BeaconThe

Christmas Banquet 2011

photo cred: Holly daggett

photo cred: Leanne Pike

photo cred: ron scott

Issue No.7 CrandallU December 1, 2011

Christmas movie marathonTheatre style seating (compliments of all the mattresses from 3west)

pod 1w3 @ Colburne house

12pm: The Grinch (film)

1:45pm: The Santa Clause

3:15pm: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

4:05pm: It’s A Wonderful Life

6:20pm: Miracle on 34th Street

8:20pm: Frosty the Snowman

8:45pm: A Charlie Brown Christmas

9:20pm: Elf

11:00pm: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (special)

11:30pm: Home Alone

1:15am: A Muppet Christmas Carol

2:45am: END/RETURN HOME

Come to your favorites or try to stay for the entire event! It's up to you. Nonetheless, spread the word and make sure you come out to this exciting event!

I believe the lie that things make me happy. If you asked I could tell you that: I don’t care about things, I care about people. And that helping others, giving up myself (my wants, my dreams, my needs) in lieu of loving them is what gives me most joy. But when I feel sad, alone, and like I have no-one to pour my life into all I can think of to make myself feel less lonely is the thought of buying things that somewhere, in some subconscious part of my being, I believe will make people like me more. It seems like there is some sort of classical conditioning effect taking place: Perhaps we learn as a child that having the right clothes/toys makes people like us more which in turn makes us happy. Therefore in time the acquisition of the material objects themselves becomes paired with positive feelings; driving out consumeristic culture.

I honestly believe that poverty is driven by a lack of connections. We in the western world fill our lives with material possessions to huge excess: Not because we are happy but because we are empty and lonely, trying to fill the void in our souls. We long for real, deep, lasting, meaningful connections with those around us. The greatest joy is obtained when we are able to let go of our wants and our needs and pour ourselves into the lives of those around us and when those around us selflessly pour themselves into us.

The economic and social inequalities seen between our neighbours here and around the world is a result of a lack of relationships between people. If you really take the time to get to know someone it’s almost impossible not to love them, regardless of how “good” of a person they are. I honestly believe that each person contains infinite light and infinite darkness. Through the exchange of giving of ourselves and receiving from others we as humans are in some way purified; the darkness dissipates and the light becomes more evident. By opening our eyes and seeing our desire to accumulate material things for what it is and by choosing to pour ourselves into others through the creation and maintenance of meaningful relationships, with people from all walks of life, we not only will find deep and lasting joy but also many, if not all, of the current global issues could be resolved (i.e. poverty, climate change, war, slavery, etc.)

The concept of relationships and the exchange of love is central to Christian beliefs. When we choose Christianity we choose to lay down ourselves, our wants and dreams, to enter into a meaningful relationship with the God-Head. The concept of the trinity is essential as it illustrates that God himself is in a relationship.

These three aspects of God are in a selfless love based relationship with one another; this is illustrated in the life of Jesus. Not only is God the Son in constant communication with God the Father; Jesus pours out himself in love to be in relationship with the Father. This is never more clearly evident than in the hours before his death when Jesus pleads with the Father to spare him, but then surrenders his life saying “may not my way but yours be done”. Jesus’ death provides a perfect example of the ultimate sacrifice when he laid down his life for relationships. Not only relationships with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit but for us mere men. The God relationship provides an example of perfect love while Christ’s death for our sins provides us with an invitation into the God-Head relationship. When we enter into this relationship we are named siblings of Christ and children of the Father and are loved as greatly by each part of the God-head as they love one another. Jesus refers to this relationship (John 17:20-21) when he is praying to the Father for his disciples saying “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one – as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us that the world will believe you sent me.”

I believe that we as humans can only give love to the capacity that we have experienced love. A great tragedy of our time, and in fact off all time, is that many people (over all social classes, age, and race) have never experienced true, selfless love. This renders them severely limited in their ability to love another purely without any subconscious selfish desires. I believe that all true love originates in God, as God is love. When we enter the God relationship we must choose to lay ourselves down and to love God but also, perhaps most critically, must choose to accept God’s perfect love. When we choose this we not only learn what true love is we gain the ability to

The God-Love Relationship by Amy Hicks

continued on page 5

Is it Just About a Baby?

