SPECIAL EDITION
1030 West Main StreetHwy 76 in Branson, MO on the strip next to:
Broasted chicken on the buffet bar!
ECONOMY...... $1,999.00 • 26” TV, Good beds, Wi-Fi, Fridge and Microwave UPGRADE...... $2,499.00 • 50” flatscreens, Wi-Fi, Newer beds, Coffee service, Microwave, Fridge, King size bed available, Lite Breakfast Bar LUXURY......... $2,999.00 • 55” flatscreens, Wi-Fi, Best beds, Coffee service, Blow dryer, Ironing board, Microwave, Freezer-Fridge, USB chargers, recently remodeled room, Full Breakfast Bar and off-site access to local, 24 hour TR fitness center
Spend your winter in Beautiful Branson, Missouri
$1,999.00
90 days Sweetheart Special for Two:
$250.00
2 Nights in one of our BEST rooms 2 Full Breakfast Bar vouchers 2 Lunch Vouchers at Montana Mike’s Steak House 2 Dinner Vouchers to Godfather’s Pizza Buffet (includes broasted chicken and fixin’s) 2 Passes to the local TR fitness Centers 2 Show Tickets to a choice of local shows
www.GoldStarFamilyInn.com
417.337.7581
this issue takes a break from the hard grit
American Christian Voice Volume 13 No. 5 Special Edition Don’t Miss These! ABOUT US 5.ACV Mission Statement 5.Impressum 27.Puzzle Page!! (and plenty throughout) 36.Where you can buy a copy of the American Christian Voice... 36.Subscription Info 36.War Room Widow 39.Would you like to join the ministry of the American Christian Voice? FROM THE COVER 8.Dino’s Grand Christmas 32,33.Christmas at Dixie Stampede CENTERFOLD 24.Christmas in Branson GOLD STAR ATTENTION 2.Gold Star Family Inn winter special 19.Gold Star Family Inn information 35.Gold Star Shows/Food Directory 43.Gold Star Business Directory FEATURES 4.As A Baby, Jesus Came 7.’Tis Better to Give 9.Jesus Had Weird Relatives Too 10.Silent Night: The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce of 1914
11.What is the importance of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ? 12.Leonard Sleeps Through Christmas 12.The Story of Silent Night 15.The Prayer of Mary’s Mother 16.Time Brings Healing Encouragement for Today 17.Gingerbread House for those who don’t like Gingerbread 18.Why Are You Friends with Your Friends? 18.The True Meaning Of Christmas 20.Ask the Rabbi - What is Hannukah? 23.A Child’s Captivating Christmas 26.Making Pizzelle 29.Why We Use Male Language for God 38.The Pagan Origins of Christmas (and why it doesn’t matter) 42.Christmas is a Party (excerpt) 46.He Loves Me... He loves me not... 47.The Many Facets of Christmas
‘Tis Better to Give Jesus Had Weird Relatives Too What is the Importance of the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ? Why Are You Friends with Your Friends? He Loves Me... He loves me not...
The American Christian Voice magazine, Memory Lock Fence and the Gold Star Family Inn are ministries under the nonprofit, 501(c)3 designation, Ozarks Christian Foundation. All contributions in excess of goods and services received are tax deductible. See more details under our websites.
www.AmericanChristianVoice.com www.MemoryLockFence.com www.GoldStarFamilyInn.com VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
3
yak bak
Send your letters to the editor to: American Christian Voice 1030 W. Main St. Hwy 76 Branson, MO 65616 or email: editor@AmericanChristianVoice.com
As A Baby, Jesus Came As a baby, Jesus came From His home above He left His throne, and who He was, To teach us how to love As a baby, Jesus came, Wrapped in swaddling cloth; Willingly took on humanity, Though He was one with God As a baby, Jesus came To one day grow to be
CONSIGNMENT CLOTHING EXCHANGE (417) 335-4370 www.ConsignmentClothingExchange.com
4
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
.Feed Back From Our Readers www.AmericanChristianVoice.com We will resume our reader’s feedback in our next regular issue. Some of the feedback was kinda “grinchy”
The saviour of the human race, People like you and me
Cleansing and forgiving us, For to this, He was called
As a baby, Jesus came As God's eternal light That will never be extinguished, But forever shine out bright
We thank Him that He came a babe And grew to be a man And for His sacrificial love, His nailed scarred feet and hands
As a baby, Jesus came The hope of eternal life, Reconciling us back to God, Giving meaning to our lives
Through it all we can live on With Jesus Christ our Lord The babe that came that first Christmas Is what we thank Him for.
As a man, Jesus died, His blood poured out for all,
© By M.S.Lowndes
Designer and Department store clothing at less than discount store prices
Quality pre owned clothing and accessories for Men, Ladies, Plus and Juniors 100's of new items put out on our sales floor daily
4370 Gretna Road • Branson, MO Located in The Shoppes at Branson Meadows outlet mall
they make the ACV possible!
American Christian Voice Magazine
ACV Magazine NEW Mission Statement counterfeits, you will know it is not of your Heavenly Father. He loves you. He is good and only does good. He is not "out to get you". He is out to love you. Not because of what you do or do not do but because of what Jesus has already done for you. We encourage our readers to eschew religion and pursue a relationship with God through Jesus Christ as led by the Holy Spirit, thus allowing an open mindedness to differing opinions on complex matters. We strive not to be the fire alarm, but the fire extinguisher.
Please be advised that the contents of this publication often do not represent the positions held by many of the sponsors of the American Christian Voice (or for that matter, the publishers).
THANK YOU TO OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS!
The American Christian Voice magazine is published with the primary purpose being to educate the body of Christ through informative articles (Intelligent), to edify the body of Christ through motivating articles of Christian faith and courage (Inspirational), and to promote the message that disciples of Christ are not under the penalty of sin or condemnation of it (Fun!). It is because of what Christ has done... not what we do that makes us in good standing with God. Our obedience is to Love Him and our fellow sojourners. Now that Christ has cloaked us with His Righteousness, God the Father looks at us as Sons/Daughters, no longer at enmity with Him. We are in training now. That is why this publication focuses on politics. If we are to rule and reign with Jesus Christ we should be very much interested in training here and now. We are dedicated to be Kingdom builders as we realize that our diversity should not impede the method in which God chooses to woo through the Holy Spirit the lost through love. We can err in our theological understanding of doctrine and dogma but love never fails. In the law we find death - in love we find Liberty to obey by desire... not compulsion. We implore all people to call out to God and ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit. THE Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a person. HE will fill your heart, mind and soul with truth; Not some man's opinion of God. In this manner, you when you see the
PUBLISHER Lorraine Sacoulas MANAGING EDITOR John G. Sacoulas PATRONS Kay & Joy Friberg SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Kathy Caruso O’Neil, Jeremy Storch, Marla Woodmansee SYNDICATED WRITERS Tim Challies, Thomas Sowell, Star Parker ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY Roberto Cerini, (714) 3857453 ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Wilma Dunbar, (417) 2131155 GRAPHIC DESIGN Lorraine Sacoulas lorri@americanchristianvoice.com DISTRIBUTION Barnes & Noble, BooksAMillion, EntertainMart Publishers Dist. Group, Allamuchy, NJ Ron Wolp & David Dunbar
First baby born at the Gold Star Family Inn! Publisher, Lorraine Sacoulas, delivered Belen (Bay-lin) Lawrence Sacoulas November 1. (Father is doing fine. It was touch and go for him... see page 47)
Kingdom Come Kennels www.KingdomDogs.com Randy+Debi Bartkoski 11252 Gum Road Carthage, MO 64836 417-359-9598 Check Out Our Website & Call Us Today!
A small family run kennel located in the southwest corner of Missouri. We have been blessed with fifteen beautiful wooded acres so our puppies have lots of room to run. We specialize in creating puppies that will bless Designer Blends: your life. Many of our pups have champion Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel+Poodle) bloodlines, but our main goal is to produce very loving healthy puppies that will bless your life. Cavapoo (King Charles+Poodle)
Goldendoodle (Mini Goldendoodle+ Moyen Poodle)
Special thanks to all our prayer warriors that intercede regularly for our sponsors. SUBSCRIPTION/CUSTOMER SERVICE: see page 36 editor@americanchristianvoice.com (417) 3363636 MAILING ADDRESS: American Christian Voice 1030 West Main Street Branson, MO 65616 FREE SUBSCRIPTION ONLINE: www.AmericanChristianVoice.com Any downloading fees charged by news wire providers are for its services only, and do not, nor are they intended to convey to the user any Copyright or License in the material. By publishing this material, The American Christian Voice expressly agrees to indemnify and to hold these providers harmless from any claims, demands or causes of action arising out of or connected in any way with user's publication of the material.
VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
5
special thanks to these fine folks
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
(417) 3379782
www.DougGabriel.com
Thank You! for honoring the families of the fallen
Bransons only 24 hour fitness center! 554 Gretna Rd Branson, Missouri, MO 65616 (417) 2592192 Ozark Window Tinting 143 First St, Turkey Creek Junction in Hollister, MO Auto, Home, Business, Aircraft and boat! 417.527.7500
6
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
selfless example of love
’Tis Better to Give A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. —Tenneva Jordan I knew I was not supposed to be quite so excited. I was too old for that. At age eleven, the oldest and my mom’s “grown up” girl, I had to keep my cool. I was in middle school after all. But every chance I got, when I was alone, I checked each present under the tree. I read every tag and felt every package, guessing at the contents within. I had examined each gift so often that I could tell which present went to which person without even looking at the tags.
By Jennifer Yardley Barney
It had been a tough year for my family. Whenever my mom looked over at the tree and scattered presents, she would sigh and warn us, “There won’t be as much for Christmas this year. Try not to be disappointed.” Christmas had traditionally been a time for my parents to spoil us. In years past, the presents would pile up and spill out from under the tree, taking over the living room. I had heard the phrase “giving is better than receiving,” but thought that whoever had said that must have been out of their mind. Getting presents was the whole point! It was the reason I couldn’t get to sleep on Christmas Eve.
