cards that say nothing. Let your children participate in special functions at church. Encourage them with the knowledge of God's will and way for their lives. Sad to say, there are many homes which will not be sharing Christmas in a spiritual manner. If you are the father in the home, then you have the vital and sacred responsibility to teach your children the Word of God. You are the leader and you must step out, with God's help, and guide the lives entrusted to your care. Do not just go along with the rest of the crowd. Are you willing to dedicate your self to having a Christ-centered Christmas in your home? May God help you as you put the Saviour first in all you do and say for His own honor and glory. Dr. Hocking is Pastor of First Breth ren Church of Long Beach, Calif. Celebrating Long before Christmas day we note a swelling tide of scandalous commercialism which ends in an overwhelming crescendo on the day before Christmas. It has left in its wake worn-out wrecks of hu manity supposedly all ready to commemorate the birth of the Sav iour. Add to this the ridiculous sentimentalism where meaningless pageantry, trimmings and trappings are brought to the forefront. We note an abominable paganism with godless parties, sinful socials, Page 31 Christmas By DR. RALPH KRAFT
others. There is no more signifi cant time for a vital witness as this. Many people have their thoughts directed toward the faith only in this short period. Use every oppor tunity to introduce those whom you meet to the real facts of the Saviour's birth. What tremendous news that there is a Saviour for our sins who has come to provide eter nal life as His free gift of love. Set the example by attending the func tions of a good, Bible-teaching church where the Lord Himself is exalted. Through music and mes sage He can be exemplified in our own experiences. Take your family and invite your friends and neigh bors to join you. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day take the opportunity to read the nativity story together. In your home you might have a time of sharing blessings, prayer requests and singing the familiar carols to gether. Why not encourage your children to give a gift to Christ at Christmas time? Perhaps you could take an offering among the mem bers which could be invested for the Lord in some strategic place. Consider the needs of your own church, missionary cause or some other spiritual ministry or out reach. In any case, be careful to emphasize the fact that you are giving something to Christ because it is His birthday. Be careful that you do not give gifts just simply for gifts' sake, or because it is the seemingly proper thing to do. Give something that will draw people's attention to the Lord. Use the opportunity to put Scripture verses and tracts into your cards and letters. Get out the mes sage of Christ in every way possible. Do not waste a lot of money on
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