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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1984-12-19, Page 28discover the true gift:., a from page 2A rock there is a grotto - a sort of low cave. A nativity scene - e ours - is set behind glass in a corner. Th a is a candle and nothing else. When we re there it was quiet. We worshipped and sang "A Little Child the Saviour came, the Mighty God was still his 'name, and angels worshipped as he lay, the helpless infant of a day". Suddenly it was real - the Bible story of the wrappings - the gift was received. The Spirit of the Lord was there. As we move toward Christmas 1984 our , lives are certainly cluttered with pressures, duties and concerns. We can become so tangled up in all the Christmas wrappings - or memories - that we miss the gift altogether. It just vanishes in the face of everything else. So my hope and prayer for you this Christmas is that you may be able to discover and receive the true gift of Christmas - the presence of the Spirit of the Lord in your heart. Roo. in the inn By Rev. Gordon Simmons . The stranger walked along the street as Christmas carols blared from the sidewalk from store to store jostling one another in their hurry to get the last minute shopping bargains. Outside a large department store advertising dolls "complete with birth cer- tificate" he stopped and stared through the window in amazement at adults who ap- peared to be fighting over the dolls, and at other adults who appeared to be spending small fortunes for everything from disposable diapers to fur coats for the same dolls. Amazed, he shook his head and con- tinued his journey. Down the street he came to a computer store featuring "the latest in space age soft- ware - buy your child the latest in World War III simulations - watch the missiles, ex- perience the thrills - actual simulated com- mand centre;" and the stranger wept. As he crossed a busy street his attention was drawn to a large store that seemed to be bursting at the seams with joyous people purchasing large quantities of alcoholic beverages, while next door a group of young women huddled outside a door marked "Abortion Clinic - No Muss, No Fuss - Safe, Sure." The stranger shook his head and wept as he muttered, "Fatner forgive them - for they know not what they do." The cold damp evening air penetrated his thin overcoat and clouds of steam escaping from vents along the sidewalk created a sur- realistic scene as the stranger approached the large church in which he decided to seek shelter. Entering quietly, the stranger took a seat near the back and watched and listen- ed as the pastor admonished his people of their responsibility to look after the poor, the lonely, the sick, the strangers. The stranger smiled, the warmth of the place was beginning to seep into his bones, and he began to relax when he felt the tap on his shoulder - "Who are you? What are you do- ing sitting in my seat? We don't like strangers taking our .places; get out." The stranger left. On the side of the dusty desert road a young mother sat by the skeletal remains of her donkey, beside her •stood her husband watching as a new bcrn baby searched desperately for the wizened ebony hue, ebony breast and its promise of nourish- • ment. They watched, anguish, • fear, love, hope •and joy etched on their faces as the in- fant finally began to feed, not noticing the stranger approach. ".`Water, do you have water?" The young father handed over the goatskin and the stranger drarlk thirstily. "Bread, do you have bread? "9'he young father reached into his cloak - "Just this, then there will be none left for my wife and myself, but you may share what little we have." The stranger took the bread lifted it high, gave thanks and broke it. Giving the bread to each, he stret- ched forth his hand blessed the new born baby, and, as he did so, his eyes met the young mother's, and, she knew. With a smile, and a brief farewell the stranger left the young people and began to recall the things that he had experienced in his brief visitation. He remembered the blare of the carols, the cacophony of traffic sounds and shuddered as he recalled the cacophony of money changers and traders centuries before; he remembered the shop- pers and recalled again the curses of the soldiers as they shoved aside and gambled for a robe on the hillside and he heard again the drunken insults of passersby as he hung there on the cross; as he remembered the young women outside the Abortion Clinic he heard again the wails of the women and the children as Herod's soldiers carried out the slaughter of the, innocents. When he recalled the church he felt the warmth, familiarity and peace of the synagogue in Nazareth, but then the loneliness, the rejection took over as he remembered the crow forcing him to the edge of the precipice and recalled the loneliness of that other hill. The young couple watched the stranger disappear into the lonely wastes of the desert and suddenly felt a tremendous peace settle over them as they knew that all would be right, for with them, He had felt and shared love. As the first star appeared in the night sky a truck appeared by the side of the young couple and child. A relief worker emerged and shouted, "Have we got a room in the Inn?" Another voice responded, "I think so, is this the spot for the camp," Yes." "Okay." Tents, food and tools appeared, soon the young couple were settled in and the infant was the centre of attraction as the relief workers gathered around, and