.'t ùtçÛf ^Ar/j/zruu : f-rá/ti fêat/etrji EIGHT - Heppner Gazette-Times. Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, December 22. 1999 Hope & Valby Lutheran Parish All Saints' Episcopal Church "Addicted to the New, We Need the Hope of the Old Story " St. Patrick's Church St. William's Church lone United Church of Christ "Recognize the Promise God Has for l/s " Mary was troubled when the angel greeted her. and wondered what "Carry His Standard into the New Millennium " sort I shared the following editorial column with members of my of greeting it might be. The angel told her not to be afraid, because congregations in our December newsletter. I think its message bears As we approach the new millennium we are hearing about the many she was special to God. The angel explained what would happen repeating, along with some added thoughts of its meaning for us at significant events in the past year, and in the past century. Some of through her. and why. Mary still wondered how it could happen. The Christmas. explained this also, and told her about Elizabeth, who had also are astounding - man landing on the moon, the first explosion of angel In November, staff writer Jay Bookman of the Atlanta Journal them seen an angel and was in the sixth month of another special pregnancy. the atom bomb, fantastic progress in aviation, in medicine, in Mary accepted Constitution, wrote a column entitled "If It's New, and Shallow, People communications, role and her task. an explosion of technology. Then there are Mary hurried to her visit Love It." In it he addressed our culture’s addiction to "the new". the predictions of in the fact, Elizabeth, who lived several days travel away. future. We hear that mankind w ill have better Elizabeth quickly recognized Bookman writes: "We are enamored of the new, fascinated by the new, health and live longer and Mary's situation, even before Mary could will continue to expand. Those tell her. Elizabeth blessed Mary, addicted to the new . We need new. more new, and we need it now .... who try to forecast the future technology and rejoiced with her. Only then was do not seem to be making any predictions Mary able to overflow with her own Affluent consumers already own one or two of everything conceivable: that mankind will be spiritually song of blessings, and to declare in the new millennium. That what the birth of her child would mean so they don't need stuff, they need new stuff ."And the velocity of new thought should cause all of us to better world. take a new look at the meaning of "God has shown strength with his arm." for she the sang. - the time it takes for new to become old -is accelerating. Like any Christmas, the celebration of the birth "God has scattered of Jesus Christ. addict, we have to consume more and more "new" to get our high. And In the past 2000 years the most significant the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he put down the has unquestionably mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low has degree. we're running out. Our kids are tapped out, our artists are desperate and been the birth of Jesus. The author of "One event has Life" expressed filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent God the past is all but wrung dry . . . "'New" is what makes the world that every effectively. He had no armies, no Solitary empty no atom bombs, away!" possible; it is the coin of the realm, the currency of our superficial yet he inspired millions through the centuries. navies, There have been those Months later, she gave birth to Jesus. For the rest of her life. Mary conversation." who gave up fame and fortune to follow him. There have those served God m the way that she had accepted when the angel spoke to In a sermon a few weeks ago, I related a conversation Billy Graham who have taken up his cause even when it meant the supreme been sacrifice had with a very wealthy and successful businessman who was the envy life itself. There have been those who have been inspired to "give her. of all his friends and associates. Dr. Graham said that in the course of of Once in a while, people still have experiences in which we learn about not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil the their conversation the man just broke down and cried. He told Billy and of God, the purpose of our own lives, and the possibilities not to see for rest, to labor and not to seek reward, save that of that power that in spite of all the comforts, wealth and success he enjoyed, there and are set before us. Like Mary, we may be scared and troubled by knowing the they do his will." was a deep emptiness in his soul. these moments, and wonder what sort of greetings they might be. We only celebrate Christmas with colored lights, gifts, and turkey, might begin to understand The Christmas story that we hear each year is a 2,000 year old story we If we what we are to do, but not be so sure of how missing the purpose of his coming. His birth is a call to action it can be done. We may accept -hardly a "new thing". It is old and familiar to many of us. Yet when for are the role and task that is set before us, he says:"Come follow me." When the apostles followed him they whether or not we see the promise we trust that God has acted in this "old story", it brings us a newness listened that God has for us. his teachings, they witnessed his miracles. Then when he We can do for each other what Elizabeth of life each and everyday. As Paul writes in his letter to the Romans: died and to rose for Mary, recognizing from the dead, he commissioned them to go into the what God is doing in our lives and helping did 24. