Christmas2014

To Fr : O Fi o ur lle m d : F Rea Fa ait de rs m h ily

Recovering the Meaning of Christmas

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EDITORIAL PUBLISHER

Michelle Danko I mcdanko@eyeworship.org

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER

L.A. Helvey I la@eyeworship.org

EDITOR

Jill KingI jillking@eyeworship.org Helen MurrayI helenmurray@eyeworship.org Matt PoeImattpoe@eyeworship.org

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Mark M. Danko I mmdanko@faithfilledfamily.com

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Eye Worship Publications Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada SUBSCRIPTIONS AND FEEDBACK: For subscriptions or feedback, please visit our website at : www.faithfilledfamily.comIinfo@faithfilledfamily.com Š Faith Filled Family Magazine, Christmas Edition, Joomag 2014 All material is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction whole or in part without the written permission of Faith Filled Family is expressly forbidden.

Contents FEATURES

9

A Walk in Her Shoes

What was it like for Mary being pregnant with Jesus?

This article discusses what Mary went through in her generation being an unwed virgin mother.

12

The Traditions of Christmas

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46

What’s difference? Aren’t they both one and the same? You decide for your family this year.

The holidays are not always a happy time for some people, and for various different reasons.

What can you do to put life back into a blue Christmas?

Santa Clause or Saint Nicholas?

27

Living in Christmas Past

Christmas can be a lonely time for many people who find themselves alone on this special day. This aritlce offers practical suggestions into filling that void in your life.

Even the simplest of traditions have a way of making the holiday season beautifull, merry and bright. However, elaborate decorations cannot take the Newborn King to Risen place of the true reason for the King season.

Is Christ’s birth, or resurrection of greater importance? Maybe it is a bit of both. Explore both sides to a very popular argument.

Has Christmas Become

34

18

too Commercial?

This feature explores whether Christmas has become too much like a “Hallmark Holiday” or whether we are truly remembering the reason to celebrate.

45

If a Tree Fall in a Forest...

This article challenges your thinging about spreading the Word. Is not professing our faith construed as denying Christ?

Decorating Emotional Health for the Holidays

56

5 Things Christians Don’t Know About the Jewish Feast of Chanuka Think you know everything about Chanuka? According to this article, you may not know as much as you think.

Challenge your knowledge of this very important Jewish Feast.

66

The Purpose Revealed

A beautiful, inspirational story about finding your purpose in life.

This story reveals to the reader that we do have significance.

God indeed has a plan for us and most often, we can’t even fathom what God truly has in store for us.

INTERVIEWS

15

Love Waits Author Discusses the Motive Behind the Movie

38

Smalltown Poets Reunite for Christmas...Again!

Smalltown Poets discuss their lengthy career as Christian artists, their past, and what is in store for the future of the band.

Interview with Donald James Parker who wrote the storyturned-movie, Love Waits.

Discover what motivates him to Putting the (Christ) Back in Christmas write, and to write on purity.

This year, 1Eighty Apparel and The Pipeline Agency formed the (Christ)mas 180 Project.

Kevin Sumner, and Trey Chip Rossetti: A Borrowed Sheneman discuss their project which highlights the Christ in Christmas Chip discusses his latest movie, Christmas to provide funds for A Borrowed Christmas wherein three faith-based charities. he reveals his thought process behind the movie, and what goes into developing a believable set Veritas: Spreading God’s of characters.

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21

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Truth Worldwide

Veritas just recently released their self-titled debut album this year. The group consists of Kim Walker-Smith: Faith, five men who are compared to Family and Christmas groups such as IlDivo and IlVolo, Jesus Culture’s Kim Walker- but with a positive message.

Smith discusses her latest Discover how they started as a album: When Christmas Comes, group, their accomplishments, and reveals candidly what where they are headed, and Christmas means to her and her what makes them different. growing family.

30

62

Operation Christms Child: Spreading Love Worldwide

Operation Christmas Child provides gifts for impoverished children throughout the world each year.

IN EVERY ISSUE

51

Book Review: Hope a Story of Devotion

A suspenseful page-turner written by Anthony Morena that will keep you captivated from beginning to end.

59

Music Review: Kim Walker-Smith: When Christmas Comes

Traditional songs sung beautifully from a place of worship.

68

Book Review: The Christmas Miracle

Does tradition have a way of bending the truth when it comes to relating to the people in the Bible? Find out in this inspirational holiday book.

Publisher’s Letter

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year filled with happiness, peace, joy, family, friends, gift giving, and, of course, the birth of our saviour.

Yet it isn’t his birth, although it was miraculous, that we should pay the most attention to. It is His resurrection that has the most significance. In His death and resurrection we were saved, set free from the bondages of sin, and were able to have a direct relationship with God. The joy that Christ brings is not something to be celebrated just once a year. It is something that should be celebrated on a daily basis. We as believers should be thankful daily for God’s goodness because He works in our lives continually.

May this Christmas season be filled with merriment, joy, and the true meaning of Christmas. May your New Year be filled with peace, prosperity in all areas, and may you experience Christ like never before!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of our “Faith Filled Family to yours!

Be Blessed!

Michelle Danko Publisher

A Walk in Her Shoes...

What Was it Like Being the Mother of Jesus?

By Kathy J. Smith

A teen named Mary found favor with God. She was a young woman with a bright future and a destiny.

Her parents had promised her to Joseph, a carpenter from Nazareth. The course for her life was set.

However, those plans were about to be unraveled by one simple act of obedience. This humble servant, a virgin, agreed to be impregnated with the very seed of God. What price would she pay for the honor of bearing

God’s son?

The customs and culture of Nazareth in the days when Mary was growing up would have been far different from anything we have experienced today. A brief look at historical documentation would suggest that they typically lived in small one or two room homes with dirt floors and flat roofs. Much of everyday life was lived in a centralized courtyard outside the front door. Typical tasks such

a laundry, cooking, etc. would have been more public than what we experience. Keeping in mind that everyone probably knew their neighbor’s business creates a whole different picture of what it might be like to live outside the accepted norm of the day.

Unlike today, pregnancy before marriage would definitely not be acceptable. Joseph would have been totally within his rights to put her away. The shame could

have been significant.

She could have been shunned by all of society. She faced possible rejection from all that she knew, and yet she did not hesitate. In the recorded discourse between Mary and the angel in Luke 1: 38 it reads, “And, Mary said, Behold the bond slave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her.”

Did she take time to count the cost to her personally before coming into agreement with the plan of God? We do not know, however we do know that she chose to accept the will of God for her life as an act of obedience to her Lord. I am reminded of the lyrics to a song written by Mark Lowery:

hear, the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am”

Mary Did You Know?

“Mary did you know that your baby boy will someday walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you’ve delivered, What we do know is that Mary, will soon deliver you. the mother of Jesus, had the Mary did you know that your favor of God upon her life. baby boy will give sight to a blind Sometimes that favor comes at great personal cost. How man?

Mary did you know that your could she possibly explain her baby boy will calm a storm with pregnancy to others, was she to tell them that she was pregnant his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy via the Holy Spirit? Who would even believe her?

Scandal, has walked where angels trod? criticism, and rejection all And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face potential threats to this simple act of obedience and yet, she of God. said yes. She was willing to sacrifice her personal plans and Oh Mary Did you Know goals, her personal safety and The blind will see, the deaf will acceptance by friends, family, and society itself, for the honor

of bearing the son of God. She will be honored for all of eternity as the mother of Jesus.

Let us not forget the role of Joseph in this whole scenario. He too must have faced tremendous struggles as the espoused of Mary. Society would have said, “Put her away. You are not responsible; it is not your child.

She has shamed you. Let her pay the price of betrayal.” Yet we know that he did none of those things. He too had a part to play in the birth of Jesus, and in rearing him as his own. When he contemplated all that had happened and what he should do, an angel of the Lord appeared to him as recorded in Matthew 1:20 saying, “… Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” So we can see how Joseph faced an important decision regarding his fulfillment of God’s plan for his life as the earthly father of Jesus.

There is no doubt that Joseph had to pay a price for the honor of rearing the son of God. Personal sacrifice, shame, ridicule no doubt very real in his life. Nevertheless he agreed to play his part. He agreed to pay the price for the favor of God that was also upon his life.

What was it like to be the earthly parents of the son of God? No doubt much of the honor which they were due did not come within their lifetime on earth; however their obedience had eternal rewards. Those rewards are available to each of us that say yes to the Lord. The honor of accepting Jesus as our personal Savior may come at a price, but the reward is eternal. Are you willing to say yes to Jesus?

More Than a Bookstore!

Located in Boone, Iowa, we are a community based bookstore with a family friendly Christian environment.

In addition to DVD’s, Bibles, books, music, t-shirts, cards, and gift items, we offer: • •

Brewed beverages A safe place for kids to play while parents shop!

We are located at 1325 S.E. Marshall Boone, Iowa 50036 Phone: 515-432-5242 Visit our website at www.kingschristianbookstore.com 3

The Traditions of

Christmas

By Dr. Stan DeKoven

I have but a few traditions that I adhere to traditionally. As with most traditions, they provide meaning to the one holding them, and are not always logical, sometimes merely sentimental. Further, some traditions are for a season or a generation, and some last from generation to generation.

How Do Christmas Traditions Begin?

While I cannot speak for other families, I can speak for my own. The DeKoven family has a tradition that has lasted for two full generations.

The tradition began with my parents. I wasn’t even a twinkle in my parent’s eyes yet on this Christmas Eve, 1951. In so many ways, it was the grayest of days. This Christmas would be different, or so my parents hoped beyond hope.

A Brief Perspective My parents, Ron and Louise DeKoven, along with my sister, Rhonna, who was only two at the time, found themselves in a sleepy little town on the Oregon coast. Steeped in pastoral beauty, they thought it would be the perfect place to celebrate Christmas. Christmas can be problematic for many, even under the best of circumstances. Memories both pleasant and desperate abounded for both.

Indeed, Christmas is not always the happiest day of the year. For example, divorced parents may experience anxiety or even disappointment during the holidays. Promises are made but rarely kept.

Or they are present for the holiday, but without the true expression of sincere love. Meals devoid of genuine affection rob the delight of the season.

What started out as a very disappointing Christmas for my folks, as you will see, things turned to the good.

Back to the Story...

The news my parents received was devastating beyond comprehension. As a junior enlisted man in the American Navy, my father’s paltry paycheck was not worth mentioning. For some unknown bureaucratic reason, the little check they expected wouldn’t arrive until after the first of the year. My parent’s life had seen many rough spots, but this seemed to be an all-time low. The heart rendering thought of having no Christmas became a disparaging reality for this new family.

The situation became even more desperate as Christmas approached. The food supply had diminished and the cupboards were nearly bare.

My parents own version of the story tells it best.

“I went to the cupboard, hoping to find at least something that symbolized Christmas,” my mom stated with a sense of deep resignation and disappointment in her voice. “The cupboards were bare except for some cookies, cocoa and milk.

Not much; it was all we had.” My dad continued, “My hurt and sense of inadequacy, combined with feelings of hopelessness, were immense. In some sense this trifling bit of sustenance was like a ‘last supper’, or like the flour and water of the Shumamite woman.”

Though not particularly religious at the time, my parents still had a firm belief in a good God. It just seemed right to them to do something “religious” for Christmas.

“So we decided to have a birthday party for Jesus.”

My mom made hot cocoa and put out the cookies.

My father lit a candle. My sister, mom and dad sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. As they sang, their tears of sadness began to turn to hope.

Somehow, in the midst of this humble little song to the Lord, they sensed a presence of peace, unlike either had experienced before. What had begun as the worst of days had ended with hope! God, wherever he might be, both understood and cared.

This Christmas Each Christmas eve, my family gathers again to celebrate the wondrous birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. There will be the normal business of the season, and anticipation of friendship, goodies, presents and the like. Yet, before we proceed too far, the family will bring out the cookies, hot chocolate and the candles.

Since we are all Christians now, we pray, read Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus, and finally we sing Happy Birthday to our Jesus. As usual there will be little said, but the tears of joy will be felt by all. We will remember. The tradition that was established so many years ago, and repeated every year since, is a continued proof to us all that Jesus is truly the Christ. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is still with us no matter how desperate our circumstances, or how hopeless our lot seems to be. “Becoming poor, he became rich, that we who are poor in spirit may become rich through His marvelous grace.”

Dr. Stan DeKoven is the Founder and President of Vision International University and the International Training and Education Network and its programs including:

Vision International University

Vision Publishing

Walk in Wisdom Seminars

International Association of Christian Counseling Professionals

Love Waits Author Discusses the Motive Behind the Movie

By Lisa Stillwell

onald James Parker’s beginning in writing was heard in the wee hours of the morning, in a still, quiet voice that could only have been God. Since that time, Donald has written numerous books, and has been involved in several movies with Love Waits being his most recent project which is set to be released in January 2015.

In addition to the books he has written, Donald also host a radio show on BlogTalk Radio entitled, “Wielding the Sword of the Spirit” and another for Across the Nations. It is Donald’s desire to align his life with God’s will. He says in his website, www.donaldjamesparker.com, “His goal is not to attain the praise of man, but of God”, and he eloquently proclaims, “A crusaders gotta do what a crusader’s gotta do.”

D

What made you decide to make the movie Love Waits?

