THE December 2015 Edition MISSING JESUS Story on page 2 In this issue: Barry and the Christmas Pageant p.4 The Birthday of Jesus p. 6 Charlie Brown & Lucy p. 8 Recipe: Peppermint Bark p.9 They Already Crucified Him p.10 EMMANUEL Baptist Church 240 Main St, Bloomfield, ON www.emmanuellife.com 613 393 2234
2 The Missing Jesus About a week before Christmas a family bought a new nativity scene, but when they unpacked it they found two figures of the Baby Jesus. Someone must have packed this wrong, the mother said, counting out the figures. Talking to the children, she said, You two run back to the store and tell the manager that we have an extra Jesus. Tell him to put a sign on the remaining boxes saying that if a set is missing a Baby Jesus, call 7126. The manager of the store copied down mother s message and the next time they were in the store they saw the cardboard sign that read, If you re missing Baby Jesus, call 7126. All week long they waited for someone to call. Surely, they thought, someone was missing that important figurine. Each time the phone rang mother would say, I ll bet that s about Jesus, but it never was. Father tried to explain there were probably thousands of these scattered all over the country, it could be anywhere. When no one had called by 5pm on Christmas Eve, mother insisted that father just run down to the store to see if there were any sets left. Run down to the store? father thundered. It s 15 below zero out there! Oh, Daddy, we ll go with you, Tommy and Mary began to put on their coats. Father gave a long sigh and headed for the front closet. I can t believe I m doing this, he complained. When they got to the store, one of the children shouted, They re all gone, Daddy, Every set must be sold. The mystery will now be solved tonight! When they got home, mother was gone. Someone must have called and she went out to deliver the figurine, father reasoned. Just then, the phone rang. It was mother calling with instructions for them to go to 205 Chestnut Street immediately, and bring three blankets, a box of cookies and some milk. Now what has she gotten us into? the father groaned as they bundled up. 205 Chestnut. Why that s across town. Wrap that milk up good in the blankets or it will turn to
3...from page 2 The Missing Jesus ice before we get there. Why can t we all just get on with Christmas? It s probably 20 below out there now. When they got to the house at 205 Chestnut Street it was the darkest one on the block. Only one tiny light burned in the living room and the moment they set foot on the porch steps, mother opened the door and shouted, They re here, Oh thank goodness you re here, Ray! You kids take those blankets into the living room and wrap up the little ones on the couch. I ll take the milk and cookies. There is no heat in this house and this young mother is so upset she doesn t know what to do. Her husband walked out on her and those poor little children will have a very bleak Christmas, so don t you complain. I told her you could fix that oil furnace in a jiffy. I saw your number every day on those boxes on the counter. When the furnace went out, that number kept going through my mind, 7162. If a person is missing Jesus, they should call 7162. That s how I knew you were good Christian people, willing to help folks. I figured that maybe you would help me, too. You ve come to the right place, said Father Now lets see. You ve got a little oil burner over there in the dining room. Shouldn t be too hard to fix. Probably just a clogged flue. I ll look it over, see what it needs. Mother came into the living room carrying a plate of cookies and warm milk. As she set the cups down on the coffee table, the children noticed the figure of Baby Jesus lying in the centre of the table. It was the only sign of Christmas in the house. The children stared wide-eyed with wonder at the plate of cookies mother set before them....jesus said, I have come that they may have life and have it to the full Father finally got the oil burner working but said you need more oil. I ll make a few calls tonight and get some oil. Yes, sir, you came to the right place, father grinned. On the way home they never even...continued on page 5.
