DOCSLIB.ORG

Recall and Celebrate Jesus' Birth, Prepare for His Return

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Recall and Celebrate Jesus' Birth, Prepare for His Return The Catholic Voice is on Facebook VOL. 56, NO. 21 DIOCESE OF OAKLAND DECEMBER 10, 2018 www.catholicvoiceoakland.org Serving the East Bay Catholic Community since 1963 Copyright 2018 Recall and celebrate Jesus’ birth, prepare for His return By Most Rev. Michael C. Barber, SJ The first was at Christmas when Christ was born — or raments of the Church, especially Holy Eucharist and I saw a sign outside a wine store in Baltimore. It said: to be more precise — nine months previous when Christ Confession. “Drink Wine, because Yoga can’t solve all your problems.” was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of His We are in the season of Advent. We really cannot I like that. I went in and bought something. mother Mary. That was the moment of the Incarnation. prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas because We are looking for a way to solve God became human. He already came, two thousand years ago. It already our problems. Health, family, career, The second coming of Christ will be in the future, at happened. relationships … you name it. The the Last Day. “They will see the Son of Man coming in a However, in this season we can recall and celebrate biggest problem is death. And there cloud with power and great glory.” this most awesome event in the history of the world, while is no “solution” to that problem that St. Luke tells us that “People will die of fright” on that preparing for his Second Coming at the Parousia. I find satisfactory other than The day. Our third grade nun, Sister Mary William, OSU, taught It is by maintaining a close personal relationship with Resurrection. Eternal life. To live for- us to pray that we would not still be alive at the Second Jesus, worshiping him at the Mass, receiving him in ever with God in heaven. Coming, because it would be so terrible and frightful. Holy Communion and having our sins forgiven by him in So we are looking for a way out of But there is a third coming. Christ comes to us, indi- Confession, that we can drive away all fear at the thought our problems. And the only real way vidually and intimately, through the order of Grace. of his Second Coming. Bishop Barber out is through a Savior, a Messiah. Christ said: “Whoever loves me will keep my word and Whether that coming is at the End of the World, or Someone who can save us from death and self-destruc- my Father will love him and we will come to him and make at the hour of our death: “Love drives out fear” St. John tion. And that role has been filled by Jesus Christ. our abode with him.” (Jn 14:23). says in his letters. There are three “Comings-of-the-Lord” on the earth. And Christ comes most intimately through the sac- (Continued on Page 16.) To assist Diocese delays release of list Caritas Tijuana of credibly accused clergy Caritas Tijuana Staff report www.pastoralsocialtijuana.com The Diocese of Oakland has delayed until after La Cuenta Bancomer a Nombre Jan. 1 the release of the list of all clergy credibly accused De Caritas Región Noroeste, of sexual abuse of minors. Ac Cta. 0169219900 The primary reasons are the diocese’s decision to ABBA: 021000021 Y contact survivors in advance of a public announcement. SWIFT: BCMRMXMM “This will require a sensitivity to their unique situations,” the diocese said in a statement released Nov. 22. Listen to Archbishop Moreno’s “Secondly, it is important we spend more time verifying homily in Spanish the information we have on priests from religious orders www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/ and from other dioceses who served in the Oakland diocese,” the release said. On Oct. 8, the Diocese of Oakland announced it would release the list of all clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors in approximately 45 days. “Since then, we have prioritized the work necessary for the publication,” the release said. “In doing so, it has become apparent we must push back the publication date to after Jan. 1, 2019.” Stephen Wilcox, the diocese’s chancellor, is oversee- ing the compilation of the list. The decision to notify the survivors takes into account the best practices of the victims’ assistance coordinators. There is one coordina- tor from each diocese; they consult on how to best meet the needs of victims. Wilcox is the coordinator for the CHRIS SILVA/THE CATHOLIC VOICE CATHOLIC CHRIS SILVA/THE Oakland diocese. Dark skies and rain greeted pilgrims at the beginning of the annual pilgrimage to honor Our Lady of Among the challenges in working with the numerous Guadalupe, but later in the day, the sun peeked out. More on Page 18. religious orders that serve or have served in the diocese is that recordkeeping is not consistent, Wilcox said. ‘Tijuana is not giving the leftovers. On our cover This stained glass nativity scene is at St. Joseph They are giving from their poverty.’ the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St., Berkeley. By Michele Jurich ment to come to Oakland, the archbishop spent consider- Bishop’s Column . 1 Staff writer able time checking on the situation in his home diocese. Christmas Liturgies. .9-12 Work, humanity and bridges of collaboration are On Nov. 30, he spoke with Michele Jurich of The Catholic Classified. .16 needed to make progress in dealing with migration, Voice. Hector Medina, who coordinates Latino ministry for advises the archbishop of Tijuana, Mexico. the Diocese of Oakland, served as translator. Datelines . 17 The archbishop, Most Rev. Francisco Moreno Barrón, “What we need today is work and humanity; what we Forum . 19 visited the Oakland diocese at the invitation of Bishop need less are walls,” Archbishop Moreno said. “We need Medal of Merit . 14 Michael C. Barber, SJ. Archbishop Moreno concelebrated to build bridges of collaborators that allow us to encounter News in Brief . 4 the Mass honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe and gave the together the roads of integral progress. Even through dif- Seniors . .15 homily on Dec. 1. ficult times, in the north and Mexico, we remain open to a The Church. 2 He visited four parishes to offer catechesis in advance new beginning and better future by presenting with trust Travel . 6-8 of the celebration. While keeping his long-time commit- (Continued on Page 18.) The Catholic Voice invites you to come find out more information about the Diocese of Oakland Pilgrimages Marian Shrines Pilgrimage with Fr. Mangini — Saturday, January 12, 2019, 12:30–1:30 p.m. at St. Columba Church — Parish Hall located at 6401 San Pablo Ave., in Oakland Shrines of France Pilgrimage with Fr. Jim Schexnayder — Sunday January 13, 2019, 12:00–1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes — Parish Hall located at 2808 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland Honor the Great Saints of Hawaii Pilgrimage with Fr. Jayson Landeza — Sunday, January 13, 2019, 2:00–3:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes — Parish Hall located at 2808 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland R.S.V.P. [email protected] or 510-419-1081 2 — THE CATHOLIC VOICE THE CHURCH DECEMBER 10, 2018 THE VATICAN BISHOP BARBER’S SCHEDULE Dec. 11: Office meetings, Chancery, Dec. 19: 12:10 p.m., Mass, Christmas Oakland lunch for Chancery employees 7 p.m., Mass, Simbang Gabi kick off, Dec. 21: Christmas lunch with Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland seminarians of the diocese Dec. 12: Office meetings, Chancery, 5:30 p.m., Blue Christmas, Cathedral Oakland, including Priest Personnel of Christ the Light, Oakland Board and diocesan Finance Board’s Dec. 22: Christmas Mass with inmates, Christmas reception Santa Rita Jail, Dublin Dec. 14: Office meetings, Chancery, Dec. 24: 10 p.m., Christmas Eve Mass, Oakland, including Presbyteral Council Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland Christmas celebration for the priests of Dec. 25: 10 a.m., Christmas Mass, the diocese, bishop’s residence Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland Dec. 15: 10 a.m., Mass, reception, Dec. 27-29: Mass, board meeting, Regina Mundi donors, Cathedral of Foundation for Formation Support for Christ the Light, Oakland Vietnamese Sisters and Priests, Dec. 18: Office meetings, Chancery, Houston, Texas Oakland, including College of Consultors Jan. 2-9: U.S. bishops’ spiritual retreat, and Catholic Charities of the East Bay Mundelein Seminary, Chicago, Illinois board meeting GIUSEPPE LAMI/EPA, CNS GIUSEPPE LAMI/EPA, Prayer for Syrian peace THE DIOCESE The Vatican Christmas tree is seen as Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican 2000. We are most grateful,” said Bishop Dec. 2. The pope lit an Advent candle as he launched the Christmas campaign, Clergy assignments Barber. “Candles for Peace in Syria,” an initiative of Aid to the Church in Need. Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, made these assignments: Rev. Hector Enrique Ballesteros, paro- Rite of Election dates statement Nov. 23. Together with Cardinal chial vicar at St. Leander Parish, San The Rite of Election in 2019 will take Be prepared Cupich, the committee will include Leandro, is appointed parochial admin- place on the second Sunday of Lent, not People would be wise to think about Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, India; istrator at St. Jarlath Parish, Oakland, on the first Sunday, at the Cathedral of Judgment Day and wonder what God will Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna of Malta; effective Jan. 1. Christ the Light, 2121 Harrison, Oakland. see when he examines their lives, Pope and Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, president Rev. Alberto Perez, parochial vicar at The Rite of Election is the annual event Francis said.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • December 20, 2020
    Vision: That all generations at St. Mary and in the surrounding community encounter Jesus and live as His disciples. Mission: We are called to go out and share the Good News, making disciples who build up the Kingdom of God through meaningful prayer, effective formation and loving service. SAINT MARY OF THE ANNUNCIATION MUNDELEIN Weekend Mass Schedule: www.stmaryfc.org TemporarySat. Mass5:00 PMSchedule: Facebook:www.stmaryfc.org @stmarymundelein Sun. 7:30, 9:30,11:30 AM Facebook:Twitter: @stmarymundelein @stmarymundelein Tuesday, 8:00 AM Instagram:Twitter: @stmarymundelein @stmarymundelein WeekdayWednesday, Mass 8:00Schedule: AM Instagram: @stmarymundelein MondayThursday, - Friday, 9:00 8:00 AM AM Confessions: Saturday, 3:00–4:00 PM Confessions: Saturday, 3:00–4:00 PM Mass December 21-27, 2020 Stewardship Report Monday, December 21, 8:00 AM †Steve Jelen Mary Jelen Due to early deadlines driven by the Christmas holidays, this week’s †Judie Audland Mary Jelen Bulletin had to be submitted to the printer earlier than usual, prior to last weekend. The stewardship report for the weekend of December Tuesday, December 22, 8:00AM 12-13 will appear next week. †Gertrude Ewald The Family Wednesday, December 23, 8:00AM St. Mary is very grateful for your continued support. As our parish Living Duane & Fran Schmidt Family approaches Christmas and the end of the year, we ask you to kindly †Gene Schmidt The Family remember St. Mary in your plans for charitable giving. Your gift will help St. Mary through the financial hardships of this time and help Thursday, December 24, 8:00 AM those in need whom we serve.
    [Show full text]
  • Párroco: Bishop Eusebio Elizondo Administration
    Telephone: 253-859-0444 Pastor/ Párroco: Bishop Eusebio Elizondo Administration: Brenda Fincher: ext. 214 Ministerio Hispano: Guadalupe Madrid: ext. 229 Liturgy/Music & RCIA/Infant Baptism Preparation: Catholic Cemeteries Holly Renz: ext. 215 Children’s Sacramental Preparation and Youth Ministry: Lisa Pozzi: ext. 212 Homebound Ministry: Martha Ryland: 253-859-0444 Jail Ministry: Miguel Chavez: 206-696-8788 Accountant: Kristi Vasquez: ext. 221 The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) NATIVITY SCENE IS REMINDER OF HOPE AMID SUFFERING, POPE SAYS December 11, 2020 Written by Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The image of baby Jesus nes- tled in the manger is a much-needed reminder during the pandemic that God gives the world the gift of hope in troubled times, Pope Francis said. Meeting with delegations from Castelli in Italy’s Abruzzo region and from Kocevje, Slovenia — The Nativity scene is pictured in St. Peter’s Square after a Christmas responsible, respectively, for the Nativity scene tree lighting ceremony at the Vatican December 11. The statues are and Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square — the part of a 54-statue collection created by students and teachers of pope said that Christmas “reminds us that Jesus Castelli’s “F.A. Grue” Art Institute between 1965 and 1975. Photo: is our peace, our joy, our strength, our comfort.” CNS/Paul Haring “But, to receive these gifts of grace, we need to feel small, poor and humble like the characters of the Nativity scene. Even in this Christmas, amid the suffering of the pandemic, Jesus — small and defenseless — is the ‘sign’ that God gives to the world,” he said December 11.