somewhere a star seemed to shine a little brighter as the words, "Merry Christmas" rang out from the little group. May the Peace and Joy of Christ bless Everyone this Christmas season. Why there is Christmas. C is for the christ child, H is for the herald angels in the night, R means our redeemer, I means Israel, S is for the star that shone so bright, T is for the wise men who travelled afar, M is for the manager where he lay, A is for all he stands for, S means shepherds came. And that is why there is a Christmas Day. Debra Reidy St. Joesph's Separate School Gr. 7 The True Meaning of Christmas The true meaning of Christmas is the time that Christ was born. It is when God gave his only son to us. He will show us the right way to God and open the gates of heaven. We celebrate Christmas because it is the coming of Christ to earth. Christmas is not the getting of presents; it's the giving. When God gave his only son to us, He showed us how to give by the act of love. Singto Phenavong St. Joesph's Separate School Gr. 8 CTAT 1'AN NEWS -RECORD, WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 19, 1981—Page 3A The True Meaning of Christmas Christmas is here once again... Bringing happiness to all men. But least we forget the baby in the manger... Who saved us all from sin and danger. So this Christmas remember his name... And not your favourite toy or game. This Christmas what you really should do.,. Is remember Jesus, who was born for you. . Keith Ducharme St. Joesph's Separate School Gr. 7 The True Meaning of Christmas It's here again,. December 25, a time for candy, toys and gifts. Suzy wants a barbie doll, I want a car says little Johnny, Paul. Birt what does Christmas really mean. Not toys, not gifts and not the jelly beans. The giving of gifts and love to all, • and the book on joyful faces, five feet tall To be able to forget the gifts and toys, to remember Christ and all the goof joy, The joy of saying Christmas is here; The beginning of Christ and lots of good cheer. Anne Tyndall St. Joseph's Separate School Gr. 8 May the warmth and spirit of the holiday season be yours C o erything 90 o cl QUALITY FOODS & FRIENDLY SERVICE 7 Albers SI. • . Clinton. Ont. NOM ILO Phone 482-3476 Janet Buchw*,n, Judy Nahrgang Grade 3 students at Hullett Central School sang songs and recited a number of favourite carols and Christmas songs, including The special poems at the school's Christmas concert. The choir sang out Hallelujah Chorus Shelley McPhee photo) The true meaning of CIi:ristnias The True Meaning of Christmas In a stable late atnight, Over a star shone bright Here the babe Christ was born Rapped in clothing that was so worn. Animals they gathered round To see the babe that could astound. Everyone would know When the babe did grow This Son that God had given Would open the gates of heaven At God's call He would save us all Even through the fun And when Christmas is one Always remember The babe is tender. Lynn Feeney \ St. Joesph's Separate School Gr. 8 Christmas and What It Means What is Christmas some people ask? Is it a time for giving presents or different gifts? Is it a time for singing and dancing? All this hustle and bustle for this Christmas no one ever thinks about the real meaning. But what is the real meaning of Christmas? It is the time, when Mary and Joesph struggled to find a resting place for a couple of days so they would have shelter for their new born baby. This • baby is the real meaning for Christmas because He is God's very own son, Jesus Christ, who is our saviour. So when out shopping for all those Christmas gifts, and goodies, or when put- ting up all those beautiful Christmas decora- tions, stop and think of the real meaning and what it is about. Sharia Lee Ten Hag St. Joesph's Separate School Gr. 7 The True Meaning of Christmas The true reason that we celebrate Christmas is the birth of Christ. To most children though, it means presents, Santa Claus and Forsty the Snowman. Each year, commercials are put on T.V. showing items which are available and would make good gifts. Houses are decorated with colored lights and people begin saving, their money for presents. This isn't what Christmas is really for. All of this is good as long as the real meaning is remembered and celebrated. Greg Dinning St. Joesph's Separate School Gr. 8 What is Christmas? Caring, songs, kindness Christmas is Giving... when people give you presents and say, "Hi," or give you a big hug. Christmas is Caring... when somebody knocks on your door and you let them stay for a coffee. Christmas is Songs... when you sing hymns and love songs that make you feel good. Christmas is Kindness... when .you see somebody en the side of the road and you pick them up. • • Christmas is•Joy... when you are happy and feel really good and hope nothing happens. • Christmas is Smelling... when your Mother makes fresh pies, cakes and ch_ck,.n and duck. Christmas is Sharing... when you share your love and appiness with your friends. Christmas is Decorations... when you decorate your tree and house. BUT most of all... Christmas is Jesus... when he was born to save our sins. Karen Kipfer Huron Centennial School Gr. 5 Q G�' �t ,,,/ y "!Ihlr, // �'"///, \� \� Sea400 4 To wish you, our valued and loyal patrons, our most sincere thanks for a happy and healthy Christmas season. Best wishes to one and all. Julianne M. Varley, Greg Hern, Donna Gibbings, Sandra Wilson Member Sp i,rIa Iliolrilereteer% lit t;anre.la 1,14. Canada wide 108 store Buying power !zidiOU D OFAIEA Ihaek �D1MORI