Family Pages
The Christmas Season BY REV. RON BEARD
Sherwood was surprised to see a lot of empty
shelves at the local big box store several weeks after school began. He saw one of the workers and asked what was going on. “Is the store clos- ing?” he asked. She told him, “No, it’s just time to put out the Christmas things.” Sherwood was shocked. It was a long time un- til December 25th. He told the lady, “Somebody must be really confused. It’s way too early for Christmas things!” “Honey,” she said, “Before you know it we’ll start putting up the Christmas things right after the Fourth of July.”
Sherwood was even more
shocked. He had to get home to tell Mom and Dad. When he told them they said, “Stores are about making money...a large number of people
don’t celebrate December 25th as Jesus’ birthday, but they have many other reasons for what they do during the Christmas season.” “For some businesses the season is when they have the largest sales and make the most
money. Some people look forward to going to Christmas parties. Some celebrate getting off from work for a few days. When we look around us we see decorations in stores, in yards, and houses because all that has become part of the season. Giving and receiving gifts are a part of the season. Family gatherings are a big part of the season. Holiday music is everywhere.” Sherwood said, “But I enjoy most of those things. Is that wrong? I don’t want to give up Christmas parties and family gatherings. I want to decorate the house, put up a Christmas tree, and exchange gifts. What are we to do?” Mom said, “It’s only wrong when we do not look for the Christ Child in the things we do.
Whenever we feel joyful in the season, we can remember that that sort of joy does not even come close to the joy that God loved us so much He sent his Son to save us. Remember that in all the Christmas season it is the birth of Jesus we are celebrating.”
Part of the Family By Mary Drew Bult with Illustrations by Anna Campbell Bult
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” – 1 John 3:1a
It’s the holiday season! There are countless reasons to be grateful. What are you most grateful for? To me, the holidays center around gratitude for family. What a blessing it is to be inside a warm house on a cold day, surrounded by the people who love me most. The love of a family is strong. Families are meant to care for one another’s needs and show kindness to one another even when it isn’t easy. Families are meant to forgive one another even when forgiveness is not deserved. Do you remember the last time your parents forgave you for a sin you committed? Your parents’ love for you points to God’s love for you. God loves you more than you can imagine. Be- cause of His love for you, He sent His only Son, Jesus, to take the punishment which you as a sin- ner deserve. If you are a follower of Jesus, you are no longer sinful in God’s eyes. Jesus’ righteous- ness is imputed to you: in God’s eyes you are now righteous! God loves you as He loves His own Son; you are now His beloved child. How amazing! All genuine Christians are a part of the family of God: the Body of Christ. As members of the Body of Christ, Christians are called to love and forgive one another as the Heavenly Father has loved and forgiven them – even when sin tries to interfere. This holiday season, thank God for being your Heavenly Father. Thank Him for wel- coming you into His family. Ask Him to give you the strength to love others (both Christians and non-Christians) the way He has loved you. May you be surrounded by love this holiday season! Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.
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Holiday Party Dips Sweet Apple Dip
Ingredients:
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar • ½ cup white sugar • 1 bag of toffee chips
Instructions: • Combine cream cheese, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl.
• Stir in toffee chips. • Place in a festive bowl and serve with
Savory Bacon Dip
Ingredients:
Instructions: • •
The Best Pimento Cheese
Ingredients: • 1 lb. shredded cheddar cheese • 1 cup mayonnaise • ½ teaspoon prepared mustard • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce • ¼ teaspoon red pepper
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in one large
taste. Serve with your favorite crackers
The Associate Reformed Presbyterian
for a parent’s help in the kitchen.
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