"Why Does the Mention of Jesus Stir Up Such Hatred?"

"Thou believest that there is ONE GOD; thou doest well: THE DEVILS ALSO BELIEVE, and TREMBLE". James 2:19 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

WHEN IT COMES TO THE DOCTRINE OF GOD, DEMONS HAVE CORRECT THEOLOGY

There are no two ways about it. Demons do not hate Buddha, Mohammad, the 330 million gods of Hinduism, the deities of Shintoism, or the spirits of animism--the spirit-gods of nature. They are absolutely no threat to the kingdom of Hell and darkness. When it comes to the doctrine of God, demons have correct theology. They well know that there is only one God, manifested in three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They recognize the power and authority of this One true God. Seeing Him in action down through the centuries, they believe so much that they tremble in fear.

ALL OF THIS IS DECEPTION, AND THEY ARE THE ONES BEHIND IT

Demons empower false gods, religious ideology and idols, but when it comes right down to it they know first hand that these entities and personalities are not God. All of this is deception, and they are the ones behind it. Clearly, the Scripture states, they believe that there is only One God. Traveling around the world, I do not see such hatred and violence directed toward the deities of false religions. When their followers invade Christian nations they call for tolerance. But, they do not offer the same kindness when it comes to the One God manifested in the sinless flesh of the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

CHRISTMAS IS NOT ABOUT THE HUMAN LEADERS OR MADE-UP DEITIES OF OTHER MAJOR RELIGIONS. IT IS ABOUT CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD

The majority of stores and corporations in the Christian nation of the United States of America do not allow their employees to greet customers with the phrase, "Merry Christmas", for fear of being offensive to "our homogenized society of pluralism". Instead, they have opted for the greeting, "Happy holidays". What is their problem? It is the mention of "Christ in Christmas". Christmas has been celebrated for centuries in almost every nation under Heaven as the festival commemorating the birth of Christ. No, Jesus was probably not born on the exact date of December 25th. More than likely He was conceived at this time by the Holy Spirit, and then born during the Feast of Tabernacles, which would correspond to our month of September. Nonetheless, Christmas is not about the human leaders or made-up deities of other major religions. It is about Christ Jesus our Lord.

WHY DO POLITICIANS AND HUMANISTIC LOBBYISTS TRY TO STOP THE DISPLAY OF NATIVITY SCENES?

Why does the mention of Jesus stir up such hatred? The devil knows that the fullness of the godhead bodily dwells in the Person of Jesus. He is God. The truth is that Satan knows this. He has no fear for any of the other religious rites or dead personalities. Jesus is the only One Who died, rose from the dead, and is seated at the right hand of His Heavenly Father. Why do politicians and humanistic lobbyists try to stop the display of nativity scenes? Because it is at this event God came to Earth in sinless human flesh to save us from our sin. Why do they not want crosses publicly and prominently displayed? The devil trembles at the reminder of the blood of Jesus, which spells out his final doom. "The god of this world" and "the prince of the power of the air"--Satan--will do anything in his power to discredit the Person of Jesus, for in Him alone is salvation and entrance into eternal life.

Bishop Marvin Schmidt

World Changers International

"Making a Difference in Our World"

Bishop_Marvin@WCI888.com

"Your First Source of Inspiration and Information"

Marvin Schmidt

"Real Friends Do Not Keep Secrets From Each Other"

"For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, NOR HAS ANYTHING BEEN KEPT SECRET BUT THAT IT SHOULD COME TO LIGHT". Jesus, Mark 4:22 NKJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

SECRETS HAVE A WAY OF EXPOSING THEMSELVES

The quickest way to permanently destroy a friendship is to keep secrets from each other. Secrets have a way of exposing themselves. Someone unintentionally makes "a slip of the tongue". Another person who is not aware that it is a subject which is supposed to be "kept under wraps" starts talking about it to the one who was intended to "stay in the dark". Once it "comes to light", there are questions as to why it was a secret in the first place.

SUCH BEHAVIOR, ALTHOUGH IT MAY BE WELL INTENTIONED, WILL ALWAYS EVENTUALLY BACKFIRE

The sad consequences are that confidence in the other individual has been eroded, and trust has been seriously compromised. Afterward, because of this unpleasant experience everything is suspect, and suspicions about other matters will be constantly aroused. Such behavior, although it may be well intentioned, will always eventually backfire. The whole issue says to the other friend, "I do not think you are mature enough for me to share this information with you. Therefore, our friendship now has 'conditions put on it', and I feel demeaned and belittled. From now on, if our friendship is not only to survive, but to thrive, I am an adult, so talk to me, so I do not think you are holding out on me". Forget the excuse, "Well, I didn't want you to worry". It is time to be open with each other.