by: Chris ZakDevotional Columnist

The end of the semester is nearly upon us. As we finish up papers and projects, and as we begin to prepare for exams, we tend to look beyond all that lies ahead of us. This brings the question: To what are we looking? Are we simply anticipating the break? How about time with friends? Possibly a chance to go back to work and make some extra spending money? Ultimately, I would hope that we are all looking forward to Christmas. Even in that, however, there is a question. Why do we look forward to Christmas? Is it for the presents? The food? Time with family? Or are we legitimately excited to celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world over 2000 years ago? In our society today, it is often easy to forget Jesus, or at least to push Him to the periphery of

our celebrations. Sure, we often campaign to “keep Christ in Christmas,” but how well do we even keep that in perspective? Many, it seems, are enamoured with the cute little baby, lying in a manger. Though I'm sure that Jesus was a supremely cute baby, His purpose was not to stay in the manger, just as the Allies' purpose on D-Day was not to simply occupy Normandy. In fact, Jesus' birth was an invasion. He came with a purpose. Right at the beginning, before Jesus birth, the angel announced His mission to Joseph: “you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21 ESV) The God who created all things was entering into history to redeem the pinnacle of His fallen creation. Though God was the one who had been terribly wronged by all the sin of humanity, He was the one who would come to fix that which was broken. May we marvel in His grace, knowing that Jesus was ultimately born in order that He may die on behalf of all who would believe. Let us also revel in the mystery of the incarnation. God, who exists outside of time, who is eternal, immortal, and immeasurable, stepped into human history as one of us. John's Gospel account states, “and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 ESV) This should blow us away. How do you fit infinity into a package of flesh and blood? The God who created all things numbered Himself among His creations.

These things, and so much more, should constantly fill us with awe. My prayer is that as we head into this Christmas season, we don't just focus on the baby

Jesus in the manger – may we see also our crucified saviour and our exalted Lord. May God amaze us with the story of His coming into history, and of His redemption of His people.

Merry Christmas to you all, and we'll see you next semester.

It's that time of year again! As of the

publication of this issue of the Beacon there will

only be 24 days until Christmas! Yay, PUMPED! I

mean, there are all of these obvious reasons to be

excited: exams and papers will be finished, there

will be time to just sit and relax, good times with

family and friends, an abundance of delicious food

and bright decorations and beautiful lights, the

sweet sounds of songs proclaiming the birth of

Jesus. But, I wonder, do we ever feel anticipation

about the impact Christmas can have on the world

of fine art? Think about it: the world lovely and peaceful, covered in a soft blanket

of snow, coloured lights shining brilliantly through the night; the air filled with

the ringing laughter of good company and joyous carols; an abundance of food

and cheer; the knowledge that beneath all of the festivities there really is a reason

to celebrate because 2000 years ago Love, with the full force of God, came down

in the form of a helpless babe to save mankind.

If these aspects (and the many others I have no room to list) do not

move artists and give them a burning inspiration deep within their souls,

then I am not sure what would. There is just so much that can fill your

heart, violently spewing and surging forth in the form of art. It's the

feelings associated with Christmas: love, beauty, peace, wonder,

excitement, belonging, grace. It's the essence of beauty that surrounds

absolutely everything: the pure joy in the laughter of a child, the gentle

descent of perfectly crafted snowflakes, and the way the Christmas lights

reflect in the eyes of that one you love. It's the way that complete strangers can manage a smile and a “Merry Christmas” and it's the sense that despite toil and trial there is still goodness in the world. It is actually being able to taste the love that went into Nan's cookies. It's making a lopsided gingerbread house with your sister and pelting your brother with snowballs. It's cherishing that suffocating hug from your aunts and the bone-crushing handshake from your uncles. It's appreciating every second with your crazy, rambunctious cousins. It is taking a minute to evaluate your family and noticing all those little things you had been too busy or too stubborn to notice before. It is that moment when you finally step back and realize just how much you truly miss and need Mom and Dad, even when you pretend you don't, and how often they went without so you could have that trivial thing you wanted, not because you deserved it but because they love you. It's realizing that two thousand years ago God did the same thing: sacrificing everything so that someday you could experience the ecstasy of Christmas everyday for eternity in heaven with Him. That is the stuff real art is made of. My wish for you this Christmas is that you fully embrace every single moment and open your eyes to the beauty that is right there in front of you. It'll change your life. And then maybe you'll find that inspiration you need to create art of your own, or that passion which makes every day worth living.

Painting credit to Thomas Kinkade. You may recognize some of his paintings from the cover of Christmas cards. Now there's a man inspired by Christmas.

