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v Shell Service Station PHONE 884-3502 Cor. Bayview & Markham Rd. Richmond Hill awuuvwmmmmm I REV. J. N. HEPBURN .' Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church One should note that what in- terested heaven on the night of Christ's birth was something which all the village disregard- ed. It is a strange contrast to pass from the hillside to the crowded caravansary of Beth- lehem. There Were men from every neighboring village, and some who had travelled from long distances. One subject alone was on their lips, Caesar and his taxes. Nobody gave a thought to Jesus' birth. and heaven that night thought of nothing else. So we are taught that what the world makes much of may be insignificant in hea- ven. and what the world neg- lects may be supreme. To grasp that is one secret of fine living. It helps us to readjust our scale of values. The relative magni- tude of things is altered when we live under the aspect of eternity. Some unnoticed and in- terior victory may be like thei mammmmmmmmfi May God bless you and yours this Christmastide with the best your heart can desire! May the greatest gift of all be yours -â€"- the assurance that love is stronger than hate; that this poor humanity of ours is touch- ed with Divinity; that ideals are worth striving for. There- fore let us renew our devotion to Him at the altar of the church. Let us rejoice and join with the music of the heavenly choirs. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men of good will." The clergy and people of St. Mary's would like to make this message their own to all read- ers of the "Liberal" for Christ- luaa 1964. mmmmn It is enough to appreciate: where we cannot hope to un-‘ derstand. Who can explain thel joy of friendship or those lum-l inous hours when Nature speaks‘ to our innermost needs? 503 Christmas comes and blesses us. though iL: deeper meaning can never be put into words. God becomes real to us and thel world transfigured as we see it‘ through the eyes of good will. l ' REV. J. F. O'NEIL St. Mary’s Anglican Church Christmas. 1939, was full of the gathering storm of the Sec‘ and World War. Christmas. 1939, was full of the gathering storm of the Sec‘ and World War. Clergyman in Toronto, the Reverend Gordon Hem, wrote the following message to his people that year. It is worth passing on for its sheer beauty of language as well as its in- light into the meaning of this feast for Christmas. Only God Could Have Thought of Christmas Beneath the joy of Christmas is mystery we cannot fathom. What can our poor human wit make of singing skies, wander- ing stars and light shining from a Manger in which the hope of the world lies cradled? Same- thing deep within us recogniz- es that here is poetry Divine. Only God could have thought of Christmas! Also this exquisite story tea- :ches us that angels may go but ‘Christ remains. The glory de- parted. but the Lord remained. The vision of the angels was a memory, but the Babe they {heralded was more than thatâ€" He was a living power in their midst. Now, for many, Christmas is a sad time. It is a season when memories awaken. We cannot ihelping thinking of those whom we have loved long since and lost awhile. But for us, as for the shepherds, Christ remains, a living presence, 3 Saviour and a friend. the same yester- day. today, forever. He offers His peace. He wants us to be sharers in His joy. He is here to break the tyranny of things, iand in life and death to make‘ 1us more than conquerors. With .. .._....I_..:...- _..A‘ “HAL .. C-..:-.. Clergyman in Toronto, the Reverend Gordon Hem, wrote the following message to his $ to our customers. E We're 3% to serve you. 12 TOM HUGHES THE LIBERAL, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Thursday, Dec. 24. 1964 the season wishes of But the star of Bethlehem has not ceased to shine. Its memory has been a light in the darkness of this world to guide ten thousand times ten thousand to the place of hope and peace. It continues to speak of Him who is Himself “THE BRIGHT and MORNING STAR" He came not as a sun to dazzle but as a star to guide. It took wise men to read the message of that star; while the rest of man- kind heeded not, they followed its light until they came to the place where they too could wor- ship in the presence of Him and in Him saw the hidden glory that the inn- keeper at Bethlehem could not see but was seen by the few, Mary the mother, and Joseph, shepherds watching over their flocks by night, an old man Simeon and an old woman Anna the prophetess in the temple who "spake of Him to all who looked for redemption." The few welcomed Him then, the many crucified Him then. How tragic that it is still the few that crown Him'now and still the many that reject Him and refuse to give Him His place in their heart and hearth in this year of our Lord 1964. and hope. The central theme of the seaâ€" son is the Gift of God â€"- His Son. to a benighted world. He was given as a ransom for many, "Much more," writes Paul, “the grace of God and the gift by grace . . . Jesus Christ, hath abounded untol many." Exclaims the hymn- poet, “Was ever gift like the Saviour given!" St. Job] In a v “Money”, years ago, comments: the World he give?’ C he give?’ ” His wor the story 'Mark (12:4 ,down oppi Our Lord’s birth was an oc-‘msbox and casion of holy rejoicing. An ecstasy of joy moved the soul of Mary to exclaim, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” Angels voices were heard by shepherds on Judaean Hills, praising God, in anthem, “and saying Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Zach- arias exulted in, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: for he; hath visited and redeemed his people." Simeon, the aged saint of the Temple, rejoiced and cried out, saying, “ . mine eyes have seen thy salva- tion . . . a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Also, Anna, the Temple widow, as the scripture reveals, “And she, coming in; that instant gave thanks like- wise unto the Lord." Ezzzzmmemzmmznxxz K putting the the widow all “She had the others she p At this 'when we 1 about givi has given “Ilka!!! Free Methodist Church Christmas is here again with its traditional decoration; its festivities; its exchanging of gifts; its gleaming lights; its felicitations, and its fragrance and beauty. Though the commercial and social aspects of the season may tend to shade its true signifi- cance, and are apt to turn the heart and mind from the truth that Christ came to dwell with man. as the scripture reveals, The few welcomed Him then, the many crucified Him then. How tragic that it is still the few that crown Him now and still the many that reject Him and refuse to give Him His place in their heart and hearth in this year of our Lord 1964. Whatever the scientific ex- planation may be the facts on record indicate that in some mysterious manner God was able to speak through the starry heavens to some wise men who were sensitive to the voice of the God of the universe and by the way of that shining star came seeking their king. They expected to find Him in Her- od's palace but here their star- light failed and a brighter light shone from the more sure word of prophecy leading them to Bethlehem where they found Him and emptied their treasur- ies of gold for a King. frankin- cense of worship to their god, and myrrh for One who would die for them as their Saviour. Richmond Baptist Church Ion the most sacred day in the “Where is He that is born Jewish calendar; and by the king of the Jews for we have persons that loved Him the seen His star in the east and best. are come to worship Him.” Matt. While its meaning has been 232- minored. and its purpose mar- Whatever the scientific ex- red through the years, never- planation may be the facts on theless, it stands as the great- record indicate that in some est monument of Divine Grace mysterious manner God was and Love. us more than conquerors. With such a Saviour. pardoning and powerful, who will never leave us nor forsake us. cannot we all enjoy a happy Christmas? Now, for many, Christmas is a sad time. It is a season when memories awaken. We cannot helping thinking of those whom we have loved long since and lost awhile. But for us, as for the shepherds, Christ remains, a living presence, 3 Saviour and a friend. the same yester- day. today, forever. He offers His peace. He wants us to be sharers in His joy. He is here to break the tyranny of things, and in life and death to make birth at Bethlehem. and set theldwell, Jesus. our Immanuel." angels singing in their courses. His ong is everywhere pene m:an num. u- n-aunu-u, . D . R I R A TH.‘ R B'_ARN0T not Christ lost in the Richmond Hill Baptist Church [on the most sacred day PASTOR A. J. SLATER ‘3. 3. MEIIWE. 5.0 Each in their turn and time? gave fullsome praise and heart- felt thanks. So may we as ever the Season comes again and again telling its sweet, lovely. and holy story of the Christ- Child, give thanks in the lan- guage of the Apostle Paul,‘ “Thanks be unto God for his lunspeakable gift.” } xxxaxazaflifiwweu The central theme of the sea- son is the Gift of God -â€" His Son. to a benighted world. He was given as a ransom for many, "Much more," writes Paul, “the grace of God and the gift by grace . . . Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many." Exclaims the hymn- poet, “Was ever gift like the Saviour given!” What has happened in the last 60 years â€" two horrible world wars - is enough. more than enough to have crushed and eliminated it from the world program and erased it from the calendar, but with “the ever circling years." it comes again and again with in- creased vitality, engaging the enthusiasm, minds, and hearts of men, women, and children. It stands with Easter, two salient points in God's great calendar, ever reminding the world of God‘s Love and Good- ness and man of his heritage and hope. If Christmas had a lesser per- sonage to support and sustain it. if it were a human instituâ€" tion, it would have long ago been lost to mankind; for was not Christ lost in the temple, No matter how cynical andi cast harlot. sophisticated the world may be-iTo the worried world of an epi- come Christmas always gains leptic b0.V's parents), its attention and wonder. WithITO the fearflfl world Of a 811m)! the Wise Men, we have seen‘ PEter. Hi3 star. in the dark night oftTo the cheerless world of an atomic threat and fear, and are angry Paul; come to hope and trust in its To the anxious world of des- promise of a better day. The Pised MattheW. 1 Eternal endurance of Christ! He ShEdS a light warm With and the re-occurent season, is‘mmDBSSion and bright With spoken of in Holy Writ, in the hope. fOUOWing language: “ThyI It is my prayer at Christmas throne. 0 God, is forever and that He will come afresh to two ever. a sceptre of righteousness other small worldsâ€"Yours and is the sceptre of thy kingdom mine. . . . and thy years shall not fail." Heb. 1:12. Yes, He is the Christ of, “Yesterday, today and fore- ever." dwell. Jesus. our Immanuel." To the lonely world of a widow His song is everywhere peneâ€"I in Nain. trating every strata of society,’To the isolated world of a blind and pervading the whole atmo- beggar, sphere. It is a song of faithuTo the desperate world of a hope, charity, meeting and am-' stone mason with a crippled elioratlng the woes and sorrows hand, of all. ‘To the pathetic world of an out- No matter how cynical and: cast harlot. snnhistionled the world mav be-ITO ihe worried world of an epi- REV. R. E. McLENNAN His words were sparked by the story in the Gospel of St. Mark (12:41) where Jesus "sat down opposite the temple al- msbox and watched the people putting their money into it.” Of the widow who gave a farthing, all she possessed, Jesus said “She had put in more than all REV. F. F. BENNETT St. John's Baptist Church In a valuable book called “Money”, published sixty-five years ago, Dr. Andrew Murray comments: “When a man gives, the World still asks, ‘What does he give?’ Christ asks: ‘How does he give?’ ”. .V-.._,=.. V .. .. u; At this season of the year. the Christ-child. so in many when we are rightly concerned countries barnyard animals are about giving, â€"â€" because God served special rations on has given us His Son â€" the Christmas Eve. K all naaammzaa mm)» Our earnest prayer is that inspired by this renewal of the Divine coming we may first reach out to Him and then to each other in love and peace and hope for the future. St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church At the centre of the Nativity scene is the Divine Child reach- ing out His arms in a gesture of love to all men and asking a return of love that comes with belief in Him as the Saviour. The hope that springs from this intimate encounter is the glorious reward of all Chris- tians. It is a hope in the fulfill- ment of one's own destiny in time and eternity, the hope that all mankind may be united in peace and love. Christmas of 1964 finds the Christians of all lands stretch‘ ing out timid hands in tentative gestures of friendship and un- derstanding to one another. FATHER C. J. SCHWALM #MMMZ M} \vv»\»#»#»i GOD KEEP YOU A prayer for moderns con- tains this petition: "Give us the power not only to launch a sputnik but to follow a star". Man's scientific discoveries, technological advances and cul- tural achievements are im- pressive: but we still need to ask, “What are the'real values in life? Has existence any mean- ing? Does human life count for anything or are we as the beasts that perish? We are able to launch rockets into space; but we are unsure of man's nature and destiny. Those who already think of their money and all their pos- sessions as a trust from God don’t need this observation; but could we get away from the ugly habit of competitive giv- ing? Do we give in order to have greater credit bounce back off our own head? We shouldn't be trying to Impress either God or our friends by childishly boasting. "My gift is bigger than his â€" or cost more“. God ap- preciates what we do for Him, through His Church, through gifts to others. But His estiâ€" mate is based on the love and sacrifice in our hearts as we give. but grown-ups like to he re- membered on ‘lheir' day also. This is all very normal and very legitimate in our society. However, December 25 is the birthday of a very dear Friend of oursâ€"in fact the closest Friend we can haveâ€"and in- stead of giving Him giftsâ€"we look for and receive them. How unnatural we act towards Christ. One looking in from Mars might