IT IS INFORMATION THAT IS NOT TO BE REVEALED TO ANY OTHER PERSON, NOT EVEN THE PASTOR'S WIFE

Now, I am not talking about confidences others share with us, with the understanding that they are not to be told to anyone else, period. There are things men tell their pastor with the proviso, "this is just between us". It is information that is not to be revealed to any other person, not even the pastor's wife. Likewise, when women tell her something in confidence, she is not to share it with her husband. What I am talking about are issues between good friends. As Jesus said, "Let your yes be yes, and your no be no". Let's be real with our real friends. We both deserve to have a friendship which is based on honesty. We should not say something behind their backs which we would not be able to say to them face-to-face.

WE HAVE A SACRED DUTY AND OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE FEELINGS OF OTHERS INTO CONSIDERATION

Isn't it better hearing the truth "from the horse's mouth", then receiving the news accidentally from a third party? We are no longer children, but adults. And, as born again Christians this should be part of our mind-set. One way or the other, eventually these secrets will come out. We have a sacred duty and obligation to take the feelings of others into consideration. When "the air has been cleared", let us feel free to "tell the truth in love". This policy will promote security and confidence in our interpersonal relationships.

Bishop Marvin Schmidt

World Changers International

"Making a Difference in Our World"

Bishop_Marvin@WCI888.com

"Your First Source of Inspiration and Information"

Jesus and the Word of God Are the Same"

"And she (Mary) shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt CALL HIS NAME JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins". Matthew 1:21 KJV

"And he (Jesus) was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and HIS NAME IS CALLED THE WORD OF GOD". Revelation 19:13 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

HIS NAME AND HIS BLOOD ARE FOREVER LINKED TOGETHER

There is authority in the name of Jesus of Nazareth . In Scripture, there are about 280 titles attributed to Him which show the various facets of His character and ministry. His name and His blood are forever linked together. That name is above all others in Heaven, Earth and Hell, and all creatures in those domains must bow at the mention of that name which is above all others. The blood of Jesus causes demons to tremble and flee, and sets captives free. When Jesus rides through Heaven on a white steed, the name given to Him is "the Word of God".

OUR LORD AND MASTER IS "THE I AM THAT I AM", AS HE IS "THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE"

The very moment we call out the name of Jesus, everything that He is in the Word of God comes into play. He is the Savior from our sins, and as we confess them to Him, we enter into eternal life. When sickness threatens our bodies, He is our Healer, the Great Physician. Our Lord and Master is "the I Am that I Am", as He is "The Way, The Truth, and the Life". Always, He is current and up-to-date to meet our needs "in the now".

JESUS IS THE ONLY "DOOR" TO HEAVEN

The best way to describe Him are in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace". Jesus is the only "Door" to Heaven. Without Him there is no other way. In the book of Revelation He is known as "the Alpha and Omega". Those titles are the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet. Jesus is the First and the Last, and everything in between. Remember, when you call on His name, all that He is is at your disposal, because Jesus is the Word of God.

Bishop Marvin Schmidt

It is really great to be friends and also to have friends!!! Stay blessed.

REAL FRIEND TEST! This is GOOD...I expect it back too! I especially like the last sentence!!!!!!

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself and doesn't feel even the least bit weird shutting your 'Pepsi drawer' with her foot!



A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend shoulder is soggy from your tears..

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first
Names.
A real friend has their phone numbers
In his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your
Party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and
Stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after
They've gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to
Call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your
Problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic
History.
A real friend could blackmail you with it!

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when
You have an argument.
A real friend calls you after you had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for
Them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!

A simple friend reads this e-mail and deletes it..
A real friend passes it on and sends it back to you!

Pass this on to anyone you care about......if you
Get it back you have no beginning, no end.

It keeps us together, like our Circle of Friends.
Today I pass this on to you. Pass it on to someone
Who is a friend to you..

INSTANTLY WHEN YOU RECEIVE THIS LETTER, YOU'RE
REQUESTED TO SEND IT
TO AT LEAST 10 PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE PERSON WHO
SENT IT TO YOU.


'Never frown, even when you are sad,
Because you never know who is Falling in love with your smile.

It is really great to be friends and also to have friends!!! Stay blessed.

REAL FRIEND TEST! This is GOOD...I expect it back too! I especially like the last sentence!!!!!!

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself and doesn't feel even the least bit weird shutting your 'Pepsi drawer' with her foot!



A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend shoulder is soggy from your tears..