Wommack Monument Company
Express your love with a quality monument of faith
(800) 3469875
On Christmas morning, we eagerly waited in the hallway until Dad told us everything was ready. We rushed into the living room and let the wrapping paper fly. We made weak attempts to wait and watch while other family members opened their presents, but as the time passed we lost our self-control. “Here’s another one for you,” said Mom as she handed me a package. I looked at it, confused. Having spent so much time examining the presents before Christmas, I recognized this one. But it had not been mine. It was my mom’s. A new label had been put on it, with my name written in my mother’s handwriting. “Mom, I can’t…” I was stopped by my mother’s eager, joyful look—a look I could not really understand. “Let’s see what it is, honey. Hurry and open it.” It was a blow dryer. Though this may seem but a simple gift, to me it was so much more. Being an eleven-year-old girl, I was stunned. In my world, where receiving outweighed giving by light years, my mom’s act of selflessness was incomprehensible. It was a huge act. Tears filled my eyes and I thought in disbelief about how much my mom must love me to give up her Christmas so I could have a few more presents. I have always remembered that Christmas fondly. It had such an impact on me. As an adult with children in my life whom I adore, I can now understand my mom’s actions. I see how she was not “giving up her Christmas” as I had thought, but was finding an even greater joy in her Christmas because giving truly is better than receiving. My mom’s simple act meant the world to me.
308 E Republic Rd. • Springfield, MO • 4178827788
www.ComputerInnovations.net VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
7
maybe uncle frank is not so bad after all
Jesus Had Weird Relatives, Too
Take comfort. You’re not the only one with a weird Uncle Al or an eccentric Great Aunt Myrtle – you know, the stuff family legend is made of. In fact, you’re actually in better company than you imagine. Jesus had weird relatives too. I have sometimes wondered how many birthdays, bar mitzvahs, and Passover feasts Jesus spent listening to stories about Cousin Elizabeth and her husband, Priest Zechariah. Their stories were the stuff of legend in the Mary & Joseph family. I can picture the hot, steaming lamb on the table while the cousins elbow each other and burst into giggling fits as they tease Uncle Z. with “Cat got your tongue?” And afterwards when the girls gather in the kitchen to tackle the mountain of dishes, one or two of them might’ve looked at Elizabeth with cheesy grins and a comment like, “Should we plan a shower for son #2 any time soon? You’ve still got a few months before you hit 94!” Oh, if you’d met Zechariah, you would have been impressed by the figure of a godly man who served as a priest in the temple. But that’s precisely the place where this “weird relative” story began. The year before Jesus was born, Zechariah was tending to business, lighting incense for the Israelites when he got the fright of his life. Gabriel, the angel, suddenly appeared right next to the altar to inform Zechariah that he and his barren wife would have a son. And this son would be a special child – the one chosen to prepare Israel’s heart for the Messiah. Poor Zechariah. He hadn’t asked for any of this, and you and I can easily understand his disbelief at the angelic appearance and
Then there was Cousin Elizabeth – the other half of this unique saga. Picture your wrinkled, old grandma with her walker. Now add a pregnant tummy behind that walker, and you’ve got the makings of a family legend. (Okay, maybe they didn’t have metal walkers in Bible times, but you get the point.) God had an intricate plan surrounding His Son’s birth, and it included these two aged relatives and a boy who would grow up eating bugs and preferring goat skin clothing to lamb’s wool. Folks, Jesus had some weird relatives! I imagine Zechariah and Elizabeth had to put up with plenty of guff from the family. There was probably plenty of head shaking and tsk-tsking their direction. I bet there was even a relative or three who didn’t like what was going on – and told them so. And even on the off-chance the rest of the family was excited about what God was doing, there would still be the dilemma of how to break the news to the neighbors, and the people from synagogue, and . . . . But as far as the Bible tells us Zechariah and Elizabeth just kept living by faith regardless of what anyone else thought. They simply clung to the assurances they’d been given from God and lived out their wacky, wonderful stories. (You can read more of their story in Luke 1.) You probably don’t have any angelic pronouncements or aged expectant grandmas in your family tree, but family is family after all, and yours may not be so very different from Zechariah and Elizabeth’s. So, how about you and your relatives? What kind of drama or relational angst will you face this Christmas season? Perhaps some parental expectations? Snide, under-the-breath comments about the number of your offspring (or lack thereof)? A diatribe over your politics? Running commentary on your educational or vocational choices?
Part of the pressure we feel at holiday time is because we care what our family thinks of us. It’s only natural! But maybe it’s time for a subtle shift. Maybe Christmas 2016 is a time to let go of the expectations that surround us from family. Maybe this Christmas is not only a good time, but the best time, to remember that regardless of what he thinks or she says, we are already accepted and approved by God. That He is the one writing our stories. That it’s okay to care what He thinks most.
By Janna Wright
W
hen you think of Christmastime, who do you dread the most? (Not what, but who?) What interesting relatives haunt the periphery of your family tree, rustling the leaves, causing the rest of you to tug the branches down and whistle a bit?
announcement. No one was more aware of his old age (and his wife’s) than the man himself! But the angel assured him he’d heard right, and to prove it God touched Zechariah’s tongue so that he could not utter a word. Yup, nine long months of utter silence. (Talk about some interesting family gatherings.)
So here’s some hope for your holiday stint with relatives – the wacky & weird ones, the angelic ones, and all the ones in between . . . your family doesn’t have to “get” you. They may never understand you or fully comprehend why you do what you do. And that’s okay. Because the One whose opinion counts more than Aunt Bertha or Uncle Wally wishes you the best Christmas yet and has His fingerprints all over your very own wacky, wonderful life story. Janna Wright told her first story— something about kittens and lost mittens—at age two. As an author and speaker she still loves sharing stories, especially through her “biz nistry,” Grace Thread, and her recent book, Grace Changes Everything. Janna adores deep talks, the Colorado mountain air outside her back door, and most of all, helping women of faith thrive in their God given adventure stories.
www.GraceThread.com
VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
9
Evil leaders can control nations
BY Naina Bajekal
Silent Night: The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce of 1914 n a crisp, clear morning 100 years ago, thousands of British, Belgian and French soldiers put down their rifles, stepped out of their trenches and spent Christmas mingling with their German enemies along the Western front. In the hundred years since, the event has been seen as a kind of miracle, a rare moment of peace just a few months into a war that would eventually claim over 15 million lives. But what actually happened on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day of 1914 — and did they really play soccer on the battlefield? Pope Benedict XV, who took office that September, had originally called for a Christmas truce, an idea that was officially rejected. Yet it seems the sheer misery of daily life in the cold, wet, dull trenches was enough to motivate troops to initiate the truce on their own — which means that it's hard to pin down exactly what happened. A huge range of differing oral accounts, diary entries and letters home from those who took part make it virtually impossible to speak of a “typical” Christmas truce as it took place across the Western front. To this day historians continue to disagree over the specifics: no one knows where it began or how it spread, or if, by some curious festive magic, it broke out simultaneously across the trenches. Nevertheless, some twothirds of troops — about 100,000 people — are believed to have participated in the legendary truce. Most accounts suggest the truce began with carol singing from the trenches on Christmas Eve, "a beautiful moonlit night, frost on the ground, white almost everywhere", as Pvt. Albert Moren of the Second Queens Regiment recalled, in a document later rounded up by the New York Times. Graham Williams of the Fifth London Rifle Brigade described it in even greater detail: “First the Germans would sing one of their carols and then we would sing one of ours, until when we started up ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’ the Germans immediately joined in singing the same hymn to the Latin words Adeste Fideles. And I thought, well, this is really a most extraordinary thing –
10
two nations both singing the same carol in the middle of a war.”
The next morning, in some places, German soldiers emerged from their trenches, calling out “Merry Christmas” in English. Allied soldiers came out warily to greet them. In others, Germans held up signs reading "You no shoot, we no shoot." Over the course of the day, troops exchanged gifts of cigarettes, food, buttons and hats. The Christmas truce also allowed both sides to finally bury their dead comrades, whose bodies had lain for weeks on "no man's land," the ground between opposing trenches. The phenomenon took different forms across the Western front. One account mentions a British soldier having his hair cut by his pre-war German barber; another talks of a pig-roast. Several mention impromptu kick-abouts with makeshift soccer balls, although, contrary to popular legend, it seems unlikely that there were any organized matches. The truce was widespread but not universal. Evidence suggests that in many places firing continued — and in at least two a truce was attempted but soldiers attempting to fraternize were shot by opposing forces. And of course, it was only ever a truce, not peace. Hostilities returned, in some places later that day and in others not until after New Year's Day. "I remember the silence, the eerie sound of silence," one veteran from the Fifth Batallion the Black Watch, Alfred Anderson, later recalled to The Observer. "It was a short peace in a terrible war." As the Great War resumed, it wreaked such destruction and devastation that soldiers became hardened to the brutality of the war. While there were occasional moments of peace throughout the rest of
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
World War I, they never again came on the scale of the Christmas truce in 1914. Yet for many at the time, the story of the Christmas truce was not an example of chivalry in the depths of war, but rather a tale of subversion: when the men on the ground decided they were not fighting the same war as their superiors. With no man’s land sometimes spanning just 100 feet, enemy troops were so close that they could hear each other and even smell their cooking. The commander of the British Second Corps, General Sir Horace Smith Dorrien, believed this proximity posed "the greatest danger” to the morale of soldiers and told Divisional Commanders to explicitly prohibit any "friendly intercourse with the enemy." In a memo issued on Dec. 5, he warned that: "troops in trenches in close proximity to the enemy slide very easily, if permitted to do so, into a 'live and let live' theory of life." Indeed, one British soldier, Murdoch M. Wood, speaking in 1930, said: “I then came to the conclusion that I have held very firmly ever since, that if we had been left to ourselves there would never have been another shot fired.” Adolf Hitler, then a Corporal of the 16th Bavarians, saw it differently: "Such a thing should not happen in wartime," he is said to have remarked. "Have you no German sense of honor?"Still, a century later, the truce has been remembered as a testament to the power of hope and humanity in a truly dark hour of history.It has been immortalized and fictionalized in children's novels like Michael Foreman's War Game, in films such as Joyeux Noel and Oh, What a Lovely War! and even in a controversial Christmas ad one year from Sainsbury's, a British supermarket chain. To mark the centenary year, Prince William unveiled a memorial on Dec. 12: a metal frame representing a soccer ball, with two hands clasped inside it, and a week later, inspired by the events of the truce, the British and German army soccer teams played a friendly match. And though the Christmas Truce may have been a one-off in the conflict, the fact that it remains so widely commemorated speaks to the fact that at its heart it symbolizes a very human desire for peace, no matter how fleeting.
