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Page 4A Wednesday, December 21,1994, Houston Times-Journal Viewpoints Houston Times -Journal P. O. Drawer M • 807 Carroll Street • Perry, Ga. 31069 Phone: (912) 987-1823 Th* Houston Times-Journal (DSPS 000471) Is published semi-weekly (or SIB.OO per year by Houston Publications, Inc., 807 Carroll Street, Perry, Ga. 31069. Second Class Postage paid at Perry, Ga., POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Houston Times-Journal, P. O. Drawer M, Perry, Ga. 31069. ISSN: 1075-1874 Bob Tribble, President Brigette Loudermilk, Editor and General Manager Sherri Wengler, Advertising Manager News: Larry Hitchcock, Pauline Lewis. Sports: Phil Clark. Composition: Lynn Wright. Classified Advertising: Melanie Bullington. Circulation: Eric Zellers. Bookkeeping: Judy Morrow. Photography. Eric Zellars. Our Policies • Signed Letters to the editor welcomed. Please limit to 300 words and include address and phone number. • Liability for an error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. • We cannot be responsible for return of pictures or material unless stamped return addressed envelope is included. Our Goal The Houston Times-Journal is published proudly for the citizens of Houston and adjoining counties by Houston Publications Inc., Perry, Ga. Our goal is to produce quality, profitable, community-oriented newspapers that you, our readers, are proud of. We will reach that goal through hard work, teamwork, loyalty, and a strong dedication towards printing the truth. Member Georgia Press Association-National Newspaper Association "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redree of grievances." Your right to road ttii* nawspaper is protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution Social, school church news deadlines In an effort to better serve our readers and meet printing deadlines, The Houston Times-Journal is asking readers to please observe deadlines for submitting your engagement and wedding announcements, as well as news about your clubs, schools and churches. In order to meet our deadlines, all social, club, school and church news will have to be in our office by 5:30p.m. Friday, for publication in the following Wednesday's newspaper. If you are unable to come by during the day, there is a mail slot on the front door in which to drop your items. We appreciate your co-operation. PAL thanks community for caring Dear Editor: On behalf of the entire Project Agape Love/Visions of Sugarplums Committee, we wash to extend our deepest thanks to the community for its support this year More than 400 families experienced the joy of Christmas through a huge effort from local businesses, schools, churches, and the public. Even though times are hard, we have realized the reason for the season It is evident that through Jesus Christ's giving hunseif for our sins we have learned the importance of giving We honor Him by celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. This year the Project Agape I.ove program was able to reach its goal and provide food and toys for each family. This would mot have been possible without your help Together we did it!!! To all those who gave to these families and to all those who volunteered their time for this cause, we are truly grateful When those who received food Nixes and toys said "thank you," they were speaking to each of you. Thank you for caring! In His Name, Alvalyn H. Pope, P.A.L. Team Member All I want is one thing from Santa Claus this Christmas Dear Santa' I need just one more day!! Thank You, Brigette Loudenmilk I've found out in the past two years that the Christmas season just isn't as fun as it used to he. Sure, I enjoy buying presents for my daughter and the delight on her face is worth all the trouble, but...the trouble sure is a lot of trouble. I was all ready this year. With my leave of absence from the work force, I thought I'd have plenty of time to shop for Christmas. Turns out, though, I should have done it before November. I started back here or» temporary assignment the week before Thanksgiving and, with the more recent turn of events, have been hard pressed for time to shop. My Christmas joy has turned into holiday anxiety, seasonal cheer has turned into frustration. As I sit here thinking that I've got only two days left to shop before holiday observances begin for both my families, I know I need just one more day. 17 loppy from the staff of the Houston limes -Journal Brigette Loudermilk Editor So. that's what I would like to put in to my Letter to Santa. (I guess