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For world and to teach each to understand. everything that he had taught them. They did just One person may offer another a few words of other who hopes for what is seen? 25 But of we hope for what we do not see. that being even ready interpretation and to die for his cause. we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:2425 NRSV) encouragement, so that the other may be set free to praise God and celebrate the two thousandth anniversary of his birth we must witness to what God is doing in his or her life, and m the world. This century has been one of unprecedented "new" in the history of do As so we w ith and vision for the future. It is up to each of those who May the Spirit of God touch your heart this Christmas. May there be humankind. More advances have been made - across the board in are his true hope followers carry his standard into the new millennium, an Elizabeth to recognize what is growing in you, and offer you science, medicine and the social sciences - then in any other 100 years and his standard is the to cross. Let each of us go forth dedicated to his blessings that will set you free to praise and serve. in the history of the world. And yet, in some very significant ways, the Church, fortified with his principles, and committed to his person By -The Rev. Paul Clay. world in which we live is not that much different from the world when so doing we will hold up the torch of spiritual enlightenment, and take Jesus was bom. We still endure famine, floods and earthquakes; our place in the onward march of Christianity to make our world a genocide continues to occur in this "civilized world"; political place of spiritual joy ana happiness. instability and wars have tom apart whole continents. -Fr. Gerry Condon "Behold, / Bring You Good News Of Great Joy..." And our basic human longings and desires have not really changed all that much either. We too seek peace, love, security and a sense of purpose for our lives. But I have found it true that the only way the I wrote this letter a couple of years ago but I think it is still so true. human heart can experience true love, contentment and peace is My son and I were talking one day about Christmas. Like a typical through a relationship with God. Like that businessman Rev. Graham parent of a five-year-old I have continued to spread the myths of w as talking with, when we seek our fulfillment in the things of this Christmas, not thinking about what really happened. He was asking me "A Call to Repentance" if Santa had fire-proof clothing to come down the chimney. world, sooner or later we discover how fleeting and empty that satisfaction is. There is an old road that goes into Dent Acres, near Orofino, Idaho. I said. "Santa doesn't always come down the chimney, he could come Jesus came that we might know and experience the fullness of God's Before slack water filled the canyon this road was not much better than through the front door." My son then asked, "Does Santa really have flying reindeer and a grace and love. He is the One God sent to reveal God's self to the a goat trail. It was very windy, full of potholes and washouts. No sleigh?" I said, "I’m sure he does." world. guardrails existed and the canyon walls of the North Fork of the His comment was, "That sure would be cool!" 5 For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and Clearwater River were very steep. Traveling this road required a four- humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, 6 who gave himself a wheel drive vehicle. And, as I recall, it took better than four hours to That's the neat thing about myths. They are cool and no one ever suffers from hearing them or believing them, but they are not true. Not ransom for all — this was attested at the right time. (1 Timothy 2:5-6 travel between Orofino and Elk River, at best. are they not true, they can't help you out of a problem. NRSV) Then in the late 60's Dworshak Dam was built. Dent Acres was to only On the other hand there are truths about Christmas that can be of great The Gospel of Jesus Christ is always, and foremost, a Word of Hope become a popular recreational campground. During the early years of help. Here is one truth. The truth about Christmas is that God sent His — and so it is "abundantly new". It is about what gives value and the 70s the road was slightly improved, until you reached the North meaning to daily life - both in good times and in bad. That man talking Fork of the Clearwater River; There you will find a most unusual sight. Son to earth to live as a man and to die for our sms on a wooden cross. to Rev. Graham knew that something was missing in his life, even A large bridge, and no ordinary bridge at that. A quarter mile long, Jesus, that little baby, grew up to become the Savior of the whole though he had access to all the new stuff anyone could conceivably very modem suspension bridge. One hundred feet below the roadway world. More specifically He died for your sms or mistakes. The point is this, where as myths sure are cool and make us feel good, want. That "something" was not new at all, in our modem day sense. is the cold blue water with 600 feet of water below that. It is as old as the story of the Child in Bethlehem, but it as "new" as the Today you will find that road to Dent Acres is improved. No potholes, truths have the power to change our lives. Jesus paid for your mistakes. gift of hope and newness of life that comes to us each and every day two-lane paved modem highway with guardrails, road signs, even This allows God to forgive you for the mistakes you make. The result: through simple faith in Jesus Christ. snow-plowed in the winter. It is now very pleasant travel by a better life lived for God since the guilt over the mistakes does not pull you back into sin because you have been forgiven. All because of This is hope for living that is a gift of grace to us through the Christ automobile through near-wilderness country. Child. May God richly bless you this holiday season with His "new’ In ancient times when a king was traveling and was expected to pass one truth about Christmas. There are many more truths that God wants presence with you. each and every day of your life. through your community all the major roads were repaired. Potholes to share with you and me if only we would stop and look at what He Merry Christmas to you all. were filled in, rough spots smoothed out. When the king arrived his has to offer. Each one has the power to help you in you daily life, in -The Reverend R. G. "Dick" Metz, Pastor chariot would roll smoothly over the roads. The roads were made your relationships with others, in your hopes, and in your dreams. If comfortable for the king’s journey. Keep this picture in mind as you only you would. My son thinks flying reindeer are cool. But you know reflection, I think the truths about Christmas sure beat the myths read Luke 3:2-6: "...The word of God came to John son of Zechariah upon in the desert. