an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brimgeth forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” * Christmas began in the heart of God and it's only complete when it reaches the heart of man. * * * CHILD TRAINING A t this Christmas season especially, may we as parents make it a concerned point to instill in the hearts of Our children the real meaning of this blessed time of the year. Samuel and Susannah Wesley had 19 children, but for each of them there was time to familiarize them carefully in all the truths of God’s Word, particularly in regard to the Lord’s birth, resurrection and coming again. The secret is in repe tition. Unfortunately, parents are prone to feel that their efforts a/re wasted, or at least not really practical or appre ciated. In these important days before the 25th, as our children vrill be home for the holidays away from school, we have even more of a responsibility to instill in them the correct view of Christmas and appreciation for God’s Word. Use the time wisely with your children before the days are gone. Why not start tonight? As the Bible repeat edly encourages us, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” * Only whenwe dieto all about us do we live toGodabove us. * * * TRADITIONS Stephen Olford tells about some of the curiosities of Christmas we all en joy. For instance, consider for a mo ment the traditional seasonal mince pie, which is basically Christian in origin. Dr. Olford, from research, points out that the mincemeat represents spices which the wise men offered at the man ger. In fact, for centuries this delect able dessert was made oblong in shape to symbolize the manger in which the Saviour lay. Interesting how customs begin, isn’t it? Perhaps you know that 123 years ago, back in 1841, an outstanding artist named William Dobson of Birmingham, England, used his talent to cheer a be * * * *
loved friend at Christmas. He wanted his mission also to convey some spirit ual message. So many people comment ed on his thoughtfulness that the next year he made more copies of this unique greeting card and sent them to each of his friends. A fter that, the idea of Christmas cards spread rapidly. But, whether in traditional food, or by dec orative note, the angel’s announcement sums up the greeting which best de scribes the real meaning of this blessed time of the year, “Fear not, for beheld, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” * If you want an increase of Christ, then there must be a decrease of self. * * * FATHER HIMSELF This season often means family re unions; however, for some this year will be clouded with the sorrow of a lost loved one. A young boy, whose mother died at his birth, lived in a British boarding school since his fa ther had to work in a distant land. As a matter of fact, the lad was but a boy when the father left, so the son couldn’t remember having seen his fa ther face to face. The pictures he had been sent helped, for like a good par ent, the father sent letters and gifts faithfully. However, when Christmas drew near and other boys went to their homes for the holidays, the boy’s heart was heavy. He had no place to go, and no loved ones to visit. Then, one exciting day, just before Christmas, a letter came which over joyed his heart. It read: “Dear Son, I ’ll be arriving there this Friday. I was able to get a short leave of absence. You and I will have a wonderful time together over the holidays. Love, Your Father.” Early Friday morning, the lad was down at the airport, his heart beating excitedly at the realization that soon he would see his dad in person. You can imagine who was the first man hurrying down the ramp! As they threw their arms around each other, all the tearful child could say was, “Father!” Up to this time, “Father” had been only a word; now he was a flesh-and-blood reality. Before this mo- 20 * *
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