December 13th Pastors and Ministries
Luncheon Open to RSVP o nly
Speakers to be Announced
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Opportunity to Unite the Body of Christ ‘Come Early and Stay Late’ to build and maximize our relationships with peers Meal Served from 11:00 AM 1:00 PM
1 8123 9 5 ) , 17 all (4y Saturday for c E S PLEAo RSVP b h to allowon t t ber 9 preparati m e c De meal Located & Brought to you by:
Still Waters International Ministries 5400 U.S. Highway 160 Walnut Shade, MO
The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is a common emphasis during the Christmas season, but is it important? Why was it crucial that Mary be a virgin when Jesus was conceived and born? Why is it vital that Jesus did not have a biological father? Could Jesus have been God incarnate without the intervention of the Holy Spirit? One reason for Jesus' virgin birth is that it identified Him as the Messiah. Isaiah 7:14 prophesied that a virgin would be with child. Ever since that prophecy, the Jews had looked for that particular sign. God uses miracles to validate His messengers. A virgin birth is a powerful validation. Another reason for the virgin birth is that having a biological father would have annulled Jesus' deity. He could not have been the son of Joseph and the Son of God at the
same time. Every person born of man has inherited Adam's sin nature (Romans 5:12, 17, 19). It was only as God that Jesus could be the perfect sacrifice for sin, so it was the Holy Spirit who conceived Jesus (Luke 1:35). The virgin birth is also a picture of our role in salvation: acceptance. Joseph had no part whatsoever in the conception of Jesus. Mary's role was passive; she merely accepted God's gift. As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, the work of salvation is done by God alone. Neither holiness nor salvation can be brought about by the effort of man.
Those who reject the virgin birth also reject the deity of Jesus, the sin nature of man, and the inspiration of the Word of God. Therefore, a denial of the virgin birth is antithetical to the Christian faith. God is allpowerful. Jesus is God. The Bible is God's Word. These are key points in the Christian faith, and they make a virgin birth a very simple matter.
There are some who do not believe in the virgin birth. Arianism teaches that the "virgin" of Isaiah 7:14 should read "young woman," and that at some point, God created Jesus. The Ebionites, an early Jewish Christian sect that closely followed Jewish law, taught that Jesus was Joseph's biological son and, because of Jesus' righteousness, God chose Him to be a prophet and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. The Gnostics, who believed the physical and the divine could not co-exist, claimed that God could not inhabit a material body; therefore, Jesus only appeared to be human.
VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
11
By CompellingTruth.org
What is the importance of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ?
young folks just don’t get specifics
Leonard Sleeps Through Christmas by J.L.Conlon (Altamonte Springs, Florida) “Tomorrow’s the big day!” Leonard’s father said. It must be Christmas, he thought. His house had been decorated for weeks. Holiday music had been playing and everybody was talking about Santa Claus. He couldn’t wait! Leonard brushed his teeth extra hard and extra fast that night. He hugged his mother and father an extra time, and even hugged his mouthy big sister Carly before he went to bed. Leonard closed his eyes and tried to go to sleep, but nothing happened. He closed his eyes tighter, and harder, but still he couldn’t sleep. The more he tried to sleep the more he thought of presents and Santa Claus, and cookies, and going to Grandma’s house. The harder he tried to sleep the harder he thought of ripping open packages, of laughing and singing Christmas songs. And he thought of his mother’s special Christmas pancakes. Then he got worried, remembering what his mouthy big sister Carly had said: Santa wouldn’t come if little boys and girls were still awake. Leonard heard Carly close her bedroom door. He heard his mother and father going to bed. The house was silent. Everyone was asleep but him! Leonard buried his head under his blanket and thought about falling asleep as hard as he could. He opened his eyes and his bedroom was still dark, the house was silent. But he noticed outside his window there was a little orange and pink light in the sky over the house across the street. He knew that’s where the sun came up! It was Christmas morning! Leonard hopped out of bed and listened. The house was still quiet. Santa must have gone already. He tip toed down the hallway and checked his parent’s room. They were still asleep. Mouthy big sister Carly was still asleep too. Leonard knew not to open any presents before anyone woke up, but he had to see what Santa had
12
brought. He’d just take a peek and wait in bed until everyone woke up. Quietly he went downstairs. It was dark, but he found a switch and turned on the light. The tree was there, but there were no presents, no bright colored wrapping paper, and no bows. He couldn’t believe it. He stepped closer to the Christmas tree: it was just like he’d left it last night! He ran to the dining room: no presents! He ran to the kitchen: no presents! He checked under the tables, in the hallway, in the closets: there were no Christmas presents! Santa had known he was still awake and passed them by! He’d ruined Christmas for everyone! He didn’t know what else to do, so he sat down on the floor and began to cry. Leonard opened his eyes and his mother and father were both there, holding him, asking him what was the matter. “No presents,” he mumbled between cries, “No Santa,” he said, “And it’s all…my…fault I didn’t get to sleep on time, and Santa passed us by!” He buried his face into his mother’s bathrobe. “Leonard honey, it’s okay,” his mother said softly. “What are you talking about?” his father asked. “You said tomorrow was the big day,” Leonard sniffed. "And today is tomorrow!" “Tomorrow is the big day,” his father said, “tomorrow, not today,today is Christmas Eve! The big day! Santa comes tonight!” “Then I didn’t miss it?” Leonard said, “I didn’t make Santa pass us by?” “No, of course not,” his parents said, hugging him. Leonard pulled away from his parents, “Then I better get to bed right now! I don’t want to be awake when I’m supposed to be asleep!”
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
“There’s plenty of time for that honey,” his mother said. “Since we’re all up, why don’t I make some really special Christmas Eve pancakes?” “Christmas Eve pancakes too? Wow,” Leonard said, “today really is the big day!
The Story of Silent Night Father Joseph Mohr sat at the old organ. His fingers stretched over the keys, forming the notes of a chord. He took a deep breath and pressed down. Nothing. He lifted his fingers and tried again. Silence echoed through the church. Father Joseph shook his head. It was no use. The pipes were rusted, the bellows mildewed. The organ had been wheezing and growing quieter for months, and Father Joseph had been hoping it would hold together until the organ builder arrived to repair it in the spring. But now, on December 23, 1818, the organ had finally given out. St. Nicholas Church would have no music for Christmas. Father Joseph sighed. Maybe a brisk walk would make him feel better. He pulled on his overcoat and stepped out into the night. His white breath puffed out before him. Moonlight sparkled off the snow-crusted trees and houses in the village of Oberndorf. Father Joseph crunched through the snowy streets to the edge of the little Austrian town and climbed the path leading up the mountain. From high above Oberndorf, Father Joseph watched the Salzach River ripple past St. Nicholas Church. In the spring, when
some things just have staying power
Father Joseph looked out over the Austrian Alps. Stars shone above in the still and silent night. Silent night? Father Joseph stopped. Of course! "Silent Night!" He had written a poem a few years before, when he had first become a priest, and he had given it that very title. "Silent Night." Father Joseph scrambled down the mountain. Suddenly he knew how to bring music to the church. The next morning, Father Joseph set out on another walk. This time he carried his poem. And this time he knew exactly where he was going -- to see his friend Franz Gruber, the organist for St. Nicholas, who lived in the next village.
year. Father Joseph picked out a few notes on the guitar, and he and Franz Gruber began to sing. Their two voices rang out, joined by the church choir on the chorus. Franz Gruber's melody matched the simplicity and honesty of Father Joseph's words. When the last notes faded into the night, the congregation remained still for a moment, then began to clap their hands. Applause filled the church. The villagers of Oberndorf loved the song! Father Joseph's plan to bring music to St. Nicholas Church had worked. A few months later, the organ builder arrived in Oberndorf and found the words and music to "Silent Night" lying on the organ. The song enchanted him, and when he left, he took a copy of it with him. The organ builder gave the song to two families of traveling singers who lived near his home. The traveling singers performed
Franz Gruber was surprised to see the priest so far from home on Christmas Eve, and even more surprised when Father Joseph handed him the poem. That night Father Joseph and Franz Gruber stood at the altar of St. Nicholas Church. Father Joseph held his guitar. He could see members of the congregation giving each other puzzled looks. They had never heard a guitar played in church before, and certainly not during midnight mass on Christmas Eve, the holiest night of the
A OBAMA ER
Gold Star Family Inn Thanks D.S. & F. Plumbing!
"Silent Night" in concerts all over Europe, and soon the song spread throughout the world. Today, cathedral choirs and carolers from New York to New Zealand sing the simple song that was first played in a mountain church in Austria on Christmas Eve nearly 200 years ago. -- By Dick Smolinski
Special thanks to Kay and Joy for making the American Christian Voice available coast to coast!
BY THE CITIZENS BLOGSPOT
melting snow flowed down the mountains and the river swelled in its banks, water lapped at the foundation of the church. It was moisture from the flooding river that had caused the organ to mildew and rust.
THE FLAGSTORE Flags Are Our Business All Types And Sizes 114 S Commercial St, Branson, MO 65616 (417) 3341776
Homecooked Meals Since 1910 120 W. Main, Branson, MO
4173343021 Fresh Bakery Bread, Pies & Pastries Where the Locals Eat VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
13
Visit the Village Entertainment, Shopping & Eateries!
Trip Advisor: Top Ten Destination! (417) 5511208
• NATURAL • HANDMADE • OLIVE OIL & GOATS MILK PRODUCTS Come See For Yourselves What We Are All About!
www.lorisoapmarket.com
LORI’S SOAP MARKET 4172393390 Grand Villiage Shopping Plaza 2800 W Hwy 76, Branson, MO 65616 Email: info@lorisoapmarket.com Fax:417.239.3391•email@effiemia.com Facebook: Lori’sSoapMarket
14
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
an awesome privilege
The Prayer of Mary’s Mother
“And what of Joseph? If he is not the father, and in my heart, I know what Mary has said is true because it’s too incredible to be otherwise, will Joseph stand by Mary or will he give her to be stoned? Dear Lord,
“Oh, my! My husband, he was so very upset! He never thought his little Mary would disgrace him. He wants to believe her . . . help him to believe her!”
“She has never been one to tell me things that aren’t true . . . but such a fantastic story?” “Lord, I want to believe her. Give me your wisdom. If Mary had been rebellious or flirtatious, I would have been concerned, but she has always been so wholesome and innocent compared to the other girls in Nazareth. “ “Oh, dear Lord, my neighbor, Rebecca, has such a sharp tongue. She will really make something out of this when she finds out. She always wanted Joseph to marry her daughter. Oh, Father, how I dread feeling her eyes on us at synagogue and her
“No one will believe it! It will be almost impossible for her to have a ‘normal life’. The Savior . . . I wonder, will he know that He is the Messiah? Will He have a childhood like other boys? Will he be like other boys? Oh, God, I have so many questions and I know you have the answers. Show me, Lord, how to be supportive of Mary and give me words to encourage Joseph and my husband.”
By Kathleen O’Neil
“Lord, can it be so? My little Mary – the mother of the Messiah? Such a wild story! It defies logic. Can it be so? The Holy Spirit came upon her and power of the Most High overshadowed her and now she is going to have a baby – and that baby will be Israel’s Savior!”
whispers behind our backs.”
