And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

from Luke 2

For a free Scripture packet, please write From the Bible, BIBLE FOUNDATION, PO Box 908, Newberg, Oregon  97132. email: bf@bf.org.

FROM THE BIBLE
by Jerry Kingery

  But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:22-23
I have spent the entire month encouraging you all to remember what this season is really about. I pray that I have been able, by God’s direction, to show you how much God loves you and what He is willing to do for you. I pray that you now have a better understanding of how you can receive the gifts God has for you and that you are encouraged to grow your relationship with Christ through studying the Word of God, praying more and reaching out to those less fortunate. It is my prayer that each of you will take a moment this holiday season to “THANK GOD” for all He has done for you and that you will enjoy the grace, mercy, love, peace and joy of being a child of God, not just on December 25th, but all year long.
Please remember those that have lost loved ones, those that are alone, those that are incarcerated, those that are addicted, those that are homeless and those that are being abused. But don’t forget those that you have wronged and those that have wronged you, those that you feel may not be doing what you want them to be doing, those that are not what you think they should be and those that are struggling to be themselves.  Pray for those that don’t know Christ, those that are being persecuted for serving Christ, those in other countries and the ones that are hungry, living in substandard conditions and those that just want to be loved.
Make this holiday season one of concern for others and not just about you and your family.  Make this holiday season one that is about LOVE!  This holiday season share JESUS’ AMAZING LOVE!!!
On behalf of my family, we wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS.  May the peace of God rest upon you and your family today and always.
God loves you and so do I,
Minister Deidra Bibb

The Dothan-Eufaula District – AME Church
Presents
The Watoto Children’s Choir in Concert
of
Uganda, Africa

Thursday, January 29, 2015 – 6 P.M.
Parks Chapel AME Church
1053 E. Selma Street
Dothan, Alabama
The Reverend Rodney D. Smith, Host Pastor
The Reverend David E. Reddick, Host Presiding Elder
The Right Reverend James L. Davis, Servant Bishop

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND!
Please come and enjoy the brand new production, “Oh What Love” – Live Tour 2015
You will truly be blessed for attending!
“A Love Offering will be taken for the Watoto Children’s Choir”
For additional information, please call 334.347.8360 or 334.794.4811
Thank you and God Bless!
Allie Reddick

By Angela Moore

Holidays are supposed to be a great time of joy, fellowship, bonding and thankfulness. However, if allowed, holidays can be marred by mess, stress, and long-term fall outs.  When planning your holiday functions there are some things that should be considered early on, talked about, adjusted and adopted to help handle family for the holidays.
•    Decide who’s hosting – Decide early on who is hosting as to not cause tension toward the approach of the date. Fourth of July comes every year on the Fourth of July. Christmas comes every December 25. We all know that. Plan for it. Hosts should be rotated and should not fall on the same person or family too often.
•    Decide who’s bringing what – Go ahead and divide the menu with items everyone can contribute to regardless of cooking finesse or cash flow.
•    Avoid family gossip – Don’t sit around the table or spend time on the phone talking about your loved ones. It should never be done, but holidays are especially not the time to talk about: who can’t cook, who ate too much but didn’t help clean up, whose children are “active”, whose marriage is falling apart, who Mama likes best, who Big Daddy left the inheritance to, who can’t do the Cupid Shuffle, etc.
•    Share the grown children – One task during the holidays is making sure everyone gets the time and attention needed. Parents of grown children who are also parents should be sensitive to children’s obligations of spending time with both sets of families. Children of parents should be sensitive to making sure that both sets of families enjoy time with your children and you.
•    Share the little ones – Another daunting task is children of divorce or single parent homes. Discuss with all parties involved whatever is needed to make sure the little ones have ample, meaningful time with both parents during the holiday season, if that is a feasible option.
•    Form your own traditions – One tragedy of some Christian or African-American families is the loss of holiday experiences at the loss of a loved one. Loss is the time when you need each other most. Take the time to strategically plan how to create new traditions and carry on the old ones so the legacy of your lost loved ones lives on.
•    Handle those that don’t get along – Don’t let holiday squabbles ruin holiday memories. Find creative ways to keep the peace.
•    Handle different lifestyles – Holidays are the time when all kinds of family members show up. I know my family isn’t the only one with a hodgepodge of people. Don’t let that stop the celebration from going on. Find ways to make everyone comfortable and feeling loved.
•    Don’t give up on getting together – With any group of people things are bound to happen. Don’t let one, or two (or five) challenges stop the family from getting together especially during the holidays.

Angela Scott Moore has sported many hats in her lifetime. Some were cute, some not by choice and others brought a little chaos. All in all, each hat has helped her become the woman she is today and hopes to be in the future.
Angela is an avid inspirational blogger at http://www.angelamooreblog.wordpress.com and also a philanthropic community supporter who has served with more than 25 local and national organizations over her nearly 20 year professional career. Currently, as a hobby, she operates the blossoming, full-service public relations venture Amazing Kreations, offering media and event planning assistance at low, or no cost to small organizations, ministries and businesses. She also hosts a Facebook page devoted to divorce called I’m More Than What Happened.
Taking lessons learned from each phase of her ever-evolving life, Angela’s now donning the hat of a single woman on a single mission to use spoken and written words to remind others that Life Gets Better and it’s possible to look and be their best in the process

by Jerry Kingery

He Was Named Jesus

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. …
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. …
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;  (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;  A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.  And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

from Luke 1 & 2

For a free Scripture packet, please write From the Bible, BIBLE FOUNDATION, PO Box 908, Newberg, Oregon  97132. email: bf@bf.org.