December 12, 2008
Norman Bales, Editor
CONTENTS
- JUST VISITING
- FEATURE ARTICLE:
MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST
He Died to Make Men HolyJust Visiting
We are at the time of year when most of the people in the Western World pay attention in the birth of Christ. Some would remind us that no one actually knows the day of Jesus' birth, and that of course is correct. It's not important to pinpoint the actual birthday of Jesus on the calendar. It is important to believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," that he ultimately went to Calvary to shed us blood for us, and that he rose from the dead on the first day of the week. Our destiny is determined by how we respond to those undeniable truths. I, for one, am glad that people are willing to turn aside from their material lives and focus their attention on Jesus. Yes, I wish the same spirit prevailed all year long, but I'm glad that people are willing to honor him at this season.
Norman Bales
* * * * * MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST by Norman Bales
Every year family members ask for my Christmas wish list at. Every year it gets harder to compose the list. My actual needs are few, and my want list isn't even what it used to be. When I see merchandise attractively displayed in stores, I'm not usually impressed. In most instances, I've already got it, and the model I have works just fine. Sometimes I see something on the shelves, and I think, "That would be nice, but the truth is "I don't need it." I suppose I need to buy some of the merchandise so I can help the people who market their wares support their families. After all, it's bound to be a lean year for retailers.
So, what's on my Christmas wish list. Not much that has a dollar value, actually.
- I want to hear from my family members at some point during the holidays, even if the only thing they have to tell me is something like, "My arthritis hurts more than it used to."
- I want my family members to love one another.
- I want to spend as much quality time with friends and family as I can.
- I want to see others enjoy their families. I hope they have a holiday free form domestic strife and conflict. To me it's really sad when mind-altering substances ruin the holiday.
- I want to live in a world where there is less bickering and more building, less crime and more compassion, less self centeredness, and more servanthood, less hate and more love, less gloom and more gladness.
Walmart won't run a blue light special on any of these items. Target won't slash their prices for the holidays. You can't put them on layaway at Sears. They don't cost money, but they are incredibly expensive. You can't get any of these gifts without giving of yourself. The price is sensitivity, caring, self-denial and thoughtfulness. It's funny how these gifts work. The more you give, the more you get. You can't ever get even. "If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated" (Luke 6:38 - CEV).
* * * * * He Died to Make Men Holy Several years ago Norman wrote a book titled, He Died to Make Men Holy. It's a hardback, 354 page book that presents a comprehensive view of the Bible's teaching on holiness. It will be out of print soon, but right now we have several copies, which we can sell for $5.00 plus postage. if you are interested send Norman a message at nlbales@allaboutfamilies.org
* * * * * If you have questions about marriage and family relationships, you can " ASK THE COUNSELOR" Address your questions to Mikal Frazier. Her address is mikal@allaboutfamilies.org
Norman's e-mail address: nlbales@allaboutfamilies.org
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allaboutfamilies.org/sh* * * * * - I want to hear from my family members at some point during the holidays, even if the only thing they have to tell me is something like, "My arthritis hurts more than it used to."