“I don’t know how to be a grandmother to this child. He is the Messiah but He will be a baby. Why this way Lord? Is it so we can touch Him and He can touch us? I’ve always loved babies and I know that I will love Him. I will leave the rest of it in your hands.” protect her! Surround her with your love!” El Shaddai, this was not how I visualized this time in Mary’s life. Her first child should have been a joyous event for all of us. What will this mean for her? The mother of the Messiah?!”
“Mary is at peace. She seems delighted to have been chosen for so great an honor . . . oh, Lord, that her delight may be mine!”
VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
15
those who wait upon the Lord...
Time Brings Healing Encouragement for Today “God has made everything beautiful for its own time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11a (NLT) The other day during his swim lesson, my son swam the length of the pool. Twice. He swam from the deep end to the shallow end, and back again. Now, I know this may not seem very remarkable. Every mother is proud when her child learns to do something new, right? But not every mother gets to know the joy of seeing her child do something she thought she might never witness.
BY CHRYSTAL EVANS HURST
My son was a shoulder dystocia baby. He got stuck in the birth canal as he entered the world, and as a result, he acquired a nerve injury. For months, my son had no use of his right arm.
money seeing various doctors, traveling out of town, trying different therapies — none of which changed the bottom line. He was injured. For life. But here's what I didn't know then that I want to share with you now: Life gets better. Even when the source of our pain remains a source of constant heartache, time can bring a healing like no other. King Solomon, one of the wisest men to ever live, authored Ecclesiastes where he reminds us: “God has made everything beautiful for its own time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11a). Psalms 118:17 says, "… I will not die, but live, and tell of the works of the LORD" (NASB). Simply put: If you just keep on living, you’ll be able to tell the story of how God has brought you through. Because one way or
I watched my newborn son throw, wave, and extend one arm while the other arm lay completely still.
Over time, there has been a healing available through God's power and the gifting He’s given to many smart and capable individuals that have been a part of my son's medical journey. Over time, things have gotten better. Now I'm not going to sugar coat things — my son still has an injury. His arm will never be perfect. My mother's heart will always want to fix that for him, and I won't be able to. But time has brought a healing. With the passing of time, I’ve seen the deep pain I experienced equally matched by many moments of unexpected joy. And when I reached the end of all that was humanly possible, God’s worked through His never-ending power to make all things beautiful with time.
Our customers are always pleased to know that when they buy American made items, they are proactive in restoring the US economy & making America great again.
Truth be told, I was angry with God for allowing a bad thing to happen, and I was on a mission to fix it as much as was humanly possible. I spent a lot of time and
The latest ACV is available in the
General Store located at: Hwy 86 @ 13 180 Grace Chapel Rd. Blue Eye, MO
Our huge 4000+ new space is beautiful, filled with top quality american made goods that will take you back to a time when quality was never a question with American made products. Come and visit our amazing new location. We would love to meet you!! (417-336-8721) • (417-336-usa1)
www.mitUSAgeneralstore.com
Affordable & R&H Plumbing SMALL BUSINESS ... BIG SERVICE (417) 334-4224 (417) 336-6781 Serving the TriLakes since 1994.
16
My son swam the length of that pool. Twice. And he swam it with both arms moving — not moving perfectly — but moving nonetheless.
Visit us at The Branson Meadows Mall at 4420 Gretna Rd. Learn about the many American made products featured in our Made In The USA General Store.
Nothing. Nada. Zilch.
My heart felt like stone. I felt guilty. I grieved. I was simply heartbroken. My newborn son did not have perfectly moving limbs. For three months I cried every day. And I wondered what only time would tell — how hard his life might be with that one arm that didn't work like it was supposed to.
another, He always does.
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
We can program your sign anywhere in the world. Your sign can do more!
LED Sign Content Animations / Training info@signprogrammers.com
855.474.4627 www.signanimations.com
CHRISTMAS COTTAGES RECIPE To put a simple spin on the traditional gingerbread houses, we used purchased chocolate graham crackers. Make the "houses" ahead as an edible centerpiece, or let little elves assemble their own during your Christmas party. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Gingerbread House for those who don’t like Gingerbread MAKES: 1 serving TOTAL TIME: Prep: 40 min. + standing
VERIFIED BY Taste of Home Test Kitchen
INGREDIENTS 19 whole chocolate graham crackers 1 can (16 ounces) chocolate frosting 1 can (16 ounces) vanilla frosting Assorted candies
DIRECTIONS For roofs, break six graham crackers in half, forming 12 squares. Using a serrated knife, cut four squares diagonally in half, forming eight triangles. Cut a small hole in the corner of pastry or plastic bag; insert #4 round pastry tip. Fill the bag with chocolate frosting. Pipe frosting on the short edges of two triangles; attach two squares. Repeat three times. Let stand until set, about 1 hour. Frost roofs with vanilla frosting and decorate with candies as desired.
Pipe chocolate frosting along one side of front of cottage and the adjoining side wall. Place walls at right angles to each other. Repeat with second side section and back. Repeat for second cottage. Let stand until set. For tall cottages, using whole crackers, pipe chocolate frosting along a long side of front of cottage and the adjoining side wall. Place walls at right angles to each other. Repeat with second side section and back. Repeat for second cottage. Let stand until set. Cut doors from remaining cracker. Attach roofs and doors to cottages with chocolate frosting. Decorate as desired with candies and remaining frosting. Let stand until set. Yield: 4 cottages. Originally published as Christmas Cottages in Taste of Home's Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook Annual 2010, p100
For short cottages, break four graham crackers in half, forming eight squares.
PIERCE ARROW THEATER.COM VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
17
Jesus called us His friends Why Are You Friends with Your Friends? Are you friends with your friends for the sake of your friends? Or are you friends with your friends for the sake of yourself? I suspect you don’t really know while you derive some clear benefit from the relationship. As long as the relationship is gain, not loss, as long as it enhances your reputation instead of diminishes it, you probably don’t really know. A friend and I were recently considering some mutual acquaintances who had fallen on hard times. They had sinned or been sinned against, their lives and legacies called into question, their qualifications and reputations under attack. We noticed a difference between the two. One was deserted by his friends while one was supported. One saw his friends abandon him while the other saw his friends stay by his side. All other things being equal, both men learned something about their friendships. One learned that his friends will distance themselves when that friendship becomes a liability. The other learned that his friends will stand by him even when there is personal cost. One learned he had true friends while one learned he really had no friends at all. I fear that, judged by this standard, many of our friendships are self-centered. In the final analysis, we are friends with our friends for the sake of ourselves. When there is benefit to be gained by our associations we gladly proclaim people our friends. But when that association threatens to bring us shame, we quickly deny them. Why? Because our love for our friends is less than our love for ourselves. The “friendships” last only as long as they are beneficial to us.
BY TIM CHALLIES
I am grateful to have entered into a number of friendships that I am convinced would endure such challenges. But even more so, I am glad to have entered into the greatest of all friendships with the greatest of all Friends. At a million times and in a million ways I’ve already given this Friend every reason to bail, every reason to walk away, every reason to flee the shame of association. But he remains. He perseveres. He refuses to run. He risks his reputation every day. Yet he remains the nearest and dearest of friends. As the old sage says, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
The True Meaning Of Christmas Jesus Christ was born this day So many years before He came a servant to the lost, Though he was Lord of Lords We celebrate this joyous time, Reflecting on His birth Not born in a mansion, but a stable As if He had no worth He came so He could identify With the human heart of man And gave His life as a sacrifice, Offering a better plan A plan that reconciles us back To our loving Father God, Bringing hope and redemption from Sins ruling, iron rod For this is the only reason that we Should celebrate this day, To become focused on anything else, Would take the meaning away So let's arise with joy in our hearts And share it with everyone The meaning of Christmas will always be The birth of Jesus – God's son © By M.S.Lowndes
www.Challies.com
Spas, Pools & Patio, Inc.
Grace Electric 417.699.8685 Email: todrab777@hotmail.com
2045 US Hwy 27 N. Sebring, FL 33870 8633855250 www.SpasPoolsPatio.com 18
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
Come see us at: 113 Green Briar Drive Branson, MO 65616
www.GraceElectric Enterprises.com
We would love to come to your Inn. What a wonderful tribute. We feel Gold Star parents have been forgotten in most places. Thanks for what you do! parents of CWO2Christopher Johnson who was kia in Iraq, 2007.
1030 West Main StreetHwy 76 in Branson, MO on the strip next to:
Broasted chicken on the buffet bar!
Economy......... 26” TV, Good beds, Wi-Fi, Fridge and Microwave, Upgrade...... 50” flatscreens, Wi-Fi, Newer beds, Coffee service, Microwave, Fridge, King size bed available, Lite Breakfast Bar Luxury.......... 55” flatscreens, Wi-Fi, Best beds, Coffee service, Blow dryer, Ironing board, Microwave, Freezer-Fridge, USB chargers, recently remodeled room, Full Breakfast Bar and off-site access to local, 24 hour TR fitness center Prices subject to change without notice. You must call for a reservation to secure the current rate as available. This offer expires 12-1-2017.
Rate Discount per Night:
$2 50
.0 0
AAA - $2 Clergy - $3 Seniors - $4 Veterans, - $5 Blue Star - $ Gold Star - FREE
Stay six days and the seventh day is FREE!
Sweetheart Special for Two: 2 Nights in one of our BEST rooms 2 Full Breakfast Bar vouchers 2 Lunch Vouchers at Montana Mike’s Steak House 2 Dinner Vouchers to Godfather’s Pizza Buffet (includes broasted chicken and fixin’s) 2 Passes to the local TR fitness Centers 2 Show Tickets to a choice of local shows
www.GoldStarFamilyInn.com
417.337.7581
a blessing to all believers
Jason’s Hardwood Floors
FROM RABBI JEREMY STORCH
Ask the Rabbi What is Hannukah? anukkah, alternately called the “Feast of Dedication” and the “Festival of Lights”, is the best know and least known of the Jewish holidays. Yeshua (Jesus) Himself celebrated Hanukkah as told in John 10:22‐23. Tradition demands that we recount the story of the menorah at the Holy Temple, how is stayed lit for eight days with only one day’s supply of oil. Unfortunately, the events leading up to this miracle are often forgotten.
