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us Now Published Monthly December 2017

Plan of Salvation:
John 3:16
For unto you a child is born For God so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe
in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life.
Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the
Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that
God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt
be saved.

A Message From Good News Press

The Christian message is often re-
ferred to as the "Gospel," which
means "good news." Specifically, it
What is the Meaning of Christmas for Christians is the good news about Jesuswho
He is, what He has done, and what
He offers. Essentially, the message
Christmas is the most commercial In fact, Christmas has been celebrat- Did this Incarnation really take is that Jesus was God in the flesh,
season in our society, but for a sig- ed on a variety of different dates place? Or is Christmas a celebration that He came into the world to rec-
nificant percentage of the population throughout the history of the Chris- of a birth that never took place? oncile humanity to Himself, and
it is also a holiday packed with tian Church. In fact, even today Christian apologists (defenders of the that his salvation is freely offered to
meaning. For Christians who take Christians in some parts of the world faith) argue in defense of the Biblical each person who will respond in
their faith seriously, Christmas is the celebrate Christian on different dates. accounts. faith. The Gospel message explains
celebration of one of the most im- December 25 is simply an arbitrary that salvation is only possible
portant events in history. date chosen to celebrate the birth be- Ultimately, it is up to each person to through the Crucifixion and Resur-
rection of Jesus. Through his sacri-
cause the exact date is unknown. examine the evidence and decide if fice, Jesus paid the price for our sin-
Christians consider Christmas to be they believe or not and if they will fulness (rebellion against God), thus
the celebration of the day Jesus The date is non-consequential, any- accept his free gift offered to the offering us forgiveness. Then
Christ was born as a baby. Known in way, since the true significance of world. through his Resurrection He con-
theology as the "Incarnation," it sig-
Christmas for Christians is not found quered death, removing it as the
nifies that God became human and in the coming of Jesus. It is in why Either way, there is no denying the penalty for our sin and replacing it
entered into His own creation. Ac- He came. The Bible explains (and impact that this Christian holiday has with the offer of eternal life that is
cording to the biblical nativity narra-
Christians believe) that Jesus is (and had upon society and upon the faith only available from Him to all those
tives, Jesus was born to a virgin was) divine, and that He came into community that celebrates it for rea- that place their faith in Him.
named Mary in the town of Bethle- the world for the primary purpose of sons of faith. While many people
hem in the Judean countryside. eventually giving up His life as an complain about the holidays modern
expression of His love and grace. emphasis on consumerism, Chris-
Though most people identify Christ- Ultimately, it was part of a grand tians throughout the centuries have
mas with the date of December 25, plan to offer forgiveness and life to recognized that Christmas represents
Christianity does not actually claim all who would willingly choose to a turning point in history when the
that Jesus was born on December 25. place their faith and hope in Him. Savior entered the world.

5 Ways to Share Christ During Christmas

By Rev. John B. Sorensen us, especially Gods grace through Je-
e-mail, choose cards with Christ cen-
sus Christ. And it provides natural op-
tered images and messages. Include a
Have you ever been to a birthday party portunities to share scripture verse about the real meaning
where no one talked about the main the Gospel. Here are a few ideas: of Christmas. You never know. A sim-
guest? Of course not. Yet, some people ple card or personal
dont even realize that Christmas is a Idea 1: Send Christ-centered Christmas note might encourage someone to think
celebration of Christs birthday! cards. more about the meaning behind the
Christmas is also a wonderful time to Remember that Jesus is the reason for trees and lights.
reflect on the many blessings that God the season and not Santa Claus. If you
has bestowed upon send Christmas cards in the mail or via Contd on Next Page
 Good News Press - Page 2
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5 Ways to Share Christ During Christmas

