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Winter 2020 Plan of Salvation:
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
What Does Christmas Mean to Christians? Christmas is the most commercial season in our society, but for a significant percentage of the population it is also a holiday packed with meaning. For Christians who take their faith seriously, Christmas is the celebration of one of the most important events in history.
ferent dates throughout the history of the Christian Church. In fact, even today Christians in some parts of the world celebrate Christian on different dates. December 25 is simply an arbitrary date chosen to celebrate the birth because the exact date is unknown.
tion of a birth that never took place? Christian apologists (defenders of the faith) argue in defense of the Biblical accounts. Anti-theists, those who do not take a literal view of the Bible, and members of other religions argue from the opposite position. Both sides resort to textual, historical, Christians consider Christmas to be The date is non-consequential, any- archaeological, and logical evithe celebration of the day Jesus way, since the true significance of dence to support their position. UlChrist was born as a baby. Known Christmas for Christians is not timately, it is up to each person to in theology as the "Incarnation," it found in the coming of Jesus. It is examine the evidence and decide signifies that God became human in why He came. The Bible exwhich is the most persuasive. and entered into His own creation. plains (and Christians believe) that According to the biblical nativity Jesus is (and was) divine, and that Either way, there is no denying the narratives, Jesus was born to a vir- He came into the world for the pri- impact that this Christian holiday gin named Mary in the town of mary purpose of eventually giving has had upon society and upon the Bethlehem in the Judean countryup His life as an expression of His faith community that celebrates it side. love and grace. Ultimately, it was for reasons of faith. While many part of a grand plan to offer forpeople complain about the holiThough most people identify giveness and life to all who would day’s modern emphasis on consumChristmas with the date of Decem- willingly choose to place their faith erism, Christians throughout the ber 25, Christianity does not actual- and hope in Him. centuries have recognized that ly claim that Jesus was born on DeChristmas represents a turning cember 25. In fact, Christmas has Did this Incarnation really take point in history when the Savior been celebrated on a variety of dif- place? Or is Christmas a celebraentered the world.
Try these healthier holiday cooking tips A generation or two ago, people ate more food with a lot of fat, but they still weighed less than people weigh today. It was probably because they were involved in physical work instead of sitting at a desk. Or maybe they ate less every day. Whatever the cause, tweaking Grandma's recipes is a great idea. Some examples: * Refrigerate the gravy and scoop off the hardened fat before reheating and serving.
* Use less bread in turkey dressing ground nutmeg. Puree the ingrediand more onions, garlic, celery and ents and sprinkle the nutmeg on top. vegetables. Moisten with chicken or vegetable broth and applesauce. * For dessert, make pumpkin pie using two egg whites for each * Make mashed potatoes with skim whole egg and replace cream with milk, chicken broth, garlic powder fat-free evaporated milk. Replace and Parmesan cheese instead of heavy cream in cheesecakes and whole milk and butter. Some reci- cream pies with evaporated milk. pes call for fat-free sour cream. Top cakes with powdered sugar, fresh fruit or fruit sauce. * Try a new recipe for eggnog: four bananas, 1 1/2 cups skim milk, 1 * Remove the skin from roasted 1/2 cups plain nonfat yogurt, 1/4 turkey before eating it or placing it teaspoon rum extract and some on a serving dish.