The Inspiration of Christmasby: Megan McNuttFine Arts Columnist

Have Yourself a

Merry Little Christmas by Melissa Taplin

It has begun; it is almost unavoidable. The television shows, the radio stations, and the malls are all being flooded with the sounds of Christmas carols: “Have yourself a merry little Christmas,” “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,” “Silent night, holy night,” and so on. Now, if you are one of those people who have been adverse to the early celebration of the Christmas season, and you have been proclaiming “I want to wait until after the Santa Claus

Parade” or “I’ll only start listening to Christmas music on December 1st” it is officially too late for your excuses. There can be no more putting off the festivities, because ladies and gentlemen the season is here. Personally, I am someone who does not sympathize with those late celebrators. I would gladly welcome the music, lights, and festive spirit of the Christmas season much earlier in the year. However, I do realize that not all people are filled with the joy of the season. Some people do not have many or any good memories of the holiday season, and dread the time even more than those who just want to put off celebrating to savour the time in a more meaningful period. It is my call to you then, that if you have ever been

comforted, filled with joy, or wonderfully blessed during the holiday season that you would open your hearts to those who have never had such a privilege. I encourage you to look around for those who may be glum and share the spirit with those around you. So take some time to spread a little holiday cheer, and I’m hopeful that you won’t regret it.

truly love others. We love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). Placing ourselves within the God-Love relationship teaches us how to pour more and more of our love into God and how to better accept and rely on his love; a process which in essence purifies our love.

In a sense all the love we pour into God is poured back into us. However because God is perfect and there is no darkness in him all of our imperfect, selfish, half-hearted sinful love must first be poured through Jesus who’s death on the cross filters out all our impurities, as they were forever put to death when Jesus concurred sin. This love is then able to pass through God the Father and the Holy Spirit and return to us multiplied, purified, and perfect. It’s important to realise however that the amount of love that God is able to bestow on us is not dependent on how much we love him, rather through the process of loving him

we learn how better to accept his love, which is infinite and is not determined by our actions.

Since God is a loving, relational God who loves each individual infinitely, one of the primary ways we love God is by loving others through building relationships with them. In fact it is our love for others that, biblically, is proof of our presence in the God-Love relationship. Jesus teaches “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one-another.” (John 13:34).

By accepting God’s love and pouring out our lives in pursuit of loving Him, which most tangible takes the form of loving others, we accept joy, hope, peace, and purpose into our lonely and broken humanity. Through knowing God’s love and building a relationship with Him we are better equipped to love and build real meaningful relationships with those around us: Breaking the cycle of bondage to material possessions and slowly but surely eradicating pain, suffering, and physical, emotional, and spiritual poverty.

The Sources about Ruth 1) Eyewitness accounts: Family, friends, MLB players, coaches, fans, etc. 2) MLB Statisticians, analysts, sports enthusiasts, commentators, etc.3) stories, tales, etc., from people that knew or knew of him, passed on through the generations till this day..4) The Sources (Jesus) Eye witness accounts

− As a baby: His mother Mary (who became one of His disciples, since she also needed a saviour [Luke 1:47]), to shepherds and wise men from the East, to Simeon and Anna the prophetess, and the angels that proclaimed His birth.

− As a 12 year old boy: The Jewish teachers at the temple− His ministry and death: John the Baptist (a prophet), the apostles, a great crowd of His followers and even more of His

opponents (still acknowledged His miracles and could not find any fault in Him), non-Jews, the Jewish community, etc.

− His Resurrection: more than 500 witnesses.− Historians and scientists, both Christian and non-Christian− Archaeology (for example: the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947 by a young Bedoin boy)− The Bible: From Genesis to Revelation, it was written in a span of over 1500 years, by authors inspired by God, with

varied social, economic, intellectual, and geographical conditions. They all come together in unison to confirm “His word”, many at the cost of their lives. This book has been banned, burned, criticized, refuted, and ridiculed. Empires, armies, and religions have undertaken mass campaigns to eliminate it from the face of the Earth. All the Old Testament prophecies miraculously fulfilled and well documented are more than mere coincidence.

−All true Christians, persecuted, some even to their death as martyrs.Here is what Jesus says about His witnesses−According to the Gospel of John , “If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He (the Father) witnesses of me is true. You have sent to John (the Baptist) and he has borne witness to the truth. Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved... But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish, the very works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father Has sent me. And the Father... has testified of Me. But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the scriptures for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life... How can you believe, who receive honour from another, and do not seek the honour that comes from the only God? For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for He wrote about me.” (John 5:31-34, 36-40, 44, 46)−Also in John, hours before His death, speaking of the Holy Spirit, Jesus says, “and when He comes, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement.” (John 16:8)−Following His resurrection to the disciples He says “Thus it is written (in the law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms), and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and rise from the dead the 3rd day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations... and you are witnesses of these things. (Luke 24:46-48)−1 John 5, “and it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are 3 that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word (Son), and the Holy Spirit. And these 3

Comparing the greats by jean

are 1. And there are 3 that bear witness on Earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His son. He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar... He who has the Son has (eternal) life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:6-10, 12)