4 Barry and the Christmas Pageant Eric Ritz, tells a story about an incident that took place during the Christmas pageant in his church. There was an awkward ten-year old named Barry. Barry had managed to create a disaster over the past two pageants. Two years before, when he was supposed to be Herod the Great he jumped from his throne and with such clumsy enthusiasm slipped on the carpet, knocked down all three wise men and tore down the curtain. The previous year he got too close to a candle and lit his angel wings on fire. The other children begged Rev. Ritz to not let Barry ruin another play. Eric Ritz knew he couldn t do that, but thought he could get by if he gave Barry a small and harmless part - the innkeeper at Bethlehem. All he had to do was open the door, say one line and close it. The pageant was off to a good start. Mary and Joseph came to the door of the innkeeper and knocked. Barry opened the door and said his line perfectly, Be gone! I have no room for the likes of you! Mary and Joseph turned with their heads dejected and the sound effects of wind and snow could be heard in the background. Mary began to cry. Then all of a sudden, Barry spoke again and said, Wait! Mary Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn t come from a store.. Dr. Seuss and Joseph stopped not knowing what to do. Wait, wasn t in the script. Every heart paused. The audience sat back with eyes opened and mouths dropped. Wait, said Barry again as his lips began to quiver, You can have my room! Well, after a poignant pause, other children moaning, parents smirking, things got back on course. The next morning, Christmas Day, Rev. Ritz concluded his message with what Barry had said last night and added, This young
5...from page 4 Barry and the Christmas Pageant man may still need to learn more about being an actor, but he does not need to know anything more about being a child of God and a follower of Christ. He gave us the Christmas message unlike any other pageant before. We often fret over trying to make sure that everything is just right, especially at Christmas time, and sadly there often isn t much room for Jesus in the middle of it all. Like Barry, let us stop and say, Wait You can have my room and invite Jesus into our homes this Christmas time. Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone here s my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with them, and they with me (Revelation 3:20) Jesus is knocking at the door of our hearts wanting to come in. I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. - Charles Dickens...from page 3 The Missing Jesus noticed the cold weather, and dad wasn t complaining. They had barely set foot inside the door when father was on the phone arranging to get oil. The children were pulling clothes out of their closets and toys off of their shelves. It was long after their bedtime when they were wrapping gifts. It was the most wonderful Christmas all of them had ever known. Many in the world are still missing Baby Jesus. Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost (Luke 19:10), and to bring new life. Jesus said, I have come that they may have life and have it to the full (John 10:10). Jesus cares about the sick and the lame, the poor and the hurting, the ones that the world often rejects. As the church we are here to fulfill the ministry of Jesus and to make a difference in the lives of those who don t know Him. So, if your missing Jesus call me, Peter, at 613 476 2227 (Adapted from a story by Jean Gietzen) C h r i s t m a s Laughter Q: Where does the snowman hide his money? A: In the snow bank Q: What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations? A: Tinselitis
6 The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-7 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. God never gives someone a gift they are not capable of receiving. If he gives us the gift of Christmas, it is because we all have ability to understand and receive it. Pope Francis Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)
7 Saturday, December 12th 5-8pm The Christmas Story comes to life in this illuminated walk-thru featuring live animals, actors, and music. EMMANUEL Baptist Church 2 Corey St., Bloomfield emmanuellife.com Thurs., Dec. 24th 6.30-7.30pm CHRISTMAS CAROLS. SPECIAL MUSIC. A heart-warming reminder of what the Christmas season is truly about. 240 Main St, Bloomfield 613-393-2234 emmanuellife.com
8 Charlie Brown & Lucy A Peanuts cartoon shows Lucy coming to Charlie Brown and saying, Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown. Since it s this time of the season, I think we ought to bury past differences and try to be kind. Charlie Brown responds, Why does it just have to be this time of the season? Why can t it be all year long? Lucy stares at him and exclaims, What are you, some kind of fanatic? It is interesting how people do tend to be kinder and more forgiving during the Christmas season, than at other times of the year (Except maybe when they re in a line up at the mall!) Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. - Calvin Coolidge (U.S. President 1923-29) I think Jesus wants us to be the sort of fanatic that Lucy is talking about, and be forgiving and kind all year long. When we become a Christian, we receive the Holy Spirit into our lives, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23). It is the Holy Spirit who enables us to be the way Charlie Brown wants to be all year long. From Producer Stephen McEveety The Passion of the Christ Sunday, December 20th 6pm Movie Night & Popcorn Emmanuel Baptist Church e m m a n u e l l i f e. c o m
Recipe: Peppermint Bark 9 Ingredients: 30 crushed peppermint hard candies, divided 1 1/2 pounds milk chocolate candy, coarsely chopped 1 1/2 pounds white chocolate, chopped 1 teaspoon oil-based peppermint flavouring, or to taste Directions: 1. Spread 1/3 of the peppermint candy over a 9x13-inch baking pan lined with wax paper. 2. Melt the milk chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, just until melted. Pour the melted chocolate over peppermint candy in the prepared pan. Sprinkle another 1/3 of the candy on top of the milk chocolate. 3. Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes. 4. Melt the white chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Stir in the oil-based peppermint flavouring. Pour the white chocolate over the milk chocolate, then spread the remaining 1/3 peppermint candy on top. 5. Refrigerate until the white chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes. Cut or break into pieces to serve.