    [Show full text]
  • One More to Go T R Eastern Idaho Ad Campaign Targets O
    1 29 / 14 EARNED OR FREE? S One more to go T R Eastern Idaho ad campaign targets O Boise State wraps up regular season P Mormon women and forgiveness, S Sunny but cold. against New Mexico State today. RELIGION 1 BUSINESS 4 UNEMPLOYMENT IN VALLEY >>> Rising joblessness hits south-central Idaho, especially rural areas, BUSINESS 1 SATURDAY 75 CENTS December 5, 2009 MagicValley.com A NIGHT FOR KIDS— AND REINDEER Feds kill 7 wolves in Stanley Basin By Ariel Hansen Times-News writer LEARN MORE Wildlife Management Service HAILEY — For one Idaho of the U.S. Department of wolf pack, there wasn’t Agriculture: much to be grateful for this www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife Thanksgiving. _damage. On Nov. 23 and 24, fed- For information about the eral officials from the U.S. wolf hunt in the Northern Department of Agricul- Rocky Mountains: ture’s Idaho Wildlife Serv- westerngraywolf.fws.gov. ices program took to the air to cull seven members of the Basin Butte wolf pack, Grimm coordinated with which frequents the the Idaho Fish and Game Stanley Basin. Department, which he said Todd Grimm, western authorized the removal of district supervisor for the up to 10 of the wolves via program, said that pack, helicopter and fixed-wing which numbered at least 12 airplane hunt. before the kills, has been “We wanted to react as responsible for extensive quickly as we could after loss of livestock owned by the last depredation, in the local ranchers. first week of November.We Since July 2008, he said, wanted to make sure we got they have killed seven adult the wolves responsible,” MEAGAN THOMPSON/Times-News cows, five calves and 36 Grimm said.
    [Show full text]
  • Czech Television Yearbook
    99 Czech Television Yearbook Czech Television Annual Report Czech Television Council Independent Auditors’ Report CONTENTS Czech Television Annual Report 5 1999 in brief 6 Czech Television in the first quarter of the year 2000, Dušan Chmelíček 10 Czech Television in 1999, Jakub Puchalský 12 Brno Television Studio, Zdeněk Drahoš 14 1 Ostrava Television Studio, Miloslav Petronec 16 2 Documentaries 26 Drama 30 5 Highest ratings in 1999 29 6 Highest ratings in 1999 31 Sport 36 Children's Programmes 38 Highest ratings Highest ratings in 1999 39 9 in 1999 37 10 11 Czech Television Viewers 44 Peoplemeter readings 44 Sociodemographic profile of Czech Television viewers 45 Czech Television sociological research 47 13 Response to programmes: letters, telephone calls, e-mail 47 14 Organisational and Staff Structure 60 Organisational chart 60 Directors and officers 62 Overview of organisational changes 63 16 Number and distribution of employees 65 17 Czech Television Council 87 Council members in 1999 88 Description of Czech Television developments in 1999 88 The institutional crisis: paradoxes, causes, and consequences 90 19 Czech Television activities in 1999: main conclusions of the Czech Television Council 91 1999 PROGRAMMING 20 News 22 Current Affairs 24 Czech Television Highest ratings Highest ratings in 1999 25 broadcasting in 1999 23 in figures 20 3 4 Drama and Music Performances 32 Entertainment 34 7 Highest ratings in 1999 33 8 Highest ratings in 1999 35 Education 40 Supplementary Services 42 Ratings of selected educational Teletext 42 programmes
    [Show full text]
  • 50Th Anniversary of Doctor Who... P.14 New Garcia Center... P.3 Staff
    THE FALCONER Elmira High School 24936 Fir Grove Ln. New Garcia Center... P.3 Elmira, Oregon 97437 December 13, 2013 Staff Members back in the day... P.5 Volume 50 Issue 3 Ask Freddy the Falcon... P.13 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who... P.14 New Service Center seeks to serve “The Tony Garcia Center was a 1,600 vides Senior Connections, Senior Meals cia Center began taking shape N square foot building next to Veneta Elemen- and Meals on Wheels which delivers food in its new location behind Dari tary,” said DeAnna Boggs. to those who are homebound. Financial Mart. Donations, grants, and E Boggs was involved with the building of aid, referrals and other assistances are also fundraising provided the money the new service center. The Tony Garcia provided to those