The ConclusionBabe Ruth impacted the game of baseball like no other before, and possibly, after him. Many analysts/”specialists” of the game have called him the greatest baseball player (some even say the greatest athlete) who ever lived. His impressive “resume”, a product of God given ability, is surely worthy of praise in the sports world. Yet, in the end, he was the same as the rest of us – a sinner. His wild lifestyle, behaviour, and attitude have been well documented. Some called him “the boy that never grew up”. He often ignored, disrespected, disobeyed, and rebelled against authority, whether it be the team or league rules, highway traffic regulations, or other “laws of the land”. Worst of all, he was guilty of violating every one of the 10 commandments given by our Creator through Moses, His holy standard by which every human will be judged. (See Exodus 20:3-17) You might say, “Come on! He broke all of them?” James writes, “for whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10) Jesus brought it even further. “You have heard that it was said, 'you shall not murder...' but I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement... But whoever says 'you fool' shall be in danger of hell fire. (Matthew 5:21-22) And right after He adds, “You have heard it was said... 'you shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman (or a man) to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28) The home run king, whom many have (and still today) idolized, adored, and worshipped in time got older, weaker, and eventually died at the age of 53 to meet his maker. Christopher Klein wrote a special article to ESPN sports travel entitled, “Pilgrimage: on the trail of Babe Ruth – Finding the Sultan of Swat's haunts 75 years after his last opening day.” In it he pens,

Baltimore: The small row house where he was born, now (is) the Babe Birthplace Museum: “Holy ground for baseball fans; the place where the game's messiah was born.”NY City: a) Monument park “that shrine to a pantheon of Yankees gods.” b) Yankee Stadium (called by many the House that Ruth built): When it opened in 1923, Ruth christened it with a 3 run home run... to baptize the new joint.”Where he is buried: “an estimated 100,000 people lined the route of his funeral cortege; today, legions of well wishers continue to pay their respects at the plot in section 25 of the cemetery... many come bearing gifts, offerings, if you will, to a baseball deity.”

The 1st commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) The apostle Paul writes, “for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened, professing to be wise they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man. (see 2nd commandment)... Therefore, God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonour their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature (some, even self, “looking out for #1) rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:18-25) Bad news! But, before in verses 16-17 he writes, “for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes... For in it the righteousness of God is revealed form faith to faith; as it is written, 'the just shall live by faith.'” Now that is good new! Yet, “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing... Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? ... Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men... that no flesh should glory in His presence... as it is written, 'he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.'” (1 Corinthians 1:18-31) The creator of all things, in His patience, love, compassion, mercy, and grace, has allowed us all another breath today here on Earth, and invites us all to, “enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which lead to life, and there are few who will find it. (Matthew 7:13-14) My Lord Jesus adds, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) If the Holy Spirit convinces some that all this is true, what next? “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men... what shall we do?' Then Peter said to them, 'Repent...'” (Acts 2:37-38) In Acts 26:20, Paul adds, “but (I) declared... that they should repent (turn from their sinful self), turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” God's word gives an example of a truly repentant heart in Psalm 51.

In His name (Jesus).

Are Global Movements A Coincidence?

by:

Treavor Wilson

The removal of the camps of the several occupy movements around the world epitomizes the very nature of what the protestors represent. The protestors trust and believe what they are told by authorities, and only to have that trust deceived.

Do you think war vets fought and died so corporations and politicians could control our every move? Where is the freedom?

There is something very wrong in the world today and it is time governments around the world started to listen. The economy is crashing down around us. It is not about 1% of a city. It is about 1% of the world. You don't have to be the 99% to support the occupy movement.

The economy is not a working model any longer. To start, I want a new one with the financial safety net in place so that everyone has the equal right to eat. I want the 1% that holds all the money to compassionately listen.

Who am I? I am someone who cares when someone hurts. I am someone who always had a job no matter where I lived. I am educated. I am a father. I am in a long term relationship. I own a home. I pay taxes. I

work hard at everything.

I believe corporations are brain washing us and our children. We don't need more things. We don't need more marketing ploys. We are victims of what the media wants us to believe.

Please, before you judge a global movement of this magnitude. Ask yourself, why they are popping up all over the world? It is highly unlikely that a bunch of lazy bums only want free camping space all at the same time could it? This is a global wake up call.

If nothing else, just acknowledge that the 1% controls the world. And the world is not looking so good. Do not say they work hard to get it. We are not talking about a six figure income. We are talking about corporations and their insidious nature of how they acquire a highly disproportionate accumulation of all wealth from our resources.

The message from the occupy movement is not clear because everything in society ambiguous. How do you put that on a demand list? However, one message does stand out among the many. People want change.

Merry Christmas