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Deep Creek Friends Meeting December, 2014

The Joy and Pain of Christmas

“Joy to the world!” the classic hymn proclaims all over the world, just as it did in our service Sunday. Christmas is a time of joy as the traditions that define this holiday come back into focus. There are the meals, the parties, the exchange of gifts, and the other festivities that have always been meaningful at Christmas time. And as Christians, we could never overlook the real message of Christmas; Our Savior was born! This is the holiday that commemorates the birth of joy, love, peace, and hope in our own lives through Christ. Christmas is a time of joy for sure…but it can also be a time of pain. A brief glimpse back into the biblical accounts of the birth of Christ reveals an unusual admix of joy and pain. It is so easy to read the gospel accounts and not see this mingling of ecstasy and sorrow that surrounds the birth of the Savior. Notice for example the joy of Mary when she learns of her privileged place as the mother of Christ. That joy burst forth from her spirit as she utters the first words of the Magnificat, “My soul praises the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” But this joy is mixed with the pain of being shunned by society, a society that can smell a scandal, because they do not know that “what is conceived in [Mary] is from the Holy Spirit.” Another exhibition of joy is that of Mary and Elizabeth. They meet and share miraculous news that even caused the unborn prophet of our Lord to leap for joy in his Elizabeth’s womb. However, this is later followed by the physical pain of a natural childbirth on a stable floor, as Mary presents the Savior to the world. There is the joy of the shepherds as they experience a night crammed with miracles. From the celestial visitor that proclaims the birth, to the heavenly choir of angels that blast forth praise to God, to the encounter with the Christ child himself, these shepherds leave the manger scene as men drunken with joy. Much later there is the joy the Magi as they saw the star that led them to the Son of God. In their ecstatic state they lavished the King of Kings with gifts of great value and then returned to their country by another route. Why another route? Because not everyone shared the joy of the shepherds and wise men. You see, there are the sounds of pain as mothers cry over their slain children. A wicked king Herod orders the massacre of all Bethlehem boys two years and younger, out of jealousy over the Christ. The heavenly sounds of the angel choir in the shepherd’s field are later mixed with the weeping sounds of the grieving. In the four chapters of the gospels devoted to the birth of Christ, we see a blend of joy and pain, happiness and sadness, purity and evil. You see, joy and pain are both part of the Christmas story. Praise the Lord that joy won the day over pain…but pain was still there. We cannot deny the reality of this pain that we see in the gospel accounts because it was this very pain, brought on by a fallen world, that made the miracle of Christ’s birth necessary. Jesus is born in the midst of man’s misery. The first Christmas was a mixture of ecstasy and sorrow, and so it is for many people this year at Christmas. Friends, family, acquaintances, and strangers all pass through our lives this holiday season that are living in pain, and Christmas will somehow make that pain more acute. There are those who stood by the grave of someone they loved this year, and that means there will be one less place to set at the table during Christmas dinner. Others have known the recent wounds of divorce or separation and dread the thoughts of an empty house on Christmas Eve. There are soldiers who are stationed far away from home in a place of danger, and their families who maintain the traditions at home, but with a cloud of concern that is always present at every gathering. Still others know the physical pain of an unwanted disease, and at Christmas they more keenly sense how the plans of their lives have been altered. Then there are those who battle the unseen force of depression that can flood them even in the midst of lights, tinsel, and holiday music. Is there any wonder that counselors are often the busiest just after the holidays? This is a difficult time for many. This is where the miracle of Christmas comes to bear on the wounded hearts of those around us. Christ came into the world in bodily form to complete a mission that would bring a conquering joy to the hurting inhabitants of this world. The full measure of this joy, unbroken and unhindered, cannot be fully experienced in this life. There awaits for us a joy in eternity with Christ that will never be threatened by crisis, and never be tainted by sin. But until then, Christ’s joy is most often born through committed Christians who become His incarnate presence in the world. When we love, pray for, and support those who are going through “the dark night of the soul” this holiday season, we can become vessels of Christmas joy. A Christmas joy that we pray will caress the hearts of those who are uniquely surrounded by the anguish of this world.