in need. for the new service center. W Center, now called the The project was inspired by a desire to bet- Along with providing Fern Ridge Service Cen- care to people 60 years ter, was built next to Dari or older, The Fern Ridge S Mart on West Broadway Service Center will also and is over 7,000 square be holding bingo games and other feet. The new building activities. Better service will come in has more floor and office the form of a new medical outreach space. There will also be program that is being established; more room for seniors a nurse who will come in and talk and for the L.O.V.E. about foot care; and the center open- Project, which provides ing five days a week instead of three.
    [Show full text]
  • Nov.Dec. 07 ARSCE News
    The Voice for Retired City Employees Since 1973 Association of Retired Seattle City Employees Non-Profit Organization P.O. Box 75385 U.S. Postage Seattle, WA 98175-0385 PAID Seattle, WA ARSCE www.arsce.org Permit No. 1100 News November/December, 2007 The Association of Retired Seattle City Employees Volume 35, No. 3 OUR PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Merry Christmas! By Walt North I hope you had plenty of chances to enjoy our northwest spo- radic sunshine. Summer is gone and fall is here with winter not far be- hind. In the blink of an eye, before winter arrives, the much anticipated COLA checks will be ours. We now have a brand new director for our retirement system. Please read about her in this newspaper issue. The ARSCE Board’s sincere thanks to Mel Robertson who, as Acting Director of the Re- tirement System, kept everything on track for active employees and we retirees. We had a wonderful luncheon at the Elks Club in Lake City this past September. The food was good, as usual, but the entertain- ment was excellent. This is the third time that ARSCE invited Debbie Dimitre of Patchwork Tales to perform. This time Debbie portrayed Eleanor Roosevelt. It is amazing that with very few props, Debbie transformed herself into our first politically active “First Lady.” ARSCE’s festive holiday party will be held at the Lake City Elks Club on Wednesday, December 12th, 2007. (See the sign-up form on the last page of this newspaper.) This is our big event for the year. We hope you will come and enjoy this holiday gala as we want your help to celebrate with those of us who will receive our first COLA ever.
    [Show full text]
  • Young Woman's Struggles Lead Her to Strive to Bring Hope and Healing To
    It’s All Good This year, Christmas will be alive in all those who believe, page 12. Serving the Church in Central and Southern Indiana Since 1960 CriterionOnline.com December 4, 2020 Vol. LXI, No. 10 75¢ Pope Francis creates 13 Young woman’s new cardinals, struggles lead including first African American her to strive to be named to bring hope VATICAN CITY (CNS)—One by one 11 senior Churchmen, including two and healing U.S. citizens—Cardinals Wilton D. Gregory of Washington, the first African American cardinal, and Silvano to others M. Tomasi, a former Vatican diplomat—knelt Fourth in an occasional series before Pope Francis to receive their red (Editor’s note: In this series, The Criterion hats, a cardinal’s ring will feature young adults who have found a and a scroll formally home in the Church and strive to live their declaring their new faith in their everyday life.) status and assigning them a “titular” church By John Shaughnessy Cardinal Wilton in Rome. D. Gregory But with the At 29, Perry Langley has a heart for consistory on Nov. 28 people who are vulnerable or broken. occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic, She also has an understanding that Pope Francis actually created 13 new being vulnerable or broken describes cardinals. most of us in some way, at some point Cardinals Jose F. Advincula of Capiz, in our lives. Philippines, and Cornelius Sim, apostolic Langley identifies with teenagers vicar of Brunei, did not attend the who struggle, knowing from personal consistory because of COVID-19 travel experience that “life for teens is just restrictions; however, they are officially plain hard sometimes.” cardinals and will receive their birettas and While she is single, her work rings at a later date, the Vatican said.
