It is the best and the worst of times Ernest L. Hunt, Minister, Terrace Bay Community Church/ St. An- drew's United Church. The words of Charles Dickens in his '*Tale of two Cities" seem particular- ly fitting this year: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times!"' The worst, because of the uncertain economic climate which has forced a significant number of employees to seek employment elsewhere as well as the dreadful state of much of the world in terms of starvation and lack of justice. But at Christmastime, it is always "The Best of Times."' Best, because of the Good News first proclaimed by John the Baptist on the banks of the River Jordan: "God sent his messenger, a man named John, who came to tell people about the light... he himself was not the light; he came to tell about the light- the real light- the light that comes into the world and shines on all mankind."' The best, because that light shining in all of the dark places, brightens all the world, and we know the peace and joy of his presence. In "These days before Christmas" there is so much we can do to help to make Christmas a happier time for some who might not otherwise have NC 5 La ae PNY = ay, 3 Wg 3 ZN It has been my pleasure to serve you. Merry Christmas. HAPPY NEW YEAR SHEILA MONTEY Terrace Bay, Schreiber & Rossport LINDA & JAMIE COLLINSON © TACOAN ©& TANT NECRITT much to rejoice about. Our very manner as we go about our preparations for Christmas can make a difference; we can remember to drop a line or phone someone we've lost touch with; we can smile and give thanks for services rendered; we can spend a little less on our gifts, as well as denying ourselves a little in order to help those who require material help. And we can remember the words of the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians Chapter 5: "Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. That is what God wants from you in union with Christ Jesus."" These words seem to sum up what we should be doing as we await the celebration of the birth of his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus called us to be "salt of the Terrace Bay-Schreiber News, CHRISTMAS EXTRA, December, 1986, page 3 earth" and said that we are to be '*Light to the world." We can be just that through our ex- amples of care and concern for others. Let us all resolve to "let our lights shine" in all of the dark places we find, following the example of him who was indeed, "'The Light of the World." a warmest app | Brightly wrapped gifts, sprigs of mistletoe, silvery tinsel, snow-covered forests ...these are all traditional holiday sights of the season that we've come to know and love. This year, we'd like to wish all our friends a joyous Noel, along with our reciation for your kindness. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE DURING THE YEAR. LOOKING FORWARD TO SERVING YOU in 1987 DAVE and NANCY and STAFF of NORSHOR HOME and BUILDING CENTRE