In 2006, in answer to a prayer, God told me “I want you to go after Harry Potter and the sexual revolution”. As part of that commission, I wrote the novel Love Waits back in 2009 to promote chastity. When the urge hit me to get my messages onto the silver screen instead of just in print, this was basically the first book that I thought about adapting to script. I waited for 3 years for an investment to pay off so I’d have enough money to make a movie. That money never arrived, but in the meantime I discovered that I could make movies for a lot less money than I originally thought. At that point I made a few movies, but held out on Love Waits with the hope of getting the big money to afford a more professional production environment. I finally decided I wanted this message on the streets now and put this movie into the queue.

How did you select the actors?

Are they people you know personally? How much time went into selecting them? Was it a hard decision?

I met Brittany Mann, who plays the lead role of Cheri Martin, at the Gideon Film Festival. The first time I laid eyes on her I decided she was exactly who I wanted for Cheri. I gave her a copy of the novel and signed it with “I hope we make this into a movie some day”. Donna Botts, whom I also met at Gideon, has worked on most of my movies.

Collin Alexander Brown, who plays the father, had been my friend on Facebook for a while and we had dialogued about doing a movie together. We

finally got the chance, and I’m so glad I chose Collin for this role.

Hunter and Haleigh Johnson, brother and sister, had auditioned for a role for In Gramps’ Shoes, but I didn’t choose them. I later met them at the shooting of The Good Book. The other actors

“(I) wanted to provide a vision to the younger generations demonstrating the importance and sanctity of pure love and the benefits of waiting for marriage” auditioned for me via Skype after seeing my casting call on Facebook. I didn’t spend a lot of time on most of the roles, but it took me 3 days to decide on Cheri since Brittany was older than I really wanted, but in the end, I chose her over a number of other good candidates. She did a tremendous job in her first movie and I predict you will

be seeing her in many future productions.

Where can others purchase the movie?

It will be available on my website to start. I may self distribute and get the movie out on Amazon and other outlets in the very near future, or I might give distribution rights to a company who will release it in the more distant future.

When I mention that Love Waits what weighs the heaviest on your mind?: It is probably my own failing in this area and my desire to help others accomplish what I did not, despite my best intentions. And also the understanding that sex can be a powerful expression of human love and one of God’s most delightful gifts, but also can be an animalist act which brings out some of the worst elements of human nature.

Whose idea was it to make the movie?

I hope it was God’s, with me simply being obedient to bring the project to completion.

What inspired you?

Of course, the word of God is part of that and reading lots of material about love and marriage has also contributed to my inspiration.

What was your vision?

To provide a vision to the younger generations demonstrating the importance and sanctity of pure love and the benefits of waiting for marriage. I wanted to show how peer pressure regarding sexual activity is causing many teens to abandon God’s

principles and how positive peer offend some people. pressure needs to be applied to aid in winning this battle.

Have you made movies other than Love Waits?

The movie speaks about taking I have been involved with a few the chastity pledge. Can you other movies, and at this point explain to others what that is? have produced five of my own.

My definition of the chastity My first exposure to the movie pledge is a vow that can be set was Right to Believe, which taken even by those who have I co-wrote and starred Jenn not lived a chaste life up to that Gotzon. My second was one I point. Basically, it’s a promise to produced entitled In Gramps’ God and self not to indulge in Shoes, which was followed sex until marriage. by a prequel, Gramps Goes to College. After that I shot a What is the one thing you want film in Los Angeles called One your audience to remember More Round which I co-wrote when they leave after watching with Kevin Sorbo as the star. this movie?

And before we shot Love Waits, That being sexually active I produced another film called before marriage is not the The Unexpected Bar Mitzvah, unforgivable sin, but there are which was taken from another consequences to pay for it, of my novels. My latest, Best especially in cheapening the Friends Eternally, is still in post marital experience. production.

After making this movie would you have done anything different?

What I wish is that the movie could be a bit more edgy, more realistic so we could see the real world that our teens face instead of the sanitized version that is not objectionable to most Christian viewers. Even as clean as this was portrayed, it will probably

I know that God will bless you with all the time and dedication that you put into making movies. You never know just how many lives God might be touching through them. Is there other thing you would like to share with our readers?

Do you have a website that they can visit?

I have published 20 books, most

of which would be excellent for helping raise children in the way they should go. My website is http://donaldjamesparker. com. Users can click on the DJP Movies option to see the pages for each of my movies and purchase from there. My production company, Sword of the Spirit Publishing, also publishes my books and books of other authors and can be reached at http://swordofSpirit. net.

I’d like to encourage your readers to support Christian media, whether movies, books, or music. Remember Paul’s exhortation: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” It has been said that you are what you eat. That is true physically. In the realm of the soul (which influences the spiritual realm), you are what you read and watch. Be careful little eyes what you see.

Has Christmas Become too Commercial?

By John Hough

T

he well worn complaint we begin hearing this time of year, “the Christmas decorations are up already at, , , , “ has already started. This year it was Walmart. They began their Christmas campaign the weekend following Halloween.

Many who are old enough remember when the weekend following Thanksgiving

was the official start of the Season.

I’m sure if your pastor or minister asked for a show of hands on this question, most would rise to the complaint of, Yes! There’s way to much commercializations of the Advent season. Gift giving at this time of year has very ancient origins. Many know the stories of the real St Nicholas and the

shifting focus to gift giving to ones children as a re-enactment of the Three Wise Men’s gifts to the Christ Child.

What mother and father doesn’t love their children the way Mary loved hers?

The commercializations of Christmas really got ramped up in in England during the middle nineteenth century. This is when stores began marketing to families

under the banner of sales on merchandise just before Christmas Eve. The 12days of Christmas prevailed and served to contain the shopping enthusiasm for a while.

But merchants competition for customers resulted in the same phenomena we see today: Christmas sales began being offered earlier, and earlier. Christmas shoppers of all sorts

followed the sales and the holiday season was born.

All that is so much water under the bridge here in the beginning of the 21st century. Isn’t the important question one of how do Christian families hold on to the sacred specialness of Advent against the ever expanding c o n s u m e r i s m that continues to marginalized that very specialness? Mary and Joseph didn’t have to deal with Walmart advertising, but parents of today do. How do we teach our children to keep their focus on the celebration of the Christ

Child?

If you struggle with setting boundaries between the celebration of the birth of our Lord and the flashing lights downtown beckoning young and old alike, think through these three ideas.

First of all, it’s important to keep the names separate. Christmas is a religious celebration.

Use that term for participating in your churches activities.

Use it for family bible study of the Nativity and the events of two thousand years ago.

Use it in raising the tree. When the name of a thing changes,

the values that have been associated with it change also, the new replacing the old. Merry Christmas has nothing in common with Happy Holidays, not that there is anything wrong with wishing others happiness. Not at all.

The specialness in the name of Christmas is important to keep before us. We want our children to be clear about this difference.

Consider identifying some of the presents your child receives as like the ones given to the Christ Child, while others are of the Happy Holidays variety. Why would you do that? The

reality of God becoming Incarnate and walking among us is exactly the mystery that Christmas celebrates, and Happy Holidays doesn’t.

Both celebrations are real. One is in our hearts and the other is on TV. Keeping that mystery alive is why we need to keep the names separate. The problem is, how do we communicate the meaning of that mystery to our children that’s not overwhelmed by toy commercials? Kids, especially very young children won’t get the mystery. They will be confused. But that confusion will be about the deeper meaning of Christmas. There’s time for them to get that. What is possible for even very young children to understand is that there IS a difference here. Some presents are special.

Some are very special.

They can get that.

Third, perhaps most importantly, use this opportunity to teach your kids that there are two worlds out there. One if them we call secular, the other sacred. Take the confusions of the season to talk with your children to find the words and explanation of these terms that best fit their level of understanding.

It’s helpful to avoid calling one the bad and the

other the good. They’re both celebrations of fun and joy, family and treats and so forth. It’s what is being celebrated that is different. This will help them develop the understanding as they grow up of what it means to be in this world, but not of it, that being a Christian is special, but not everyone is. That’s

a powerful lesson to learn, and an easy one to forget, even by the adults.

Tying the different words to different presents makes the different words real. It gives that difference special meanings that sets the foundation for their growing understanding of who they are and

what’s truly important in the middle of this very confusing season.

And lastly, practice what you preach. Keep the difference in the words you use to describe the which, what and why questions you’re going to get from your kids: is this a Christmas activity or a holiday one? Does grandma give me a

Christmas present or a holiday present? And yes, there’s some work involved in making, then keeping the differences.

But, isn’t that difference, between what is holy and what is ordinary worth it?

Enjoy your holidays, and Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Chip Rossetti: A Borrowed Christmas

By Lisa Carter

There’s a new Christmas film on the scene that is sure to warm your heart. It’s called The Borrowed Christmas and was released November 2014. The film stars Jeff Rose as John Dale who plays the man who has it all except for the perfect family setting at Christmas. Christmas is a special time of year.

It is a time that we reflect upon the birth of our Savior in addition to taking part in the many wonderful traditions of the season. This film is about recognition of those traditions but also about recognizing something even more important that makes the season special.

The film was directed by Chip Rossetti who is writer, producer, director, and editor of a host of films including Where was God? Broken, and most recently The Borrowed Christmas.

Faith Filled Family Magazine caught up,with Chip Rossetti to talk with him about his new Christmas movie and his thoughts on the importance of the holiday season.

Mr. Rossetti, congratulations on your new movie soon to be released entitled The Borrowed Christmas. Where did you get the concept of a “borrowed” Christmas?

Chip Rossetti: We were asked to make a Christmas movie, and we were really crunched for time, so we started looking for an existing story that we may be able to do. I came across a stage play that was written in 1978 by Yvonne and Norman Ahern called The Rented Christmas. I ontacted the people that currently have the rights to the stage play and

asked them if it was something they would be interested in seeing made into a movie, and they said yes. We worked out a deal to get the rights and we turned the 35 page stage play into a 90 page screenplay.

me with a terrific wife and family.

My wife Denise supports what we are doing. There are times that I need to be away from home for a couple of weeks on a project, and she holds down the fort seamlessly. I am truly blessed.

In writing the screenplay for the movie, did the ideas come to you all at once, or do they pla out in your mind as you go along?

Every time I write a story, I try to plan everything out ahead of time. I develop back stories and get to know their personalities.

This way, when they are faced with a situation in the movie, I can write what that person would naturally say in that situation.

With The Borrowed Christmas, and the fact that it was already an existing story, we had to build on what we already knew about the characters and develop them further. It was fun.

What is your take on faithbased films that are not done

by Christian filmmakers?

I love to see the genre growing, but I don’t like to see God’s Word, the Gospel, being misconstrued to accommodate the mainstream audience. The Gospel IS God’s Word and it is absolute. We are very careful with theology that we put into our movies, so that people can check up on us and see that we are staying true to the Word of God.

How important was this project The Borrowed Christmas and its emphasis on values and family at the holidays to you as a filmmaker?

From one look at your It was very important. We have Filmography, one can see committed ourselves to making you’re a very, very busy only movies in the Christian, director, and filmmaker. faith-based and Family genres.

How do you stay so focused We wanted to make something in seeing multiple projects like the only Christmas classics; through to completion? something that the whole family Only by the grace of God. I could sit down and watch year have always seen myself and after year and enjoy together. my whole team as messengers. We feel like we have done God gives us a story to tell, that. Movies today are always and we do it. I have also found riddled with something that can that it is important to surround be misconstrued. The Borrowed myself with the right people. I Christmas is a simple story that have always said that I can only makes you laugh, cry and smile do well at what I do because I the whole way through. surround myself with people that are smarter and better than me. Why was it important to you to That is certainly true with my show the perspective of a man team of Matthew Ulm, Donna who has it all, except a family Botts, and Lisa Lewis. It’s also to share the holidays with? been key that God has blessed And can anyone really have it

all?

There is a line in the movie that really answers this question.

It is something to the effect of, “Nothing borrowed, nothing rented can ever really satisfy.

The only way to be truly satisfied is to have something our own.” I think that is true on so many levels. We can put on a disguise and make it look and seem like we are happy, but it’s what’s in our heart that speaks volumes. Having the personal relationship with Jesus Christ and knowing that HE can call us His own is the only way to truly be satisfied in life.

Please tell us about your family. You mentioned your wife Denise. Any children?

I am happily married to my wife Denise with three beautiful daughters, Peyton, Bailey, and Jessica. We currently live in Evansville, Indiana, and this is where Rossetti Productions is based. My family is amazing in their faith and support of what we are doing, and stories and messages that we are trying to tell.

Please share with us what your fondest memories are of Christmas as a child, and what you are most looking forward to this Christmas.

The thing that I remember the most about Christmas growing up, and that I have done with my own family, was that my parents always made sure we were home for Christmas morning. They always said to relatives, “You are welcome to come over, but we will be home for Christmas.” That was very important; to sleep in our own beds, come down our steps on

Christmas morning, and say a prayer at the manger scene, and wish Jesus a Happy Birthday.

Denise and I do the same thing, because that is the way we were both brought up and we want to keep those traditions and values going strong in our girls.

We always pray on Christmas morning and wish Jesus a Happy Birthday. We talk to our girls about what Christmas is really about, the birth of Jesus.

We engage on the presents and pageantry of Christmas, but we always make sure that the kids

know the true meaning.

very first one.

What is the message you are hoping viewers will walk away with after seeing The Borrowed Christmas?

It’s okay to celebrate Christmas and to certainly continue to CALL it Christmas. It’s alright to enjoy every facet of the season.