H
Hanukkah is not mentioned in the bible as we know it, but is in the apocryphal books of the Macabees. The story begins in 336 BC when Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire, which included Judea (Israel). The Jews and Alexander had a good association; Alexander allowed and encouraged Judaism to flourish, even sponsoring many sacrifices in the Temple. After the death of Alexander, Judea fell under the rule of the Ptolemies of Alexandria. The Jewish people were heavily influenced by the Hellenistic culture of the day and began to assimilate into the Greek society. It was during this time that an unstable madman named Antiochus Epiphanes came into power and enacted a number of anti‐Jewish decrees. Outraged, a ragtag group of villagers elected
Judah the Macabee to lead the battle that would soon be coming. Judah who was known as “the Hammer” and the rebels did not have to wait long before Antiochus mobilized his troop and attacked the little group. Miraculously the little band of warriors prevailed and defeated the mighty Greek army.
New Construction & Remodels • Install • Sand & Finish • Refinish
(870) 504-0794 @Jason’sHardwoodFloors
When the time came to relight the menorah only one jar of pure, undefiled holy oil could be found; it would take eight days for more oil to be obtained. The High Priest, determined to rededicate the Temple, lit the menorah even if it was to last only one day. Miraculously the menorah remained lit for the entire eight days until a new supply of holy oil arrived.
To contact Jeremy for ministry in your congregation, for a radio or television interview or other special event, or for information on his albums or teachings, please call or email:
The Tabernacle Branson’s Messianic Congregation 256 Church Road Branson, MO 65616 (417) 334-7373 info@thetabernacleinbranson.com TheTabernacleInBranson.com
If a pregnant women goes swimming, does that make her a human submarine? • What is silent in the word scent... the “s” or the “c”? • Do all dogs bark the same language? • If you expect the unexpected... doesn’t that make the unexpected the expected? • Queue is just “Q” followed by four silent letters • Bullets and fireworks are the only things that do their job after they are fired • The brain named itself • Why do noses run and feet smell? • Wants you read the dictionary, every other book you read is just a remix • Apple as “air”, Amazon has “fire”, Google has “earth”, why doesn’t Microsoft have “water” • Today is the oldest you’ve ever been and the youngest you’ll ever be • Two people cannot go to each other’s funerals • If you drop a bar of soap, is the soap dirty or is the floor clean? • What if oxygen is killing you... it just takes 70 or 80 years to fully work? • Why do the Ninja Turtles wear masks? Nothing else looks like them • An onion basically forces you to cry over its dead body • Why can we drink a drink but we cannot food a food? • I wonder how many people’s pictures I’ve been in the background of without knowing? • Is sand called sand because it is in between the sea and land? • A birth certificate is basically a baby receipt with no refund/return policy • Teachers have to be in school from age 5 until they retire • Teenagers drive like they have limited time and old people drive like they have all the time in the world • Nothing is on fire... fire is on things • Why aren’t I-Phone chargers called apple juice? • I wonder what my dog named me? • If you clean your vacuum cleaner you’re making your vacuum cleaner and you’re a vacuum cleaner.
20
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
sponsors Paul Norman • 616 S. Business 65 Hwy Branson, MO p. 417.334.5179 pgillispie@binswangerglass.com facebook.com/binswangerglass twitter.com/binswangerglass
binswangerglass.com
570 Gretna Rd. Branson. MO (417) 339-2697 417334TIRE
www.BatBoysBransonMO.com
Sudoku Answers to Page 27
www.lakesidetireandwheel.com
Mon. Thu. 7a8p Fri. 6 am – 9 pm Sat. 6 am – 9 pm Sun. 7am – 3 pm
16020 U.S. 160, Forsyth, MO (417) 546-4604
Award winning BBQ is famous in the Branson TriLakes area and is home of award winning bbq, hamburgers, catfish and stuffed baked potatoes.
www.FatDaddyBBQ.net
Branson Collision Center
548 Gretna Road 417.335.3775
When It Must Be Right! VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
21
A Child’s Captivating Christmas -as told to me by
BY KATHLEEN CARUSO O’NEIL
my daughter Rachel Koch
M
y parents divorced when my brother Adam and I were young; maybe three and four. We didn’t know exactly what was happening but we didn’t stop loving them. After a couple of years, Mom moved us to Omaha and Dad moved to New Orleans. They had a very unusual arrangement. Since Dad couldn’t have us every other weekend; they decided that we would spend summers and every other Christmas at Dad’s and that Mom would have us the rest of the year. We got to know each of our parents and the new people they brought into our lives. Dad married Peggy and she had two girls, Lynn and Lisa who were near our ages. We fit together very well. Dad had a big house with lots of rooms and lots of doors. There was a fireplace and a big kitchen. He loved to cook and often made us gourmet meals. He would take us on awesome vacations to places like Disneyworld and Yellowstone. He put us in camps where would could learn archery, swimming, diving and lots of other things.
restaurant. I am not really sure that I tasted much of it as I was still thinking about what was behind those closed doors! As soon as the table was cleared, Dad sat down in the big chair in the family room and picked up his Bible and read the Christmas story. There was a hush as his strong voice shared the story of the very first Christmas. I am glad he did that. The toys could wait a bit longer. Finally, all the preliminaries were complete and we stood before the closed doors shivering with anticipation. At last, they opened the beautiful French doors and there in all its glory was our beautiful Christmas tree surrounded by many presents wrapped and unwrapped. It was in the days of the Barbie Dream House and there it sat! Our eyes popped and our smiles broadened as we ran toward the tree.
After Dad and Peggy got us calmed down, we began to open each present with exclamations of delight and wonder. It is a Christmas that I will never forget and one that I try to copy for my own children. As awesome as the gifts were, the experience is what lingers in my heart. Merry Christmas, dear readers, may you, too, find delight in this Holy Day and amid the colored lights, presents and shiny faces, always remember the One who came to earth so that we might live forever with Him. I wonder what Christmas will be like in heaven!
I say all of that to say this. There was one Christmas that I will never forget! It was Christmas morning at Dad’s and the four of us couldn’t wait to get downstairs to see what wonders were under the beautiful tree in the living room. When we got the go ahead to come down, the living room and the room next to it were closed off and locked! We were so disappointed, but Dad and Peggy came and said that all in good time we would get to explore those rooms. In the family room, our stockings were hung by the chimney “with care’ and it was apparent that Santa had already been there. We each ran to the one with our name and looked to the adults for permission and it was granted. There were many wonders stuffed into those stockings including a ‘Lifesaver’ book full of lifesavers, and for me some stationary so that I would write from Omaha, and so much more. It was a fun “pre-Christmas! Then we turned to Dad and said, “Now?” He smiled and said, “Not yet, we still have much to do. Let’s start by eating breakfast” and was it ever a feast! It was beautiful and all one could hope to find in a five-star
This high energy sho ow is filled with singing,, dancing, comedy, 24 entertainers on stage, and great visual effe ects! The first half fea e tures a varie ety of music - old and ne n w country, rock, current hits, and patrio t tic! The second half is ALL Christmas!
ClayCooperTheatre.com y 417 1 -332-2529 VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
23
Penny jewelry with a preci IN
A Branson Top 10 Shopping
24
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
ous message— GOD WE TRUST
g Destination
Located in the Grand Village see ad on page 14
Branson Holiday Window Painting Call Kim Cooper at: 417.230.1427 VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
25
MakingPizzelle R
ecently I bought a pizzelle maker and I couldn’t wait to break it in. I felt very ambitious and had visions of making all different flavors like anise, chocolate, citrus, cinnamon, orange and rum, almond and some even dipped in chocolate and then into nuts, oh yes and sprinkles for the kids! Well I didn’t get all that far because making pizzeles are very time consuming! I have a close friend Jean who can make these in her sleep! Pretty much every event in life like holidays, parties, funerals, or just a few girls getting together you can always count on Jean to bring her pizzelles. Pizzelle making is a true labor of love, you have to be patient, something I need to work on when baking or making cookies! I followed the recipes that came with my pizzelle maker because they’re all basically all about the same, flour, butter, eggs, sugar and the flavorings of your choice. After I did one batch I was pretty much done! I called Jean for advice and she gave me some good tips, like don’t be in a hurry, allow a couple of hours, sit down and watch TV while your making them. My recipe said to drop a tablespoon of batter behind the center of the pattern, I did that and they were too big, batter was oozing out the sides and running into each other, I was ready to give up they looked terrible! Jean said to use a heaping teaspoon of the batter ( which comes out pretty thick) and place it in the center, I did what she said and they turned out great! I’ve always loved the the designs on pizzelle irons, they make beautiful crispy wafer cookies and always look gorgeous on a platter. Right now I’m hiding these in a big tin and plan to bring them out as part of our Thanksgiving Day dessert. I made traditional anise flavor and chocolate ones as well. I made the sprinkled kind for my two granddaughters simply by taking the heaping teaspoon of dough and rolling it into a bowl of sprinkles right before you place the ball of batter on the iron. My advice is to do the sprinkle ones last so that you won’t find any tiny sprinkles on your other flavors. My oldest granddaughter was off of school the day I made these so she taste tested a few and gave me thumbs up all the way, so did her dad! Jean says don’t powder sugar them until the day you’re going to eat them, if you have a cool place store them in a can, they last for weeks and still stay crispy, no need to freeze. Here’s the basic recipe with variations: 6 eggs** 1 cup of sugar** 1 cup of melted butter** ( Jean says you can use canola oil if you want in place of the melted butter) **2 teaspoons vanilla** 3 cups flour** 1 tablespoon baking powder** ( For anise flavor add 1 teaspoon of anise seeds and 2 teaspoons of anise extract) if you use pure anise oil, use much less like 1/2 teaspoon or a teaspoon. ( For chocolate flavor add 1/2 cup of cocoa
26
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
powder) Melt butter and set aside. Beat eggs and sugar until light yellow, 23 minutes. Add melted butter and vanilla or other flavorings. Beat until blended. Sift together the ingredients, fold until just blended, add remaining flour and fold again until just incorporated. Heat pizzelle iron, place 1 heaping teaspoon of batter in center of pattern. Bake until golden brown, about 30-40 seconds. Remove and cool on a rack. Repeat with remaining batter. This could make six dozen depending on how deep your grooves are on your iron. ( Jean triples this, if you’re going to do it you might as well make a bunch!)Merry Christmas y’all!
prouditaliancook.com
Online readers, we’ve included a link to printable PDF puzzle page!