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first
Names.
A real friend has their phone numbers
In his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your
Party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and
Stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after
They've gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to
Call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your
Problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic
History.
A real friend could blackmail you with it!

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when
You have an argument.
A real friend calls you after you had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for
Them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!

A simple friend reads this e-mail and deletes it..
A real friend passes it on and sends it back to you!

Pass this on to anyone you care about......if you
Get it back you have no beginning, no end.

It keeps us together, like our Circle of Friends.
Today I pass this on to you. Pass it on to someone
Who is a friend to you..

INSTANTLY WHEN YOU RECEIVE THIS LETTER, YOU'RE
REQUESTED TO SEND IT
TO AT LEAST 10 PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE PERSON WHO
SENT IT TO YOU.


'Never frown, even when you are sad,
Because you never know who is Falling in love with your smile.

Subject: When God is about to reposition your life

When God is about to reposition your life know that the devil will begin to attack! Read to the bottom - watch the water If I don't get this back, I will know you really didn't read it. I got this from someone and thought the last part was really a good thought.... Too bad that the person who sent it to me did not know 10 people who would admit to knowing the Lord. Do You Love Him? This is a simple test: IF YOU LOVE JESUS, SEND THIS TO AT LEAST 10 PEOPLE INCLUDING THE PERSON WHO SENT IT TO YOU! The Poem I knelt to pray but not for long, I had too much to do. I had to hurry and get to work For bills would soon be due. So I knelt and said a hurried prayer, And jumped up off my knees.. My Christian duty was now done My soul could rest at ease...... All day long I had no time To spread a word of cheer No time to speak of Christ to friends, They'd laugh at me I'd fear.. No time, no time, too much to do, That was my constant cry, No time to give to souls in need But at last the time, the time to die I went before the Lord, I came, I stood with downcast eyes. For in his hands God held a book; It was the book of life. God looked into his book and said 'Your name I cannot find I once was going to write it down... But never found the time' Now do you have the time to pass it on? If you look at what you do not have in life, you don't have anything, If you look at what you have in life, you have everything. Thomas Kinkade Paintings (hope the water is moving!!) READ THE FIRST LINE CAREFULLY..... If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God. This is a Thomas Kinkade painting. It's rumored to carry a miracle! The water is supposed to be running, so if it's not moving then the picture Didn't come through entirely. They say if you pass this on, you will receive a miracle.

Eagle Saints
Devotional 162

Paying the Consequences of Compromise

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and COUNTETH THE COST, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" Jesus, Luke 14:28 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

HE WILL PAY A HIGH PRICE FOR "TAKING THE EASY WAY OUT"

Often a young and inexperienced eagle will surrender to a momentary temptation of laziness, and instead of hunting live and healthy food, will compromise, and and settle for road kill along the highway side. Sadly, he will pay a high price for "taking the easy way out". The dead carcass he sees has often been sitting out in the sun for a considerable length of time, and is now bloated and contaminated. After gorging himself with food which is rotting and poisoned, he tries to fly back to his nest.

AS A VEHICLE APPROACHES, HE HAS TEMPORARILY LOST HIS ABILITY TO QUICKLY GET OUT OF THE WAY

Because of ingesting dead matter instead of live food, his entire system is adversely affected. He now finds himself incapable of catching the next wind current, and soaring high into the air, as he is weighted down with the dead weight of his last meal. As a vehicle approaches, he has temporarily lost his ability to quickly get out of the way. Hit head on, he is either seriously injured, from which he never fully recovers, or killed. He pays the consequences of compromise.

THE WORDS, "SACRIFICE", "CONSECRATION", AND "DETERMINATION" ARE NOW SELDOM FOUND IN THEIR VOCABULARY

So it is with with "Eagle Saints" who think it won't matter if they "take short cuts" in their spiritual journey. The words, "sacrifice", "consecration", and "determination" are now seldom found in their vocabulary. The Almighty has decreed a blessed destiny for them, but as it were, they "sell out their birthright" for that which is easily available, not willing to "crucify the flesh", and "pay the price" for the best, which is not readily obtainable.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY, BUT THE COST IS HIGH

In eternity, when the books are opened, they will see "what could have been". But, instead they followed "the path of least resistance". They lived in a world of "instant everything", and thus were not willing to wait, and search for the best which God intended for them to have. Oh, the folly of partaking of that which comes too easily, and not pursuing their full inheritance. There is a better way, but the cost is high. It requires our all, with nothing held back in reserve.