As we fulfill all of our holiday traditions, let us ask the Lord to make us mindful of one person who is hurting, and as Christ reaches out to them through us…joy can win the day again! Randy

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Sunday, December 7 at 9:00 AM Monthly Meeting will meet in the

Fellowship Hall Come participate in the business of the meeting. Breakfast Refreshments will be provided by Ministry and Counsel member, Janet Robbins. Saturday, December 6 at 10:00 AM Yadkinville Christmas Parade. Watch for Deep Creek float. Boonville – Twilight Parade Saturday 4:00 Santa, Parade 5:00 Mail Your Christmas Cards at the Quaker Young Women Post Office for 25¢ each and help with their Mission Projects. Look for the box as you enter the church.

The Annual Christmas Play

Sunday, December 14th at 5:30 PM Featuring our Children and Youth presenting

The Least of These

Afterwards, join us in the Fellowship Hall for a celebration with good food and fellowship together. Bring a plate of your favorite Christmas goodies to share. The Hospitality Committee will provide Punch, Coffee and Drinks. Visitors are our guests. **Instead of Gifts, please bring items of non-perishable food to place under the tree for donation to Yadkin Christian Ministries to help needy families this Christmas.

December 21 – 11:00 AM Worship Special Christmas Service with

Pastor Randy Quate sharing his thoughts and the choir presenting a Musical for Christmas, He Is Here.

Ministry and Counsel will NOT meet in

December.

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Special Music for Worship Services – December 7th Bill Terrell 14th Handbell Choir 21st Cantata-Christmas Service 28th Congregational-Christmas Hymns Submitted by Vickie Warden

Greeting the People – December 7th Carol Shore 14th Franklin & Anita Shore 21st Bob Smith 28th Dot Coe & Ina Sheek Submitted by Teresa Welborn

Children’s Church Assistants – December 7th Rhonda Moran Submitted by Angie Brendle

Nursery Workers for Worship – December 7th Louis and Libby Shore 14th Tracy Ray and Alli Jones 21st Franklin and Anita Shore 28th Jay Brendle and Jacob Brendle

Submitted by Roger Holt

Sanctuary Flowers – December Hanging of the Greens Committee This month, contact Janet Robbins to place flowers for a special occasion.

Submitted by Angie Brendle

Presiders for Worship – December 7th Phyllis Barnes 14th Tommy Shore 21st Tommy Shore 28th Roger Holt Submitted by Ministry and Counsel

Message with the Children – December 14th Shannon Buelin 28th To be announced

December Choir Practice:

December 7 – 6:30 PM Other practice times to be announced.

Handbell Choir Practice: December 7 at 4:00 PM December 14 at 9:00 AM and

Perform at 11:00 AM Worship

Rules to Live By: The Queries from North Carolina Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice for Spiritual Growth Do you strive for the constant realization of God’s presence in your life?

December 21 – 3:00 PM Yadkin County Community Chorus will present excerpts from Handel’s Messiah at Yadkin Arts Center Willingham Theater. Several members of our meeting are participants.

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Mark your Calendar:

You are invited:

Breakfast With Santa Photos made with Santa – for your children or yourself Saturday, December 13 – 7:00 - 9:00 AM Mt. Carmel Friends Meeting near Forbush High School A full breakfast with Eggs, Bacon, Ham, Grits, Biscuits, Gravy and Pancakes on demand. Donations are appreciated.

Meal for Starmount High School Rams Football Team

The Starmount High School Football team gathered for a meal of Deep Creek food on November 5. The team enjoyed a variety of soups and desserts taken to the school by some of our members. Youth Minister, Jared Warden also shared a devotional time with

them. The Rams will be playing at Starmount, December 5, in NCHSAA Friday’s semifinals – Class 1-AA West. November 1, Deep Creek prepared a meal for the Starmount Rams High School Band. The food was packed to travel as they were on their way for competition in Cary, NC. Reports were they were thrilled with the food. We thank Tracy Ray for organizing both of these meals.

Discovery Class, with Randy, will begin the 2nd Sunday in January at 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall during the Sunday School hour. This class will be for adults – anyone who would like to come to learn more about Quakerism, beliefs and membership. The class will last approximately 8 to 10 weeks. Randy will offer a class for Youth in the Fall.

Jacob Brendle, member of the Forbush Band, would appreciate if you check this out. It will also support the band.

