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Show Page Four - The Pyramid - December 22, 1993 Have Look beyond commercialism Once again it is the time of year when solemn and sacred feelings are blended with an air of joyful celebration. At the dawning of this holy season, we extend our love and a special greeting to members of the Church and people everywhere. While merchandising and social activities have become part of Christmas time in many lands, it is important that we look beyond the commercialism of the season and focus on Him whose birth it commemorates-t- he Son of God, the Redeemer, the promised Messiah. Perhaps more than in any other season, feelings and emotions are generally warmer during the Christmas holidays. Where such feelings prevail, it is due to the spirit of the Savior, who came to earth as Jesus Christ, the Son of God. No message is more significant than the one He brought. Nor is any event of greater importance than His atoning sacrifice and subsequent resurrection. We are aware that even during this happy season there are those in the world who are in sorrow, who mourn, who yearn for peace, who are lonely, and who are burdened with guilt. To such, especially, we extend our love and compassion. We extend the hand of friendship and fellowship to those who are lonely, discouraged, or feeling abandoned. We invite them to become one with us in worship and in the service of the Master. We pray for the true spirit of Christmas to rest upon the people and nations of the earth. May we each demonstrate our concern for others, not merely with gifts or messages, but with love and kindness and daily deeds of good will. The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Da- y Saints The unseen power There was a time when the world in winter spirit lay, to stay. Had little hope its Then unseen power walked and plied, moved by the Pulsing, pressing need. a seed. Walking leaving unseen prints to find A peasant maid not too tall, Shuddered at the sound of this Great Call. Could so frail a child and a seed so small, Be the new Eve to right Adams fall. If this was the season, could she be the person? If she was the tool, Would it be the right lesson? Time and space were brought into being; Used, abused, and misused from the beginning. So God took this new seed warmed it for human need, Not gold and tinsel plated, but simply, incubated. By His hand of providence, He led a burro small, To a borrowed bam and a mangered stall. And there out of a child of humanity, He brought to man His Divinity. The wrappings and trappings were meager and mean But, even then a promise was seen. While across wind swept plains, behind a desert star, Ancient men plodded toward a distant manger far. What unsophisticated men these three, what strange astrology, How could they know where God would sow? How could they find the way, to that small hamlet where Jesus lay? But, true to their destiny, they found that swaddling tapestry. Shepherds too, were called and came, Led by neither cloud nor flame. Rather, by a Heavenly Host, Thus was bora, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Were you to look this night, Your heart would be aright. For visiting every human scene, Is that infant frame serene. Open the hard closed gate, bid him welcome to your estate. look within, so your spirit may be his again. the wonder of it all, to Oh, capture And make His Birth our all in all. by Reverend Dr. Harold Hurt First Presbyterian Church Dont look out but True meaning of Christmas Seasons greetings to all friends and family. We wish to invite everyone who believes the Holy Bible is the word of God and desires to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to Sunday school at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. at the First Southern Baptist Church, located on old Highway 89 south (approximately two miles) to Spring City. May the true meaning of the Christmas holiday fill your lives. First Southern Baptist Church a Sparkling White Christmas We wish you all the very best! Dr. Steven Bench DDS and Staff Fairvlew Matthew Buttars, son of Bryant and Mindy Buttars of Mt. Pleasant got his first real peek at Santa last week. God so loved the world "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) At this special and sacred season of the year when we celebrate the birth of the Savior, may we pause to reflect on the joy His coming brought to all the world. Though lowly and humble was His entry into this world, how glorious His mission: to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of all mankind through His atonement. What hope that should be to all of us as we look forward to that great and glorious day. Although peace among the children of men is fragile and often shattered by the violence of war, hatred and crime, we can obtain peace in our lives by emulating the life of the Savior. His life was one of service and charitythe showing forth of pure love. We may follow in His footsteps by serving one another