Bishop Marvin Schmidt

Eagle Saints
Devotional 163

Eagle Saints of Distinction and Discernment

" . . . To another DISCERNING OF SPIRITS . . . ". 1 Corinthians 12:10c KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis) THIS CREATURE HAS TWO CENTERS OF FOCUS WHICH ENABLE HIM TO LOOK BOTH FORWARD AND SIDEWAYS AT THE SAME TIME As I continue to study "God's majesty in motion", the eagle, I am amazed at the details of the talents the Creator placed within this, "the king of the birds". His eyes are "in deadly focus". This creature has two centers of focus which enable him to look both forward and sideways at the same time. Another advantage is that he can rotate his head up to 270 degrees, which gives him a clear perspective of his potential prey when hunting. An eagle's vision is quite a bit sharper than a human with perfect eyesight. His eyes contain five times as many light-sensitive cells as do human eyes. The eagle sees a full range of colors, which assists him in detecting animals which may be well camouflaged. While hundreds of feet up in the air, he is able to detect a fish darting underwater, and to accurately calculate the timing and accuracy of hitting his target as he swoops into the water with lightning speed. He rarely misses. FOR ADDED PROTECTION, HE HAS AN INNER EYELID A ring of bone encircles each eye to guard against injury. Reducing glare and reflections from the sun and water, he has been endued with a heavy bony brow which acts as a visor. For added protection, he has an inner eyelid. This membrane slides from side to side over the eye every few seconds, cleaning away dust and dirt which might interfere with his vision. Because it is transparent, he can see through it when it is closed. When feeding the young in the nest, he closes it to avoid injury from an eaglet's beak. Because of his extra endowment of super-sight, his hearing and smell are not highly developed. HE HAS EQUIPPED US WITH PROTECTIVE MEASURES TO ASSIST US IN AVOIDING DISASTERS AND DISAPPOINTMENTS When it comes to being an "Eagle Saint", we are not to depend upon our natural abilities of judging others by the gossip we hear about them, or trying to sniff out demons which we think may be hiding in this place or that. The Holy Spirit is endeavoring to develop within us "a spiritual distinction of discernment". He has equipped us with protective measures to assist us in avoiding disasters and disappointments. The enemy continues to lay traps to ensnare, and distract us from running the race with patience. The desire of the Spirit is to increase the sharp focus and panoramic view of our vision. We should learn from all of our experiences in hindsight to protect and guide us in the future with helpful foresight. As we continually gaze into the face of Jesus, our prophetic accuracy increases. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR HIM TO BE "ON THE CUTTING EDGE", TO WARN OTHERS OF IMPENDING TRAGEDIES, TO TAKE ANOTHER PATH, AND AVOID THE CATASTROPHE Jesus wrote to a church in the book of Revelation, "Anoint your eyes that you may see". An Eagle Saint sees things others in the kingdom do not see. It is possible for him to be "on the cutting edge", to warn others of impending tragedies, to take another path, and avoid the catastrophe. Moving and operating in this manifestation of the Spirit will not be understood by many. They will intentionally avoid any prolonged contact with the Eagle Saint, for fear of what he might "see in the Spirit about them". But, when they are in desperate need for an answer to prayer or deliverance from a thorny situation, it is the Eagle Saint whom they seek out, as they know his accuracy in the things of God. Discernment is not the gift of suspicion. It is a purity of connection with the One Who sits upon the Throne, and who "sees not what is going on in the realm of the natural, but in the Spirit". Discernment distinguishes us as Eagle Saints.

Bishop Marvin Schmidt

Eagle Saints
Devotional 164

Eating in Front of Your Enemies in Peace

"THOU PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MINE ENEMIES . . . " Psalm 23:5a KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

BECAUSE PEOPLE "EAT AND RUN" THESE DAYS THEY OFTEN DEVELOP INDIGESTION, BLEEDING ULCERS, HIATAL HERNIAS AND IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE SERIOUS DISEASES

Once they have seized their prey, all raptors eat fairly rapidly. Chunks of food move from the mouth to the esophagus, and then to a storage area called the crop. It remains there until the eagle returns to his perch, and he can digest his food in peace. Because people "eat on the run" these days they often develop indigestion, bleeding ulcers, hiatal hernias and irritable bowel syndrome which can lead to the development of more serious diseases. Also, eating with people whom one dislikes can cause indigestion.