continued from Front Page by Rev. John B. Sorensen
Idea 2: Invite others to a Christmas service
at your church. More people attend Christ-
mas and Easter church services than any
other time during the year. According to
research, Google searches for churches in-
crease weeks before each holiday (Pew Re-
Partner With Us in Sharing the tell our neighbors search, 2014). People are searching for a
about the Good place to incorporate a spiritual element into
Good News of Jesus Christ to our their holiday celebrations. Why not invite
News of Jesus
Community! Christ and reap them to a Christmas service at your church?
Good News Press is a Christian outreach eternal rewards.
publication in the San Francisco Bay Area. Good News Press Idea 3: Share some Bible prophecies con-
This popular high-quality, newspaper, in- believes that this cerning Jesus Christ. If someone asks you
forms and inspires believers, as well as commission begins how you know the Christ of Christmas is
plant seeds into the hearts of men and the Son of God, consider sharing some
in our own back-
women. prophecies concerning Jesus. For example,
yards. There are
Good News Press covers world, national, more than 7 Mil- in the Old Testament there are 333 prophe- GREAT news!
and local religious news and events, and cies about Jesus Christ, written hundreds of This Christmas, while the traditional prac-
lion people in the Bay Area. We want to years before He was born in Bethlehem. tice of exchanging gifts is in full swing,
features inspiring Christian articles and in- share the good news, and bring to them the
sights. It is available, both digitally online They include detailed accounts of His line- remember to share about the greatest gift
love of Jesus Christ. age, birth, ministry, suffering, death and ever giveneternal life through Jesus
and in full-color printed format. Urgency We believe that these are the resurrection. The chances of all of those Christ. But, you know, you cant share
Christian newspapers reach a targeted audi- last days and that Jesus Christ is soon to being fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ something you dont have. Eternal life
ence-specifically a family oriented, audi- return. is simply mind boggling! Yet every Heaven is not something we can earn and
ence, with strong loyalties and convictions. Good News Press is produced by Baron & one of them was indeed fulfilled in Jesus. we certainly dont deserve it because were
Why Support Good News Press Connie Woods. Support Our Work by Call- This is classic evidence that you can share all sinners and our sin separates us from an
Fulfill the Great Commission! Help us us ing Our Ads, Placing an ad, or by giving. with friends and family at Christmas or any- all Holy God. But the Good News is that
time. God solved our problem by sending His
Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to pay
Idea 4: Join the celebration. People are of- for our sins and purchase a place for us
Family Support Services - Oakland, CA ten more open to hearing about Jesus at this in Heaven. And we receive this gift by faith.
Are You a Caregiver who is taking care of a relatives or friends child? time of year. Research shows that more than If you havent received this gift, dont let
Family Support Services offers assistance to Kinship and Guardianship 80% of non-Christians celebrate Christmas anotherChristmas go by. Visit a local
Families, as well as foster services. (510) 834-2443. Ext. 3008 (Pew Research, 2013). They set up trees church or talk to a pastor today.
and exchange gifts and enjoy Christmas _____
traditionsso Christmas parties and holi- Rev. John B. Sorensen, D.D. is the Presi-
living alone while half of those day dinners can be perfect times to share the dent/CEO of Evangelism Explosion Interna-
Facts about over 85 do so. true meaning of Christmas with them. tional, headquartered in Arden, N.C. EE has
Poinsettias Social isolation has
been linked to immune system is-
been a leader in equipping Christians to
Red accounts for three- Idea 5: Give the ultimate gift. share their faith for more than 50 years. For
sues, depression, disrupted The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus more free tips and resources, visit evange-
fourths of poinsettia sales to-
sleep, higher levels of inflamma- Christ. That is not only Good News. Its lismexplosion.org.
day, but there are more than 100
tion and stress hormones, and
varieties, including colors of
even increased risk of heart dis-
cream, apricot, and white, ac-
ease and stroke. All of these
cording to Dr. Leonard Perry,
issues are serious on their own
Extension Professor at University
and some of them, such as depres-
of Vermont.
sion, can lead to other problems
According to the USDA
like cognitive decline and demen-
Floriculture Crops report, 35
tia which contribute further to a
million pots of poinsettias were
cycle of poor health and isola-
sold in 2014, accounting for 19 tion. All told, according to a
percent of all flowering potted
recent study at Brigham Young
plant sales. Total sales were
University involving 3.4 million
$146 million.
people, isolation and loneliness
California is the top US
showed about a 30 percent in-
state to sell poinsettias, fol-
creased likelihood of dying from
lowed by North Carolina, Texas
any cause over the next seven
and Florida.
years. This effect was most pro-
nounced in middle-aged people and
Don't stay home alone carried over into the aging popu-
lation.
during the holidays Health issues can affect
Make the holidays a spe- whether a person gets out and
cial occasion this year by get- about. So can changing friend-
ting out to the local senior cen- ships and social status.
ter, volunteering, or just enjoy-
ing activities in your area. Participating in activi-
According to the AARP, ties is important. Even if you
the number of Americans who say can't participate for a long pe-
they're lonely has doubled since riod, do what you can. Vow to
1980 from 20 percent to 40. take advantage of the activities
What's more, about one-third of offered at church and senior cen-
citizens over the age of 65 are ters. You'll feel better for it!

