We extend our loving sympathy to Sara Everett and to all the family of Tony Sharp. Brother Sharp became ill and passed away Monday while visiting family in Glendale, Arizona. Dwayne Thomas conducted funeral services in our building on Saturday.

We are certainly in the thick of the holiday season. It seems as though the holidays get busier and more stressful every year. The expectation of holiday events, gatherings, and gift-giving only seems to grow. Friends, please don't allow the busy holiday schedules to keep you from your spiritual priorities such as daily prayers, Scripture reading, and your faithful attendance in Bible class and worship. And let's also be sure and look for special opportunities and ways that we can serve other people who are without during this time of the year.

Of course, we are at that time of year when a lot is being said concerning the birth of Jesus. His coming into this world as a babe; born of a virgin. (Luke 2:6,7) The Bible does not give a specific date for the birth of Christ. And we know that there is no Biblical authority for any special celebration of the birth of Jesus confined to a particular season. Still, I find it amazing to observe how far reaching the influence of Christ is. Over two thousand years after His birth He still captures people's attention and that's not a bad thing. Although we do not know the exact date, we do know it was the perfect moment. "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his son, born of a woman... " (Gal. 4:4) Yes, I do wish more people would think of the Lord's marvelous coming throughout the entire year. We need to hear the words of Joy to the World even in the heat of summer! However, since the world's attention is turned towards the birth of Christ at this time of year, it is a wonderful opportunity to take people where they are and to teach them the real meaning of Christ's coming; the salvation which is available not through a baby in a manger, but a Savior on a cross. (1 Cor. 1:18; 2:2) May the Lord bless you and your family and keep you safe during this holiday season.

- - Robert - -

Central frequently has the opportunity of responding to those in search of Bible truths by way of correspondence. Many people have been led to Christ in this way. The following is a letter the teacher recently received from a student in prison.

"Thank you for your letter. It really made my day. It made me smile. I want you to know that I really enjoy doing this Bible study, and I really appreciate you very much for taking your time to help me. I look forward every week to this Bible study. I am trying to get closer to God and learn more about God. It has taken me this long to find God. I wish I had found him sooner. That is the reason he put me in here - so I would find him. And you just help me even more. Hopefully one day soon I will get to meet you so I can say thank you in person. God bless you," (name withheld)

Please note that there are two lists of people to serve for the next two weeks on the back of this issue of the Gospel Guide.

01 Betty Rye

02 Judy Finch

03 Angie Gober

03 Betty Emery

04 Charlie Dossey

04 Barbara Pruett

06 Wendell Laviness

06 Vonda Merrill

07 Floyd Davis

08 Glendon Combs

10 Ruth Autrey

10 Jim Walling

11 Hanna Rae Todd

11 VinceVanlandingham

12 Mary Gettle

14 Tess Tucker

15 Courtney Baskin

17 Danice Bowers

18 Bertha Combs

18 Clydean Decker

20 Jearline Bates

20 Kristin Gober

20 Dorothy Strickland

23 Sean Parman

24 Bob Perry

25 Nadine Collins

25 Callie Lynnann Hudgins

27 Harold Carothers

27 Carl Holt

27 Altha Smith

29 Laura Farris

29 Danielle Flores

30 Ruby Holt

03 Steve & Mary Phillips - 24^th

07 Larry & Shelly Evans - 15^th

11 Dennis & Frances Taylor - 58^th

19 Roe & Louise Honaker - 70^th

23 Dwight & Nancy Harber - 51^st

24 Ron & Evelyn Dunavan - 41^st

We especially wish to congratulate Roe and Louise Honaker who will be observing their 70^th Wedding Anniversary in January. This is a milestone reached by very few. The Roberts are the only other ones belonging to this very exclusive group at Central. These two couples, who live across the street from each other, are both wonderful examples of love and faithfulness to each other and to the Lord. We admire and appreciate them.

To our wonderful Christian Family,

Here I am again thanking you for all your prayers and kind thoughts this last week in the death of my Aunt Elsie. Love you all,

CONGRATULATIONS

Jeff & Leah Rader are the proud parents of a baby boy, Charles, born Thursday, December 9^th in Lubbock, Texas. He weighed 8 lb., 11 oz. and was 21 inches long. Our congratulations to them and to Chuck & Nona Carter who are the great grandparents. This made their 15^th great grandchild.

Paula Harris was admitted to Unity North on Thursday evening and dismissed late Friday after undergoing several tests.
Harvey Moore remained in Southwest Medical Center, room 923, when the Gospel Guide was prepared.
Aubrey Mercer has a rather severe case of pneumonia and is hospitalized in San Diego, California where he is visiting. The telephone number is 619-287-3270 and he is in room 534.
Most of our members who have been to Custer, South Dakota are acquainted with Jerry & Pat Loutzenhiser. We received a brief note from Jerry last week telling us that he is now having to spend all of his time caring for Pat who has Parkinson's disease. They will appreciate your prayers.

Wow! We had a crowd Sunday for the Gingerbread House Party! It was great to see so many little ones present to enjoy some time in the "construction business" while their folks got a couple hours to shop or eat or just have some quiet time. Thanks to Denise Beard and Maggie Prater for doing such an excellent job of planning everything. Their hard work made the afternoon go well. Thanks also to the teens for the time they spent supervising the construction efforts and serving meals. And, thanks to the parents and others who helped out with the meal and other details of the day.

If you saw Andy Stephens Sunday, you might have thought he had been in a fight! Actually he had a rough time in a basketball tournament this past weekend in Harrah. Andy chipped a tooth in a game Friday, then got elbowed in the eye on Saturday. I thought basketball was a non-contact sport! However, the Savages (the school mascot- not Andy) prevailed to win in a conciliation game at the tournament. God job Matt and Andy!

Saturday night the teens will be going to the home of Jim and Vivian Cross for a Christmas Party. Each teen needs to bring a dirty santa gift (nothing expensive) and a bottle of pop. The party is at 6 p.m. we'll leave the building at 5:45 p.m.