Just always remember WHY we celebrate. Because on this day, our Savior was born into the world to save us. There has never been and will never be a better Christmas gift than the

Special thanks to Chip Rossetti for talking with us about The Borrowed Christmas. And I especially thank him for being a God-fearing filmmaker who intends to keep on making quality faith-based and family films for us to enjoy. God’s best to Mr. Rossetti, and to his family this Christmas, and in the coming New Year. www.rossetti-productions.com www.theborrowedchristmas. com

Santa Clause or

Saint Nicholas What is the Difference and Should Christians Introduce Santa to Their Children?

By Jan O’Kane

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aint Nicholas was a fourth century Bishop of Myra, a town located in present day Turkey. He was born into a wealthy family, and although short in stature, mighty in his faith by passionately defending the Catholic Faith. Remember, in the fourth century, the Church was the Catholic Church from which other faiths would spring centuries later.

During Nicholas’s time, the heresy known as Arianism surfaced. The basis of the heresy was that Jesus was God’s first creation. This idea was, and is in total opposition with the Central Mystery of the Church; that The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three persons in ONE god.

The best explanation I believe comes from Saint Patrick. Saint Patrick used the shamrock in his rationalization. The shamrock has three leaves; but all are one and it would not be a shamrock if it only had one or two leaves or even just a stem.

In his zeal to protect the dogma, Saint Nicholas stepped out of character and literally punched Bishop Arius who initiated the heresy. Due to the fact that Bishop Nicholas defended the faith so strongly against the deviation initiated by Bishop Arius, the town of Myra, Nicholas’s territory, was virtually untouched by the turmoil of the dissention.

The controversy continued even after the death of Bishop Arius.

Now how did this passionate Bishop become the patron of children, sailors and pawnshops?

There are three stories that revolve around his recognition.

First, according to Alban Butler, known for writing about the lives of Saints, three young girls were facing the horrors of the brothels because their father had no money for a dowry. Bishop Nicholas came to the rescue as quiet as night. For three

consecutive nights, he left a bag of gold for each daughter’s dowry. This saved the young women from a life of misery. This is but one example of how the Bishop spent his inheritance always helping others. Saint Nicholas’ icons and statues often reflect him with three bags. These represent the three bags of gold given to save the young women, and are often found over the doors of pawnshops.

Second, he rescued three sailors who were lost at sea making him the patron of sailors.

Third, he revived three young boys who had been murdered by their landlord. Once again giving aid to the young, these reports both amazed and secured his legend.

Saint Nicholas’ feast day is December 6th, and many European countries celebrate on his feast day. Even pawnbrokers nationwide sometimes

donate musical instruments for children in need.

The Dutch know him as Sinterklaas, the root name of Santa Claus. In Romania, he is Sfantul Nicolae.

Croatia celebrates the arrival of Sveti Nikola, Bavaria he is Sankt Nikolaus and he comes as the bishop complete with his miter and staff.

In Luxembourg, he is Klees’chen; he comes in November so he can confirm the children’s behavior. Then he is assured that he can leave their presents for the children to find on December 6th. Thousands of pilgrims make their way to Myra, now known as Demre Turkey. The town refers to its patron saint Bishop Nicholas as Noel Baba.

The list of names is endless, but the thoughts are always the same: a kindly bishop who visits children by night leaving them gifts in their shoes or stockings and at times even on windowsills, as he did for the three young women with their dowries.

Should we as Christians promote Santa Claus?

There are two thoughts that come to mind.

For many keeping Christ in Christmas is a revered religious affair, paying homage to our truest gift which came to us that day, in the miracle of the Christ child!

However, some of us believe children need a bit of wonder in their lives. We want to see that sparkle in their eyes, and Christmas is the perfect time for enchantment. Yet, the idea of gift giving and wonder with the bright lights and pretty packages runs the risk of overshadowing honoring the Christ child.

Myself, I can remember my cousins trying to convince me that Santa did not exist. I was adamant that he did exist. However, my argument was not that in the belief of the jolly elf and an enchanting day of special gifts and surprises. No, my reasoning was that Santa Claus was another name for Saint Nicholas. The Santa I believed in was the saintly man, the defender of the faith who gave out of love for Jesus and his fellow man. I still do believe in the love and preciousness of the season and we must all remember to “Keep Christ in Christmas”.

Can we promote Santa Claus and still keep the meaning of the season? We see Santa on street corners and in front of stores collecting for charities.

This is in an effort to “feed the hungry and clothe the naked” as referenced in Matthew 25: 40-41. Is this not an effort to fulfill corporal works of mercy?

Do you teach your young ones that Christmas is a commercial day, or do you impress upon their young minds and hearts that the gift of Christmas is the Christ child? Do you incorporate traditions of faith with the magical celebrations?

Christmas caroling, watching special movies that bring home the true meaning of Christmas, attending church services and visiting the Nativity scene displayed in the church are all traditions of faith-filled activities. Many churches will adorn a Christmas tree with cards that tell us of items needed by the less fortunate, providing us with an opportunity to be good Christians. Some traditions include preparing a special dinner planned for either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day or contribute their time to the tradition of helping serve at a shelter, these are but a few of the traditions that can keep everyone in the true spirit of Christmas.

I believe that Santa Claus does have a place in the Christmas celebration, but we must exercise caution that Santa is not the main reason for Christmas. Keep yourself and your children in touch with our Savior. Follow an Advent calendar, or set up your own nativity scene, but wait until Christmas morning to add the Christ child. Maybe pour some mugs of hot chocolate, sit around your own nativity scene and ask your children what Christmas means to them. You can teach them about the kind Bishop of Myra, whose generosity should be seen an example of godly character.

Lastly, do not be afraid to say “Merry Christmas” rather than Happy Holidays this holiday season, as it is about the birth of Christ our Savior. Speak up in your beliefs; declare your stand by saying “Merry Christmas”. Do not worry about being politically correct, be a true follower of Christ.

Living in Christmas Past

By Lisa Stillwell

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hristmas is a joyous time for many people as they celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. However, for others the view of pretty Christmas lights and presents underneath the tree bring sadness.

A Christmas tree suddenly becomes a memory tree. Pretty ornaments hang all over the branches with pictures of loved ones who are celebrating with Jesus in Heaven.

You begin to yearn for, and mourn, Christmas past.

Truthfully, as a writer, I can relate. As I put up my Christmas tree, I am reminded of a Christmas not too long ago. My mother stood at the front door with a warm smile, loving hugs, and home cooking.

“Merry Christmas!” she said.

She turned to hug my neck as my brother punched me in the arm.

“Ouch!” I yelled.

“Well, you deserve it! You did not think I would be here,” he said.

I laughed. He was right. My brother was always late, and I never knew if he would be showing up for our family get together.

Christmas changed for all of us on December 22, 2012. That was the day my brother was pronounced dead. He had been missing for two days before we finally found him, drowned in the family pond. The funeral home instructed us not to view him and have a closed casket.

My mother could not deal with losing her son, and the cancer she had been battling quickly took over. She followed my brother home one month later. I didn’t know then but this would be what I would think of every Christmas from that day forward.

Christmas was always the happiest time of year for me but now I understood the pain when it came to missing loved ones during such a joyous time of the year.

So how do we deal with pain during holidays? Here are a few tips that help me.

Focus on the Birth of Jesus.

Remember that this is His birthday! “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Our loved ones are in Heaven celebrating in person with Jesus on His actual birthday.

I cannot imagine how glorious that must be. Who needs a Christmas tree any longer when they have the Light of Jesus?

Who needs presents when they

have the greatest gift of all?

Give Thanks. I know that this one must be the hardest to do but grab those photo albums off the shelf that have been making you sad. “Give thanks to God in all circumstances. This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:8). Pray for God to give you strength to thank Him for each memory that each picture holds. I know at times we just want to reach inside the picture and pull our loved ones out but sometimes those feelings break our hearts into a thousand different pieces.

I guess it is simply the reality that it just cannot happen.

Don’t isolate yourself from others.

The Bible says don’t forsake the assembling of yourselves (Hebrews 10:25). Maybe your church has a Christmas Eve service? What about a candlelight service? Sitting around alone

only intensifies sad emotions at times. Force yourself to get around other people. You will be surprised at how it might lift your spirits. If your church does not have anything going on, then maybe you can take a trip to the local hospital or nursing home.

Stop in just to tell a stranger hello. In order to receive a blessing, sometimes we need to be a blessing!

Don’t lose sight of your faith.

During Christmas, many people think of the star that led the wise men to Jesus. Although I am thankful for the Bethlehem star, I fix my eyes on the Light of the World. In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World.

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the Light of Life.” I pray that I follow Jesus. Jesus is the true Light that will one day lead me home to my loved ones.

Make sure that you are saved and know Jesus.

They can never come back to us but we can go be where they are if we ask Jesus to come into our heart. If you would like to ask him into your heart please say the prayer below. I promise you that it is something that you will never regret and your loved ones will be glad you did when you finally arrive to your Heavenly Home one day!

Dear Lord, Forgive me of all my sins. I invite you into my heart and life. I want to live for you and enjoy the splendor of Heaven with all my loved ones. Help my depression this Christmas and remind me that Christmas is all about you. I want to give you a present, Lord. The wise men brought you gifts and today I want to give you my heart! Thank you for saving me. Happy Birthday! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Now, with all that being said I have one more tip.

Cry if needed. Please do not feel guilty. It is totally normal to feel sad that our loved ones are no longer with us, and sometimes others might treat you as if you should be over them already.

However, when you truly love someone, you will always hold special memories of them in your heart. Remember, there is a time to cry and there is also a time to laugh (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Cry it out but make it your aim to laugh and smile through opening presents because a greater day is coming!

Jesus promises in the Bible that if we really know Him as Lord and Savior…well then…this world is the worst that we will ever have it! THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

Sidebar 1:

I pray that is article has helped you in some way. If

you need additional help you can call Focus on the Family at 1-800-232-6459. The operating hours are M-F: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. Just tell them that you would like to speak with a counselor.

You could also contact your local pastor to see what kinds of Biblical counseling services are available in your area. Here are a couple website addresses that may be able to help you find what you need as well. http://www.findchristiancounselor.com/ http://www.christiancounselordirectory.com/ FindATherapist/

Sidebar 2:

Below is a poem that I written as I pictured Christmas in Heaven. Nobody really knows what it will truly be like but the thoughts bring peace to my heart.

Christmas in Heaven All the saints are stringing Christmas lights along the streets of Heaven No need for time there but on Earth it’s probably seven No need for pretty carols because the angels always sing Holy are you Jesus and forever I will cling They place a baby in a manger, the one an earthly mother lost What a beautiful baby and gaze up at the cross We will keep it safely here until the mother comes home Until then, let’s keep decorating! The baby is safe around the throne.

Everything is perfect with nothing out of place The saints turn around to see our Savior’s face Happy Birthday they shout and fall down on their knees The King! The King! That ransomed me!

There are no tears in Heaven or all the saints would cry Jesus gave His life for them. Something money could not buy Christmas in Heaven is always special. Our loved ones now rejoice They accepted Jesus. It was the greatest choice!!

Kim WalkerSmith: Faith, Family, and Christmas

By Michelle C. Danko

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Kim Walker-Smith is best known for being part of the band called, “Jesus Culture”.

Kim’s style of music, whether it is with the band, or as a solo artist is very unique. Kim has the incredible ability to take listeners to a place in worship where they feel intimately connected to God. Kim sings praise from a place deep within her that is truly beautiful and pure.

Kim is married to Skylar Smith,

has a son named Wyatt, and has In that process of pursuing Him another on the way… due on and bringing healing into my Christmas! What a gift! life, He brought me into worship leading. It was a process that When did you realize God’s slowly unfolded. plan and purpose for your life It wasn’t until up to five years in regards to leading worship ago that I realized that this is my and becoming a recording life, this is my destiny, and this artist? is what I’m doing. I think that I That was something that I thought in my head that I was stumbled into instead of a waiting for something. It’s funny, revelation. At eighteen is really but I suddenly realized that I when I started going after Him. was doing something that I was

“ I suddenly realized that I was doing something that I was created to do!” created to do.

encounter God, and to have our lives changed.

It has been said that you are Every time we come together to considered to be a forerunner worship corporately, He’s there. in a new type of worship called He’s there to seek an encounter “prophetic worship”. What is with us and to change lives. prophetic worship?

We are all a work in progress.

That’s a good question! I would We have more to grow, and say that it’s a term that I don’t to grow in the depths of our really use. When people say understanding in Him. In those that, they refer to the way that moments, I don’t really stick to I worship. I don’t stick to the the song, but I like to sing out song. I don’t believe that worship what I feel that God is doing in should be a routine. I believe the moment. When people talk that it is a time to come into the about prophetic worship, they presence of God, to worship, to are talking about that style of

singing. It is that spontaneous worship that comes out that is not scripted, is not a song, it is just an overflow of my heart coming out to the Lord. It is also about me making declarations and proclamations about what God is doing in the moment and what He wants to do. Simply put, it is the worship overflowing from your heart.

What lead you to record “When Christmas Comes”?

Before Jesus Culture moved to Sacramento and had just

launched a church, we were at our home church in Redding, California. I worked there as a worship pastor for several years, and every year we would have this service called “The Holiday Feast” where we would bring in a lot of homeless people and low income families.

We would decorate the sanctuary, set up all these tables, bring our best china, candlelight, and decorate everything so beautifully. We would seat them and serve them a big prime rib dinner with mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and all of the fixings!

While that was happening, we would have a jazz band up on the stage doing Christmas songs to provide a backdrop and entertainment while they were eating. I was always the singer

with the jazz band. It was so fun doing the Christmas songs every year.

Every year these people would come up and think that I was some famous singer or something, and I would just tell them that I was just the worship leader at this church. They would tell me that I should record a Christmas album for many years.

