This month is not only the end of the year but the end of the millennium. Some have said it’s going to be the end of the world too. I’m sure there isn’t a person who hasn’t heard of Y2K and what it means.

The end will come some day. No man knows the date or the hour. As Jesus taught us, “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When her branch is tender and the leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is almost here. Just so, when you see all these things beginning to happen, you… Read more

‘Twas the night before Christmas
and in a small stable
a King had been born
and it isn’t a fable.

The animals were nestled
all snug in the hay.
The little King slept.
A manger’s where he lay.

While Mary and Joseph
rested with care
Knowing many visitors
would soon be there.

When what to their wondering
eyes did appear
A star above the stable
It shone bright and clear.

The King had finally come
The news would be spread.
Shepherds arrived
It was just… Read more

This poem was written by a 13 year old boy who died of a brain tumor that he had battled four years. He died on December 14, 1997. He gave this to his mom before he died. His name was Ben.

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the sounds of… Read more

Why to shepherds, crude and earthy?

Something they could understand…
Humbly God came down among them.
God incarnate is the Lamb.

Why to commoners and prisoners?

Something they could understand…
He took their punishment upon Him.
But He’s not the scapegoat —
He’s the Lamb.

Why to kings, to heads of nations?

Something they don’t understand…
Someday He will be their Conqueror!
The Lion of Judah, He will stand.

The Word to captives, caught in bondage…

Watch the Lamb!
Like Isaac’s ram,
He took your place.
He’s your Deliverer!
He’s the Lion — and the Lamb.
_
Yesterday
2

… Read more

JESUS and SANTA CLAUS
There really is no comparison!

Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh.
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa.
JESUS is as close as the mention of His… Read more

In a small rural town about 70 miles from the big city lived a special family, the Rockmans. This family was special because they would go around singing the Hymns of the church to all who would listen. The family consisted of 5 – Mom, Dad, Cheryl age 15, Ronald 12 and Sarah age 10.

The townspeople were always glad to hear these beautiful voices going up and down their quiet road. With the Advent/Christmas season coming up they knew they would be in for a great spiritual uplift.

Rehearsal at the Rockmans house was always on Thursday. Momma would… Read more

THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

The other symbols carry their own religious meanings:

… Read more

Prayer walks were started in September of 1998 for peace and security in our schools. Some ladies from various churches got together and prayed about the alarming situation in the schools. From these meetings the “Prayer Walks” were born in the McKeesport, PA area. We were very inspired by the writings of Elder Ernie Frederick of First Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh who still is very active in setting up “Prayer Walks” in the whole Pittsburgh area.

We started out visiting all the various schools and would stand there and pray together. Now, a year or more later, we still meet at… Read more

You Are Cordially Invited To
A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ

Date: Every day. Traditionally December 25, but He’s always around, so the date is flexible.

Time: Whenever you’re ready, (please don’t be too late, though; or you’ll miss out on all the fun!!).

Place: In your heart . . . He’ll meet you there (you’ll hear Him knock).

Attire: Come as you are . . . grubbies are okay. He’ll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.

Tickets: Admission is free. He’s… Read more

I had a dream, Joseph. I don’t understand it, not really, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our Son. I think that was what it was all about. The people had been preparing for it about six weeks. They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They’d gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren’t for our Son. They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows and stacked them under a tree. Yes, a tree, Joseph, right in their house.

They’d decorated the… Read more

The story goes that some time ago, a man punished his 3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree.

Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, “This is for you, Daddy.” He was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found the box was empty.

He yelled at her, “Don’t you know that when you give someone a present, there’s supposed to be something… Read more

‘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 Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with the baby 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… Read more

You wake up and smile,
then you’re overjoyed,
knowing that some of the problems
you had the day before
could have been avoided!!

Don’t walk around in life
thinking you Know It All…
because the same way that you can become Big…
you can become Very Small!!

In Life you can get “ahead”
with the ones that need us…
But… Don’t get caught “Dead”
Without Jesus!!!

None of us are Perfect;
mistakes will be made…
Are you Promised to be here
in the “Next Decade???”

Receive the… Read more

It was only four days before Christmas. The spirit of the season hadn’t yet caught up with me, even though cars packed the parking lot of our local discount store. Inside the store, it was worse. Shopping carts and last minute shoppers jammed the aisles.

Why did I come today? I wondered. My feet ached almost as much as my head. My list contained names of several people who claimed they wanted nothing but I knew their feelings would be hurt if I didn’t buy them anything. Buying for someone who had everything and deploring the high cost of items,… Read more

They were looking for A Lion,
He came as a Lamb,
and they missed Him.
They were looking for a Warrior,
He came as a Peace maker,
and they missed Him.
They were looking for a King,
He came as a Servant,
and they missed Him.
They were looking for Liberation from Rome,
He submitted to the Roman cross,
and they missed Him.
They were looking for a fit to their mold,
He was the mold maker,
and they missed Him.

What are you looking for?Read more

There was a little baby born
Early on Christmas morn.

While all the earth was so very unaware
Of how much the Father truly cared.

For in that little bundle
Wrapped in a manger so humble

Came the greatest gift
Sent to give all mankind a lift.

If you look real close you will see
The whole world was asleep;
They did not realize this event so sweet.

But none the less in a meager stable
God set before us a banquet table.

Can you hear Him say,
“Receive My Son and… Read more

It’s just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so.

It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas – oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it: overspending; the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma; the gifts given in desperation because you couldn’t think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided… Read more

Last month we printed a story called “Change” written by my good friend, Rev. Earlene Coleman. I can’t begin to tell you how many people have either written or told me direct how much that story ministered to them. And I’ll admit that it was something for me as well as my life has gone through a lot of changes lately. Hopefully in the next issue I’ll be giving you a testimony of what’s been happening in my life that’s changed. Space is still a problem as we have not received enough donations to cover the expenses yet and we… Read more