December 2017
by Seth Halpern, Editor It’s that time of year again. You know, the time when homes, stores and businesses are filled with Christmas trees and decorations. It’s the time of the year when the chill in the air is relieved by hot cider and the rain doesn’t distract us from going to the store to find just the right gift for everyone from our loved ones to our co-workers. Christmastime is here. We can smell the pine and feel the excitement and anticipation in the air. Travel and visiting plans are being created. There is a lot of joyful preparation and a lot of money spent. It’s the favorite season of a great many families, but it is also a difficult season for many. Loved ones have passed, strained relationships are tested, and financial problems lead to feelings of guilt or envy. Yes, for many,
“’tis NOT the season to be jolly!”. Our culture has built a Christmas celebration that feeds on many of the things that sidetrack us from the main point (or rather, person) of Christmas: who is Christ! It is wonderful to give gifts to our family members and have get-togethers with loved ones and new friends. The “Season” is wonderful in many ways. However, we do not honor or worship the “season” or even “Christmas Day”. The reason for our celebration is Christ the Lord. He was born. Whether or not it occurred on Dec. 25th is not the issue. What’s at issue is that God became man to be with us (Immanuel- God With Us). We can certainly enjoy family time, decorations, feasting and gift giving. Yet, if we leave out “Jesus” the one for whom the Holiday gets its name, we have missed the celebration entirely. So, I encourage
you to anticipate all those things you enjoy (or find painful because of loss) this Christmas season: Family, decorations, food, and gifts- but please remember the one, Christ- who came as the gift from the Father God to become one of us, live a perfect life, then give himself as a “sacrificial lamb” on the cross for every single one of our sins so that we can have a relationship with God, the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. His sacrifice gave us life for eternity when we give Him back our life and make Him Lord or our life. Our gift to you is an issue that is dedicated to encourage you in having a Christ-centered Christmas. May God bless you this Christmas with a growing understanding and relationship with Him. He Truly is the “Reason” for the “Season”! Merry Christmas.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
What the Shepherds Knew - Paula McBride
Page 14 12 Christmas Prayers
Page 16 Born for a Purpose
Page 17 1040 Lincoln Rd., Suite A, #124 Yuba City, CA 95991 530-933-1385 editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
The Ambassador
1