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching and "they are way cool." -Andrew Johnson, Minister a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: [40:3-5]. "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths "Christmas Lights" for Him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made "A Christmas Celebration " Christmas is beautiful. low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. With so many decorations. And all mankind will see God's salvation."' (NIV) Christmas has always been a special time of year for me. I look back Celebrated for centuries. John was preaching a message, "a call to repentance"; that there is with memories to the times our family spent together cutting the Across the world, by many nations. One coming from God who would bring salvation to His people. tree, fond putting up lights, traveling to Grandma's house, and enjoying Therefore the people were to prepare the way for His coming. People Christmas dinner. I remember on Christmas morning, after the Bells, tinsel, and bows. were to turn from their sin and evil and prepare their hearts to receive presents had been exchanged. Dad would read the Christmas story But my favorite are Christmas lights. their King. from the Bible and explain that best gift of all is Jesus. Which shine brightly for all to see. John's quotes from Isaiah described the building or repairing of a new As I grew older I began to be the more about Jesus. Who is On dark winter nights. highway. Just as a village or community prepared for the arrival of He? Why was He bom? These questions inquisitive led to answers that now' shape their King, believers in Christ are to prepare as well. We are to prepare how I celebrate Christmas. When I think about the baby Jesus and The Light of the world. for the amval of our King, King Jesus. We are to prepare the roads of celebrate His birth at Christmas I am convinced of two things about Is Who they represent to me. our lives, in what we believe, in what we say. how we say it, and how Him. The One Who made deaf ears hear. we live it. I am convinced that Jesus is our only hope. He came to restore And blind eyes to see. To do this, first, we must make "the way" for the Lord. That is. clean a First, right relationship between God and people. There is nothing I can do out the filth and garbage from our lives. Understand, we can not clean to earn God's love and I cannot work my way to heaven. The Bible He brought hope for the lost. out all the junk from our lives entirely on our own. For a through teaches that God gives eternal life to all those who put their hope and And rest for the weary. cleaning we need help from God. The most important thing we can do trust in Jesus. Today, His light shining in us. is: to change our attitude to allow Christ's indwelling influence into our Second. I am convinced that He is the King. The writer of Hebrews Can make a dark world, less dreary. hearts. (1:8) talks about Jesus when he quotes Psalm 45:6-7. "Your throne. O Second we are to "... Make straight paths for Him." We do that by God. will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter So let Him shine through. admitting what our known stumbling blocks are. then stop using them of your kingdom." The hymn in Philippians 2: 9-11 emphasizes that To lead other people to the Way. as excuses to justify our ill behavior. When we repent of our sins w ith Jesus has been given a "name that is above every name, that at the Not just at the time we call. "Christmas”: a sincere heart this allows for a "straight path" for Christ the King to name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under But each and every day! approach us. the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the at the invitational Hymn -- "O little town of Bethlehem". Verse glory of God the Father." I can live with confidence because Jesus the Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying. I am the Light of the 4: Look it has powerful words to help us. "O Holy Child of Bethlehem, King is in control even when things seem out of control. When I allow orld: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall descend on us. we pray. Cast out our sin. and enter in: be bom in us Jesus to be King of my life He fills it with eternal purpose and have the Lightof life-" (John 8:12 KTV} today." What a lovely invitation for Jesus to fill our hearts with Joy and meaning. When Jesus is King He teaches me to take the focus off -Pastor Linda Crane Peace this Christmas. Open your heart and mind to receive Him. Jesus myself and helps me love others the same way He loves me. will not force His way into your life. That is why we must. "... Make So when I see a nativity scene during the Christmas holidays, I am straight paths for Him." In doing this you are openly inviting Him into reminded that Jesus is not an ordinary baby. He is my Hope and He is your heart. There He will minister to you, giving you comfort and my King. Now that is something to celebrate. freedom of fear. After all He is the Prince of Peace. •Brent Waldrep, Pastor All who come humbly before Christ are welcome. Philippians 2:9-11 reads: "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him Katie Kenny & Bret Elithorp the name that is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every Wedding: I unitary 8th • Shower: December 28th knee shall bow. in heaven and on earth and under the earth; and every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Merry Christmas. establishes an office in Heppner. -The Rev. Duane Jones Kenneth Wenberg. M.D., has Dr. Wenberg will see patients L *c (Background Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11) announced that he is now in m their homes for medical 217 North Mam • Heppner • 676-9158 private practice and will be consultation. Patients may call Serving Heppner Lexington A lone making house calls until he 989-8403 for an appointment. First Christian Church Heppner Church of the Nazarene Heppner Christian Missionary Fellowship Willow Creek Baptist Church Dr. Wenberg to open practice