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Food for the Hungry

I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me." Matthew 25:40

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your contributions during November and the special projects for collecting items during the holidays.

This month we have a special need for Tomato Soup. As always, any items you choose are appreciated and remember, too, that money goes further at the food bank than at the grocery store and therefore is always a good choice.

Please remember to continue praying for the Ministry in general, for the clients who come for help, and for all those who serve.

Thanking God for you.

Phyllis Barnes

………………… Quaker Young Women

Mark your calendars for 2015: Monday, January 19 at 7:00 PM

Hostess: Jean Hutchins and Brenda Shore Angie Brendle

Circle # 1 next meeting will be 2015 February 9 - at 6:00 PM - Church Lounge

Phyllis Barnes

Jason Ball Has Approval for Eagle Project

Jason Ball has now gotten approval of his Eagle proposal from Boy Scouts to begin his Eagle Project. Jason excitedly awaits starting his Eagle Project at Deep Creek. He appreciates all the help he will be getting to work with this special project at the playground. Jason is planning on building a See Saw and replacing the sand and also the sand in the sand box. He plans to repair the adult swing and build a Kiddie Rocker. Jason presented his idea for doing some repair and update on the church playground for his Eagle project to Monthly Meeting. The meeting approved and agreed to the appropriate assistance looking forward to the project’s completion.

Please Select A Child! Join in as we provide Christmas presents for the

children in the Sanktown community at NC Mission at MOWA Choctaw, Alabama! You may email the

Yearly Meeting with your choice at ncfriends@ncym-fum.org.

You may give your contributions to Walter Shore by December 10th for delivery to the Yearly

Meeting office.

In 2014, Winter Begins on December 21, 6:03 PM. Known as – The Winter Solstice – Shortest Day of the year. An “old saying” put it this way – Lucy light, Lucy light, Shortest day and longest night.

Driving on Country Roads – New to Wyoming, a Minister asked a parishioner to show him around the area. After a harrowing drive along muddy sagebrush trails, the minister’s car slid across the road and into a pit. With both men Okay, the shaken minister asked his passenger, “Should we pray?” The parishioner grumbled, “How do you think we got this far”.

By - Hilda Bateman

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Chicken Stew Activities

Continue in the Spirit and try these Holiday Gift Suggestions (from the Guardian ad Litem News) To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. – Oren Arnold

A large crowd had a great time at the Chicken Stew. Many gallons of stew were consumed. Assorted desserts pleased the pickiest taster. Lots of laughter and fellowship with old and new friends buzzed behind the great music. Even Santa Clause couldn’t resist the temptation and came to visit with the children.

Thanks to all who participated in any way to make this event a special time for all.

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Children’s Church at 11:00 AM

December 7 – "Getting Ready" Volunteer – Rhonda Moran

December 21 – No Children’s Church

Enjoy the Cantata in the sanctuary.

FOJ Meetings: There will be NO FOJ meetings in December. December 7 at 5:00 PM - Christmas Play Practice

A Dress rehearsel will be announced.

December 14 at 5:30 PM - CHRISTMAS PLAY will be presented. Children, please be at church at 4:45.

We will begin regular scheduled meetings in January.

****** FOJ CHRISTmas Celebration

Friday December 12th -10:00 , - 6:30 PM Fellowship Hall

Come and join us for Dinner,

Crafts, Games, and a special Christmas Story.

Everyone please bring small items for games.

Please bring 9 of each item you donate.

Some suggestions: pencils, candy, small toys,

(Things that can be purchased at Dollar Tree for low cost)

CHILDREN From Angie:

Playing the Bells

Placing the Nativity

Hanging of the Green Service

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God’s Plan for Me During This Holiday Season