that besides beginning my shop ping earlier, I should have written my letter early too.) •On another note: I've enjoyed coming back to help out at the pa per, but it seems the time has come again to say "Farewell". I'll be leaving December 29. Mirny of you will know the new editor well since he worked for The Perry Times for many years. Jj Johnson will begin at the paper just after the new year. So, to everyone who's supported me during my recent, temporary re union at the paper, thank you. I'll try and keep in touch. Also, I'd like to thank everyone who supported the staff during the recent loss of Jim Kerce. It's been a rough few weeks here, but maybe after Jj takes over as editor and the old year is behind here, everything can get back to normal. And, to Jim's family: I know the holidays won’t be the same this year for you, but I hope you can remember the good times and I wish you all the best. THE PEAfJdT &M-LEfZ.y ~ ! ( ODD AS IT MAY suffer!ng from *o 111 JH ■ft. L l RAFB troops watch with interest as U.S. troops invade Panama 5 Years Ago Dec. 20, 1989 County again demurs on giving senior citizens acreage, * • * Lawmakers brace for '9O Less than-expected revenue will test leg islative influence * * * Perry Convention and Visitors Bureau now asks S4OO rent - origi nally proposed SSOO per month-rent from Perry Area ChamVer of Commerce for space in the C&VB new Welcome Center * * * Debbie Barrett receives the Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) designation - the industry s highest award. » * * Bank makes CB&T name change official. * • • Perry Veterans Ralph Tabor, Lawton Daniel and Virgil Brooks tell tales of Christmases spent away from home and during war. * * * Bobby Tuggle explains the new wildlife program to Kiwanians re cently. * * * Robins Air Force Base is watching with interest as U. S. troops invade Panama * * # A 1 Pearson related ' How Come Christmas" to Perry Exchange Club. * * * "Unto you a Savior is born." Luke 2:1-20, King James version of the Bible. Do you have the faith to see the supernatural in the natural? Once upon a time, a long time ago, God became man! That is the Christmas story. When God does something, He always does it His way. His way is usually not our way. The timing of our Lord's appear ance was not as I would have planned it. I would have probably had Jesus come during the reign of David or Solomon, when the king dom of Israel was at its height in power and extent. Why, it would be ready-made for King Jesus to step in and take over. Surely humanly speaking that would make sense. God the Father had God the Son born at a time when Rome ruled the world and dominated Israel as its vassal sub ject. Yet 700 years before, the prophet Daniel said, "So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there will be 69 weeks. . . (Daniel 9:25). Commentators tell us that Jesus, in fulfillment of the prophecy, was born on the very day it was foretold, showing God's ruling in the affairs of men. The place of Jesus' birth is not where I would have had Him enter history. I think Rome, the capital Remember when? News items from past issues 10 Years Ago Dec. 20. 1984 Earl Lewis is Kiwanis "Man of the Year" Dr Felix Smith received the Perry Kiwanis Club's past'pres ident's award from current president. Allen Pritchett, Jr. • * * Perry allocates $46,000 for utility relocation on Houston Lake Road. • * * Houston County Commission Chairman Dr. V. W. McEvcr, presided over his final commission ers meeting Tuesday, which in cluded passage of a proposed gun ordinance for populated areas * * * Perry Panthers capture Christmas tournament. * * * Make America strong by buying American goods. * * • The Perry Area Historical Society was responsible for placing the lu minaires in the downtown area for the Candlelight Service during Perry’s Olde-Fashioned Christmas at-the Crossroads on Sunday, Dec. 9. City of Perry employees and Scouts assistedd society members Pauline Lewis and Kenneth Abney in the street-lighting project. * * * Salvation Army typifies the holi JSI Shipley j BrJI Presbyterian ■ ■iBBI Church pastor | city of the Empire, where all the news was made, would have been the suitable place for the birth of the King of kings. The Emperor's palace would have been just right; not an out-of-the-way place like Bethlehem and in a stable! God the Father decided differently. The prophet Micali said centuries before, "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephratha too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be Ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity" (Micali 