AMONG FRIENDS
with Robert Prater

In last week's article we looked at the background of Christmas and why there is no Biblical authority behind making the celebration of it an official religious or church holy day for Christians to observe. Having examined this, I do still think there is a great need for us to be positive and constructive in our approach to the Christmas season.

First, there is no doubt that remembering the birth of Jesus is scriptural. The first two chapters of Matthew and Luke are concerned greatly with the birth of Christ. And so if we do avoid the birth of Christ, we do a disservice to scripture. Plus it seems unwise to refrain from teaching about an important Biblical subject at a time when people are open, even excited, to hear the wonders of the entrance of God into our world. Yes, I wish people thought about Jesus more than they do. I wish people celebrated Him every Lord's Day according to the Biblical pattern. But, I'm glad if only for a season, people's hearts are turned toward Him.

Second, the Christmas season does bring many incredibly beautiful and wonderful Christian traits. It is true that there are some aspects about Christmas and the holiday season that we cannot agree with, but this season brings qualities like peace and good will and the spirit of charitable giving and doing good to others. It is a season of warmth, good cheer, and love expressed and demonstrated! It's a time we think of, and remember in some special way, those who are especially dear to us - family and friends! And yes, may we all help this spirit spread over the entire year.

Third, we must realize that we are not prohibited Biblically from participating in the cultural aspects of this or any other holiday - the tree, Santa Claus, gifts, fictional fantasy stories, and so on. (Providing of course they are not unscriptural) Yes, both the cultural and religious aspects of Christmas can become intermingled at times such as nativity scenes, Christmas songs, i.e., "Silent Night." But I would classify these issues as matters of conscience and personal opinion and not faith. (Study Romans 14 on these types of related issues among Christians) The bottom line is that each person must decide these matters individually for themselves.

Finally, we need to take advantage of this time of the year for evangelistic teaching opportunities. When a person tells you that "Jesus is the reason for the season," you have some common ground on which to discuss with them why it was so marvelous that Jesus was born - to die for our sins!

Friends, with all of this in mind, I would encourage you all to enjoy the holiday seasons with family and friends. If kept in proper perspective, I see no problem with joining the spirit of the season and wishing all a "Merry Christmas!"

--Robert--(robprater@sbcglobal.net)

These are very busy days with family and friends. Keep in mind that we still have our regular worship and Bible study times. Work your festivities around them, as best you can. Your family will be blessed even more by our times together.

There will be no Gospel Guide next week in keeping with our postal agreement. Lists of those to serve for the next two Sundays may be found in this issue.

We extend our sympathy to the family of Cecil Pensoneau. Cecil passed away Sunday morning, and funeral services were to be conducted Tuesday at Walker Funeral Chapel. He was a member at Northridge known by many at Central.

01 Cheryl Miller

01 Betty Rye

02 Judy Finch

03 Betty Emery

04 Charlie Dossey

04 Barbara Pruett

06 Pat Copeland

06 Vonda Merrill

07 Floyd Davis

08 Glendon Combs

10 Ruth Autrey

10 Jim Walling

11 Hanna Rae Todd

11 VinceVanlandingham

12 Mary Gettle

15 Courtney Baskin

18 Bertha Combs

18 Clydean Decker

20 Jearline Bates

20 Dorothy Strickland

23 Sean Parman

24 Bob Perry

25 Harold Carothers

25 Nadine Collins

25 Callie Lynnann Hudgins

27 Carl Holt

27 Altha Smith

29 Laura Farris

29 Danielle Flores

30 Ruby Holt

11 Dennis & Frances Taylor - 59^th

19 Roe & Louise Honaker - 71^st

24 Ron & Evelyn Dunavan - 42^nd

We extend our best wishes to all who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in January. We especially wish to congratulate Roe and Louise Honaker who will observe their 71^st Wedding Anniversary on January 19.

Dear Church Family, Thank you so very much for your presence at Mother's service last Monday. It was so gratifying to see you all and know you shared our sorrow and joy - sorrow to lose her and joy to know that she was finally at peace and at home with Jesus. Robert's [Perry] words of comfort and Dwyane's song leading were especially appreciated. God blessed us with a warm, lovely fall day to say goodby and precious friends to linger with us at that time. You are all dear to us - our Family in Christ Jesus.

In Christian Love, Martha Allen, Ruth [Nevills] daughter

Dear Christian Family, Thank you so much for the holiday basket of fruit, nuts, and candy. But thanks most of all for visits, calls, prayers, and caring for us when James was in the hospital.

Our love always, James & Ellen Childers

Thank you so much for thinking of Mom at this blessed season. Please keep us in your prayers at this difficult time of her life.

Yours in Christ, John & Linda King and Betty Bernard

Central Church of Christ, Thank you all so much for all the candy, fruit, and nuts. It was so thoughtful of you. A special thanks to our Christian brothers and sisters who delivered all the goodies.

In Christian love, Don & Rosie Brightwell

Thank you so much for the care package of fruit and candy. Merry Christmas.

In Christian love, Elva Gill

To the Elders and Members of Central Church of Christ, It is so wonderful to be remembered with fruit, nuts and candies. Your card was very impressive also, and the message is one we older people can appreciate. We like the old fashioned pleasures and the happy memories. My years at Central have been enjoyable and I've always been proud to tell where my membership is. Thank you again for remembering me and thank you also for all the other things you do for us older ones.

Love in His Name and Service, Joyce [Kelly]

A big thank you to all who helped fix and deliver the Christmas goodies. It is always appreciated.

Love you all, Mazella [Patterson]

Thanks for the nice fruit gift and for the workers.

In Christian Love, Jean Pointer

Thank you so much for the lovely gift.

We have also received thank you's from: Pauline Adams, Fay Crosby, Mariella Jacobs and Vonda Merrill.

At publication time we had no one from Central in the hospital.

Fay Crosby has been moved to Colonial Estates, room 111.

Fay's sister, Nora Cole has been placed back on life support at Baptist Medical Center.

James Childers, Melrose Finley Kotts, and Alice Rice have been discharged from Unity Health Center.

It was good seeing Bernard Sharp able to be back in worship Sunday.

LOOKING AHEAD

"To take up the cross of Christ is no great action done once for all;
it consists in the continual practice of small duties which are distasteful to us."
John Henry Newman -- 8^{)