conclude that Jesus Christ is our enemy and not our Loving Brother and Friend. Yet there is no sobbing on Christ's part. He is the every patient â€"â€" ever tender loving Savior. r While so many people look at the size of the gift or its monetary value, Christ looks at the giver and his motive. The spirit. of the world is “How much can I get? What do I get out of it?" The spirit of Christ and Christmas giving is “How can I best show my love to those about me? What'can I do for others?" We have harm- ed our children by asking them, God, at Christmas, opens our eyes to see a star. He invites us to enter a stable where a Babe is laid in a manger. In spirit we can still journey there and find in the Infant of a day. God's answer to man's eternal long- ings. _Do we not discover that His Name is the same today as it was nineteen hundred years ago, Emmanuel, God with us? ANIMALS HELPED An ancient tradition holds that animals helped spread the glad tidings of the arrival of the Christ-child. so in many countries barnyard animals are served special rations on Christmas Eve. story of Jesus observing the givers in the Temple reminds us that at Christmas time also Jesus notices our giving. “What do you Want Santa to bring you?“ I always love to see children carrying home the burdens of their private shop- ping at Christmas, because it means they have been thinking of someone else. REV. C. G. HIGGINSON Richmond Hill United Church . ‘ P. 3 . ‘ P" } :‘. maxim; mamm‘ii FATHER F. C. ROBINSON Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Church The feast of Christmas nec- essarily brings to our attention the notion of birthdays. Every person has a birthday and most people appreciate its cel- ebration with a little party and a gift. What tears would flow if for example on little John- ny's birthday every person in the family received a present except Johnny. Can't you hear him sobbing “but it is my birthday and I didn't get any- thing." Most adults too, are not un- happy when their birthday is remembered. Perhaps it is only a card. perhaps a book, perhaps a family party and many gifts. but grown-ups like to be re- membered on ‘their' day also. This is all very normal and very legitimate in our society. a family party and many gifts} Christmas announces that, the{" but grown-ups like to he re-‘eternal God has come to stand 9 membered on ‘lheir‘ day also. with His children in their hu-i This is all very normal and man darkness. He has come to I very legitimate in our society. save them from the consequenflI However, December 25 is the ces of their sins. ‘ birthday of a very dear Friend Here is something so fantasy of oursâ€"in fact the closest tic. unbelievable. that it should Friend we can haveâ€"and in- stun us with surprise each timej stead of giving Him giftsâ€"we we think of It. The hidden God. look for and receive them, so far beyond the limits of curl How unnatural we act towards imagination, was born in hum-l Christ. One looking in from an 139- . - Mars might conclude that Jesus‘ He became 3 human Chlld_ to Christ is our enemy and notlsave us from the condemnation g i ammunian we as You might say. how can I give a gift to Christ on His birthday. In one crib in one Church on Christmas Day in Richmond Hill. there is a dish for dona- tions which will he sent to the missions. Nothing could please Christ more on His birthday than to see people giving for the conversion of pagans. There are millions of children and adults this Christmas for whom December 25th means nothing. simply because no messenger from Canada has come to them to tell them of the True Godâ€"â€" and His Son's birth in Bethle- hem. Remember, it is Christ’s birthday. and Christ should re- ceive the gifts. REV. ALBERT E. MYERS St. Paul’s Lutheran Church A pastor once found it neces- sary to attend the trial of a young man found guilty of murder. The young man's fa- ther, a respected and honorable person. was present all through the trial. He listened to all the grim evidence of his son's deeds. But during the recess the pastor saw the father walk up beside his son. He put his arm across the young man's shoulder. -r Agnew Surpass Shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . no phone Alberico Shoe Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . no phone Atlas Photo Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 884-3221 Barber Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . no phone Bata Shoe Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 884-7251 Beneficial Finance Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285-6811 Bennett's Home Textiles . . . . . . . . . . . . 884-5931 Bond Clothes Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 884-4906 D. Albert Brown Coiffures . . . . . . . . . . 285-1416 Burroughs Furniture Co. Ltd. AV. 5-5621 or 884-5879 Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce . 285-4241 Children's Fashion Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . 884-7474 Cole’s Book Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 884-4921 Discount Cleaners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 884â€"4906 Dynes Jewellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285-4588 Edith's Delicatessen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 884-7148 Elk's Men's and Boys’ Wear’ . . . . . . . . 884-1839 Firestone Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 884-4401 Jack Fraser Men's and Boys’ Wear . . . . 884-7371 FOR YOUR SHOPPING CONVENIENCE THE CENTRE Will Be Open Tues. & Wed, Dec. 29 & 30 T“ 9 YONGE ST. NORTH Richmond Heights Centre )p . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8 ,Coiffures 2 "l ......ooo¢----no He became a human Child to: save us from the condemnationm that we had brought upon our- selves. This is the Christiangg faith. u. He wan standing with this criminal â€"â€" he seemed to say That's the message of Christ- mas. It seems rather grim against the carefree merriment of the season. But Christmas survives through the centuries because it is more than a hap- py holiday. â€"-with unfailing parental love. sharing the shame and guilt. It seemed to the pastor like a parable of God's limitless love for his sinful human children. The father in the courtroom could .do nothing to remove his son's guilt or save him from execution. The eternal Father can save His children, by sharing with them the tragedy and penalty of sin. Of course we celebrate .this ' Christmas festival with all the joy of which we are capable. Heaven celebrated too. with the g angelic choir heralding Christ‘s} birth. : This is the central event in: man‘s history on earth â€" the‘ everlasting Light breaking through the darkness of our hu- man story of heartbreak and hurt. illness, accidents and death. ’ Our ancient burden of row is lifted from us. The ahead is made straight. comes to us. STOUFFVILLE: Funeral ser-l vices for 17-year-old Alec Bell‘y were attended by fellow studâ€"l; ents at Stouffville Hig'h Schoolfy December 10. The Bell youth}! was killed instantly when a car‘ driven by his 17-year-old chum‘ Glen Fretz went out of con-l trol on the 9th concession of]; Pickering Township December- In Maybe you didn‘t give or wan't get all the presents you expected this Christmas. Per- haps you're tired out from the festival preparations. A lot of gifts have to go back to the store. They have to be exchanged for the right size or color. The children may be overexcited. In a weak moment maybe you have wished that Christmas #03 K WHIM no phone no phone 884-3221 no phone 884-7251 285-6811 884-5931 884-4906 285-1416 285-4588 884-7148 884-1839 884-4401 884-7371 30,1“15‘3 2:2 INDUSTRIAL RD. RICHMOND HILL lopmher . . . . . . . . . Izmmzxrxzzsmzrrmxmmmwww ImIzmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm To All Of You From All Of Us A Very Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year God! yflllflfiflfi’Klflfll'flfllflfleflflflfll“NKKKKKKKIKKWWHU would be abolished by law. It would be good for a lot of us to cut down on the cnnven- tional pleasantries that are tied up with this day. Christmas should be restored to its right- ful place as a deeply religious festival. § 88 YONGE ST. S. RICHMOND HILL Yam-mmmmammmmmmmmmmmthmmnrmm Christmas rolls in like a fresh tide of faith. it lifts us above all weariness. Our Saviour is come. S. S. Kresge (Io. Ltrl. . . . . . . . . Laura Secord Candy Shop Michael's Card and Gift Shop Nordica‘s Sportswear . . . . . . i Patti Lu Shoppe . . . . . . . . . . . l Plaza Taxi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Reitman’s (Ont.) Ltd. Rice’s Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . r Richmond Heights Restaurant Richmond Hill Music Centre .‘ Ken Stiff Fur Co. Ltd. . . . . . A Tamblyn's Drug Store . . . . . . Jack Watts Hardware Store . Patricia White Shoppe . . . . . i SOUTH BLOCK Levendale Meat Market . . . . . Playpen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Richmond Hill TV . . . . . . . . . . Warwick House Ladies (7asua Shields Footwear Ltd. . . . . . i Of course we FRANK'S MOVERS & STORAGE§ To our loyal patrons We express our sincerest appreciation. BORK JE WELLERS say "Merry RICHMOND HILL We have unfathomable rea- son for joy. The Lord has come. This is the good news which cancels out all the dismal and discouraging things that hap- pen in the world. We Christians have good reason for being cheerful on Christmas. l Chrisfmas" to everyone on Do- cember 25. We say it so often we may seem to forget what it means. But we haven‘t really forgotten. . 884-7841 . no phone . 884-4926 . 884-4801 . 884-2961 . 884-1111 . 884-7461 . 884-1812 . 884-7223 . 884-7362 . 884-3001 . 884-595] . 285-4392 . 285-2906 285-3756 884-5801 884-3861 285-4741 884-5341