5:2). Think of it! The great God and Creator of all lowers Himself to be born in a stable! Why? I believe He made Himself vulnerable, reachable, and approachable. Who would feel comfortable going to the palace to visit the baby Jesus? But who of us would hesitate to come to a stable? Christmas is for the average person, the lonely, tl|§j 4 a —Houston Times-Journal day spirit of giving. » * * 25 Years Ago Dec. 18, 1969 Commissioners set liquor license fees at $3,500. * • • Mrs Bobby (Joyce) Brooks named Perry's "Woman of the Year" by Perry Business Women's Club President Betty Roper presented a silver bowl to Brooks * • • UGF Drive falls short of goal set in Houston County. * • « Many towns in Georgia arc faced with doctor shortages, including Perry. The Perry Area Chamber of Commerce and local doctors are now at work in a joint effort to lo cate more doctors here. • * * Girls join nationally recognized FFA Chapter at Perry High School. * * * Perry Rotary Club forms Interact Club at Perry High School, * * * Perry barbers win State competi tion. Larry Hudson and Dale Grim, owners of Plaza Barber Shop, their models, Charles Bozeman and Sonny Heard, won first and second place in a 3-state contest for hair styling, held in Columbus, Ga., Sunday. * * * Mr. and Mrs. Howell Bryan Lewis, 1138 Macon Street, Perry, married 50 years on Dec. 1, cele brated their 50th wedding anniver sary on Sunday, Nov. 30, with an informal reception at their home, world's outcasts, for those who have refused the world's acclaim and have come humbly with broken hearts to the Savior. Then I would have chosen special influential personages to proclaim the news that Messiah has come. These would be the leaders of the military, the political rising stars of the day, the recognized experts in the arts and sciences, and the men who were making history in religion and education. Yes. Jesus would, through their influence, become front page news. But God the Father chose some very different witnesses to give testimony to His Son's birth. The shepherds, who were not even allowed to participate in the temple rituals, as their profession kept them out away from all of the prescribed rules which would have prepared them for worship, these were the first to get the message and give the witness. Wisemen from the East, gentile strangers from Israel, were given a star to guide them to the Christ and their precious gifts bore testimony that the life of this Child would reach far beyond His own people and bring salvation to a needy, sin ful world. The greatest witness to given by their daughter. Miss* Pauline Lewis. £ ** ‘ 5 50 Years Ago Dec. 21, 1944 Ad: New Perry Hotel - One meal * served on Xmas Day, Dec. 25, 12*- noon to 3 p.m. 5 * * * c Mrs. J. O. Coleman. Perry, was,- awarded a SSO War Bond in Georgia * Power Company's Division of the Georgia Better p Home Towns Contest, entitled '5 Ways to Make* My Community Better." * * * r Trees and decorations bring Yule-* cheer; carelessly placed, they can v bring death. § * * * j. Not a few of our carols have been traced to the mystery plays of the f 12th and 13th centuries. In those - primitive times, the church, in or- ? der to entertain the people, indulged.« in extraordinary representations of-; the events associated with the birth of Christ. it* * * * Jt Christmas is the Day of Days in ' America, but in many countries Christmas is primarily commemo rated as a religious festival and the < gift-giving and festivities of the holiday season came later. Gift-giv ing was well established among j Northern European tribes before they became converted to Christianity. It was so much of an obligation among pagan Germans { to distribute gifts that men actually left the country during the holiday season to escape gift-giving. Jesus Christ is not who we are in position or prominence, but the fact that a faithful God has set His love upon us and we have responded in faith and obedience. Christmas is truly of God. A weak, frail, little infant; the son of a teenage peasant girl; born in a stable; at a time when Rome ruled the world; witnessed by a group of outcast shepherds and some for eigners from the East; what a scene that was directed by God Himself. The same God, the King of kings and Lord of lords, took upon Himself human flesh at Bethlehem, so that He could arrange the time, place and circumstances so that God could become knowable. Do you have the eyes of faith to see the supernatural in the natural? Do you know this Jesus? Is He your personal Savior? Celebrate at the Church of Your Choice