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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2017-12-21, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017. Townshend reminds of reason for the season PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296 Several months ago, reader Ann Potter dropped a package at the post office for me to browse through. She had been cleaning out cupboards/ closets and came across some publications from years past. In the bundle were some issues of The Village Squire. This publication was subtitled a "Visitors Guide to Western Ontario" and seems similar to today's Stops Along the Way. The Village Squire was a monthly publication of McLean Bros. Publishing Ltd. of Blyth. Although the cover states it was a free publication, on page three, the index page for the summer 1981 issue, a note states they were $1 each or a full year for $8. Keith Roulston is listed as a member of the editorial board along with Alice Gibbs, Sheila Gunby and Herb Shoveller. Funded obviously by the advertisements of events and businesses of Western Ontario, the publication had a number of regular column/editorial type contributors. We found it interesting to leaf through and discover which businesses have disappeared and which have withstood the ups and downs of the economic times. And the fashions and prices of items brought some smiles and disbelief. In the December, 1975 issue I came across a Christmas column by Places! The dramatic skills of Huron Christian School students were on full display over the weekend as the school hosted its annual Christmas concert and Bethlehem Walk. Here, this group of students await the next wave of parents and friends for them to entertain. From left: Sydney Kootstra, Karin Pot, Drew Boersma, Ben Wynja, Maddie Wielinga and Mark Brown. (Lisa Pot photo) UC to host two Dec. 24 services The third Advent candle, the candle of Joy, was lit at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, Dec.17 by Rev. Terry Fletcher. The study of joy and the singing of carols about 'joy' filled the morning service. The senior choir offered the anthem "The Christmas Invitation". During the children's time, Terry taught the whole congregation the actions to the joy prayer. He reminded the children that joy is like happiness only more intense. And on the night that Christ was born joy was the emotion felt by the shepherds and angels and the reason they spread the good news. Rev. Fletcher's message, "Being Joyful", was supported by the scripture passages, from the Old Testament, Isaiah 43:19 and Sirach 30:16 and from the New Testament Luke 1: 46-49. Psalm 100 was the Responsive Psalm. As we get closer and closer to Christmas Day Christians become increasingly joyful, our state of happiness increases immeasurably for a number of reasons. On Sunday, Dec. 24 there will be two services at Londesborough United, a Christmas Sunday service at the regular morning time and a Christmas Eve service beginning at 7 p.m. Remember him? He started it all By Elaine Townshend He was born almost 2,000 years ago. He wasn't born in a hospital, he wasn't even born in a house. When the time came for his birth, his parents were travelling. They stopped at an inn, but it was full. He was born in the stable behind the inn. His mother laid him in a manger filled with sweet-smelling hay. A star shone directly above the stable, brighter than any star had shone before. The light frightened shepherds, who were tending their sheep on a nearby hillside. But an angel reassured them telling them not to be afraid. Three wise men followed the star, they knelt beside the manger and gave to the baby gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. He was raised in a land of sand and olive trees. As he grew, he learned the carpenter's trade from his father. When he became a grown man, however, he left his home and travelled around the country. Soon he became famous. He spoke to multitudes of people and taught them with parables. The mothers brought their little children to sit on his lap. They called him a preacher and a teacher. He cleansed the lepers; he gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and speech to the dumb; he made the lame to walk. They called him a healer. He calmed an angry sea and walked on the water. He fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fishes. He raised the dead. They called him a miracle maker. Twelve men left their homes and their jobs to follow him: some of them were fishermen, and one was a tax collector. They became his disciples and called him "Master". He called himself the son of God. Some people praised him, but others cursed him calling him a liar and a blasphemer. They sentenced him to death. One of his disciples betrayed him, another denied three times that he knew him. Bearing the sins of all men, he died on a cross. On the third day after his crucifixion, he rose from the sepulcher and joined his heavenly Father. Once again his disciples believed in him. They spread his doctrine and continued his work with renewed strength. Now, people around the world read his story. They praise him in many different tongues, but they are all familiar with him. Christmas is the season in which they commemorate his birth. The celebrations differ from country to country; each is unique. Through the years, some traditions have changed, but he remains at the heart of each remembrance. He isn't Santa Claus. The gift he gives can't be seen, yet it is the most precious anyone receives. His birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection are vital to all mankind. Does the star atop your Christmas tree remind you of the one that shone above the stable in Bethlehem so long ago? On Christmas Day, do you think of the babe in the manger? He is what Christmas is all about. Remember Him? — First published in The Village Elaine Townshend who still lives in Clinton. Elaine worked for the News -Record as well for a time, I believe. With her permission that column, titled "Remember Him?", is reprinted below. It's message is as timely today as it was back in 1975. That nasty blast of weather that hit our area last week forced the cancellation of the Christmas concert at Hullett Central Public School. It was held this past Monday night but families were left scrambling to accommodate the change in family schedules. I wish all of you a most happy and joyful holiday time. As the new year is ushered in, let's all try to foster peace in each of our own worlds. FROM LONDESBORO ** **. S,ea/Aarvs/ qteetincp, Blyth Business Improvement Association www.blythnow.ca Blyth BIA * * Merry, Christmas and all the best in the J'few Year `' Il; ll NV,- ,,lt Bernard Ent. 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