ACROSS 1 Reverence 4 Shaggy 9 South by east 12 Engrossed 14 Ice house 15 Duces 16 Christmas __ 17 Clink 18 Uncommon 19 A wish, with 48A 21 Myriad 23 Indisposed 25 Hit 26 Bug spray 30 Horse-like animal 34 Expert 35 What you stand in 36 Staggered 37 Slice 39 Racket 41 Papa 42 Walking back and forth 44 Help the poor 46 Brim 47 Inscribed pillar 48 See 19A 50 Thong 52 Spot 53 Foot cleaner 56 Map feature 59 Lure 60 Forte
62 Mined metals 64 Pecans, e.g. 65 Where actors work 66 One of Columbus' ships 67 Abdominal muscles (abbr.) 68 Christmas story bad guy 69 Midwest hrs. DOWN 1 Creative work 2 Loving 3 Dueling sword 4 Riding Bikes 5 Good grief! 6 Narrow opening 7 Trustworthy 8 Rube 9 Beautiful bird 10 Star Trek Automoton 11 Vane direction 13 Concise 15 Multiplied by three 20 Stream 22 Gent 24 Beano 26 Speaks with a hoarse voice 27 Acclaim 28 __ on earth ... 29 Reigndeer noise
31 Warning 32 Radio, TV, etc. 33 John Quincy __ 36 Went back to 38 Surges 40 Beget 43 Come close to 45 Sports channel 48 Virtuous 49 Chicken brand 51 Break 53 Trounce 54 Horse's dinner 55 Russian ruler 57 Little Mermaid's love 58 Watch out for 59 Genetic code 61 Pride 63 Used a chair
puzzle page
Answers to CrossWord Puzzle on Page 45
Answers to Sudoku Puzzle on Page 21
God Loves you just the way you are, not the way you should be. Because no one is as they should be. - Brennan Manning
Friberg’s Gone Green Recycling & Waste Management Regular Hours Mon Fri 8:00 am 4:30 pm Sat 8:00 am 1:00 pm Sun Closed
Dear Lord, Help me not despise the things I do not know or understand. ~William Penn
2957 State Road 35
in Frederic, Wisconsin
7153278349 VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
27
gracefilled fellowships
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA) WORSHIP SERVICES:
Praise & Worship Sun. @ 8:30 a.m. Education Hour - 9:15 a.m. Liturgy &Traditional Service - 10:30 a.m.
HIGHWAY #165 AND STATE DRIVE 350 State Drive Hollister, MO
VISITORS WELCOME Pastor Emil Bartos www.PeaceLutheran ChurchHollister.com
(417) 3341499 FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE His life is your life, His death is your death, His righteous-ness is your righteous-ness
Sunday School: 9:30 AM Praise & Worship: 10:30 AM (Children's Church and Nursery Available) Sunday Evening Service: 6 PM 300 W Hensley St, Branson, MO (417) 334-4308
BransonNazarene.org
First Presbyterian Church Pastor Tom Wilcox
S t i l l Wa t e r s International Ministries
Waking the World to their Loving Creator Okay, so we are not a typical church but we are a training ground to make disciples for Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit! Come visit OUR FAMILY Sunday morning at 9:45 a.m. and you will see what we mean.
5400 U.S. Highway 160 Walnut Shade, MO
(417) 5981231 see service times at: jimbakkershow.com/morningside/ churchservices/
420 W Main St, Branson, MO
(417) 334-3468 • fpcbranson.org
Springfield Church of God (7th Day) "Sharing Freedom in Christ" Pastor: Andy Hassen • 1521 E. 24th Street N. Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 8316721 Sabbath School: 9:45 am • Worship: 11:00 am Wednesday night: 6:30 pm
www.SpringfieldCOG7.org
A week without a Sabbath is perpetual bondage. 28
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
7 miles north of Branson on Hwy 160. One quarter mile west of 65. First property on left.
• Spiritfilled Davidic style Praise & Worship • Annoited Bible-based teaching • Fellowship after each service • Nursery & Children’s Shabbat School Meeting at Branson Hills Ministry Center 256 Church Road, Branson, MO 65616 Discover the Hebrew roots of your Christian faith!
Join us for weekly services: Erev Shabbat (Friday) 7:30 pm Shabbat (Saturday) 11 am (417) 3347373 www.TheTabernacleinBranson.com
male metaphors culturally represent authority Why We Use Male Language for God ur names are both practical and personal symbols our identity. We notice when people call us the wrong names, whether it's a jumbled spelling on our Starbucks cup or a new acquaintance mistaking "Kate" for "Katie" (happens to me all the time). More broadly, we also care about the gender and pronouns people use when they talk about us. This has become a greater concern as more transgender and queer people adopt new pronouns or gender-neutral pronouns to correspond with their identity. I've noticed people indicating their preferred pronouns in their Twitter bios or email signatures. As Christianity Today noted in a package on transgender identity a couple years ago, "Following general journalistic practice, we at CT follow a simple rule: Use the pronoun that the person uses." I remember discussing this preference with a group of Christian writers. One piped up that she agreed with the approach. After all, she said, that's how I refer to God. Even though God is neither male nor female, many Christians defer to the pronoun God uses in Scripture: he. I thought about her explanation as I read Katelyn Beaty's recent defense of using male language like Father for God. "All gendered God-language is metaphor. (Again, God is not a biological male.)," she wrote. "But it's the metaphor that Jesus used when he prayed: "Abba, Father" and the language the Word of God gave us to
speak to God." Katelyn went on to quote theologian T. F. Torrance, who called Father "more than an epithet—it is the personal name of God in which the form and content of his selfrevelation as Father through Jesus Christ his Son are inseparable." Some readers on Twitter pushed back against Katelyn's case. Gender-neutral terms like "Creator" weren't as cold as she suggested, they said. Or, you could still use the language of "Father" without using "he" or "himself." There are more than a couple ways to land on the language around God.
Patricia Heaton A woman experiencing an unplanned pregnancy also deserves to experience unplanned joy.
The whole discussion reminded me of the paradox of our relationship to God. We are like him—made in God's image, male and female—and yet he is unlike us. We cannot place our names and terms onto God with exact, one-to-one precision. It's a dynamic Jen Wilkin explores so well in her book None Like Him. Even our words can seem to fall short for the Maker of the Universe. Of course, Scripture gives us names for God and shows us who God is. CT featured America's latest tribute to the Good Book—the brand-new Museum of the Bible—in our November issue. In this year's Advent devotional, we celebrate God revealed to us through Christ. As that Christmas creep makes its way in, we once again remember the significance of God the Father in the first place. In Katelyn's words, "The intimacy between two persons of the Trinity, Father and Son, is now available to each person in Christ." Kate Shellnutt, Editor, CT Women
(303) 9633000 ccuadmissions@ccu.edu www.ccu.edu
VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
29
We offer the best in burgers (fresh ground chuck, buffalo or elk), gyros, hot dogs, chicken (417) 3344835 • sandwiches Pickup, Dine in, and more! Patio • 1412 W Hwy 76 in Branson, MO
Baba’s Burgers & Gyros
Residential • Commercial • Retrofit • Installs • Service
www.BabasBurgers.com
We are honored to serve our TriLakes community with nocost job estimates, retrofit and new construction installation as well as 24/7 service on all residential and commercial systems. We proudly offer Active and Veteran Military a 10% discount on all services.
In fact, some pains don’t pass because God has a bigger purpose for them.
130 Industrial Park Dr., Suite D., Hollister, MO 65672
4173206444 www.PatriotMO.com Nick Morris Licensed Insurance Agent HealthMarkets Insurance AgencySM Health | Medicare | Small Group | Life | Supplemental
11016 E State Hwy 76, Ste 31 Branson West, MO 65737 NMorris@HealthMarkets.com P (417) 2313544 F (866) 2487279 www.HealthMarkets.com/ NMorris
Rainbow Haven Resort & Marina 2927 State Hwy 176 • Rockaway Beach, MO 65740
417.561.4179 www.RainbowHavenResort.com
BOAT RENTALS! CABIN RENTALS! 30
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
34
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
sponsors
417‐337‐3794
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
Moving to the Area? Our Buyer’s Specialists Are Standing By to Help You Find Your New Home Give Us A Call Today!
A Leader in the Tri‐Lakes Board Of Realtors Year After Year 714 St Hwy 248, Ste 10 * Branson, MO Email ‐ jim@bransonlistings.com
BEST GOLD STAR BRANSON SHOWS TheVoicesOfGlory.com featuring AYO - Statler Bros. Jerry Presley • 866-991-8445 • Clay Cooper’s Country Express • 417-332-2529 • www.ClayCooperTheatre.com • The Texas Tenors• 866-991-8445 • TheTexasTenors.com Acrobatsof Chinese • 417-336-8888 • www.AcrobatsOfChina.com • Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede • 877-782-6733 • www.DixieStampede.com • Sight & Sound’s Moses • 800377-1277 • www.Sight-Sound.com • SIX • 877-SIX-SHOW • www.TheSixShow.com • Hot Rods & High Heels @ Clay Cooper Theatre • 877-317-2604 • www.ClayCooperTheatre.com • The Johnson Strings • (417) 231-2420• www.TheJohnsonStrings.com• ForeverYoungBranson.com • All Hands On Deck
BEST GOLD STAR EATERIES IN BRANSON • 1412 W. Hwy 76 • 417-334-4835• www.BabasBurgers.com Branson Cafe (try the breakfast skillet) • 120 W Main St. • 417-334-3021• www.DowntownBransonCafe.com Culver’s • 1309 MO-248• 417-334-4494 • www.Culvers.com/Restauarants/Branson • Florentina’s Italiano Restuarante • 2690 Green Mountain Dr. • 417-337-9882 • www.FlorentinasRistoranteItaliano.com Godfather’s Pizza • 1026 W Main St. • 417-332-1001• www.Godfathers.QuikOrder.net • 1315 W 76 Country Blvd. • 417-334-8838• McFarlain’s) • 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expy • 417-336-4680 • www.BransonImax.com • Montana Mike’s Steak House • 3225 MO-76 • 417-334-2766 • www.MontanaMikes.com •
Gerzen’s Jewelry & Repair
ATTENTION READERS!
Award Winning Custom Designer John Gerzen 3532 S. National • Springfield (417) 8872330 • (417) 8944485
“Where you’re treated like family” gerzen@sbcglobal.net
ChildrensRescue.com • DH Austin (615) 4151917
Wherever you see this Gold Star in an ad or announcement from our sponsors please note that they have contributed to the Gold Star Family Inn with finances or resources. Everything that has been donated, traded or assisted in this great and noble project, we humbly appreciate. We encourage our readers to patronize these generous folks that made it possible to Honor the Families of the Fallen. See page 43 VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
35
please support our retailers
Please buy or order a copy of the American Christian Voice from...
Credit Cards accepted by phone at: 417-336-3636 order by email:
editor@americanchristianvoice.com
Subscriptions War Room Widows: To receive your FREE subscription, please write us a faith promise note that you will pray for each and every sponsor found in every issue we send you. You can do this over an entire month or in one sitting but we need you to intercede for our sponsors, their families and staff personally.