Thoughts by Jared Warden

Since I last shared with our readers, things have been wide open at The Creek. November and December usher in the insanity that we ever so happily call: the holidays. We begin to prepare enormous amounts of food, pack our calendars with meetings, practices and events, events, events. In doing all of that, we try to find a moment to express thanks and often our thanks is simply for surviving another day. While we should be thankful for each and every day that God gives us, it is easy to get caught up in all of the events, holiday traditions and the notion that we must be superman/superwoman. We miss the real blessings that God has prepared for us each day and we depend on our own strength to get us through another day. I have to remind myself of these things constantly and especially during the holidays. Do you ever feel this way? I have to but wonder how I would approach my day if I realized that God has specifically prepared this day with me in mind and with a specific purpose just for me. If I believed this wholeheartedly and let this truth affect my actions, I would spend tons of time in prayer just to give God praise and to seek his guidance and blessing. I would spend great amounts of time in his Holy Word, learning more about him, learning his commands and giving his revelations to others in the form of service. I also wonder how my life would look if I relied on his provision to get me through each day. We tend to think that we have to be superman/superwoman to accomplish all that WE think should be accomplished. Our first mistake in this notion is that God should plan our agenda and not us. God is very clear when he says "For I know the plans I have for you..." Jeremiah 29:11. His plan for each and every individual began long before we arrived on Earth. Simply because we have an opportunity to attend or be a part of an event, does not mean it is from God. We should be cautious to avoid filling our schedules with things of this world. If we eliminate some of the unnecessary hustle and bustle, we allow time to meet God's plans for us. He places opportunities in our lives each day to show his face and love to others. To God be the glory! Our second mistake is thinking that we can do everything in our own strength. Christ said "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11: 28-29. Christ should be the place where our soul finds rest each day. It is in him that peace comes to the burned out, the worn down and the just plain tired. Christ came to fulfill the promise of God for redemption. He came for those who are tired and worn down by the demands of the world. I fully believe this applies to our world today. Christ came to provide the way for an eternity free of worldy demands for he said "My kingdom is not of this world..." John 18:36. May we seek refuge in his loving arms this season, forgetting our own strength and letting his might become our strength. If we remember his commands that we learn by reading his word and meditate on them, he will give us the guidance and provision we need to meet his plan for us. It is then that we will have joy and the holidays will be truly focused on him! Let us approach the holidays seeking his face and resting in him! Blessings

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Youth and DOGS Activities

The DOGS at Deep Creek have been studying the book of Daniel and more specifically, chapters one through six. We began in chapter one looking at the young Daniel, having been removed from his home and forced to assimilate into the Babylonian culture. Though Daniel was to be fully immersed in all that was Babylon, he resisted the temptation of the worldly kingdom and retained the culture of his God. In chapters two and four, we see Daniel as the dream interpreter. Daniel prays in tough situations for God to give him knowledge and God delivers. Daniel always gives God the glory. In chapter three we see the faith and obedience of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They refused to pray to the statue that the king had set up. God delivered the three from the fiery furnace and he still delivers us from our fiery furnace. Chapter five tells us how Daniel reveals the writing on the wall to the king. The king was not a humble person and God humbled him and provided a great example of humility in Daniel. Daniel was removed from his home, dumped into a corrupt culture and maintained a humble spirit. In chapter six we see Daniel's dedication to his prayer life and to God. When he refused to pray to the king, he is thrown into a den of lions, but the Lord delivers him. The Lord still delivers us from the snares of this world.

Daniel was delivered by God in the Old Testament because of his righteousness and devotion to God. Christ came as our deliverer in the New Testament to save us from our sin. Daniel influenced many folks/kings because of his devotion to God. We can influence others around us also by showing the light of Christ in us. May we be as faithful as Daniel and be a light for Christ in a dark world. Both groups began play practice in November and have continued faithfully to practice the message God has prepared for the congregation. The play is titled: The Least of These. We hope that everyone will come out and enjoy the play and God's message of Christmas as presented by the children and youth of Deep Creek. The Youth group also shared in fellowship with a lock-in. We began our night playing Apples to Apples for hours until all of our youth members arrived. We then traveled in the middle of the night to Walmart for a scavenger hunt. The youth were divided into three groups and provided a list of tasks to complete. Each group was responsible for photographing or filming the completed tasks. It was a lot of fun to act crazy in Walmart in the early morning hours and to spend time together as a group. We returned to church exhausted and slept a few hours before breakfast and heading our separate ways.

We also attended a concert on the “Thrive” tour by Casting Crowns. This was a great evening of fellowship and worship through Christian music. Deep Creek was also blessed to be able to serve the football teams at Forbush and Starmount High Schools, by preparing and supplying a meal for them. I was also able to share in God's Word with both teams. What a blessing to serve God in this way!