    [Show full text]
  • Italian American Journal Giornale Italo Americano
    GIA Giornale Italo Americano Italian American Journal December ( 6 ) Dicembre Italian and English Edition XLIX FREE 2018 Servicing: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Long Island, Florida, California, Boston, Switzerland and Italy L'ASSOCIAZIONE NAZIONALE CARABINIERI TALK ON INNOVATION AND ITALIAN DI NEW YORK CELEBRA LA VIRGO FIDELIS, FOOD HELD IN NYC by Joseph M. Calisi PATRONA DELL'ARMA di Alfonso Panico New York City – from Italy, Mark Cornell of was to strengthen the bond Nella foto : Intorno alla torta con l’immagine della Virgo Fidelis, da sinistra, sono: A discussion on the Italian Chicago and Beatrice Ughi between Italy and the US il presidente Tony Ferri, il console generale Genuardi, la signora Ferri, la signora contribution to the New of The Bronx, NY and through food. This was Micale ed il generale Micale. York culinary scene was Gustiamo.com were mod- a first time partnering by I soci nel Bronx la Virgo Fidelis, viviale al ristorante Mae- held in the Italian Con- erated by ex-food critic Italian chefs in New York dell’Associazione Nazion- patrona dell’Arma dei stro. Alla messa, celebrata sulate in Manhattan. The and New Yorker journalist ale Carabinieri Sezione di Carabinieri, con una messa panelists, Alessandro Biggi Becky Cooper. The goal (Continued on page 2) New York hanno celebrato solenne ed un pranzo con- (continua a pagina 2) and Francesco Brachetti of the panel discussion MATTARELLA, BILANCIO STATO È BALANCE IN BUDGET RESOURCES "BENE PUBBLICO" AND SPENDING - MATTARELLA Il Presidente sione costituzionale del tra risorse disponibili e della Repubblica, Sergio 2012 e la modifica dell'art.
    [Show full text]
  • Christ, the Savior Is Born!
    The 6 1966-201 50th A nniversaryCatholicWitness The Newspaper of the Diocese of Harrisburg December 23, 2016 Vol. 50 No. 24 The Christmas artwork pictured here was created by two of the four winners of Christ, the Savior Bishop Ronald Gainer’s 2016 Christmas Card Contest. The contest allowed students to is Born! portray an interpretation of the birth of Jesus Christ as seen through their eyes. Four winners were selected from contest entries among four age categories. The illustration at the bottom is by Annie St. Denis, a senior at Lancaster Catholic High School, and the illustration at the top is by Abigail Sell, an eighth-grader at Annunciation BVM School in McSherrystown. The other two winning images were featured on the cover of the December 9 edition of The Catholic Witness. The four winning pieces will be used as illustrations on Bishop Gainer’s Christmas cards this year. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests.