Then it grew to my mom and grandmother saying that I should record a Christmas album. I remember every year my grandmother saying, “Well, I sure love my Christmas CD’s, but I would really love one from my granddaughter.” So I finally buckled down and decided that I was going to get this thing done.

It was always something that was always on the back burner, but what really motivated me to

get things done was becoming a mother.

Having a child was so fun, and so exciting! My son just turned one this year, and will enjoy Christmas more this year as he was just a newborn. I think we enjoyed Christmas more last year than he did. We got presents for him that he couldn’t even open. It is the idea that I get to teach my son what Christmas is, songs, and we get to start our own family traditions. That is so thrilling to me!

Did recording it bring up memories of childhood for you? What were they?

Doing an album brought about memories of my own childhood.

I added Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer because growing up it was both my favorite Christmas

song, and my favorite Christmas special that came on every year.

My grandmother would record it for us every year, and I would get so excited.

When I was four years old, I did a Christmas musical, and the woman who played the role of the grandmother and I was the granddaughter, on the last show she gave me a Christmas present. I was so excited to receive an early Christmas present. When I opened it, it was a little stuffed Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer! I thought, “How did she know! How did she know this was my favorite?”

To this day, I still have that little stuffed animal that I pull out every year at Christmas. It is memories like that that are just so special- especially memories with family. We listen to the Christmas story each year, and my mom makes us wear horribly embarrassing pajamas.

Just ridiculous things like that, that are just so fun about Christmas.

In doing this album, it was so hot (when we started in the summer), but it was so inspirational having my mind filled with so many memories.

I understand that you had a little baby boy a year ago, and now a second child on the way! Congratulations! What does Christmas this year look like for your family (providing that you are not in labor)?

I am! Ironically, my due date is Christmas Day! My son came on his due date and we are very curious as to what this baby will do. It’s so rare to have a baby come exactly on its due date, but my son did exactly that. I’m hoping it says something about his life… that he will always be

on time.

Providing I’m not in labor, this Christmas I am looking forward to, honestly, not having to do anything. In my family, we all pitch in with the big Christmas dinner and we all help out. My family is so close that we love being crowded together and in each other’s space. This Christmas, I have a great excuse to get out of all of the dishes, all of the cooking, and all of the work! So I am most looking forward to being able to relax this Christmas season.

My mom has this fun tradition, as I mentioned before, of opening one gift the day before Christmas every year.

It is always a pair of pajamas. The funny thing is, as we got older, the pajamas have gotten so hilarious, embarrassing, and just so ugly, it has become a joke now. She makes all of the kids and grandkids open up the pair of pajamas. Then she wants us to wear them, and we all have to have a picture taken in our ugly, ridiculous pajamas. We have some funny traditions that I look forward to.

Do you know what you are having?

No I don’t! I’m really old school.

I don’t like to know what I’m having. We did a home birth with my son, and we are looking forward to having another one.

We didn’t do an ultrasound, so we don’t know the gender of our child. It sounds so old fashioned!

We are just like that. We like the excitement and the mystery.

I change my mind every day.

Yesterday I was thinking that I was having a boy, and this morning I was convinced that it is a girl! It changes every single

day.

Is there any message that you would like to impart to our readers either about the meaning of Christmas or your Christmas album?

There are really just two things that I would like to impart about this Christmas album. One is that every year we have certain albums that we pull out and listen to every Christmas that becomes the backdrop of family dinners, opening gifts, etc. I’m hoping this album is one of those that get’s thrown into the playlist, and get’s played every year as part of a tradition.

The other thing is just to inspire people to have a heart of gratitude. We always talk about the hustle and bustle of Christmas, and Christmas isn’t just about the birth of Jesus. It’s about having abundant life right now. That we can walk with Him, have a relationship with Him, and have intimacy with Him every day of the year. I just want to stir up a lot of thankfulness in people’s hearts. We should thank Jesus not only that you came to this earth so that I can live in Heaven with you eternally, but that I could have joy and peace in the midst of any storm in my life. I want people to know that it’s not just about celebrating at Christmas, but that we can celebrate all year, and through every season; good and bad; hard and easy. That is what I hope to inspire people with.

Many thanks to Kim WalkerSmith for allowing us to conduct such a fun, intimate interview.

We look forward to hearing the news of a healthy birth of your newest addition of your family.

Newborn King Risen King

By Lisa Carter

This question was recently posed to me and so I pondered it; wondering which could be the more significant – Jesus’s birth or His death? Which matters the most? And to whom does it matter most? Is it most meaningful to the believer and follower of Christ that He died for our sins and that He lives again? Some would say absolutely! That is extremely meaningful to us; for had He not died and rose from the dead, we could not live. For that matter, it is also meaningful to the unbeliever, whether they realize it or not. They now have a chance to live again, if only they would accept Him. But what does all of this mean?

Does His passionate suffering at the cross and glorious resurrection cast a shadow on His birth? Is His birth merely only relevant, but not as significant? Could it mean that

Mary was to become pregnant and later give birth to the long awaited Messiah. The angel Gabriel visited her to tell her about this in Luke 1:26-35.

The angel told her in verse 31, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.”

Not only was His miracle birth pre-announced, but it was announced multiple times by several prophets throughout history. He was prophesied

by Isaiah in 7:14; 9:6-7. He was prophesied by Micah in 5:2; 5:3-5.

Again, He was promised to Mary as told by Luke 1:26-35. God explained this miracle to a bewildered Joseph as told by Matthew 1:18-21. His birth was announced and proclaimed by the Heavenly host of angels in Luke 2:8-12, and 2:13-14.

Jesus’s birth into a dark and dying world would bring “peace and goodwill to all men.” Not only that, but His coming to earth made salvation and redemption possible. There is no denying the

Jesus’ birth only served to point to His impending suffering and death at Calvary?

Jesus’s Birth Let’s consider the facts as it pertains to Jesus’ Birth in the case. Jesus is the only person in history who was born of a woman and of the Holy Spirit.

Man was not involved in the “making” of Jesus personhood. This is how He is wholly man and wholly God. Jesus is also the only person whose birth was prophesied about hundreds of years before. This is because His birth was a miracle like none other. It was a miracle in that He was to be born of a virgin. The Virgin Mary was chosen by God and given this incredible task.

great and awesome significance of our Lord and Savior’s birth.

His birth announcement was given to the shepherds as they kept watch over their sheep in the night, Luke 8:20. They received a very special and personal invitation to see Him. I have often wondered what the shepherds must have thought as they were doing their nightly job. It was a night just like any other, I’m sure. That is, until the angels appeared. Imagine the shepherds gazing up into the night sky lit up with stars and then all of a sudden angels appearing as bright as the sun with this incredible announcement! It’s no wonder the shepherds made haste to go to see Him. Notice how they weren’t satisfied just to go and see Him, they wanted to bring gifts to “shower” the Baby and welcome the new King.

I wonder what we would have thought about that today. Had we had a chance to go and see Jesus as a newborn baby, what would that be like? Would we have been able to appreciate the absolute

amazement of the moment as the shepherds did?

Would we have been in awe of Him? After all, even though He was King, He didn’t look like a King as we would envision a king. He was lying in a manger with swaddling clothes. He wasn’t wrapped in silk and fine linen. There were animals surrounding them, not princes nurse maids, and attendants waiting to serve Him. I can’t help but wonder. Would we have worshipped Him as King?

I hope we would have, yet we will never know.

Today however, we do worship Him as King. We honor Him as Lord and Savior. Sadly though, even though this amazing event has already taken place in our history, it is said that there are still women in Israel who hope to one day give birth to the Messiah. Incredibly, there are those who still to this day do not believe Christ was already born into this world and dwelt among us. It is tragic that some are closed-minded to the truth and refuse to believe. On the other hand, there are those who do believe He came, yet don’t believe He was

exactly who He claimed to be. They see Him as a “prophet” or just a nice guy who did a lot of good things for people. It is so very sad that some flatly refuse to take Him at His word, and call Him Lord.

Thankfully however, we know He is, was and is to come. But we don’t celebrate His “birthday,” in a traditional sense the way we celebrate our own.

Instead we celebrate His “Birth Day” in a commemorative sense at Christmas. For it is at this time that we join in the traditions of sharing gifts, decorating our homes, preparing elaborate meals, and spending time with family and friends. We gather together and even sing songs of Christmas carols that declare our joyfulness that Christ the Savior was born. It is right that we remember and celebrate this great event in history. Although we sometimes get a bit too commercial with it; leaving cookies and milk out for Santa. We know it isn’t Santa that we’re looking forward to at Christmas.

It is Jesus that we celebrate. It was at His birth that the Word became flesh as John 1:1 says, and it is a miracle nonetheless. Oddly enough though, it appears that new testament Christians of the early church did not commemorate the birth of Christ annually as we do. What’s even more interesting is, Jesus did not tell them to. Instead, He told them to commemorate His death.

Jesus’s Death This is explained by Paul in 1 Corin. 24-26. He explained what Jesus said in verse 26, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” Why did Jesus want us to “proclaim” His death until He comes? It is because His death and resurrection made it possible to have relationship with God the Father. It meant the slate is clean, we are forgiven.

All we need to do is accept the gift Jesus freely gave to us – Himself. From the very beginning, this was God’s plan. He wanted man to be in right relationship with Him. Jesus’s death conquered the enemy forever. This is how we can walk and live in victory. It is because we can know that when Jesus died, every sickness and disease got nailed to the cross with Him. Every heartache and pain we could ever face got buried with Him. But when He arose, those things did not rise again with Him. Jesus’s death obviously does not mean that we will never die here on earth. It does mean though, that we will live again with Him. His death does not mean we can’t get sick or feel pain. We still live in a fleshly body

which is still vulnerable to the evils of this world.

Yet, we can still walk in victory knowing we have hope that our suffering is but for a short time. God promised that not all sickness will lead to death for us. But even when it does, we can rest assured as Christ followers that we are “… absent from the body and present with the Lord,” 2 Corin. 5:8. So either way, we can’t lose.

Jesus’s death is significant because it brought about His resurrection from death which made all of these things possible. We can have joy in sorrow, sickness, or even in the midst of crisis. We can have peace in chaos and turmoil. This is all because Christ died and now lives and we are alive in Him. The Word of God tells us that the death of the saints is “precious” in the sight of God. How much more the death of His only begotten Son? I believe this event is incredibly significant to us as believers, to non-believers, and especially to God. The Father wants us saved and blood-washed and spirit-filled. Jesus’s death made this possible.

Had He not suffered and died, He could not have risen. Had He not risen from the grave, He could not have ascended to the Father again. Had he not ascended, He could not have sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to stay with us, assuring us of our victory in Christ Jesus. Of course, none of it would have happened had He not been born in the first place. And this is where we began. Could God have allowed Jesus to just show up at the age of 33 and then go to the cross for us? Sure He could have. He is God. However, it was necessary that Christ live among us, dwell among us, and have relationship with us. This is how He was known among us and was “acquainted with grief.” He had to live among us to become the example for us that He has become.

He also had to suffer the way He did. He bore the full brunt of sin and death, in order to give us the right to live again with Him. He took our punishment for us. This is why we commemorate His death and resurrection at Easter and celebrate in worship services each week. We do not celebrate because of a bunny that goes around planting colored eggs everywhere. No, it is because we have a risen Savior, Christ the Lord and King. So which is the most significant – His birth or His death?

I say both are equally significant. You can’t have one without the other. He was born, He died, and He now lives. Christ died for me, therefore I gladly live for Him.

Smalltown Poets Reunite for Christmas... Again

By Shelley Obilam

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malltown Poets began in 1997 with their Grammy-nominated self-titled album. They have had three number one singles, ten top ten radio hits, two Best Rock Gospel Grammy nominations, seven Dove Award nominations, and Billboard Music video award for the band.

In 2004, Smalltown Poets released, “It’s Later Than It’s Ever Been”, and “Smalltown Poets Christmas on November 1st of that same year. “Good Christian Men Rejoice” reached Billboard’s Top 30 songs on Christian radio.

2012 yielded a new album entitled, “Under the New Sun” which was a collection of new songs and older compositions that had never made it into an album. Two years later, for the first time since 1998, all five of the original band members came together to work on “Christmas Time Again” which was just released November 25, 2014.

What sets your music apart from others?

We are three guys that went to high school together in the south, a diehard west coast native and a guy with roots in Puerto Rico who have a unique musical chemistry in spite of our diverse backgrounds. We put alot of thought into our vocals and harmony is a big part of our sound. Danny, Byron and Michael have been singing together since 1985.

We named the band because it was who we were and who we wanted to be. Danny and I met in a creative writing class in high school and our original motivation is still the fuel we run on today. We want to write honest words, craft stories and word pictures with song lyrics and be true to the poetic voices that inspired us. The Bible has some fantastic poetry in the psalms and throughout and for example the parables of Jesus pushed us toward writing about the ways in which God’s kingdom is breaking through on earth.

fans and followers?

We do start with some common ground with people who share our faith and we often hear that our songs encourage people. I think part of the value our listeners get is the same value we get.

We often write about ways that our lives intersect with what we learn from reading the Bible.

With the number of years as musicians as unto the Lord, would you do anything differently?

Has your success taken you We might have not waited quite where you expected? How? so long to getting around to Oh yeah.. we’ve gotten to do so recording our first Christmas many of the things we dreamed Did Smalltown Poets take a record. We also have realized about. Having a record label hiatus in 2011 which could be that we could have done a much that supported our music with considered a sabbatical? If better job of keeping in touch international distribution and so, what was your purpose in with our fans. radio programmers choosing to taking a leave at the height of play our songs connected us to your musical profession?