and by showing forth an increase of love toward our neighbors and our fellowmen. May the blessings of the Lord be with all of us as we strive to become more like Him by following His example in the coming year. Sincerely, Ephraim Stake Presidency lifes challenges Accept As we now experience this special time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, may we have a reverence and appreciation for the gifts we have received of Him. To give thanks in prayer and deed for His birth, life, atonement and resurrection. May we also have an appreciation for Mary, the mother of Jesus. She not only lived in purity sufficient to be privileged to give birth to the Son of God, but was an example to accept the challenges of life without murmuring. She was to give birth to the Son of God, but there was not a room in the inn available, therefore giving birth to the Christ child in a stable for the animals and laying Him in a manger (Luke 2:7), without complaint, only thanks and praise for His birth. Realizing that challenges will come our way, may we pray for the ability to adjust and not murmur, giving thanks for the blessings that surround us: the often times unrealized blessings here in this beautiful valley with its splendid seasons; the covering of fresh snow for a white Christmas; the wonderful mountains in their many shades and the protection they offer us; time with family and friends enjoying their warmth and love; the joy of the Christmas sights and sounds in our cities; a time to enjoy giving. May we show our appreciation for our Savior, and His life of giving, now and throughout the year by giving that most important gift, that of ourselves. It is our prayer that we will all continually seek after Him. As President Ezra Taft Benson has said: "We must do the same as the Wise Men of old. They sought out Christ and found Him. Those who are wise still seek Him today." Mt. Pleasant Utah Stake Presidency As the holidays draw near, wed like to take this opportunity to say thank you for your .valued patronage throughout the year. We wish you a Yuletide season thats truly special in and 1' every way... filled withandpeace love. brotherhood, joy Meny Christmas from all of us at STATE FARM INSURANCE like a good neignoor. State Farm Is there. DANNY DYCHES Moroni from all of us at HANSEN LUMBER, FAIRVIEW Santa's On His Merry Way ... Bringing Gifts Without Delay. And Wed Just Like Stop And Say, To We Wish You One Great Christmas Day I We appreciate your support and patronage. Joyous Noel to you and yours. ever-loyc- d The greatest event Through centuries of time, the Christmas celebration has been modified to embrace images of mortal pageantry which differs from country to country. Originally it was instituted by Christians as a modest celebration to commemorate the greatest event of our earths history, the birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ. We invite all people to look to the original simplicity of Christmas and focus on the eternal truths the Savior taught. We challenge the sick and you this year to spend quality time visiting the elderly, the discouraged to let them know that they are loved and not forgotten. be May the spirit of peace, love, sharing, (Saring and patience Christmas the celebrate and for holidays. with us all as we prepare Merry Christmas, The Moroni Utah Stake Presidency . Lets cherish the spirit of Christmas and the joy of friendship. Dr. Bruce Larsen DDS and staff Mt Pleasant m Spirit of giving, loving Dear Friends: Christmas is a beautiful time of the year because almost everyone is caught up in the spirit of giving and receiving, of loving and being loved. This love is very difficult to express so we use traditional sayings such as "Merry Christmas," traditional songs like "O Come All Ye Faithful," traditional gestures like a special Christmas hug and kiss, traditional customs like gift giving and sending cards. All of these symbols are ways of giving and receiving, loving and being loved. There is a danger, however, that the celebration of Christmas becomes so guided by tradition that we hardly stop to think about the festive activities we undertake. Lets take a few moments to. think about the way we celebrate Christmas so that we can come to an even deeper, more prayerful sense of joy and contentment, coupled with a more profound sense of wonder and praise of God, whose nearness we celebrate. God so loves us that he sends his Son to be one of us. Lets open ourselves to the coming of the Christ. As we greet each other, lets pray that each of us will know the peace joy and sense of meaning in life that Christ brings. In behalf of St. Elizabeths Catholic Church, I wish you all a Merry Christmas. Peace, Father Clarence J. Sandoval Pastor of St. Elizabeths Church . Because good customers are at such a premium these days, we're extra grateful for your loyal support. From the girls at FOOD & FUEL 427 9304 336 North State, Fairvlew Jackie (Mgr.), Tassie, Brenda, Tiffani, Heidi, Karen & Laura |