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8 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, December 20, 1978 -Ways to ýPut "Christ" Back into Christmas: With themodemn empha- sis on gift-giv ing and party- ing at Christmastime, it's no wonder youngsters 'and aduits alike tend to forget what the season is really al about. There are many ways a family can attempt to put renewed emphasis :1on Christmas as a celebration of the comîng of the Savir however. One charwing cust 1om you can initiate in your own family circle is the making of a Jesse Tree during Ad- OHEETfil In the hush of the holiday we quietly ~Say thanks and hope you have a simply ý Swonderft..l holiday!j~ MIDTOWN MALL OSHAWA vent, the four weeks before Christmas. This tree is named after the ancestor of Jesus because of the Old Testament verse: "And in that day there shaîl be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek; and bis rest shaîl be glorious." (Isaiah 11:10) A small tree or large branches can symbolize the root of Jesse from whence the Christ Child came. Have the youngsters in your family draw and cut out Old Testament symbols from construction paper, to be hung on the Jesse Tree. Appropriate symbols for your Jesse Trec could be a crown or six-pointed star to represent David, tablets symbolizing the Ten Com- mandments. an ark to rep- resent Noah, an apple sym- bolizing Adam and Eve's sin, a rose to represent the Section Three Christmas in the HoIy Land Wil Be Celebrated By the Faithful Each year,' more than 20,000 pilgrims assemble in the littie town of Bethlehem to sing carols or pray in its "Shepherds' Fields." Still a greater number crowd the area in front, of Nativity Square to enjoy midnight mass in the Basilica of the Nativity, one of the holiest churches in the HoIy Land, said to be buit over the grotto where Mary gave birth to Jesus. Con- structed by Constantine the Great, many changes have taken place over the cen- turies. Its structure now em- braces Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Arme- nian Churches. The Basilica and other buildings convey the im- pression of a massive, un- adorned medieval strong- hold. Their strength and sîmplicity suggest the humbleness of Jesus' birth. Bethlehem enjoys three Christmases. Western mother of Jesus, and a sun to symbôhlize Jesus, the light of the world. Read portions of the Old Testament' to the young- sters before they create their Jesse Tree symbols. This will- help them to under- stand what the symbols mean and also help them understand the history of God's people. When Christmas comes, suggest that the youngsters put on a pageant, with the churches celebrate Christ- mas Eve, December 24th. Coptic, Syrian, and Greek Orthodox Churches ob- serve January 6th, whereas the Armenian Church solemnizes January l8th, corresponding to the Julian calendar. Bethlehem is but one of the goals of modemn travelers in Israel. Daily buses whisk people through the land stretching along the 150-mnile Mediterranean Coastline.. Two-thîrds of the area lies west of the Jor- dan River and descends from 9000-foot Mount Her- help of Mom and Dad. (You mîght invite neighbors in to see the pageant, too.) The story of the Nativity doesn't require a large cast and family members can take on several "moles" if necessary. Even the family dog can get into the act by standing in for Mary and Joseph's donkey! 1Another excellent way of -elebrating the arrival of Chriýtmas is by visîting a riearby hospital or convales- zent home and taking gifts )r sînging carols. Older peo- :le especially enjoy seeîng :hildren at this time of year. mon through the gorge and into the Dead Sea. Palestine takes up the remaining 70 miles. Where simple shepherds once came in wondering awe to see where the Christ child lay, now sophisticated, jet- age travelers came to pay homage each year. day had, come, The belfmies of al Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken song 0f peace on earth, good-will to men! TilI, ringing, swinging on its way, The world revolved from night to day A voice, a chime, A chant sublime 0f peace on earth, good-will to men! fhen from each black, accumsed mouth The cannon thundemed in the South And with the sound The carols drowned 0f peace on earth, good-will to m en! It was as if an earthquake rent The hearth-stones of a continent, And made forlorn The households bor n 0f peace on earth, good-will to men! And in despair 1 bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said; "For hate is strong And mocks the song 0f peace on earth, good-will to men!" Then pealed the belis more loud and deep, "God is not dead; nor doth He sleep! The Wrong shahl fait, The Riglit prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men!" THE MAN'Y WAYS 0F GIFTING The practice.of exchang- ing gifts at Christmastime may be connected' with a similar ancient Roman practîce on New Year's Day. However, most theologi- ans trace the custom to gifts brought to the Infant Jesus by the Wise Men. Dutch children fil wood- en shoes with food and water for St. Nicholas and bis horses. On Christmas morning, good children find that Nicholas has filled the shoes with small toys and candy. Bad children find them stuffed with sticks,ý however. Italian children look to the Magi themselves for gift bringing. On January 6th, the Three Kings, or a help-ý fui "witch," Befana, will leave treats for those who are good and tricks for the bad. SOFT AND CHUBBY, this nursery rhyme favorite is a washable, dryer-safe doli that futs a color-fast play pil- low, with rattie inside. Available this Christmas lu stores everywhere, the assortment includes Litle Miss Muffet, whielu squeaks when squeezed. For children two months to twa vears fram Fisher-Price., nope your olida'Y Mbill of fare includes large portions of HEALTH,M M WEALTH and HAPPINESS! Thanks ta ail. ~ From the Manager and Staff of RETARATVOYAGEUR RESTAURANT ~ ~ Taunton Bakery Waverley Rd. and 401 Bawmanville M 13 aunton R28-2Wes The Christmas Tree In Germany. the Tan- nenbaum, or Christmas tree, is decorated with bauïd- carved toys amidse great' secrecy. On Christmas Eve, lighted candles are placed on the tree, to the, delight of youngsters. by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1 heard the belîs on Christmas Day their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat, 0f peace on earth, good-will to mnen! And thought how, as the ~AIwa happy to be of service! Merr'Y SChristmas to our wonderful frionds! Me OSHAWA AUTO TRIM 133 Taunton Rd. W. Oshawa Phone 725-8042 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Hope ail my frtends, young and old, big and small, find gifts of joy filled with love and wrapped with tender earlng! From Management and Staff of Aluin Cable Reels Ltd. Base Line Road East 623-4455 Bowmanvllo