Does the group have a “life an audience that we hoped for We came off a long hiatus in verse”; that is, a verse given and knew would appreciate our 2011 to record and release our to you by the Lord to declare music. first album since 2004. We each and live out? pressed into family and our local We would probably agree that Smalltown Poets has won a churches and set aside recording Colossians 3:16-17 is the heart number of outstanding music and touring. There was certainly of a passage that describes the awards, how did you make a sabbath element to resting way we want to live. It’s hard to that happen? from life on the road to take time lift just those verses out of that I think we’ve lost more than we to listen to what God was saying whole chapter and keep the won but anything that has come and to be present with our fami- whole picture in sight but to put our way has been a product of lies and extended communities. it into my own words, “Doing working hard and truly caring It has been fun and rewarding everything as unto the Lord with about the people we work with to come together and work on a grateful heart,” is something and fans of our music. music out of that rest. we’ve talked about alot and seems to be the essence of Does your group’s name Your music is founded on the living a life of worship. match and live up to its teachings of Jesus Christ. purpose? How so?

How does this impact your

Putting the

(Christ) Back in Christmas

Christmas 180 Project

By Matt Poe

What do you say during the holiday season?

Merry Chrstmas or Happy Holidays?

E

ach year, we hear of more struggles to keep Christmas alive--to keep Christ in Christmas.

This year, 1Eighty Apparel and The Pipeline Agency joined together for the (CHRIST)MAS 180 Project. The effort uses clothing that highlights Christ in Christmas and also will provide funding for three faith-based charities.

We sat down with Kevin Sumner, founder of 1Eighty Apparel, and Trey Sheneman, co-founder and chief relationship officer of The Pipeline Agency, to learn more about this project and its impact.

How did the (CHRIST)MAS 180 Project start?

Kevin Sumner: I started 1Eighty Apparel, which is a faith-based, Christian clothing line 10 years ago because a Christian T-shirt I was wearing back in 1989 gave me a chance to share my faith with my dying grandfather. He wanted to know what my shirt meant, and through that conversation and me explaining it, he accepted Christ. I remember saying at some point in my life, I want to have a faithbased apparel line that can speak into the lives of others, and then in 2004 we did that. The 1Eighty Apparel brand is in over 200 retail locations. It’s worn by Jeremy Camp, Third Day, Casting Crowns, Newsboys, and on and on. Probably in late JulyAugust, I got a phone call from an acquaintance who said, “I’ve got an idea for you. I’m friends with this guy, Trey Sheneman, we work together and he’s got a social media company called Pipeline based in Atlanta, and we’ve got a proposal for you based on social marketing.” I’m not big on it. I’ve read articles on social marketing, on click rates and banner ads, and I’m just not, I’m not there.

So we had a conversation, and we started talking about what this could look like. Trey’s response was that he had an idea that would push this to just a whole lot of people be cause this message,

it needs to get out. As we continued to lay it out and let God take control, we realized that we did have something that would make sense to invest time and money from both their end and our end to get the message out. Our Christmas shirts have been around since 2008, and as we looked at that we said we had to do something to expand the line. So, we went from just a couple T-shirts to pajama bottoms and hoodies and so forth, and then right around mid-October we said let’s get it out there. We need to have three nonprofits.

God, bring us those that can help us bring shelter and water and food to do what that Bible tells us to do unto the least of these.

Trey Sheneman: I felt like it was a project we would be willing to do essentially pro bono, put some skin in the game. In my line of work, it’s rare for me to be able to work on things that are overtly Kingdom centered. Most of the time, I’m

working in the secular world. So, to be able to have something to do during the fourth quarter of this year, the Lord’s blessed us with it both personally and my company. Regardless of the outcome this year, I will tell you that the platform that the Lord has given us in the short time we have so far worked on this together is nothing short of amazing. The amount of exposure and the ability to come to the table with certain individuals in the Christian world has been incredible.

Kevin Sumner: Trey has an affiliation with Atlanta-based, faith-based Houses for the Homeless, which will go into a third-world country and build a shelter, 10 by 10 and 12 by 12 home, and they do it for around $100. There was our shelter portion of what we’re trying to accomplish. I reached out to Duncan Phillips of the Newsboys, his wife Breeon is the director of the Artist Program for Food for the Hungry, and said this is what we’re doing. Duncan has been a big supporter of the 180 stuff, and this was a great a relationship that we want to capitalize on. Food for the Hungry is trying to focus on what we’re trying to accomplish with proceeds going to the nonprofits. They totally jumped on board. Through Trey’s relationship, Trey’s a graduate of Liberty, he reached out to Liberty and they have a great nonprofit called World Help who could be our water portion of our mission, of course, World Help does a lot more than just water. So, we’ve got those three nonprofits that are affiliated with what we’re doing, and on their end, they’re using their social network platforms to help us get the word out about the WearShareGive (CHRIST)MAS 180 Project.

Trey Sheneman: Originally, that wasn’t the name.

I think it was just The Christmas Project.

and (CHRIST)MAS 180 Project just makes sense.

Keep Christ in Christmas, and while that’s what we do, we also want to turn people’s thoughts 180 from the world’s perception back to Christmas is to celebrate the birth Christ. Then, obviously it’s a project. It worked out perfectly.

What has been the reaction from the nonprofits you’ve partnered with?

Trey Sheneman: Humility, gratitude, another voice in the wilderness out there trying to raise awareness for them. Obviously they’re going to be even more excited when we cut them a check at the end of the year. The cool thing about we’ve done is, Food for the Hungry does a great job of marketing themselves and they’re one of these name Christian nonprofits in the world, World Help does a pretty good job as well. I would say we’re most excited about Houses for the Homeless because of what they stand for, and they’re just getting going. That’s the one I think we’ll really be able to bring to the market, so to say. That’s a group of real estate investors in the last couple years that every time the sold a house, they took some money out of the commission and sent it with a group to go to Central America to build homes. Now, they’re really taking it to the next level fourth quarter of this year and next year to start raising awareness of other real estate agents who want to donate into them to do the same thing. It’s kind of a cool, new idea from a fundraising standpoint that we’re really excited to give a voice to. That’s been the biggest thing for us with these nonprofits. It’s not that they don’t have marketing teams and aren’t out there trying to grow their work but to have someone else who is essentially not invested in who they are from a past donor relationship to come along side them and say we believe in what you’re doing, this is what we’re doing, we’d love you to be a part of it. We’ve got zero pushback and tons of help from them.

Kevin Sumner: The funny thing about it is Trey and I were on the phone trying to lock down a URL and get Facebook locked in, and every time we said hey, that’s great, let’s do that, it changed, it’s not available.

Kevin Sumner: They’re humbled by the fact that here we are, a for-profit project saying we want to Trey Sheneman: Somebody was squatting on the utilize our resources and give back because we URLs we were trying to get. believe in what you do, for them to come to the table and say we’ve got some great ideas. The Kevin Sumner: We were kind of laughing saying amazing thing about this is we just rolled out our that just shows we’re trying to do something and general platform, and they said what if we took it Satan is trying to derail us, and you look back now, and go here? Food for the Hungry came back and

said we’ve a bunch of bloggers, we’d love to find a way to connect that network to what you guys are doing. It’s never been about the money. They all are looking for ways to promote the message of putting Christ back in Christmas.

Will this be an ongoing project, instead of a one-season project?

Kevin Sumner: It’s going to be an ongoing project.

When the relationship started, we said what do we want to do with this? Obviously we wanted to do the WearShareGive portion back to what we were doing. Then the other conversation was that this has got to go beyond this year. It really needs to focus on a year-round campaign. For me, on the design side of things, it was, I’ve already got a shirt that we did called Stars and Stripes for last Fourth of July and had great success with it because one of the biggest purchased shirts will always be a Fourth of July shirt. So, we’ll do a Fourth of July shirt. Then we said what about Easter? We said let’s come up with three selling cycles. We’ll go January 1, we’ll start talking about Easter. Once Easter’s done, we’ll do Fourth of July. Once Fourth of July’s done, we’ll go right back into Christmas.

We already have the design for the Easter shirt, the Fourth of July shirt, and next year’s Christmas shirts. That’s on my end.

Trey Sheneman: We really just think that this WearShareGive mantra has legs to it. The (CHRIST)MAS 180 Project will go away and all of these different campaigns will be part of the WearShareGive culture we’re trying to generate.

The idea is do the same things that you’re doing all of the time, which is buying new clothes every year to wear, but why not wear clothes that share a message? Particularly a message of Jesus and what He has done for us. Through doing those two things, we will continue to give back out of the proceeds, empowering you as a believer to wear that conversation starter. We’re not necessarily going to stop at these three partners. These three partners are great. Kevin and I have thrown around the idea of being able to go to private schools and churches and youth groups and people that are trying to raise money for specific initiatives and letting that be the give back part. Here’s the price of the products, you sell the products, and we’ll sew back into your ministry. Everybody who has gotten the product has said how quality they really are. We’re going to continue to empower other nonprofits that are faith based to continue to do what they do, to grow the kingdom and to service the needs of others. It’s a brand people can believe in.

When a pet owner dies or becomes disabled, what happens to their pets?

According to the ASPCA, 8 to 12 million dogs and cats enter shelters nationwide every year and 5 to 9 million are euthanized (60% of dogs and 70% of cats). Of the animals surrendered to shelters, 2% to 3% are relinquished due to the death or disability of their human caregivers.

“Orphaned” pets do not adjust well to the experience in a shelter—they refuse to eat, they are despondent, and they are often labeled “unadoptable.” Sadly, many healthy, adoptable pets are euthanized simply because their pet owners did not plan for their continuous care.

Pet owners should identify committed caregivers who can care for their pets, maintain written care instructions and set up a finance plan or set aside funds to cover the expenses for the continued care of their pets.

For more information, to volunteer or to donate please visit www@2ndchance4pets.org.

2nd Chance 4 Pets is a 501c3 all-volunteer nonprofit advocacy organization. Our team is working to reduce the number of pets euthanized due to the death or disability of the pet owner. For more information, please visit 2ndchance4pets.org. Our tax ID number is 13-4280812.

www.2ndchance4pets.org

If A Tree Falls In The Forest…

By Mark M. Danko “If a tree falls in the forest, and no-one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?”

This was the question posed to me by my professor in a Philosophy class, several decades ago. And, while the discussion provided for some lengthy and questionable debate, it had been long forgotten, until recently.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, we planned the annual family pilgrimage to the “Promised Lands” of Christmas tree lots, stands, and lumber yards, on a Saturday, to find the perfect representation for the holiday season.

So, having loaded the children into the van; rope, ladder, bungee cords, and scissors at hand (I have done this, before), we embarked on our journey.

After several stops, it became apparent that this task might be a little more daunting than originally anticipated, as we tried to match tree to budget and price to value. I don’t know how many different trees are available in your region, but up here, there is a plethora of varieties and sizes to choose from. After consuming much of the morning running around, we made the decision to “bless” the “Big Box” store we were standing in front of with our money.

From the “samples” out front, we determined that we would purchase one of the advertised

pink-tagged 5-6’ trees for $19.99, even if we had to put it on a milk crate and cover it with a blanket for a tree skirt to achieve the desired height.

Although somewhat less in stature than what I had set out for, initially, the next price point was $44.00 and outside the prescribed budget, this year.

Reluctantly, we went into the store and made our way to the “Garden Centre”, out back. To our delight, as we rummaged through the many pink-tagged trees, we found several that were larger in height than the advertised 5-6’.

Ultimately, we settled on a 9-footer with a broken tip. At the checkout, however, the cashier was insistent that our pink-tagged tree was actually $25.00 and not $19.99 as I had thought.

After paying $25.00, plus taxes, we made our way across the parking lot to our vehicle, and proceeded to hoist our trophy on top of the van and secure it to the roof rack for the ride home.

We then returned to the display models to re-check the pricing.

Sure enough…$19.99! So, with receipt in hand and boys “in tow”, I went back into the store to present the discrepancy. Not only was I awarded the $19.99 price point, but a further $5.00 off for the inconvenience! Praise the Lord!

If our faith in Christ Jesus (THE tree of life) falls in the forest (the workplace, neighborhood, marketplace, and throughout the city) and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?

The understanding of this time of the year, for many, is wrapped up (pun intended) in gifts and revelry. Many people only know about Christmas, and not Christ.

I encourage you, this season, to find ways to share your faith. It doesn’t have to be some recitation of memorized scripture or deep insight from the Word. It can be as simple (and powerful) as sharing your personal testimony (Revelation 12:11). Perhaps you can share something about the message you heard at church on Sunday.

You may be surprised at the eagerness of those around you to listen. God has many ways of drawing people near to Him and He wants to use you, like never, before!

So, this Christmas, make some noise. This Christmas, “Go tell it on the mountain; over the hills and everywhere. Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born!”

Mark Danko is happily married and happy in his marriage to his beautiful wife, Michelle.

Together, they have been The next night, as we all sat by blessed with four boys and the tree, in all its adornments, are privileged to personally sipping on eggnog, in front of the administer the educational and fire, reflecting on life, family, and character building requirements Christmas, I was reminded of the for their children. Mark is also quote from my youth: “If a tree a businessman, entrepreneur, falls in the forest, and no-one is inventor, writer, friend, and around to hear it, does it make a church leader. You can follow sound?”