Help us grow and we will help you grow Please indicate which month to start your subscription. It’s only $24 a year... (6 issues) NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Or Gift it to a Loved One!
...or send a check with your address to: American Christian Voice 1030 WEST MAIN STREET Branson, MO 65616
FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR WAR ROOM WIDOWS! We are offering FREE subscriptions to any widow who has a real war room and would be willing to personally pray for each one of our sponsors specifically each month.
36
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
If you really get stuck, email us and we will give you a clu: editor@AmericanChristianVoice.com
VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
37
By Joshua.A.Greeson
the grinch never saved anybody
Christians love arguing with each other about things, don’t we? Only Christians could find a reason to argue over CHRISTMAS, of all things. I love my brothers and sisters, but dang! Here’s a fun example of the weird things you can find on the internet: “The word ‘Santa,’ rearranged, spells ‘S-A-TA-N,’ and ‘Claus’ is reminiscent of ‘Claws’ — in other words, ‘SATAN’S CLAWS’! Do you want Satan, the arch-enemy of mankind, to get his ‘claws’ into your children?” (yes, I actually found this on a website which shall remain nameless…) OK it’s true that Christmas (and other holidays) have pagan roots. For example, here are some pagan origins of Christmas and its traditions: The date of the Christmas holiday: the birth of the Roman Sun God, winter solstice, and Saturnalia (a Roman pagan festival) was coopted and turned into a Christian celebration of the birth of Christ… Santa Claus: Germanic cults, false gods Odin/Woden, on to Sinterklaas, blah blah blah… Christmas tree: the pagans in Rome—and even before that in Egypt–worshipped trees, so when Saturnalia became
38
Christmas, they brought the trees inside and put ornaments on them. The tradition was nailed down further much later, but this is said to be the roots of it. Mistletoe: whether it be druidic sacrificial rituals, or just the blatant sexuality of Saturnalia being toned down for Christianity, a kiss under the mistletoe has some naughty origins… Holly, the Yule log, even gift-giving, and more: you can find various pagan origins for all them if you want to. Listen to me—WHO CARES what the origin of the tradition was?!?! None of that matters one iota! This is nothing more than a common logical fallacy called the “genetic fallacy:” “Genetic fallacy–where a CONCLUSION is suggested based solely on something or someone’s ORIGIN rather than its CURRENT MEANING OR CONTEXT” (Wikipedia). In other words, the unnecessary association of a holiday’s ROOTS, with its CURRENT celebration, then, is ZERO LOGICAL BASIS for an argument against the holiday. Let’s also please remember this when Easter and Halloween come back around too.
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
Someone might say, “Well, you know, brother—this is ‘mixture;’ it’s ‘strange fire;’ you’re ‘worshipping God in vain;’ don’t you know we must ‘come out from among them and be separate;’ ‘touch not the unclean thing;’ (insert other random objections taken out of their Scriptural context here).” Listen, this is not mixture, it’s the little leaven of the Kingdom leavening the whole lump (Matt.13:33; Luke 13:20-21). It’s not syncretism, it’s overcoming (1 John 5:4, 4:4). It’s “of the increase of His Kingdom there will be no end” (Is.9:7). Pagan rituals are nothing. Idols and false gods are nothing. Superstitions are nothing. To celebrate Christ any and every day is a Christian freedom and joy! If those of us who are free to celebrate it do it together on December 25th, then great. But ultimately, Sabbath is seven days a week, EVERY DAY is a Christian holiday, and every year is the Year of Jubilee–It’s the victory of Jesus and the freedom He won for us in union with Him. It’s a life-long celebration of His birth, Incarnation, Death, Resurrection and Ascension all rolled into one—so please get over it! If you feel that–according to your
do not over shadow the Gospel with your “Truth”
That’s the blog post. If you want some Scripture for this, please read below… Otherwise, blessings and MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Like my Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/Joshua.A.Greeson
Here are few Scriptures that sum up some of my feelings… Colossians 2:16, 2023 (NASB) Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day… If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in selfmade religion and selfabasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. 1 Corinthians 8:48 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For even if there are so called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.
my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? …why am I evil spoken of …? Therefore… whatever you do, do all to the glory of God Romans 14:16, 1314 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God… Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
Tim’s Headquarters Salon located in Hollister across from Lowe's, next to Family Pharmacy • We offer precision women's, men's and children's cuts. • Massage Therapist. • We also have shellac, manicures, and pedicures. Please give us call
4173481958 and check out our Facebook page
BY ZACHARY LEEMAN
conscience–you ought not celebrate, then please don’t. I would never want to be a stumbling block to you, nor encourage you to violate your conscience. However, in the same way, please don’t try to impose your individual restrictions on other Christians who enjoy a wider range of freedom in this regard than you do.
Would you like to join the ministry of the American Christian Voice? Please go to your local Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million or EntertainMart store and purchase a current copy of the ACV. If they are out, please ask them if they can order a current copy. It’s a win, win... when you help us grow, we help you grow!
1 Corinthians 10:2331 All things are lawful for me… Eat whatever is sold in the meat market…for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” … eat whatever is set before you… for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” …For why is VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
39
Branson 足 417.334.7291 Ava 足 417.683.3612 Forsyth 足 417.546.4464 www.OzarksFamilyVision.com Our practice has proudly served the Tri足Lakes area with a tradition of quality service and a friendly staff since 1978. The doctors and staff take great pride in offering every patient the absolute best in vision care. Our expert doctors and experienced staff will take the time to answer all of your questions, explain treatment options, and provide the highest quality eye health treatments available. At Ozarks Family Vision Centre we have a mission and we take that mission seriously. Come visit our modern facilities and you will clearly see what sets us apart.
If you get really stuck, email our office and we will provide you a clue. editor@AmericanChristianVoice.com
Christmas Party
www.2illuminate.com
Join us and discover the Legend We will have lunch, a of the Christmas Donkey. You are invited to a Christmas party for special needs children. This event is sponsored by 2 illuminate ministries, a non- profit organization. When: Saturday, December 9th Time: 11AM – 2 PM Where: Ozark Family Mountain YMCA RSVP: (417) 699-9227 by Nov. 30th
craft, live Christmas music, and a Christmas play performance. Please email your name and the child’s name with your phone number, address, and email address: twoilluminate@gmail.com
BY RICK WARREN
a few sing about a Savior that they don’t even know The following article is an excerpt from Rick Warren's The Purpose of Christmas.
of great joy that will be for all the people." Luke 2:10 (NIV)
human being, so we could understand what he is really like.
Christmas is a party. Specifically, it's a birthday party — for Jesus — and birthdays are meant to be celebrated. It's why we say "Merry Christmas!"
The good news of Christmas is worth celebrating for three reasons. It is personal: "I bring YOU." It is positive: "GOOD news of great joy." And it is universal: "for ALL the people." It doesn't matter who you are, what you've done, where you've been, or where you're headed — this news is for you.
God has given us, as human beings, the capacity to know him in ways animals can't. He created us in his image, which includes the ability to enjoy a personal relationship with him. Then he took the initiative to send Jesus so we could understand his love and our need for him.
A national magazine used to carry a feature called "News You Can Use." I always read that section first. The angel brought us news we can use. It's the best news in the world:
Of course, we know a little about God by simply observing his creation. For instance, by looking at nature we know that our Creator loves variety: he created an incredibly diverse universe. Think of the limitless array of plants, animals, rock formations, snowflakes, and people. No two
Ironically, at most Christmas parties the person whose birthday we're supposed to be celebrating is completely ignored. He's never even mentioned. Although Jesus is the reason for the season, he's often overlooked or merely mentioned along with Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, the Grinch, elves, and a long list of celebrated fictional characters. As I was writing this little book, I decided to take a survey of Christmas shoppers. I asked, "What are you celebrating this Christmas?" Most answers had nothing to do with Jesus: "I'm celebrating that I made it through another year." ..... "I'm celebrating being home with my family." ...."I got a Christmas bonus." .... "My son is home from Iraq." ... "The candidate I voted for got elected." ... "I'm celebrating that I've finished all my shopping."... "I'm not celebrating anything. I'm just trying to survive."
God loves you! God is with you! God is for you!
Preparing for Christmas can be a lot of work, especially for moms. With the pressure of buying gifts, sending greeting cards, decorating our homes, putting up lights, cooking, attending parties, and cleaning up afterward, we have little time to actually enjoy the meaning of Christmas.
Christmas is a time to celebrate that God loves you! The most famous statement in the Bible is Jesus' explanation of why God sent him to earth: "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
The first purpose of Christmas is celebration! We learn this from the angel's opening statement to the shepherds of Bethlehem. God had wonderful news for us that would cause us all to rejoice, celebrate, and throw a party: "I bring you good news
The entire reason for Christmas is the love of God. God loves you so much that he came to earth as a human so you could get to know him and learn to trust him and love him back. Theologians call this the Incarnation. God became one of us, a
42
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
human beings, even twins, are exactly alike. God doesn't make clones or copies. Every one of us is an original. After you were born, God broke the mold. By surveying natural phenomena, we also know that God is powerful and organized, and that he loves beauty. We all know that God must enjoy watching us enjoy what he's created. Otherwise, why would he give us so many ways to enjoy it? He gave us taste buds, then filled the world with incredible flavors like chocolate and cinnamon and all the other spices. He gave us eyes to perceive color and then filled the world with a rainbow of shades. He gave us sensitive ears and then filled the world with rhythms and music. Your capacity for enjoyment is evidence of God's love for you. He could have made the world tasteless, colorless, and silent. The Bible says that
gold star attention God "richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." He didn't have to do it, but he did, because he loves us. Still, until Jesus arrived, our understanding of God's love was limited. So God invaded earth! It was the greatest invasion in history, and nothing has been the same since. God could have chosen thousands of ways to communicate with us, but since he designed us, he knew the best way to communicate with us would be face-toface.