I am blessed to serve God at Deep Creek and look forward to all that he has in store for us! Coming up... December 6th - Christmas Parade in Yadkinville December 13th - Dress rehearsal for Christmas Play @ 9:00 am December 14th - Christmas Play @ 5:30 (Youth there at 4:45) DOGS and Youth Christmas Parties - TBA Blessings, Jared

YOUTH & JR.YOUTH

From Jared

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Congratulations

Donna Terrell receives Top 100 AwArd Donna Shore Terrell was recently recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Association with a special award naming her as one of top 100 Trial Lawyers.

“The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 is an invitation-only organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from each state in the nation who meet stringent qualifications as civil plaintiff and/or criminal defense trial lawyers. Selection is based on a thorough multi-phase process which includes peer nominations combined with third-party research. Membership is extended solely to the select few of the most qualified attorneys from each state who demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature and public profile.”

“Each of our distinguished Top 100 members possesses the knowledge, skill, experience and success held by only the finest and best lawyers in America. By combining resources, power, and influence, The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 is devoted to preserving and protecting justice for all.”

GinGer Holt’s mom has special birthday Lois Blackburn celebrated her 80th birthday on Sunday, November 2. She was at Deep Creek Friends worship service watching her grandson sing.

Marion Welborn elected Commissioner During the November elections, Marion Welborn was re-elected to a two-year term on the Yadkin County Board of Commissioners. HutcHens celebrate anniversary Steve and Sarah Hutchens celebrated their anniversary during the last week of November.

The SmiThermanS welcome new daughTer

Caroline Marie Smitherman, daughter of Matt and Lacey Smitherman, was born on November 25 at 5:52 AM at Forsyth Hospital. She weighed 6 lbs., 8.2 oz. and is 20 inches long. Grandparents are Marty & Angela Smitherman and Jimmy & Vickie Warden. Great grandparents are Geraldine Myers, Jimmy Lane, Eddie & Francis Jeune and Lacey Hutchens. Jack Shore recognized

Jack Shore was recognized at the Yadkin County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting November 2. North Carolina Farm Bureau President Larry Wooten presented a

plaque of recognition for Jack’s many years of service as a director of North Carolina Farm Bureau.

Trace collins in Tri-County Honor Band

Trace Collins participated in a Tri-County Honor Band on Tuesday, November 25 at West Stokes High School. The band was made up of students from Yadkin, Surry, and Stokes Counties. It was a two day event, where they practiced on November 24th and 25th, and then ended with a 7:00 PM performance on the 25th.

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Congratulations continued

Cathy Shore iS approved Child advoCate Cathy Shore (in blue dress) was sworn in November 17 by Judge Duncan as a new Guardian ad Litem volunteer. An application and interview are required before attending orientation. A certain amount of training is also required before a person can be officially sworn in to be a Guardian ad Litem Child Advocate.

A Guardian ad Litem is a volunteer appointed by the court to protect the rights and advocate the best interests of a child involved in a court proceeding.

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How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few, his precepts! O! ‘tis easier to keep Holidays than commandments. Ben Franklin

A Message from our local Sheriff, William R. Oliver…

Raising Awareness About Our “Move Over” Law In January, 2002, North Carolina’s “Move Over” law took effect requiring motorist, if they can safely do so, to move one lane away from any law enforcement or other emergency vehicle that is on the side of the highway. Or, if that is not possible, the driver must reduce their speed when approaching emergency and public service vehicles – such as utility and towing trucks – with flashing lights stopped on the shoulder of the highway. This law, amended in 2012 to include utility vehicles, is aimed at protecting emergency personnel while we work to make our highways safer and aid citizens in distress. Unfortunately, while all 50 states have some kind of “Move Over”, many motorists are unaware of it. This places the lives of our emergency personnel and citizens alike in jeopardy. When this law went into effect, the fine for violating this law was $25 plus court costs. In 2005, the fines got steeper, and if a motorist violates this law today, they will receive a $500 fine and perhaps much worse. Just last year 1,400 citations were written by state troopers to drivers who violated the law. That’s why it’s important that more drivers are aware of this law to ensure the safety of our law enforcement officers and emergency personnel. In light of the fact that on the national level, traffic crashes and incidents in which a vehicle hits a worker on the roadside are the leading causes of on-duty injuries and deaths for law enforcement, firefighters and towing and recovery personnel, this issue really is a matter of life or death. I thank citizens for abiding by this important law that helps keep our deputies and others in law enforcement safe on our highways.