Mark on Twitter @markmdanko

By Brenda Stapleton

Decorating Emotional Health for the Holidays hanksgiving was just around the corner, so I headed to the local Kroger to pick up a couple of things I needed before the store shelves became completely bare. The list I compiled had actually been prepared on a notes feature in my phone, as it would be remarkably similar to the one I would make a month from now for Christmas. Smirking as I looked at it, I began thinking of the ways I would be ahead of others as there are always that group who waits until the last minute to shop for everything.

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That used to be me, I muttered under my breath. Those were the days of endless energy and never-ending lists of things to do. It didn’t matter, though, because I thrived on having something else to do before the day was done. The first one to awaken in the morning and the last one to go to bed. I was the “pitter-patter” of feet heard in my house at night. Everyone had their needs met, and it was all me. I wore that red cape, and it was pressed and ironed before I went to bed.

That used to be you, right? That vibrant “you” who could take on the world. Now it is the “you” and the “me” who looks at Kroger and the people running in and out and feels as if twenty pounds of just weight has been added and could hardly maneuver around.

The bright smiles and voices of cheer. Some are on their phones, laughing and talking, others are speaking to those they run into.

Some are with each other, and they are just talking about what

to get. It is almost an instant throbbing pain in your head--the voices, the laughter, the chatter, the well wishes, the smiles, and the cell phones. It is all you can do to get what you have to and get back into the sanctity of the home. The home you haven’t left in two or three days and only did today because you had to.

“Why do they already have Christmas trees lining the sidewalk?” The store is full of poinsettias and the beginning of all things “merry and bright.” Christmas cookies or Thanksgiving cookies? It seems as a war has been waged between pumpkin and ginger within a matter of days. Cookies aren’t even on the list, and normally I would probably just get one of both, but lately the appetite seems to be a bit off, and the thought of cookies of any kind is enough to make you want to toss yours. You already know the biggest decision today should be turkey or ham, and you have already waged that war, so why now? Why do you come in and put yourself in the position to have to fight yet another battle?

The wind was cold and brisk with the winter weather blast, and you ache in some parts, and others actually feel a bit better. It seems like maybe, just one day the whole body would function on one temperature in all areas, and you would know what to wear. Half of you feels like shorts, and the other half feels as if a hoodie is required. You should be used to it. It seems as if this has been ongoing for weeks, or months even. What a strange feeling. What’s even stranger is you really don’t care. You just want to pick up the turkey and go. Wait, maybe it was the ham

you decided on.

Maybe this isn’t a day for you.

Then you seem to relate to the never ending decisions, compromises, twists and turns, and forgetfulness of people who deal with depression. There are those daily events when people search for ways to “not” perform a task, as the result is either too difficult to obtain, or the result is, well, just not that concerning.

Well, surely I am not referring to something important? Well, yes I am, those, too.

Depression is so much different than anything you could ever imagine. Let’s talk about it for just a moment, so the meaning is clear. Depression is not a time when you feel sad. This isn’t having a bad day or when you are “down in the dumps,” so to speak. These are moments that shall pass. You must ask, “Is there a reason I feel like this?” Maybe you have lost a family member or friend, or lost a job, experienced a break-up, or maybe you have had a day where everything has gone wrong. These are all things that are temporary. It may take days, weeks, or months, but in time your heart will mend from loss.

Depression is a disorder, not an occurrence. This is something that doesn’t just change your day-- it changes your life.

Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings are usually fleeting and pass within a couple of days. When a person has a depressive disorder, it interferes with daily life. It prohibits what is normal and it causes pain for both the person with depression and for those around them. This is a serious illness and it must be treated. Most people don’t seek treatment, so things get worse, fast. Research has shown without treatment, people who have depression disorder may become disabled or experience other symptoms that could lead to a worse outcome in their life.

Some people who have depression are not aware of it. How could you not know something is wrong with you?

The symptoms of depression may already be present because of another disorder. For instance, if your family member or friend has a chronic illness or pain disorder, some examples may include heart disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes,

multiple sclerosis (MS), and how thankful they are for Parkinson’s disease. All of these everything that is going good tend make you react to the in their life. How many times disease process first, and the have you heard someone give depressive disorder second. So thanks for the bad things in their when a person begins speaking life? How many times have you about something, gets frustrated seen your family get together when their words and memory just to talk about the bad becomes jumbled, has an angry times and how terrible times outburst, and leaves the room for are? That is not something several hours, you may think it was anyone does. Thanksgiving the MS. It could have started with and Christmas are the biggest MS and ended with depression. celebratory holidays, and it is Now, where is it? Somewhere in time for all of those good things between, or maybe even further. to be brought to the floor.

This is when the additional Are you that person who just stresses of work and home doesn’t have anything at the responsibilities, caring for moment you feel thankful children and aging parents, about? Is it true you do not job concerns, and relationship have anything to be thankful strains all pull at that person. about? What about the fact They need so much more than a simple, “Not feeling well, or not a good day today, huh?” Women will generally talk more or even let these feelings out, statistics have shown that. Men, on the other hand, do not like to talk. They may drown their concerns in alcohol or turn to drug abuse or some other form of abuse towards others. I know I said men and women, but I also mean boys and girls. This is even reaching out into our teenage groups and even our younger groups of children.

Here’s the biggest situational factor to consider. When you are having a bad day, what do you want to do?

How about have a group of people over, talking about old times, when things were good, when you were better, and what’s more, talk about how good things are for them.?Celebrate the good times, and talk about

that you are here and fighting though this day to get better?

Maybe so, or maybe that is only since the last suicide attempt you made was thwarted by a knock at the door, or a laugh from a television show, a ringing phone, or your voice from down the hall asking, “Hey, is everything okay, I really wish you would come talk with me.” You never know what words can do, how much they mean, or your presence.

Just being there, and being heard when that person needs you to hear them the most, is so important. In Psalms 34:17: When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

Sometimes when a depressed person says, “LEAVE ME ALONE!,” what they really mean is, “Leave me alone, for now.”

Think about the people in your life. Think what it would be like if one of those people weren’t there tomorrow. Who’s missing from your life now? Not the person who is at work, or the person who is involved with countless activities, but the person who just doesn’t come around, but always did.

Give that person a call. Let them know you are thankful, for them.

Find out “how” that person is doing. Chances are, you have a friend who is depressed and in need. Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of the biggest holidays to remind us just how alone a person is, if that person is depressed. So be thankful and spread your holiday cheer. Don’t just be out there for those you see every day. Find those who are

missing from your everyday life, and find out why? Be thankful and helpful, be joyous and caring through sharing yourself and your time, not just boxes of “stuff.”

If you find someone who you feel is depressed, this is what they need for depression. The first step is to find appropriate treatment with a visit to a doctor.

The doctor will begin treatment or will refer this person to a mental health professional for a complete diagnostic evaluation, including addressing any issues of alcohol or drugs and whether the patient is thinking about death or suicide. Once a person is diagnosed with depression, he or she can be treated with a number of methods, such as medication and psychotherapy.

The best thing as a friend or family member for you to do is to be supportive. I have heard some people say, “Well that person is weak. Their spirit is weak. They must be under the control of the devil. Satan has entered this person’s life and has stolen their glory, and their reasons to live.”

Is this what you think? Is this how you think God would feel about depression? We already know, about how God feels, from his words. In Deuteronomy 31:8: “… It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

This means offering emotional support, being understanding, and being patient. Be willing to talk, but most of all, listen. Don’t be disparaging and never treat a person’s mentioning of suicide as just talk. Be involved in your friend or family member’s life.

Until treatment begins working, your presence in that person’s life will be vital for their healing.

There are many things you can do with this person, but most of all, be there for them and with them.

What if the holidays are approaching and the familiarity of all of this seems more about you than about a friend? Maybe you should consider looking into some measures available for people with depression.

You then may find some of things you have been feeling, or the symptoms you have been having are truly a part of depression. Perhaps what began as a bad day or two has moved into weeks and months of one bad day after another, and you have found yourself struggling just to get up in the morning, or going to bed at night has become an all-night affair. That endless fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, sense of hopelessness, and irritability, coupled with headaches and inability to concentrate on anything anymore has moved into a daily or weekly event of carousel events.

The only way to get help, is to reach out. Pick up the phone, or open a door by contacting a friend or family member. You will never be without God’s love, but, if you don’t want to do this without a human presence, take that first step. Romans 8:38-39 says: For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Tell them, “I need to contact a doctor,” or “I need some help.”

Your mental and emotional

health is just as valuable as your physical health. The community in which a person lives in is made up of health maintenance organizations. These groups contain health counselors, community mental health centers, hospital psychiatry departments, and outpatient clinics. Some have mental health programs at universities or medical schools or at state hospital outpatient clinics who see clients for little or no costs.

If these places are too public for you, you can contact a private clinic or facility, an employee assistance program, social agencies or family services, or a member of the clergy. All of these groups and services can assist you back into your life, and along the way provide you with a peer support group with other people who have been, are going through, or just starting the same walk on the path of emotional freedom.

Trust yourself when it comes to your emotions.

When you feel pain, it hurts.

When you feel tired, it is fatigue.

When you feel apprehensive, it’s fear. No matter what it is, it is a feeling. It is an emotion, and it is a part of you that can be sick. It can reach a point of no return. If you feel you are at that point, before you make that final step, call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to talk to a trained counselor. One thing for sure: you are not alone.

Many people are affected by depression. You could be one of those people. However, you do not have to suffer from it.

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Hope - A Story of Devotion Written By Anthony Morena Reviewed By Jessica Price Pages: 234 Published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC Copyright 2014

to Nancy and a cast of other conflicted characters in a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page.

Dr. Nancy Glacieux’s Center for Hope is accomplishing amazing things. She is driven beyond reason to find a cure for the disease that she sees tormenting the lives of her ISBN: 978-1-63063-301-1 young patients and

their families. With Available for purchase the help of her from amazon.com for ex-husband, a recent $14.38 with free shipping religious zealot who is assisting her in funding her organization, and Jonathan Weiss, a wealthy socialite who is smitten an sin be defined in terms with Nancy and her life’s of black and white, or is there work, Nancy appears to be at a gray area?

Some would the height of her career. But say that sin is determined by appearances can be deceiving. actions. Others would argue There are secrets that have that intentions determine wrong become embedded in the doing. The Bible makes it clear fabric of Nancy’s life, and when that only God can judge the Homeland Security takes her into custody, she will be forced heart. to face the facts she has tried so “Therefore judge nothing before hard to hide, even from herself. the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to Connections with the main light what is hidden in darkness characters of the novel are and expose the motives of the established as we read about their spiritual struggles as well heart.” 1 Corinthians 4:5. as their physical ones. This Dr. Nancy Glacieux may have novel pushes the envelope in ventured into the gray area of terms of being classified as a morality in her attempts to save Christian novel due to language the lives of children suffering from and certain sexually explicit a rare and debilitating disease. content; however, the spirituality In Hope - A Story of Devotion, of the characters is presented in by first time author Mr. Anthony a very real and genuine fashion.

Morena, readers are introduced Certain characters are battling

C

with their connection to God as they struggle with the challenges they face. While the mention of God in the pages of a book does not make it a Christian work, there is more God-centered substance to Hope then there is in most secular writing.

Mr. Morena’s first novel is a suspenseful page turner that seems very appropriate for the day and age in which we live. The characters are well developed. As a reader, you will be left with the impression that this is not the last of the story of Hope. Mr. Morena’s second book will be much anticipated.

Mr. Morena has agreed to offer an interview to Faith Filled Family. Be sure to read the upcoming interview to find out more about the man behind the novel.

Veritas:

Spreading God’s Truth Worldwide

By Michelle C. Danko Answered by: Jordan Johnson of Veritas Veritas began performing in September 2012 with five members: Jeff Anderson (first tenor), James Barrian (baritone), Andrew Goodwin (second tenor), Jordan Johnson (first tenor) and Lucas Scott Lawrence (bass).

While the group has been compared to Il Divo, Il Volo, and The Three Tenors in comparrison to their sound, it is their message of faith, hope, love and a commitment to musical excellence which makes them stand out How was Veritas formed? Did you previously know each other, or did a producer place each of you together?

The idea for Veritas was formed by a man with a vision for a classical group with five guys. His name is Dr. Roger Breland. He is the founder of the iconic musical group Truth. He has spearheaded the music department at the University of Mobile where four of the members, myself included, graduated.

So to answer your question, James, Andrew, Scott, and I began singing together in various groups throughout our time at the University. We knew each other well and ultimately knew our voices meshed together in a unique way. It wasn’t until a little later that we met our fifth member Jeff, who fit into our group seamlessly.

Was it easy to work with other vocalists that you had never previously worked with as a group? How did you “gel” together to form such a harmonious sound?

By the grace of God, gelling together as a group came pretty easily for us. The first time the five of us sang together in a little church in Mobile, Alabama, it felt like we just clicked…there was something special. It was evident to us that God’s hand was all over the ministry we were about to embark on.

Of course, we are constantly working very hard to improve our sound. We really make it a point to strive for excellence, morally and professionally, in all that we do, on and off the platform, not for the praise of men, but for the Glory of God. God deserves our very best.

I noticed that in 2012 your name was Shofar (powerful name!). What led you to change it to Veritas?

Four of us were together on the 40th anniversary tour of the group Truth in 2011/12. It was an amazing experience that was also meant to be a launching pad for what was then called Shofar. By the time the Truth tour ended and it was time to

launch our new group, the five of us took ownership and decided on our new name. Veritas is a Latin word that means “Truth” and at the end of the day we wanted our name to represent the ultimate truth, God’s truth. And that’s what we hope people experience at our concerts.

