By Jim Greer LW contributor Speaking at the recent First Presidency Christmas Devotional, President Russell M. Nelson declared,“we know the life of that babe of Bethlehem did not begin there, nor did it end on Calvary.” He affirmed that Jesus was anointed by his father to be the Messiah, the Christ, the savior and the redeemer of all humankind. “He was foreordained to atone for us,”

By Lisa Rotchford Reverend Often, simplest is best. This Christmas, when we are instructed to stay home, experiencing a simpler, quieter holy-day season than before, we can see the quiet as a gift. We might have more time to rest and reflect. In the 19th century, Christini Rosetti wrote a poem that reminds us of the true gift of Christmas: God’s love. “Love came down at Christmas,

By Bruce Humes Pastor The Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, has an account of the birth of Jesus Christ. It begins when Caesar Augustus decreed that all the world should be registered. This decree sent everyone to their own city, which meant that Joseph, along with Mary, went to Bethlehem because he was of the linage of King David. We pick the Scripture up in verses 6-7, which say, “So it was,

Rabbi Rachel Axelrad will stream services at 6:30 p.m on Friday, Dec. 25, on Zoom and Saturday morning services at 9:30. Any new Congregation Sholom members who want to watch the livestream should contact Jeff Sacks to receive the Zoom invitation. Text Jeff at (714) 642-0122, or email him at jfsacks@gmail.com. The link will have the meeting ID and password embedded. Those who want more details

This is the last Sunday is of 2020. Faith Christian Assembly wants to ask: What place has God’s word had in your life in 2020? Will it have the same place in 2021? As we step into 2021, we must ask ourselves: What place does the Bible have in determining my life decisions? Pastor Sheri Leming will speak on Sunday, Dec. 27, at 10:30 a.m. There will be a free 2021 Bible reading schedule for everyone

reading his word. Choose to place Jesus first. • Startmakingaplannowtobeginthenewyearwithdefinitefocus. Instead of making off-the-cuff resolutions, plan what your focus will be for the entire year. Know which direction you’re going to head. You don’t have to know all the steps to accomplish this goal; God will take your hand and lead each step. • TryspendingNewYear’sEveinGod’sword.ReadJeremiah29:12,