The Bible tells us that God is love. It doesn't say God has love, but God is love. Love is the essence of God's character. It is his very nature. The reason that everything in the universe exists is because God wanted to love it. "The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made." Think about this. If God didn't want to love something, he would not have created it. Everything you see, and the trillions of things you can't see, was made by God for
You were created as an object of God's love. He made you in order to love you! His love is the reason you're alive and breathing and reading this book. Every time your heart beats and every time you take a breath, God is saying, "I love you." You would not exist if God had not wanted you. Although there are accidental parents, there are no accidental babies. The parents may not have planned them, but God did. Did you know that God was thinking of you even before he made the world? In fact, it is why he created it! He designed this planet's environment with just the right characteristics so human beings could live on it. The Bible says, "God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things he made."5 We matter to God more than anything else he has made. Because God's love for you is unconditional, he loves you on your bad days as much as on your good days. He loves you when you don't feel his love as much as when you do. He loves you regardless of your performance, your moods, your actions, or your thoughts. His love for you is unchanging. Everything else will change during your lifetime, but God's love for you is constant, steady, and continuous. It's the
foundation for unshakable confidence. There is nothing you can do that will make God stop loving you. You could try, but you'd fail — because God's love for you is based on his character, not your conduct. It's based on who he is, not what you've done. The Bible says, "Christ's love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love." One potential problem of our annual Christmas celebrations is that many people only think of Jesus as a baby! Their conception of him is only as a helpless newborn in his mother's arms. If Jesus had never grown up to do what he did, he'd have no power to transform our lives. But the baby born in Bethlehem did not stay a baby. Jesus grew to manhood, modeled for us the kind of life that pleases God, taught us the truth, paid for every sin we commit by dying on a cross, then proved that he was God and could save us by coming back to life. This is the Good News. When the Romans nailed Jesus to a cross, they stretched his arms as wide as they could. With his arms wide open, Jesus was physically demonstrating, "I love you this much! I love you so much it hurts! I'd rather die than live without you!" The next time you see a picture or statue of Jesus with outstretched arms on the cross, remember, he is saying, "I love you this much!"
THANK YOU GOLD STAR SPONSORS!
If God had wanted to communicate to birds, he would have become a bird. If God had wanted to communicate to cows, he would have become a cow. But God wanted to communicate to us, so he became one of us. He didn't send an angel or a prophet or a politician or an ambassador. He came himself. If you really want people to know how much you love them, you can't send a representative to communicate it. You have to say it personally. That's what God did at Christmas.
his enjoyment. He loves it all, even when we mess it up with our sin. He still has a purpose for it. Every star, every planet, every plant, every animal, every cell, and, most of all, every human being was created out of God's compassion.
The Purpose of Christmas © 2008 Rick Warren
Hardwood... Jason’s Hardwood Floors • 870-504-0794 Heating & Air... Patriot Heat & Air • 417-320-6444 Jewelry & Repair... Gerzen’sJewelers • 417-887-2330 Lodging... Gold Star Family Inn • 417-337-7581 - Businesses that have assisted the Gold Star Family Inn Project. Opticians... Ozarks Vision Clinic • 417-334-7291 Please frequent their establishmentsfor by doing so you will be Plumbing - D.S.& F. Plumbing • 417-336-6307 honoring the families of the fallen. Printing... Copy Run • 417-334-6611 BEST BRANSON BUSINESSES Radio... LIFE FM 88.1 • 417-334-5532 Soaps & Gifts...Lori’s Soap Market • 417-239-3390 Accounting... Advocate CPA • 417-334-0643 American made products... Made in the USA • 417-336- Signs... Perfect Signs • 417-337-7446 Tires...Young’s Lakeside Tires • 417-334-TIRE 8721 Web Designs & Marketing... Marketing for Your Business Auto Body... Branson Collision • 417-335-3775 • 417-331-1640 Computers... Computer Innovations • Springfield Window Tinting... Ozarks Window Tinting• 143 First Dentistry... Dr. Kay Knipschild • 417-887-2929 Dog Breeding... Kingdom Come Kennels • 417-359-9598 street, Turkey Creek Junction • Hollister, Missouri • 417.527.7500 Electric... Grace Electric • 417-699-8685 Fire Protection...... Centas Fire Protection
GOLD STAR BUSINESS DIRECTORY
VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
43
44
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
sponsors Branson News & Weather
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
Listen online anywhere in the world at: www.klfcradio.com
now available on your IPhone as an app! • Look in the Apple app store and search “KLFC”
4173345532 Contemporary Christian Music
The Shrine of the Holy Spirit Visit our Gift Shop 179 Expressway Lane • Branson, MO Mon Sat • 9 am 5 pm • Sunday hours vary
417.337.7888 www.ShrineOfTheHolySpirit.com
Kay E. Knipschild, D.D.S. “Exceptional Dental Care for a Lifetime” We Offer Quality, Caring General Dentistry The power of EXCELLENCE to create beautiful smiles!
Relaxed Comfortable Environment New Patients Always Welcome Emergencies Seen Promptly Nitrous Oxide Sedation Stereo Headphones
(417) 8872929 CrossWord Answers to Page 27
3841 S. Jefferson Springfield, MO VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
45
God is not bipolar and Marriage class. The students were asked to "Draw what you think of when you envision the love of God."
He Loves Me... He loves me not...
W
e live in a world which places a lot of weight on the individual. Personal preferences and feelings tend to reign in most situations. This emphasis on the individual naturally carries over into our Christian walk. Many of us who call ourselves Christians often find ourselves asking whether or not we felt God’s love or presence in our lives that day or in that moment, and then, if the answer is no, we are often tempted to feel like failures.
Think about that for a moment. What would you draw? Most of Morse’s classmates ended up drawing happy images such as meadows with butterflies, a teddy bear, red hearts, smiley faces, and a number of other pictures that evoke warm, fuzzy feelings. Morse’s picture of God’s love, however, was
emotions, and the events of any given day. “This life is utterly exhausting. It may not be legalism, but feelism is just as tyrannical,” writes Morse. But, as James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (emphasis added). Too often, we view God’s love like the old game of picking petals off flowers, intoning “He loves me, He loves me not,” and hoping the last petal ends up on “He loves me.” But God’s love is not fickle, although our hearts and emotions may be. Instead, Scripture gives us a firm foundation to know that God loves us no matter what. Just a few of the Scripture passages which showcase this are John 3:16, Philippians 2:67, Romans 8:32, and Isaiah 53.
If you’re like me, your inner dialogue may sound something like this: Maybe it’s because I wasn’t in Scripture enough, maybe it’s because I skipped church on Sunday, or maybe I just need to share my faith more.
After reading each of these Scripture passages, we can repeat to ourselves “He loves me” and know that it is not wishful thinking, but a truth proclaimed to us by the God who does not lie (Titus 1:2). Morse concludes: “As Christians, we no longer look to the drooping flower of our own love for God, peeling away petal by petal, muttering frantically to ourselves: He loves me, he loves me not.
By Veronica Neffinger
This kind of self-talk can be exhausting because it places all the pressure to be assured of God’s love on our feelings, which are often fickle things. I remember at about age 13 when I first began truly understanding what it meant to have faith in Jesus and to be one of His followers. I began consistently reading Scripture, praying, and developing habits of a healthy Christian walk with God. I remember learning so much so quickly and being so exhilarated by every new thing I learned about God, the Bible, faith, and my part in it. Now, looking back, I recognize that this time in my life of being a new believer and experiencing such exponential growth is common for many Christians. But also, similar to the experience of most Christians, it didn’t last. Even to this day I sometimes find myself longing for that time when it seemed I could feel God’s love and presence so strongly. In his article titled “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” for John Piper’s Desiring God website, Greg Morse offers some encouragement for Christians who may be basing their understanding of God’s love only on their feelings. Morse recounts an assignment he and his classmates were given in a Christian Love
46
Instead, we sing,
He loves me... He loves me not... He loves me... He loves me not... He loves me... wow, God sure has some serious commitment issues!
When Satan tempts us to despair, Reminding of the lack within, Upwards we look and see him there, Who proved his love by conquering sin." Veronica Neffinger is the editor of
ChristianHeadlines.com in stark contrast to these images: He used a black crayon to draw a picture of the hill on which Jesus died. He drew Jesus on the cross, shouldering the sins of the world. It was a dark picture, but it showed God’s love like none of the others could. How often, though, do we, like Morse’s classmates, think of God’s love based on how it makes us feel? And if we think of God’s love based on how it makes us feel, that means God’s love for us can shift and change with life circumstances, our
WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #5
the takeaway is that God redeemed the world through His Son
This commemoration can promise so much or can bring others to utter despair. One quasi-reputable source put it this way; “All that Christmas cheer, in other words, pushes those teetering on the edge over the side as they see too clearly what others have and, by contrast, what they do not have.” Statistically, there are actually no more suicide incidents during holidays than any other time. In truth, Christmas has a powerful identity marker on most cultures that celebrate it. Meaning that it bolsters our perceptions of our childhoods regardless of economic status. Case-in-point, a fond memory my father, a “poor’ first generation American, shared with me was the joy of receiving a single orange for his Christmas present one year and how excited he was to get it. The gauge of appreciation was the joy. He didn’t know he was poor. There are many that crusade against the secularism of Christmas and insist that we return Christ into Christmas while others remind them that Christ wasn’t ever supposed to be synchronically added to an obvious pagan holiday originating with the legends of Nimrod. (Head knowledge) Rather than debate the origins of all the Christmas trappings, it would be wiser to capitalize on an interested target and define what Jesus being born into the world really means. By relinquishing His Divinity, embracing humanity by donning flesh and
then sacrificing all of it to redeem mankind for eternity. Now, that is way more importantant than proving your point about Satan-Claus. LOL For those who wish to see the overall good in the celebration, they are quite pleased that the gospel is promoted through some very powerful Christmas carols. At least once a year it is acceptable to infiltrate a fallen world with the Good News that a Savior has been born to redeem man back to our heavenly Creator. (Heart knowledge)
“The difference between heart belief and head belief is the difference between salvation and damnation.” (George Sweeting)
Whatever your person convictions are regarding this holiday, you can choose to use it to foster a desire to introduce a loving God to the lost or you can educate their minds and lose their hearts.
BY JOHN G. SACOULAS, the publisher’s huband
C
hristmas certainly is a mutifaceted holiday that for some is the highlight of the year and for others has proved to elicit deep heart-felt sorrow.
Most recently, the freedom to wish everyone a Merry Christmas has been rekindled to conquer an over reaching segment of our society to remove Jesus from every public discourse. We all have a choice. You can be remembered as the Grinch who stole Christmas or you can spread cheer and good tidings in a dark and dismal world. From everyone here at the American Christian Voice, we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! side note: As you can see in the picture we have added another arrow to my quiver, biblically speaking. So we named him Arrow, only in Greek, it is Belen. prounounced Baylin His middle name is after his great grandfather and also after our priest.
Me with my son, Belen (Bay-lin) Lawrence Sacoulas. He was born at the Gold Star Family Inn. Our wonderful friends, Miss Robbie, Miss Becky and Miss McKenzie helped us deliver him naturally. If you do not have a high risk pregnancy and are not a western snowflake (culturally speaking) we highly recommend it. The advantages are remarkable.
VOL.13 #5 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM
47
Call Early! E 1.800.5 520.5544 Viisit us o online at www.dixiest . tampede.com Scan Me to See Show Times and Availability a .
Conn nect With Us