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The following story was shared by Phyllis Barnes at the Christmas Dinner Meeting of Circle #1 on December 1. It was the conclusion of a devotional program including God’s question to Elijah in 1 Kings, “What are you doing here?”.

Christmas Day In The Morning He woke suddenly and completely. It was four o'clock, the hour at which his

father had always called him to get up and help with the milking. Strange how the habits of his youth clung to him still! Fifty years ago, and his father had been dead for thirty years, and yet he waked at four o'clock in the morning. He had trained himself to turn over and go to sleep, but this morning it was Christmas, he did not try to sleep.

Why did he feel so awake tonight? He slipped back in time, as he did so easily nowadays. He was fifteen years old and still on his father's farm. He loved his father. He had not known it until one day a few days before Christmas, when he had overheard what his father was saying to his mother.

"Mary, I hate to call Rob in the mornings. He's growing so fast and he needs his sleep. If you could see how he sleeps when I go in to wake him up! I wish I could manage alone."

"Well, you can't, Adam." His mother's voice was brisk. "Besides, he isn't a child anymore. It's time he took his turn."

"Yes," his father said slowly. "But I sure do hate to wake him." When he heard these words, something in him spoke: his father loved him! He

had never thought of that before, taking for granted the tie of their blood. Neither his father nor his mother talked about loving their children--they had no time for such things. There was always so much to do on the farm.

Now that he knew his father loved him, there would be no loitering in the mornings and having to be called again. He got up after that, stumbling blindly in his sleep, and pulled on his clothes, his eyes shut, but he got up.

And then on the night before Christmas, that year when he was fifteen, he lay for a few minutes thinking about the next day. They were poor, and most of the excitement was in the turkey they had raised themselves and mince pies his mother made. His sisters sewed presents and his mother and father always bought him something he needed, not only a warm jacket, maybe, but something more, such as a book. And he saved and bought them each something, too.

He wished, that Christmas when he was fifteen, he had a better present for his father. As usual he had gone to the ten-cent store and bought a tie. It had seemed nice enough until he lay thinking the night before Christmas. He looked out of his attic window, the stars were bright.

"Dad," he had once asked when he was a little boy, "What is a stable?" "It's just a barn," his father had replied, "like ours." Then Jesus had been born in a barn, and to a barn the shepherds had come... The thought struck him like a silver dagger. Why should he not give his father a

special gift too, out there in the barn? He could get up early, earlier than four o'clock, and he could creep into the barn and get all the milking done. He'd do it alone, milk and clean up, and then when his father went in to start the milking he'd see it all done. And he would know who had done it. He laughed to himself as he gazed at the stars. It was what he would do, and he musn't sleep too sound.

He must have waked twenty times, scratching a match each time to look at his old watch -- midnight, and half past one, and then two o'clock.

At a quarter to three he got up and put on his clothes. He crept downstairs, careful of the creaky boards, and let himself out. The cows looked at him, sleepy and surprised. It was early for them, too.

He smiled and milked steadily, two strong streams rushing into the pail, frothing and fragrant.

The task went more easily than he had ever known it to go before. Milking for once was not a chore. It was something else, a gift to his father who loved him. He finished, the two milk cans were full, and he covered them and closed the milk-house door carefully, making sure of the latch.

Back in his room he had only a minute to pull off his clothes in the darkness and jump into bed, for he heard his father up. He put the covers over his head to silence his quick breathing. The door opened.