IN SPITE OF BAD NEWS AND THREATS WE CAN STILL REJOICE IN THE LORD

It is possible for Eagle Saints to eat at a banquet table in peace, even with their enemies looking on with sneers of contempt. Even when the surrounding circumstances are negative and unpleasant, overcomers in Christ can enjoy their meals and not suffer indigestion. We can have peace in the midst of the storm. It is not dependent on what is transpiring all around us. In spite of bad news and threats we can still rejoice in the Lord. Seeing us eat the good of the land with a lavish table setting will irritate those who seek to do us harm. Either they will become so enraged they will do themselves in, or they will begin to covet what we have, and eventually receive the Jesus we love, but they despised.

IT IS TO BE A CELEBRATION OF INTIMACY WHERE WE CAN TALK THINGS OUT WITH OUR LORD AND MASTER

Taking a cue from the eagle, there is a time and a place to eat in peace. God wants us to sit down at the table which He has prepared. Not taking a bite now and then as we continue to go about our daily activities. It is to be a celebration of intimacy where we can talk things out with our Lord and Master. It is His desire that we calm ourselves so that we can benefit fully from all the communication and communion we experience with Him, not missing anything.

GOD WANTS OUR TIME; OUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION

Eating in peace causes our bodies and spirits to receive the intended nourishment and energy which He has provided. Some of the dishes on the table will be our favorites, while others will not be of our choosing, but what God knows is good for us, and what we need at the time. God wants our time; our undivided attention. This cannot happen when our minds are filled with what we need to do, and cut Him off in the middle of the divine conversation. As we continue to read this verse in the 23rd Psalm, we discover that He will anoint our head with oil, and our cup of blessing will overflow. But, if we do not first sit at His table, eating in peace, surrounded by our sworn enemies, then we cannot receive His anointing and blessing of abundance. It begins by sitting at His table.

"Before They Were Yours, They Were Mine"

There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, "If I could only see the world, I will marry you". One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.

He asked her, "Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?" The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him. Her boyfriend left her in tears, and days later wrote a note to her saying, "Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine".

This is how the human brain often works when our status changes. Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.

Life is a Gift

Today before you say an unkind word, think of someone who cannot speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food, think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Today before you say an unkind word, think of someone who cannot speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food, think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife, think of someone who is crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about life, think of someone who went too early to Heaven.

Before you complain about your children, think of someone who desires children, but they are barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep, think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive, think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And, when you are tired and complain about your job, think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.

Before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another, remember that not one of us is without sin, and we all answer to one MAKER.

And, when depressing thoughts seem to get you down, put a smile on your face, and thank God you are alive and still around.

"Stop Persecuting Santa Claus.

He Loved Jesus!"

HE GAVE GENEROUSLY TO THE POOR AND DESTITUTE

In the year AD 280, Nicolas was born to an elderly wealthy couple in what is now in the southern part of the nation of Turkey . After the death of his parents, out of his inheritance, he gave generously to the poor and destitute. After receiving news that a merchant had gone bankrupt, and that the creditors were planning to take his daughters, and force them into a life of prostitution, Nicholas threw some money in the window of the businessman at night to provide a dowry so that the daughters could marry, and escape the horrible life the creditors planned for them.

THIS MAN OF GOD BECAME THE BISHOP OF MYRA

Wanting to give God all the glory, when the father discovered who gave the money, Nicholas made him promise not to tell anyone. This inspired the tradition of secret gift-giving on the anniversary of Nicholas' death the 6th December, AD 343. This man of God became bishop of Myra . After being imprisoned by Emperor Diocletian, during a period of the persecution of Christians, he was later released by Emperor Constantine.

LEGEND TELLS US THAT NICHOLAS WAS SO UPSET WITH ARIUS FOR STARTING THE HERESY THAT HE SLAPPED HIM

When the Arian heresy raised its ugly head, splitting the church and the Roman Empire, at the request of Emperor Constantine, all the bishops attended the Council of Nicaea, where they drafted the Nicene Creed. Legend tells us that Nicholas was so upset with Arius for starting the heresy that he slapped him. The man who was later made a saint by the church preached against a sex-fertility cult, with headquarters at the Temple of Diana in Ephesus , which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The local shrine in Myra was torn down. Bishop Nicholas would not tolerate its presence in his town.

THE ORIGINAL FATHER CHRISTMAS WAS A WORSHIPER OF CHRIST

The real Saint Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus, was an out-and-out totally committed Christian. He has nothing to do with the commercialization of Christmas which we have today. The original Father Christmas was a worshiper of Christ. He would be horrified to know that some in our world have substituted him for the Christ Child. Once when a flood threatened to destroy his town, he stretched forth his hands and commanded the waters to abate, and they did. As did Saint Nicholas, let us give to others, in the name of Jesus, honoring the One Who gave us the best gift of all--His life, which purchased our salvation.

Bishop Marvin Schmidt