Show P ii c i 2 f 1 f d v tm ar arS as S 1 th N r- r 8 mea rile I n ti 11 I l ate 1 Christmas is a time of preparation For weeks we plan for gifts meals and decorations but we often forget the true reason for forthe the celebration Our soci soci- society ety has bEcom become so fast paced that many pass us by but It was emphasized by several religious leaders this past week that time should be betaken betaken taken for reflection of Christmas What is the basic thing In our Christmas tion asked Father Dave Richardson Pastor of St Helen For a Christian great thing The coming coining of God into our world a time when he shows His love for us Father Dave explained that this feeling rubs off on many people Ile He explained that on Christmas many pEOple who do not regularly attend church seek out church services Ile He said people should ask them them- themselves selves why they do it this time of year Jesus Jesus is the biggest gift God can give us said Father Dave When we give gifts we show this love He explained that we get B a great joy out of givin giving However he sed that we should exa exa- examine mine our reasons for forgiving forgiving giving Ile He explained that many people get caught up in inthe inthe the competition to outdo out others not the point said Father Dave He said all people should examine where their gift giving is coming from Is It coming from me because I really care said Father Dave or do I just get caught up up in the stream of things The Catholic Priest stressed that families need to come together and decide why they celebrate Christmas He explained that we put up many decorations that are associated with that time of year Ile He said that that- many families also have a nativity scene which he said is a vital part to the Christmas celebration However he said the entire family sho should ld parti parti- participate in the setting up of the Nativity These types of things bring us to a realization as asto asto to what its it's all about said Father Dave He stressed that parents need to insure that children remember the spiritual aspect We often become diverted and we lose the 1 Y f A yYVan i dA d k x f Cw real meaning He said parents should ask them them- themselves selves whether the child child- children ren are more concerned with Santa Claus than Christmas Father Dave emphasized ed that Christmas is one of the greatest celebrations we have a time of love and joy He said we all need to search ourselves to determine our true feelings about Christmas Pastor Troy Richardson of the Roosevelt Baptist church stressed similar opinions The religious ity can do a lot to stress the proper meaning of Christmas said Pastor Richardson He said this can be done not only for church members but for all people in the community We should invite non non- church churchgoers to participate with us He stressed that all of this should begin with the family Pastor Richardson ex- ex explained explained that during their Christmas celebration they make everything from the dinner to the opening of packages a time filled with togetherness and love I It t is a very simple and enjoyable time said Pas Pas- Pastor Pastor tor Richardson Families can put a little thought into it and plan a very special Christmas He said the key is to remember that it is Christs Christ's birthday He said each year his family gives their most expensive gift usually a check to some charity Entwined with the entire celebration is the commercial aspect Pastor Richardson said this part of the celebration also has its place I like the way the communities decorate said Pastor Richardson He said this type of activity can bring the toge community closer toge- toge together ther something which should be accomplished during the Christmas sea son Receiving gifts is fun but we must develop the atmosphere of love and hope the Pastor saId We really need to consid consid- consider er those in our area who are out of work Not ot necessarily just just- giving them things but to cheer them up He pointed out that the holidays can be a very difficult time for people a time when they can be- be become become come extremely lonely Pastor Richardson said the preparation for Christ Christ- Christmas mas doesn't take a great deal of hard work Those simple things like pulling yourself away from the television or taking some cookies to an elderly person in our community and spending some time with them said Pastor Richardson He said these are all ways to make Christmas more meaningful The two religious lead lead- leaders ers also stressed the importance of the New Year and how we should approach it Many people make resolutions they dont don't keep said Pastor Rich Rich- Richardson Richardson ardson but at least they are looking at their lives and recognizing areas that need help He said the New Year should be a time timeto timeto to look back and examine your life He said people should use it as a time to set goals and establish a aplan aplan plan of action to achieve these goals Father Dave fel felt t the same We should look at our lives and see what type of people we are Ile He said people should look at their lives and determine whet whet- whether her or not they have fulfilled their obligation to their community Have I been involved and sup sup- supported supported ported the community Am I giving as I should |