“Your December issue made our Christmas so special in celebrating our Savior’s birth.”
—Joe and Jeanie Perez
REDISCOVERING CHRISTMAS
I’ve been completely inspired by Peter Bertolero’s “Rediscovering the Beauty of Christmas” (December), as I really wish to celebrate the true essence of Christmas. I will not be buying Christmas presents this year. The focus will be on giving to the needs of the poorer community. I also found “Decoding a Christmas Carol” fascinating, as I had always wondered how this song originated.
Lynsey Griffin, via email
I hope Christian worship and celebrations are more than just traditions. Over the years there has been too much change; history has been lost. Unfortunately, “tradition” in many ways has caused changes far removed from the origins of Scripture. The beauty of Christmas isn’t in symbols and elements of celebrations, but in the result and understanding of prophecy.
Betty Sharon Thompson, San Antonio
Your December issue made our Christmas so special in celebrating our Savior’s birth. One of the best—if not the best—issues we’ve received in nearly 30 years of subscribing. Thank you!
Joe and Jeanie Perez, Fenton, Mich.
THE BREAD AND THE WINE
Referencing Stephen Mansfield and David Holland’s “So Help Us, God” (November), I was astounded that they would consider as strange the Catholic Church’s belief that in holy communion the bread and wine become the “body and blood” of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They apparently do not consider literally the words of Jesus: “This is my body; this is my blood.” As to the authors’ claim of “bias” against Pentecostals, there also seems to be a great deal of it against Catholics. They are our Christian siblings; like us, some are sheep and some are goats, but God loves us all.
Frances Hesterman, Sand Springs, Okla.
DON’T BE SLACK ON SIN
“Out, But Not Disqualified” by Richie Hughes (November), is very troubling, as it appears to claim that God condones homosexuality. God says homosexuality is a sin, and sin destroys us. Even though God accepts us as we are, He loves us too much to leave us in a destructive lifestyle. Thank God that, when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, His Holy Spirit begins to transform our lives into His likeness.
Lucille Brown, Los Alamos, N.M.
