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An Apocalyptic message-- As a teacher in Matapedia, Quebec, I knew a Mrs. Blanche MacMurray, a devout Roman Catholic with an IRON wit, who was 85 years young. One morning in June, 1968, she was told by two earnest students of a sect that the world was about to end. Mrs. MacMurray hopped out of her chair..."'Oh the Lord Bless Me Children, and I ain't done me house cleanin' yet!"' This humorous anecdote addresses the Apocalyptic times... the claim that our world (as we know it) will cease to be. Any reading of Luke 21:25-28 (Revised Standard Version) will reveal that the Apocalyptic message is meant to warn us of danger: "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the waving of the sea and waves, men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming ina cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads; because your redemption is drawing near." These words of Jesus can, indeed, fill us with trembling- especially if our Faith is not secure. From God's Word we know the world will come to an end. This is foretold. This is true. This Every year, you are sure to hear someone say, "'I just can't seem to get the Christmas spirit!" Just what is the Christ- mas spirit? Here is what some writers have to say about it. Back in 1897, a famed editorial used the figure of Santa Claus to exemplify the Christmas spirit. "'Yes, Virginia," wrote Francis P. Church, editor of the New York Sun, "there is a Santa Claus... He exists as certainly as love and gen- erosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give your life its highest beauty and joy."' Charles Dickens cap- tured the spirit of Christ- mas in his description of Ebenezer Scrooge's over- night change from an unhappy miser to a gener- ous employer: "'A merry Christmas, Bob!' said Scrooge with an earnest- ness. that could not be mistaken, as he clapped him on the back. 'A mer- The Christmas spirit is the Second Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ returning to claim us. But should the apocalyptic message cause us to dash about in flurries of confusion? Should we- like some fanatical fear- monger on. our T.V. screens and in print- cackle about irrationally claim- ing that "the sky is falling through?" Are we to see nothing but huge mushroom clouds trapping us in a fiery hell of last days? Are Jesus' words meant to force us "to shape up"' and follow every cultic or magnetic preacher who calls us to follow Christ? (actually his perception of our saviour). The answer I suggest is closer to Mrs. MacMurray and her spring clean- ing than to the Doomsayers. Jesus in- tends for us to prepare for his Second Coming each day of our lives- not out of fear, but out of love and obedience to His call to community. Jesus also mentions that His Second Advant will show Him coming "'like a thief in the night". We won't know the time for the End. Christians for 2,000 years have an- ticipated apocalyptic times, each generation raising up fanatical doom- sayers who predict time lines. This is a presumption upon the will of God... it is also unscriptural. What we can do is follow the Boy Scout motto in our spiritual lives "to be prepared," to take stock of how we rier Christmas, Bob, my good fellow, than I have given you for many a year. I'll raise your salary, and endeavour to assist your struggling family, and we will discuss your affairs this very afternoon, over a Christmas bowl of smoking bishop, Bob!... Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, - who did not die, he was a second. father. He became as good a friend, as good a master and as good a man, as the good old city knew or any other good old city, town or borough, in the good old world.""' This transformation of Scrooge's is a dramatic ex- ample of how Christmas brings joy to those who are open to its message. The youngsters caroling for senior citizens at a con- valescent home...the shopper who takes time to wish the harried clerk Terrace Bay-Schre!ber News, CHRISTMAS EXTRA, December, 1986, page 9 are living in relation to God's expec- tations for us. We prepare ourselves in different ways. First, we look at our faith. What do we believe? Are we active within the Church of our own choice? Do we sincerely wish to have fellowship with others in prayer, wor- ship, reunion and stewardship? No matter how we cut it, if we do not heed God's call into His Church, whatever the denomination, we are not prepared for Advent. Second, if we are members of a Church, how do we witness for Christ in our towns? Are we following the Lord in loving others for who they are? Are we reconciled to our neighbors? Can we sometimes be religious and not Christlike, turning others off by our insincerity? Third, are we turning to Christ's Ho- ly Spirit for guidance? The Bible is not a family heirloom; it shouldn't be a dusted artifact we leave in our homes like priceless china. Do we read the word to ourselves, with our children? How do we look at Christ in our household? He should be our head, our unseen guest. Is He pre- sent for us to say grace? In Advent, we look forward to Christ's birth in a manger. We also should look inside ourselves to see whether we know He will come again. To face End Times tomorrow or in 2387, we need to be prepared. This the church members collec- ting food and clothing to take to less fortunate neighbors. . . the co-worker who invites a lonely bach- elor to share a family din-. ner...all these. have experienced the joy of reaching out to others that is the core of the Christmas experience, paralleling the love of the Father reaching out to a sinful world through His beloved Son. preparation is not accomplished in one day, but every day of our lives. If we package our perspectives with Faith, Fellowship in a community, love and a sense of charity for all people, we are truly coping with the needs for our salvation. Mrs. MacMurray had a point: we're . "i he Pore Cts Au en a estive times like this, it's so nice to be able to say 'thanks' to our many customers. The Birch Families & Edith Philip & Brenda Brian & Ruth Ann & Families Christmas Holiday Hours: BIRCH'S GARAGE RESTAURANT-PIZZA & CHICKEN 'CLOSED DEC. 24 at 5:00 p.m. ALL DAY DEC. 25 & 26 OPEN Regular Hours Dec. 27 to 30 CLOSED Dec. 31 at 5:30 p.m. ALL DAY JAN. 1 OPEN FOR GREYHOUND BUSES Godfrey called to live our lives fully in expec- tation of the last days. Doing the spring house cleaning, with a quiet faith and confidence in the Will of God, is more sustaining than pushing fear, anxiety and horror upon others. Bill LeGrand. H ere's hoping vour Christmas is styled with sheer joy. To all our many customers, it's been our "'Merry Christmas"... ee ee IKINA 2 : ees 7; sincere pleasure to serve you. G & G HAIRFASHIONS Candle, Candle Burning Bright like the Shining Christmas Star Tonight Christmas feeling that's all aglow, with wishes of people we know, It's a nice cheer to the and OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS R.E. BELLUZ REALTY LIMITED »