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December, 2002 From My Heart... It is celebrated around the world, crossing all language and cultural barriers, and for a few days, even a few minutes, it provides a time of hope, peace, and joy. It manifests itself in giving, or in the simplicity of a child's smile. It is possibly the happiest time of the year. What is it? Christmas, of course, and we all get caught up in it, regardless of our age. Everything takes on a new "aliveness", not to mention becoming more colorful. It is one of my favorite times of the year. More than anything, it is a birthday celebration, the birthday of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It is Jesus' birthday, and what an event to celebrate. It takes us back to the obscure little village of Bethlehem, a mere five miles from the bustling city of Jerusalem. On a quiet winter night 2000 years ago, a birth took place. Jesus, heavenly and miraculously conceived, was born to earthly parents, and it was a time for rejoicing. Is it still a time for rejoicing? Will Christmas be a time of celebration for you, or "just another day"? For believers, it can never be "just another day", for nothing like it has ever happened on any other day. Rejoice! Lift up your head and rejoice! Throw off the shackles of discouragement, pick yourself up, and rejoice! Let this Christmas be a time to be remembered, and rejoice! The angel declared, "For unto us is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord!" Now that's something to rejoice about! This is mine and Anita's fourth Christmas to be with our church family at Dixie Lee Baptist Church. From our house to yours, we wish you and your family a Very Merry Christmas. God bless you. Jim Clayton |