"Rob!" His father called. "We have to get up, son, even if it is Christmas." "Aw-right," he said sleepily. The door closed and he lay still, laughing to himself. In just a few minutes his

father would know. His dancing heart was ready to jump from his body. The minutes were endless -- ten, fifteen, he did not know how many -- and he

heard his father's footsteps again. The door opened and he lay still. "Rob!" "Yes, Dad--" His father was laughing, a queer sobbing sort of laugh. "Thought you'd fool me, did you?" His father was standing by his bed, feeling

for him, pulling away the cover. "It's for Christmas, Dad!" He found his father and clutched him in a great hug. He felt his father's arms go

around him. It was dark and they could not see each other's faces. "Son, I thank you. Nobody ever did a nicer thing--" "Oh, Dad, I want you to know -- I do want to be good!" The words broke from

him of their own will. He did not know what to say. His heart was bursting with love. He got up and pulled on his clothes again and they went down to the Christmas

tree. Oh what a Christmas, and how his heart had nearly burst again with shyness and pride as his father told his mother and made the younger children listen about how he, Rob, had got up all by himself.

"The best Christmas gift I ever had, and I'll remember it, son every year on Christmas morning, so long as I live."

They had both remembered it, and now that his father was dead, he remembered it alone: that blessed Christmas dawn when, alone with the cows in the barn, he had made his first gift of true love.

This Christmas he wanted to write a card to his wife and tell her how much he loved her, it had been a long time since he had really told her, although he loved her in a very special way, much more than he ever had when they were young. He had been fortunate that she had loved him. Ah, that was the true joy of life, the ability to love. Love was still alive in him, it still was.

It occurred to him suddenly that it was alive because long ago it had been born in him when he knew his father loved him. That was it: Love alone could awaken love. And he could give the gift again and again. This morning, this blessed Christmas morning, he would give it to his beloved wife. He could write it down in a letter for her to read and keep forever. He went to his desk and began his love letter to his wife: My dearest love...

Such a happy, happy Christmas!

Is God speaking to you this Christmas? He had never milked all alone before, but it seemed almost easy. He kept

thinking about his father's surprise. His father would come in and get him, saying that waiting or empty, they'd be standing in the milk-house, filled.

"What the--," he could hear his father exclaiming.

By Pearl S. Buck

Breathe on me breath of God. Fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do. Amen

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REMEMBER TO PRAY – Prayer changes things! The following information is included by request. Be specific when you pray and send notes.

This color indicates an addition or change from last month. Among those requesting prayer:

Pray for special needs of members, friends and relatives and celebrate God’s care. Contact the editor for information

Twelve Days of Christmas

Christmas was more than a day, even a season of 12 days.

Some think the song Twelve Days of Christmas is secular music. The truth is it was composed during a time of persecution and so as not to identify themselves as Christians because of the enemy, they sang this song. The Christians understood the message and communicated their commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word with others of like faith.

1. “A partridge in a pear tree” – a partridge was a violent bird that would fight to its death to defend its young, a symbol of Christ. 2. “Two turtle doves” – the offering Mary and Joseph brought to the temple when he was 40 days old. 3. “Three French hens” – symbol of the rich and represented the three wise men with gold, frankincense and myrrh. 4. “Four calling birds” – four gospels calling for people to be saved. 5. “Five gold rings” – first five books of the Old Testament, the greatest books to the Jews worth more than gold. 6. “Six geese a laying” – eggs were a reminder of new life, six day of creation. 7. “Seven swans a swimming” – seven gifts of the Holy Spirit changing us from ugly ducklings to swans, a new life in Christ. 8. “Eight maids a milking” – eight beautiful teachings of Jesus known as the Beatitudes. 9. “Nine ladies dancing” – nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. 10. “Ten lords a leaping” – men with authority, God’s 10 commandments. 11. “Eleven pipers piping” – eleven apostles who remained faithful, piped his word, he’s alive. 12. “Twelve drummers drumming” – represent the twelve vital Christian beliefs in the apostles’ Creed. The 12th day is January 5 which brings us to the Epiphany season beginning January 6 commemorating both the revealing of Jesus as the Christ to the

Gentiles in the person of the magi and the baptism if Jesus. Mary Thornburgh

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Shelby Shore Published at Shore House, Ink

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Church Address: 1140 Deep Creek Church Rd. Yadkinville, NC 27055 Phone: 336 961 4404 deepcreekfriends@gmail.com Pastor: Randy Quate Clerk: Walter Shore Director of Children’s Ministries: Angie Brendle Director of Youth and Jr. Youth Ministries: Jared Warden

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PAID YADKINVILLE, NC 27055

PERMIT No. 4

May the God of hope fill you with all Joy. Romans 15:13