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Witnessing During the Holidays By Rev. John Sorensen
The Christmas Story
And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 2. Send Christmas Cards that share a Christ-centered message. Don’t be And there were in the afraid to include your favorite Scripsame country, shepherds abiding ture or a prayer. More people are open in the field, keeping watch over to hearing about Jesus at Christmas their flock by night. What holds us back? Is it fear? Rejec- than any other time of the year. And, lo, the angel of the tion? Or perhaps it’s the idea that our Lord came upon them, and the family simply won’t believe us? 3. Invite them to your church for a glory of the Lord shone round special Christmas program or service. about them; and they were sore Well, not everyone in Jesus’ family Church attendance spikes at Christmas afraid. believed at first either. People in His and Easter, and many churches use that hometown questioned Him: “Isn’t this opportunity to present the Gospel in an And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for, behold, I Joseph’s son?” (Luke 4:22), and His easy-to-understand manner to people bring you good tidings of great own brothers told Him to leave Galiwho don’t know Christ. joy, which shall be to all people. lee, because they did not believe Him For unto you is born this day in 4. Ask Permission to Share the Gos(John 7:3-5). the city of David a Saviour, who pel with them personally and privately. The Christmas story is Christ the Lord. But Jesus’ family did come to believe Christmas is the perfect time to share Him – later. Although we don’t know the reason why Christ was born on And it came to pass in And this shall be a sign earth, to die for our sins and give us the details of how or when they came those days, that there went out a unto you; Ye shall find the babe to believe, Jesus’ brothers were present the opportunity to join Him in Heaven. decree from Caesar Augustus wrapped in swaddling clothes, with the disciples in the upper room to We can offer them the opportunity to that all the world should be lying in a manger. receive the greatest gift of all. pray after He ascended into Heaven taxed, each in his own city. And suddenly there was (Acts 1:14). They were counted among And Joseph also went up with the angel a multitude of the 5. Be patient. Jesus’ family didn’t the believers. from Galilee, out of the city of heavenly host praising God and believe Him right away, but His four Nazareth, into Judea, unto the saying, Glory to God in the highbrothers did eventually accept Jesus as What happened? Jesus’ brothers had city of David, which is called Christ. Keep praying. Continue sharing Bethlehem, because he was of the est, and on earth, good will togrown up with Him. They had lived the Gospel. You never know, this year house and lineage of David, to be ward men. with Him. Yet, they did not believe. They knew Jesus, but they didn’t know may be the year they believe. They made haste and taxed with Mary, his espoused Him as Lord and Savior. At some found Mary and Joseph and the wife, being great with child. Rev. John B. Sorensen, D.D. is the point, they met the real Jesus and had babe lying in a manger, they And so it was, that while made known abroad the saying their first encounter with the Messiah. President/CEO of Evangelism Explothey were there, the days were sion International, headquartered in which was told them concerning accomplished that she should be this child. So what can we do to reach our own Arden, N.C. EE has been a leader in delivered. equipping Christians to share their family members? The Christmas season is a wonderful time to share with family and friends why Jesus was born on this earth. After all, we are celebrating the birth of the Messiah. That’s good news! However, sharing our faith with family members can often be more difficult than sharing it with strangers.
God to prepare their hearts to hear the Good News and to create opportunities to share the Gospel.
faith for more than 50 years. For more 1. We can pray. The Holy Spirit is the free tips and resources, visit evangelismexplosion.org. One who tugs at people’s heart and draws them to the Savior. We can ask
In December, we see stories about Christmas flowers, Christmas shopping, Santa and Christmas music, but St. Luke's Chapter 2 explains the reason for the season.
The Christmas Conundrum
Six action skills to keep healthy and happy Staying fit and happy are two keys to living healthy and independent. Below is a list of six skills everyone should work on as they age: 1. Stay strong. Maintain your strength and balance by doing some simple weight training. Going to a gym makes it a social event, but you can lift weights at home, too. Just fill a plastic gallon jug with water, lift 10 times, rest, lift 10 times. Add a repetition as your strength grows. 2. Reach out. Even people who have been very social throughout their lives find that, as they age, they need to expand their list of acquaintances and friends. Social activities keep the mind fresh, your mood elevated and curiosity keen. One key idea here is expanding your view of the people and places that might be of interest. A good idea is try many social events and social gatherings without judging them. Try a variety of things, including gym visits, church, and senior center events. 3. Use technology.
Achievement should not be mocked and technology is achievement. If tech makes your eyes cross, it really is time to take a computer class or learn to properly use a cell phone. Knowing how to use a computer and cell phone is a modern key to safety, security and and social health. 4. Gather helpers. Everyone needs some helpers and that doesn't just mean family. Identify those you can call to help with cleaning, meal prep or home maintenance. Budget money to pay for regular assistance. It's wise, not weak! 5. Manage medications. Here is one place that technology can be a huge help. Lots of medication management items are available online. Find a system that allows you to keep medications in one place and lets you know at a glance whether you have taken them. 6. Invest in safety and simplicity. Throw out the stuff you don't need. Don't be too sentimental, but keep the things that you really care about. Add good lighting. Install safety bars in the bathroom. Make sure walkways are clear.
Jesus had no servants, yet they called him Master. He had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. He had no medicines, yet they called him Healer. He had no army, yet he was feared by kings. He won no military battles, yet he conquered much of the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified him. He was buried in a tomb, yet he lives today. Christians celebrate his birthday on December 25th.