10 They Already Crucified Him! I read about a woman who was doing her last-minute Christmas shopping at a crowded mall. She was tired of fighting the crowds, she was tired of standing in lines and fighting her way down long aisles looking for a gift that had sold out days before. Finally, she was ready to go home and made her way to the elevator with her arms filled with packages. When the doors opened, the elevator was completely full, but the people moved closer together, to make room for her. As the doors closed, she blurted out, Whoever is responsible for this whole Christmas thing ought to be arrested, strung up, and shot! A few others nodded their heads, or grunted in agreement. Then, from somewhere in the back of the elevator, came a single voice that said, Don t worry, they already crucified him! It is easy to caught up in all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, and find it tedious, expensive and quite depressing, and subsequently miss the whole meaning of Christmas. The angel announced to the shepherds, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you, He is Christ, The Lord (Luke 2:10-11). I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him at a department store and he asked for my autograph. - Shirley Temple The greatest gift you can receive and give this Christmas is Jesus. Jesus is the good news of great joy, and this good news is for all people. Jesus wants you to know His peace and His joy - especially in the midst of a busy Christmas season. I encourage you to take time this Christmas to reflect on the birth of Jesus, and why he came. At the church we have many DVD s and books on Christmas - for all ages, feel free to check out the church library for yourself and for your children.
Coming Up 11 at Emmanuel Baptist Church A County Christmas Saturday, December 12th 5-8:00pm. The Christmas story comes to life in this illuminated walk-thru featuring live animals including donkeys, sheep, goats and more, accompanied by actors and narrators telling different parts of the Christmas Story. Afterward come inside for hot chocolate, goodies, and a carol sing with a live band. All Welcome! Free event. Family Movie Night: The Star of Bethlehem Sunday, December 20th 6:00pm. From Producer Stephen McEveety (The Passion of the Christ) comes an amazing documentary of the Star Bethleham. Unlock the Mystery of the World s Most Famous Star! Explore the exciting truth of scripture and reveal the evidence for God s existence as seen in the stars above. (No childcare provided) Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Thursday, December 24th 6:30-7:30pm. Christmas Carols. Special Music. A heart-warming reminder of what the Christmas season is truly about. Regular Events at Emmanuel SUNDAYS Morning Service (Full children s programs) Evening Service/Bible Study WEDNESDAYS 9AM 11AM 7PM Bible Study 1:30PM Christian: DVD Study. Dinner Included. (Begins Jan 13th) 6:30-8PM Learn what it mean to be a Christian - A Study by Andy Stanley Emmanuel Kids (JK to Grade 5) (Begins Jan 13th) Fusion (Grades 6-8) (Begins Jan 13th) THURSDAYS Surge (Youth - Grades 9-12) Hangout, have fun, make friends, and learn about God. Real Life Young Adults (Age 18-25ish) We look into God s word, build each other up and seek after REAL LIFE. 6:30-8PM 6:30-8PM 7-9PM 7-9PM UNSUBSCRIBE If you would like to stop receiving Emmanuel Life Magazine please email jean@emmanuellife.com, or call 613-393-2234.
Steps to Peace with God God s Purpose: Peace and Life God is the Master Artist. He created the universe and everything in it, and made us so we could have fellowship with Him. God loves us and wants us to experience His peace and life - abundant life in this world and eternity with God. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16 The Problem: Separation from God God created us in His own image to have everlasting life. When we choose to disobey God, going our own way and not His, this is sin, and separates us from God. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23 God s Bridge to Himself: The Cross of Jesus Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave. He paid the penalty for our sin and bridged the gap between God and people. Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me. - John 14:6 Our Response: Receiving Jesus Christ as Saviour We must trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and invite Him into our life. When we do, He comes into us through His Holy Spirit. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him, and he with me. - Rev 3:20 How You Can Know Jesus Today Admit your need for Him. Be willing to turn from your sins. Believe that Jesus died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. Invite Jesus to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. How to Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Saviour. In Jesus name, Amen. If you prayed that prayer, give me a call - I would like to give you some materials to help you come to know Jesus better. Peter Spragg. 613 476 2227. peter@emmanuellife.com