    [Show full text]
  • Christmas 2017 800 AD
    The CatholicWitness The Newspaper of the Diocese of Harrisburg December 22, 2017 Vol. 51 No. 24 The Christmas artwork pictured here was created by two of the four winners of Bishop Ronald Gainer’s 2017 Christmas Card Contest. The contest allowed students to portray an interpretation of the birth of Jesus Christ as seen through their eyes. A total of 53 entries were submitted from 27 schools this year, and four winners were selected from contest entries among four age categories. The image on the left is by Kristen Landsman, a senior at Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown, and the image at the right is by Abby Caruso, an eighth grader at St. Catherine Labouré School in Harrisburg. The other two winning images were featured on the cover of the December 8 edition. The four winning pieces were used as illustrations on Bishop Gainer’s Christmas cards this year, and the students are pictured on page 3 with the bishop. Christmas 2017 800 AD. One of the seven verses was sung at sions cease – but only if you and I allow Him. Dear Friends in Christ, Vespers on the final week before the celebration We must allow the Christmas Mystery to awaken As we quiet the hymns of the Advent Season of the Lord’s Nativity. Each verse begins with awe in our minds and hearts by the revelation for another year and begin the Carols of Christ- the word “O” – addressing Jesus with an Old that the One who holds all creation together in mas, there is a thought from one of the most Testament image of what the awaited Messiah Himself is now being held by His mother; that common Advent hymns that keeps coming to would do and hailing our Lord as the One who He who is the Bread of Life is now hungry and my mind.
    [Show full text]
  • Western Europe
    Western Europe Great Britain National Affairs HE YEAR BEGAN BADLY FOR THE Labor government when Prime Minister Tony Blair's personal poll rating briefly fell from 62 to 49 percent, largely due to popular dissatisfaction with problems in the National Health Service, in- tensified by a flu epidemic. Labor's image deteriorated further when the party was unable to prevent the election of Ken Livingstone, a maverick independent left- wing MP, as the first directly elected mayor of London. Blair's warning that Liv- ingstone's election would be "ruinous" for London did not prevent the decisive defeat of Labor's official candidate for the mayoralty. This was followed by Labor defeats in the local council elections, and in June a keynote speech by Premier Blair at a conference of the Women's Institute movement was met by a "slow handclapping." The government recovered some of its poise in July when it an- nounced a program of public investment in transport, education, and the health service. This expenditure, it was proclaimed, was made possible by the govern- ment's prudent handling of the economy. In this way the government sought to make good what many critics considered to be its initial mistake in retaining the spending targets of the last Conservative government. In the meantime, the Conservative opposition, led by William Hague, turned to the right, campaigning against "bogus asylum seekers," taking a hardline pol- icy in Europe, and opposing the single EU currency. The Tories received a real boost in September when farmers and haulers blockaded a number of oil re- fineries in a peaceful protest of the high price of gasoline.
    [Show full text]
  • Tis the Season to Be Pagan Christmas and Its Origins
    ‘Tis the Season to be Pagan: Christmas and Its Origins By Lady Alissa Catron ©Ark of Covenant Ministries 2013 Introduction Christmas is a time that is greatly looked forward to each year, because it is a special day set aside to celebrate, honor, rejoice and observed the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Although it is a day to celebrate Jesus, it has been discovered that the December 25th date has roots in paganism. For a number of years, Pastor Catron of Ark of Covenant Ministries has uncovered and taught about the aspects of Christmas that shed light on these pagan roots, to aid the Christian in becoming aware, in an effort to help believers serve the Lord in truth. The findings in this document are a reflection of those efforts. Christmas as Believers Observe and Celebrate it Among Christians, Christmas is a time to celebrate, recognize, honor, and praise Jesus, the Son of the Living God, our Savior and Redeemer, specifically in His birth. The birth of Jesus holds such importance, because, simply put, the coming of Jesus would be the resolution to the issue of sin and its cause that separates us from God. “A disease has infected the entire human race, and it is terminal in every case. That disease is sin. However, there is a cure, an antidote—the blood of Jesus Christ” (Evans 288). The Bible tells us in Romans 6:23 that “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” His death, burial, and resurrection are the foundation upon which our salvation lies in that in His death, He was the atonement for our sins, His burial as proof of His death, and His resurrection as “our ‘receipt’ from God the Father that He accepted His Son’s payment for sin on the cross” (Evans 292).
    [Show full text]