What would you say sets Veritas apart from groups such as Il Divo, and some of the other Christian gospel groups out there?

Veritas is unique in that we have 5 very different sounds and very different styles in each of our voices. Scott’s a freakishly low bass with a very operatic style to his voice, one of the most unique voices out there. James is a Lyric Baritone with a

jaw-dropping tone; he is a master of his operatic style. Andrew is our second tenor with a really smooth, buttery Disney sounding voice…the very definition of consistency. Jeff is a screaming high first tenor with a soulful R&B sound. I myself am a first tenor who loves to lean on my rock style tone and I also do my fair share of screaming some high notes. We all have classical training, and when we come together, it truly is a wall of sound that surprises audiences every time. We call what we do Contemporary Classical. It’s classical because of our classically trained voices and the 45 piece Orchestra that recorded the tracks on our record.

It’s contemporary because we like to throw some pop/rock in there and create a truly unique sound.

To be honest, no one in Christian music is doing what we are doing right now. And we have been humbled and shocked by the response from 8 year olds to 80 year olds.

What is your background in music? What special training have you had? How has it helped you in the group?

I came from a family of singers. I grew up watching the group Truth (it was in my blood, my Uncle Roger Breland founded the group). Ever since I could talk, I was trying to emulate the incredible voices that I grew up listening to. I knew from a small age that music was what I felt called to do with my life. I sang in praise teams from the age 12 until I finished college. I took voice lessons and I screamed my brains out in the shower and the car. I was always practicing because singing was what I loved to do. I spent a season in Manhattan attending Circle in the Square theatre school and was considering some options in theatre there. But ultimately, I felt called to use my talents in ministry and that’s what led me to a Worship Leadership major at the University of Mobile. From there I went on to sing in Truth and became a founding member of Veritas.

What type of Christian music/artists have influenced you creatively and in your music?

I have always been a superfan of the guys that sang in Truth over the years. And Truth really launched a lot of groups that I’ve looked up to musically Newsong, the 4Him guys, Avalon, Steve Green, to name a few. I also (at least vocally) looked up to some incredible singers such as Journey’s Steve Perry and Queen’s Freddy Mercury, and of course, classical singers like the Three Tenors.

How did you get your start in Christian music?

How did you know this is where God had placed you?

There were many times when I questioned my abilities and asked God why my gifts weren’t being used like I thought they should be. I can’t tell you how many times over the years God has said “no” to me. But because He knows what’s best for me, had I gotten some of the roles I auditioned for in the past, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Some of the opportunities that I’ve had seemed perfectly suited for me at the time. I’ve had opportunities with TV and Broadway shows, but they never seemed to

work out. Looking back, I now understand why. If those opportunities had worked out like I wanted them to at the time, I would never have met my beautiful wife Crystal, I wouldn’t have a precious little girl on the way, and I wouldn’t be doing what God had planned for me all along…to sing in Veritas. I’ve learned that sometimes God says “no, it’s never going to happen,” and sometimes He says “yes, and here’s more.”

What is your most memorable moment as a group? What would you say is your highest achievement?

My most memorable moment with Veritas would have to be watching forty-five of the best string players in the world record the tracks to our debut self-titled album at the legendary Ocean Way studios in Nashville. It was truly a surreal moment and one I’ll never forget. The highest achievement would have to be sitting at the computer watching our record on the front page of iTunes.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not performing?

In my free time, I love spending time with my wife!

I am also somewhat of a soccer fanatic and enjoy catching up on the games I’ve missed while out on the road. Our dogs Marty and Daphne keep us busy and sometime around May 20th our baby girl will join our family!

After releasing your debut album, what is next for Veritas? What goals do you have?

It won’t be long before we will be working on our second full length album. This is very exciting considering our debut album just released on September 9, 2014. We’re also really honored to be doing quite a few dates with Sandi Patty in 2015, including a concert with her at Carnegie Hall on November 23, 2015. Our goal has always been to do concerts in the church on Sundays, which is what we do pretty much every weekend, on the road, over 200 days a year. However, another goal of ours has always been to play with symphonies on that Friday before Sunday. How great would it be to perform for a crowd of non-believers in a symphony hall on a Friday and then invite them to a completely different concert on the following Sunday. Frankly, the heart of Veritas, is to be a light in a dark place, always striving to point our audiences to Him.

5 Surprising Things Christians Don’t Know About the Jewish Festival of Chanukah

By Bobbie Ann Cole

Copyright Bobbie Anne Cole 2014 Perhaps because the week-long Festival of Light usually falls around Christmastime, Christians often wrongly assume Chanukah to be of similar importance to Christmas in the Jewish calendar.

It is not.

1. Chanukah remembers Jewish victory during a 2nd century BC rebellion against the oppressive Syrian Greeks occupying Israel at that time. The festival is minor compared to Jewish biggies Passover and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

That’s the first surprise for Christians.

2. The second it that the story of the success of the Jewish Maccabee rebels is not in the Bible. The Books of Maccabee are nowhere to be found in the Jewish Bible, making Chanukah the only non-Biblebased Jewish festival.

They are not in most Christian Bibles either, although the Roman Catholic Bible has them.

3. Marching into Jerusalem, the Maccabees found the Temple ransacked. The ner tamid, eternal flame, had gone out. The story goes that there was barely a thimbleful of holy oil unspilled — enough, maybe, to light it for one day.

It would take eight days to prepare more holy oil.

They lit the flame anyway and went ahead with rededicating the Temple.

A miracle happened. Those few drops of oil burned for eight days straight, time enough for gallons more holy oil to be prepared...

The miracle of the light that burned for eight days when the Temple

was rededicated is central to Chanukah. And Jesus themes His Chanukah conversation in the Temple, told in John’s Gospel, Chapter 10, around miracles.

God’s miracles, worked through Him. The word Chanukah actually means ‘dedication’.

Yet this story comes down to us only through Rabbinic tradition. It is absent from the Books of Maccabees.

4. The next surprise is that the traditional symbols of Chanukah have no more to do with the festival than Christmas trees do with the nativity. The spinning die game of dreidl is Eastern European in origin, as is the tradition of giving Chanukah gelt.

Jewish children would be given a little money — gelt is Yiddish for ‘money’ — every night, after the home ceremony of lighting the special, ninebranch menorah.

On this candlestick, known as a chanukiyah, one candle, the servant, stands apart from the others.

This candle is used every night to light an increasing number of other candles, starting with just one until, on the eighth and last night, all eight candles, plus the servant, dance merrily.

Nowadays, Chanukah gelt is often foil-wrapped chocolate coins, rather than money,

although the pressure is on, of course, to vie with the lavish giving that goes on elsewhere at Christmas. Some Jewish kids receive a big present every night of the festival.

the recipe: Grate up to 2 lbs. of potatoes, and leave them in a sieve over a bowl for half an hour to drain off excess moisture.

5. The fifth and last surprising Mix 2-3 chopped shallots, or thing about Chanukah is that about ½ an onion, with 2 beaten eggs and flour. Add the grated potatoes and season with salt and pepper.

Heat a quarter-inch of olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Drop in a tablespoonful of potato mixture.

It should sizzle.

Add the rest of the mixture, tablespoon by tablespoon. Turn down the heat slightly and cook for 3-4 minutes each side, until brown and crisp all over.

Pat with kitchen towel to remove excess grease and keep warm in a pre-heated oven until required.

Serve with applesauce, sour cream or cream cheese, or any combination of these.

the tradition of eating latkes has no connection, other than being oily, to anything in the story. The main ingredient, potatoes, was only discovered with America, in the 15th/16th centuries.

In case you would like to add this traditional Chanukah dish to your Christmas menu, here is

Merry Christmas and Chag Sameach, which means ‘have a joyful festival’.

Bobbie Ann Cole is author of her acclaimed faith memoir She Does Not Fear the Snow, an Amazon #1 Bestseller. Get her FREE Story Structure Success Sheet at http://testimonytrain. com/#2.

Kim Walker-Smith “When Christmas Comes” Released November 4, 2014 Reviewed By: Michelle C. Danko Genre: Holiday Label: +180 Records Price: $8.99 USD (MP3) and $10.00 USD audio CD on Amazon.

Each individual song is sold for $.99 each.

Kim Walker-Smith of Jesus Culture released her latest album, When Christmas Comes on November 4, 2014. When Christmas Comes is a collection of traditional holiday classics richly sung with a combination of passion, love, and praise.

Kim’s delightful vocals take listeners to a place of worship and intimacy with God as she sings from her heart pouring out all that she has in praise.

Tell Me the Story of Jesus: Simply and sweetly sung song with a guitar strumming in the background. It describes the birth of Jesus, the crucifixion and resurrection. Tell Me the Story of Jesus beautifully describes the events in Jesus’ life in picturesque song, and floods the listener with emotion almost making them feel as if they were witnessing every event as it unfolds.

Silent Night: Warm cello notes and the tinkling of a triangle enhance the mood of this song. Silent Night begins with the traditional rendition, then in verse two, the tempo picks up beginning with a musical swell. The vocals become slightly more powerful, and the instruments pick up tempo leading to a climactic ending.

Angels We Have Heard on High: Traditional version of this song. What sounds like a harp is strummed softly in the chorus almost sounding like a cascading waterfall.

It adds a beautiful enchanting sound to the song as to the jingling of the bells that come in later.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas: This song is sung very playfully and is the traditional version of the song again.

Xylophone chimes in with the drum in the background which enhances the playfulness to it and the fastpaced lyrics.

I’ll be Home for Christmas: I’ll be Home for Christmas is sung very “old-school” in its tone. It makes the listener envision themselves sitting by a fireplace listening to someone sing to them. When Kim hits the

bottom of her range, the effect is very warm, and she sings it with a great deal of passion. It is as if she is feeling every word she is singing.

more “Holy Ghost” inspired than part of the song since she sings it as the song was written. It was a really nice unexpected touch.

The First Noel: Captivating piano interlude opens this song. Bass guitar is added mid-verse, and the royal beating of drums enters in at the chorus.

There are places where there is such a unique musical arrangement that it makes you feel as if you were flying.

O Holy Night: Guitar music softly strums in the background. O Holy Night really showcases Kim’s amazing vocal range. The background vocal harmonizes beautifully creating an atmosphere of intimacy. Violins are added later in the song as what sounds like the strumming of the harp. It sounds as if I am being taken back in time.

Away in a Manger: Piano music tinkles softly as the song begins. The tempo is a little bit faster paced than the original. Music swells after the first verse and builds into the second. It becomes just a little more powerful and louder- yet not overpowering. It is perfectly balanced. It sounds as if Kim, in this version, is truly singing out to God. Every note is felt and met with perfect pure emotion.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: Piano music accompanies this traditionally sung song.

The background vocals are the perfect compliment at the second verse.

Carol of the Bells: Bells chime intermittently in the beginning. Carol of the Bells is sung very strongly and powerfully. There is a forcefulness sung to a very complex and challenging song timing wise.

The song ends very softly.

Winter Wonderland: Winter Wonderland is sung enthusiastically. It is sung as the song was originally written. The vocal arrangement sounds wonderful and complimentary.

Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer: A children’s favorite, Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer is sung with wonderment. The violin and jingling of the Let it Snow: Guitar strumming opens this song. bells just adds to the overall feel to this song. It At the first verse, drums, guitar and a moracca, brings me back to my childhood. and tamborine are added to the arrangement.

The backup vocals compliment Kim’s, and only White Christmas: White Christmas is sung more enhance the performance. Her vocals are still in like a ballad with rich, soulful vocals. the forefront.

The Christmas Song: Another traditional song O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: Kim sings the sung passionately with powerful rich vocals. The song captivatingly and with enchantment. It holds violin and piano accompaniment makes this song you attention at the very first note. The focus of very homey and comforting. this song are the lyrics and the instruments play a more secondary role. The grace notes in places This album in nothing short of spectacular! Every are sweet, yet complex. When the refrain hits time I listen to Kim Walker-Smith whether it be with “Rejoice”, the listener feels that sentiment as the Jesus Culture, or as a solo artist, it is evident that it music climaxes and falls at the end of it. is just her and God. She sings as if she is speaking directly to the Lord from a place that resides deep O Come All Ye Faithful: O Come All Ye within her. It is as if Kim feels every word and Faithful is sung majestically and powerfully. The conveys that in her music which makes it not only accompaniment is simple as the song doesn’t pleasing to the ear, but joyful and uplifting to the need anything added to it. Kim creates a beautiful soul- a rare combination. Kim has an anointing atmosphere with her voice alone. To add anything that draws you into worship and before you know to this version would only take the focus off of the it, you feel the presence of God permeating the praise-worthy melody. The end is sung praise and room. worship style almost making it seem like it was This collection is no exception. Kim runs the live. My guess would be that the addition was a gamut between songs that are upbeat and playful,

to soulful and praise worthy. The instrument collection lends itself to a more classic, traditional feel to holiday classics even though the vocals have been changed up to add a new spin on Christmas favorites. The result is something that is deeply beautiful, rich, and enchanting without being too old-fashioned.

This album is the perfect blend of traditional

instrumentals with a new spin on vocals. The instruments work along with the vocals to create an atmosphere of praise by simply using variations in volume.

When Christmas Comes is the perfect addition to your holiday collection this year, and is sure to be as equally treasured in the years to come.

Opera Spr

Photos Courtesy of Operation Christmas Child Today we are speaking with News of eternal life through Randy Riddle from Samaritan’s Jesus Christ.

Purse, more specifically with the Operation Christmas Child.

