What a glorious season is upon us. The time of year when the spirit of giving and of love is the greatest. It is the best time of year to reach out to those who do not know about Christ and of His great love and sacrifice to save us, and to bring us back to Him again. As I write, I sense the excitement and urgency of Christmas in the air. Christmas trees and lights are springing up everywhere. Giant snowflakes of light shine brightly down every street and avenue. As I was driving home one night, I began to meditate and think on what Christmas - true Christmas- is all about. It is a Celebration of the birth of our Saviour! A time to praise God and give thanks to Him for sending His Son to save us! A time to share the love of God with others! The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” Isaiah 9:2 Before Christ came, the world was in great darkness. There was no hope for man. Mankind was condemned forever. But, because of Godʼs great mercy, He voluntarily layed down His majesty and Godhead and allowed Himself to be born into a world of darkness as a flesh and blood man. But not just a man, but an infant man, vulnerable to all the elements and conditions of the world, just as we are. He lived with us and grew and matured in the normal, human kind of way, being tempted of sin in every way, just as we are. But He never sinned. The True Light Which Lighteth Every Man In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:4-14 They Were Brought Face to Face with the Saviour of the World Light expels darkness. Light will show up anything in the dark corners of a personʼs life. The light will draw many unto it because of the warmth of Godʼs love. However, many times man will run from the light, for as it reveals and expels all the dark hidden things of the heart, it can become too painful to face. Or, it may be that some just choose to dwell in the darkness; not realizing that the light and warmth of Godʼs Love has healing power, and will deliver them from all the darkness in their life. The wise men, on that cold Christmas night so long ago, recognized the Light and were drawn by that Light until they were brought face to face with the Saviour of the world. If we live in the light and keep walking toward the light, we will be brought face to face with Him also. Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. John 12:35 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. II Cor. 4:6 When Jesus became a man, He voluntarily layed down His life and shed His blood for us so that we could be free from sin, death, and hell. Because we were condemned to hell, he had to go to hell for each and every one of us. The price had to be paid in full. He conquered hell and then rose from the dead - for us - so that we could have eternal life with Him again. God is so wonderful! He is so good! We have a big God! He is all we need; more than enough to meet any problem in our life. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill can not be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt. 5:14-16 This Christmas season, reach out to someone who needs the Love of Christ. Let your light so shine that it will light up the path that leads to Jesus and to Eternal Life, bringing glory to our Lord. u Have a blessed Christmas ! Christmas Celebration Of all the holidays, Christmas is my favorite time of year. Happiness and joy is in the air And people are running around everywhere, Gathering up gifts of love to share. The smell of good ole pumpkin bread baking And don’t even mention that creamy fudge in the making. Christmas time is truly a celebration With jingle bells ringing And Silent Night playing. Meeting old friends and making new ones too. Oh! what an opportunity for me and you! To share the celebration of our Saviour’s love too. How He died and arose to make us brand new. Oh what a celebration! If some only knew. What a difference this Christmas would be for them too. by Quinnelle McRae 2 GLAD TIDINGS DECEMBER 2024 Non-denominational Christian Newspaper Sharing the Gospel of Jesus the Christ MAIL P. O. BOX 1116 - DOUGLAS - GA 31534 E- MAIL Editor@GladTidings.news OFFICE PHONE (912) 384- 6896 ADMINISTRATION EDITOR AND PUBLISHER.........Quinnelle McRae VOLUNTEERS CARTOONS/JoyfulToons...................Mike Waters EDITORIAL WRITERS .......... Gary Toole, Peggy Clark, Sara Goldstein, Mark Hankins PROOF READER.. .............................Peggy Clark PHOTOGRAPHY.... ................. Quinnelle McRae ADVERTISING.............................Quinnelle McRae SUBMISSIONS We invite and welcome articles, testimonies, poems, announcements, church news, church histories, recipes or any other inspirational writings. Submissions will not be accepted that exceed 350 words. Publisher assumes no liability for unsolicited art, photographs, manuscripts or other materials. The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject all material which goes against Glad Tidings policy. Glad Tidings will not engage in any controversy and does not endorse any religious expression, viewpoint, opinions or doctrines. The printing of Glad Tidings Newspaper is financed solely through advertisements and contributions. You may contact our office for Ad prices. DATES Glad Tidings is published bi-monthly Publication is the 3rd Tuesday of 1st month Advertising & Editorials due 3 weeks before publication .DISTRIBUTION The print edition of Glad Tidings is distributed Free of Charge in Coffee, Atkinson, Jeff Davis, Telfair, Wheeler, Ben Hill, Irwin, Cook, Bacon, Ware, and Tift counties. All churches are welcome to as many copies as they would like to pass out to their congregation. Call the office telephone number for more information. The digital edition is free and available on-line at www.GladTidings.news GLAD TIDINGS - ALL Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited. © Our Mission at Glad Tidings is to reach as many as possible with the good news of JESUS CHRIST u Please thank our advertisers and volunteers for making possible the sharing of Glad Tidings with you! DECEMBER 2024 Sow your Seed into the Good Ground of Glad Tidings Glad Tidings The Light REV. QUINNELLE MCRAE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTk2NjczNQ==