What exactly is Operation Thank you for taking the time out Christmas Child? of your extremely busy schedule Operation Christmas Child is a to speak with us today. I believe project of Samaritan’s Purse and our readers would be eager to is the world’s largest Christmas hear of the organization project of its kind. Using gift-filled We are grateful for the shoeboxes, we share God’s love opportunity to share what God in a tangible way with needy is doing through Operation children around the world. Each Christmas Child. shoebox gift is an opportunity to share the Gospel with a child Can you explain to our readers who may have never received a what is Samaritan’s Purse? gift in their life. We want these Samaritan’s Purse is an children to know they are loved international Christian relief and and not forgotten. Many of these evangelism organization headed children then enter our 12-lesson

by Franklin Graham. The discipleship program called The organization works in more than Greatest Journey.

100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, How did Operation Christmas poverty, famine and persecution. Child become a part of Samaritan’s Purse? How long What is its primary objective? has OCC been in operation?

Samaritan’s Purse reaches How did the idea for the out to people who are hurting program begin? in countries around the world The program began in the with food, medicine, and other United Kingdom. The founders assistance. This, in turn, allows asked Samaritan’s Purse to take us to share the Gospel, the Good over the project, and in 1993, we

ation Christmas Child: reading Love Worldwide

By Jan O’Kane

collected 28,000 shoebox gifts.

Are there countries other than the United States that benefit from Operation Christmas Child?

Because Operation Christmas Child’s focus in on children worldwide, most of the shoebox gifts are distributed in countries outside of the United States.

Shoebox gifts are collected in the United States, Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Since 1993, the gifts have been distributed to more than 150 countries and territories.

In previous years how many children have benefited from the program?

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 113 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children all around the world.

You can select items to go inside a box, upload a photo, and write a letter to the child who will receive it. Operation Christmas Child volunteers will pack the box for you. You can then challenge your friends and family to participate by setting up a challenge page and setting a shoebox gift goal.

Do you have a website for our readers to access?

Yes, samaritanspurse.org/ occ is where you can pack a shoebox online and learn even more about Operation Christmas Child.

Can our readers compile their own shoebox to send? / How could they get their boxes to you?

There is still time to pack a box. However, because our National Collection Week has passed, you would either need to drop it off at one of our nine Processing Centers around the United States by December 20 – or send it to our international headquarters office in Boone, NC any time during the year.

A full list of our Processing Centers is online. Just go to our website, click on “What We Do” / “Operation Christmas Child” / “Drop-Off Locations.”

What are your goals for this year’s operation?

In 2014, we hope to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach 10 million children, with 8.3 million gifts coming from the United States. Shoebox gifts are used to share the Gospel through the local church. We also hope to disciple more than 2 million What sort of items should children through our discipleship the boxes contain? program.

We suggest praying about the items that will go in your It sounds as though the shoebox gift. Each box can be program is expanding quite as unique as you would like. a bit. How can our reading A few suggestions are toys, audience help? school supplies, hygiene items, The best way to get involved right accessories, a personal note, now is by packing a shoebox gift and a photo. You can find a on our website. This is a fun and full list of suggestions as well convenient way to bless a child. as items not to pack on our

website at samaritanspurse.org.

Can other types or styles of boxes be used other than a shoebox?

Yes, but we recommend that it be the size of a regular shoebox.

How many collection locations are there around the world?

During National Collection Week this year, Operation Christmas Child USA partnered with local churches to open more than 4,000 drop-off locations around the United States and Puerto Rico to collect shoebox gifts. There are also 11 other countries that have their own collection networks for Operation Christmas Child.

How will the readers find these collections centers?

Even though the collection centers are closed for this year, you can still drop off your shoebox gifts at one of our nine U.S. Processing Centers.

A full list is on our website.

Next year, National Collection Week in the United States is November 16-23, and those drop-off locations will once again be listed on our website with the hours of operation.

Are your efforts on behalf of Operation Christmas Child active year around?

Yes, we have full-time staff and year-round volunteers who work to make sure these gifts are collected and delivered to children in need each year. More than 500,000 volunteers worldwide, with more than 100,000 of those in the United States, are involved in collecting, shipping, and distributing shoebox gifts.

There are opportunities for

people to serve on local area teams to encourage shoebox collection in their communities.

Even after many of the shoebox gifts are given to children, ministry at the local church level takes place through a follow-up discipleship program called The Greatest Journey. Each lesson has a biblical theme and learning activities. This storybased curriculum is specifically written for children from a variety of cultural backgrounds and presented with illustrations in a format that transcends culture. Children who complete all 12 lessons will receive a personalized certificate and copy of the New Testament in their language at a graduation ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments. This is also a gathering of their families—many of which do not attend church.

Besides financial and donating a box or boxes, what else can be done to assist in this program?

Praying that these children, their families, and communities would come to know the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ, is very important to the mission of Operation Christmas Child.

Serving year-round on a local volunteer team is also a great way to use your gifts and talents for the Lord through Operation Christmas Child.

If our readers would like to donate to your ministry, where can they send their contributions?

The easiest way to make donations is at our website at samaritanspurse.org/occ. From the home page, just click on the “Support” tab.

Does the organization accept pledges of amounts or time frames?

We actually now have a way you can make a repeatable gift donation to The Greatest Journey discipleship program.

Participants can select a number of children they wish to disciple each month. For example, $6 a month would send one child through The Greatest Journey and 12 children in one year.

More information can be found on our website.

Do you have opportunities for volunteers?

There are several ways to volunteer with Operation Christmas Child. We have dedicated volunteers who work year-round in the areas of prayer, church relations, community relations, media relations, and shoebox collection. Groups and individuals can also volunteer in one of our Processing Centers where gifts are inspected and prepared for overseas shipment.

In the United States, Processing Centers open the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and are open until the third week in December. Another way to serve is volunteering at one of our collection sites during National Collection Week.

Could volunteers work in their own region?

Yes, volunteer opportunities are available all around the United States and in other countries as well. Year-round volunteers serve on area teams in their own communities. There are also 70,000 short-term volunteers who serve in shoebox dropoff locations and 90,000 in our processing centers where shoebox gifts are prepared for shipment.

Are there job opportunities for people who are interested in working in your ministry?

We have a number of job opportunities with Operation Christmas Child and other Samaritan’s Purse projects. Be sure to check our website for employment listings.

Mr. Riddle I hope we have covered the many important aspects of this ministry. I welcome any additional comments you would like to make.

It’s not too late to participate in Operation Christmas Child. You can go online to pack a shoebox gift for a child in need and then pray for the millions of children who will receive gifts and learn about the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ.

The Purpose Revealed

By Julie Cosgrove

It took all the effort Little Grass had, but he finally did it. The dirt that had surrounded him since birth no longer held him. He pushed through to the sunlight.

Now he could grow tall. He could wave in the breeze with the other grasses and be drenched by the spring rains.

He could feel the warmth of the sun’s rays cover him. So, he reached towards the sky. He grew and grew and grew. Life was great.

Then one day men came swinging large sharp things.

Ouch! They whacked him off at the roots and bundled him up with the other grasses next to him.

“What is to happen to us?”

A wiser stalk of grass under him said, “I have heard stories.

This is the end, my friend. No more water will seep up into our veins because we have no roots. They will dry us out. We will become yellow and brittle.”

“No,” Little Grass said. “There has to be more. We must have purpose.”

Another grass laying next to them laughed, but it was not a happy laugh. It sounded harsh and sad. “Our purpose is to be consumed. Either animals will eat us so they can grow, or we will be thrown over coals and caught on fire so others can be warm.”

Yet another groaned. “We don’t matter. We’re worthless now.

This is the end.”

“I don’t believe you. Any of you.”

Little Grass stretched himself as long as he could. “We have more purpose than that. We have to. Why else would we’ve struggled so hard to push out of the darkness? Something deep inside of us yearned to find the sunlight.”

“Yes, and all for nothing. Now, because we have no roots to draw in the water from the soil, the sun will bare down on us

and parch us until not a drop of moisture is left in us. We will become yellow and brittle.

Dead. Why did we ever push out of the ground?”

Sure enough, the grasses were spread out onto the dirt. The sun’s heat gleamed down onto them day after day. Little Grass could feel all the water in his veins leaving him. His stalk became stiff. He no longer could bend and dance in the wind as he’d loved to do. “But, at least this is making me stronger.”

Little Grass smiled. “Maybe there is a reason. I have to believe that.”

The other grasses sighed. “He’ll learn. The worse is yet to come.”

Ropes were tied around the grasses and they were lifted high onto the back of a donkey.

Little Grass lay on the very top of the bundle. “I had no idea the world was so big. All I could see before was the tops of other

grasses. Now I can see trees, and birds, and mountains. Oh, this is wonderful.”

The other grasses sighed. “He just doesn’t get it, does he?”

They traveled all day. At night, the stars shone down on the grasses as their animal carrier and the men rested. One star gleamed so much brighter than all the others.

“Oh, look at that, Little Grass gasped. “I have never seen such a beautiful sight.”

The next day the caravan journeyed over hills and down into a valley. Then, at dusk, the donkey carrying the grasses stopped. Little Grass craned to see why. People shuffled by. There were so many of them, and other animals, too. Their footsteps kicked dirt into the faces of the other grasses. They couched and complained.

Little Grass wondered where all these people were going? He saw a building up ahead with lanterns shining in its windows. “Are we going in there? Into that golden light?”

“No.” One of the other grasses sighed. “We will be laid in the stable. Soon the animals will eat us and we will die.”

The little piece of grass said, “I don’t believe that. Something else will happen to us— something wonderful. We were made for another reason. I just know it.”

Then, a man gathered the grasses and spread them in a manager. “There. In the morning, the animals will have a feast.”

The grasses all groaned and told each other goodbye. All except the little piece of grass.

In the middle of the night, strange noises woke the grasses. A donkey came in with a man and a woman. She groaned and huffed deep breaths. His voice was soothing and calm. Then, after a while, a third voice sounded—a soft babbling. It came from a very small human.

The woman took off her shawl, wrapped the wiggly baby in it and laid it on top of Little Grass and the others. Immediately a warm glow spread through them. They became soft again, not stiff and scratchy.

“Oh, “Little Grass said. “He has made us alive again.”

They wrapped their stalks around the child to keep him warm.

The grasses heard beautiful voices singing from above. Day and night, people came to look at the baby hugged by the grasses.

They bowed and worshiped him as his parents stood by smiling.

“Praise be to God he found us this dry stable and these warm, soft grasses in which to lay his son, Jesus, “ the man said.

The people all said, “Praise be to God for the stable and the grasses.”

The smallest amount of moisture left deep inside Little Grass formed into a drop, like a tear of joy. “See,” he said. “I knew we had a special purpose.”

“Yes, you were right after all,” the other grasses admitted.

They glowed with happiness and cuddled themselves around this child of God. Together, the grasses worshipped him the only way they could—by being there for his use.

For Scripture says… I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

Romans 9:17 NIV

The Christmas Miracle: Experience the Blessing Written By Jack W. Hayford Reviewed By Michelle C. Danko Released October 28, 2014 Publisher: Chosen Books, a Division on Baker Publishing Group ISBN: 978-0-8007-9628-0 Price: $6.99 USD on Amazon The Christmas Miracle challenges the readers thinking about many prominent figures in the Bible by stating the obvious: that they were people just like the rest of us. Despite what we were traditions we grew up with and despite some false doctrine, the “saints” in the Bible were just like you and me.

They had challenges, faced problems, suffered hardship, and often were less than perfect.

This book predominantly uses the Virgin Mary to illustrate how we have gotten off track in our thinking, the results, and brings the truth to light. It removes the stumbling blocks that many Christians face when dealing with much needed miracles in their lives, or from going into a deeper relationship with Christ by simply restating what was written in the Bible, and revealing what we know to be true in society at the time.

Jesus’ birth, while very miraculous, has become sensationalized in its retelling. Somehow, Mary has become this very pure figure who is seen to be without sin. She is seen somehow to equal Jesus in terms of being without fault. However, the Bible does not say that about Mary- just about Jesus who is the sacrificial lamb. In fact, if you look at all the people in the Bible who are viewed as saints, none of them led perfect lives, but we have somehow put them up on an impossible pedestal.

The Christmas Miracle goes into depth about this errant thinking by using scripture, and revealing the history of the time. It states the obvious that no one ever thinks about. Yet in revealing the obvious, it doesn’t take away from the miraculous.

In fact, it puts the praise where it should be- on God – because one you take the fantasy out of the equation you realize that God can use anybody and He in fact does.

The book goes further into depth by educating the reader as to how God speaks to them, the ways God speaks, and how they can receive their own

miracles.

I really enjoyed the book. It fact that it exposed truth made it enlightening. It challenged my way of thinking, and I wasn’t even aware that I had any existing misconceptions. I have read the scriptures many times, but had somehow glamorized some of the events as I’m sure many of our readers have. It did somehow make God more real to me as it re-emphasized that God can use anyonethey just have to be open to receiving what God is saying. It restated the fact that we don’t have to be perfect Christians for God to perform a miracle.

In fact, if we were perfect, the question would be: Would God still use us?

God uses us for His work, and His glory. When He uses someone in a mighty way, it often is so mighty that you know it is not the individual doing the work themselves. It is obvious that there is a supernatural component to it. This is where He receives all the glory- because it is so undeniably God. I would highly recommend this book over the holidays as it will transform your way of looking at things, and give you victory over your situations.

It will remove the stumbling blocks that are preventing you from receiving miracles and the truth revealed in this book will allow you to move forward in life victoriously.

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