Get Listed in Our Business Directory Print & Online $25 mo. For More Info visit www.goodnewspress.us
World's Largest Museum Dedicated to the
Bible Marks Grand Opening in US Capital
One day before Museum of the Bible
opens to the public, a diverse group of
faith and secular leaders from around the
world gathered at the eight-story,
430,000-square-foot museum in Wash-
ington to dedicate the newest museum in
the nation's capital in front of a standing-
room-only crowd. Those joining in the
celebration in the museum's 472-seat,
technologically advanced World Stage
Theater included Cardinal Donald Wuerl,
archbishop of Washington; Rear Admiral
Margaret Kibben, chief of chaplains of
the U.S. Navy; Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt,
president of the Rabbinic Cabinet of the
Jewish Federations of North America;
U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black; and
Ron Dermer, Israel's ambassador to the
U.S. Museum of the Bible President
Cary Summers, Executive Director Tony
Zeiss, Ed.D., and Chairman of the Board
Steve Green welcomed guests and spoke
about the vision of the museum.
"We want to take a moment to set our
differences aside and say, here's a book
that has changed our worldimpacted
lives; and we want to celebrate it in this
facility today. And when guests leave
hopefully they will be inspired to get
engaged with it," Co-founder and Chair-
man of the Board Steve Green said.
"We created this museum to help our
guests understand and appreciate the role
of the Bible--not only in America, but
globally," Summers said.
"Our purpose is this: to invite all people
to engage in this wonderful book we call
the Bible," Zeiss said. "Its history, its
narrative and its impact. In fact, those are
the three themes you will see throughout
this museum."
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bow-
ser said, "It is appropriate that in the na-
tion's capital where we have soaring mu- Museum of the Bible opened to the pub-
seums and monuments and where people lic Saturday, Nov. 18,. For more info:
visit us from around the world that the
Museum of the Bible: Washingtons Newest Museum Facts
Museum of the Bible invites all peo-
ple to engage with the Bible through
museum exhibits and scholarly pur-
suits. Dedicated to the history, narra-
tive and impact of the Bible, the mu-
seum, located at 400 4th St. SW,
opens Nov. 17, 2017, three blocks
from the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
By the Numbers
Total square footage: 430,000
Floors: 8 (including two basement
levels and two new floors con-
structed on the existing rooftop)
The museum is approximately 170
feet in height from the lowest
level to the rooftop
Central exhibit floors: 3 (History,
Narrative and Impact of the Bi-
ble)
Construction and property costs:
More than $500 million
Workers on-site daily at construc-
Good News Press - Page 3
Museum of the Bible would be built
here."
Israeli Ambassador to the United States ful vintage buckets for smaller
Ron Dermer said, "Today, nearly two
and a half centuries after America's
founding, we are gathered to celebrate
the arrival of the Bible in your capital.
Just as the Bible has always been the
most prized possession of the Jewish
people, the Bible has always been cher-
ished by the American people. The tow-
ering figures that are memorialized with
monuments in this great city surely testi-
fy to that."
The morning ceremony was followed by
an official ribbon-cutting in front of the
museum's entrance.
museumofthebible.org.
tions peak: 500 600
Time it takes to read every plac-
ard, see every artifact and expe-
rience every activity in the mu-
seum: 9 days at 8 hours per
day
Floor height (in feet) needed to
accommodate exhibits: 20
(approximately)
Length (in feet) of giant LED ceil-
ing screen running the expanse
of the museums
grand lobby: 140
Biblical garden: 1 on rooftop
Ballroom: Dinner seating for 420,
lecture-style seating for 630
Performing arts hall: 472 seats
Number of biblical texts and arti-
facts on display on the History
floor alone: More than 500
Number of blocks from the Nation-
al Mall: 2 (approximately three
minutes walking)
New looks for Christmas trees
The centerpiece of many
homes in December, the Christmas
tree is often decorated with
sentimental ornaments and a
style beloved by each family.
If you want to mix it up
a bit this year, try these tips
from countryliving.com.
New colors: Try black and
white, especially with ribbons.
Also: ice blue and silver, pink
bows and gold ornaments, white
bulbs with brown extras like
pine cones, or bulbs that make
a rainbow of color.
Ornaments: Among the pos-
sibilities are spray-painted
birdhouses, toy soldiers or
nutcrackers, large glittering
letters, or small flag gar-
lands.
Materials: How about bur-
lap for garlands, scrapbook
tags, triangular flags made of
burlap, or feathers.
Tree stands: Why do you
have to get a conventional en tree? Want to make one? Try
stand with a skirt? Try color- decorating with cooking items
from cookie cutters to flatware.
trees or re-purpose objects. See Country Living's 67
Use baskets or tree pots. tree suggestions at: countryliv-
New places: Have a kitch- ing.com/christmas-ideas.
Countdown to Christmas dinner at your house
* Five days before: Plan the menu and the Make your pies and desserts.
place settings, table decorations and center If you don't have a portable ov-
pieces. en, borrow one for the day so you can
Plan the system and decide bake or heat different foods at the same
whether guests will fill their dishes before time.
going to the tables or whether you will * The night before: Set the ta-
have serving bowls on the tables, which is ble. Have salt and pepper shakers in place
more work. and fill the butter dishes.
Ask someone to say the meal Get someone to help with set-
prayer. ting up another table if you need one, and
* Three days before: Check bringing in the chairs.
your ingredients against the menu to make * Christmas day: When some-
sure you have everything. one asks how they can help, have them cut
* One day before: Make some cakes and pies into servings. People won't
foods in advance so you can just heat cut an uncut pie to serve themselves.
them. * At dinner: Ask guests to hold
Peel potatoes and put them in hands for the prayer, if it is your tradition.
cold water in the fridge. They will stay * After dinner: If the women
fresh if you want to make mashed pota- have cooked, the men can clear the table
toes. after dinner.
Museum of the Bible: Washingtons Newest Museum Overview
Floor-by-Floor Overview Third floor: Narrativeof the Bible gallery
Minus 2: Storage, administrative, re- Fourth floor: History of the Bible gallery
search labs Fifth floor: Long-term exhibit space for
Minus 1: Short-term exhibit space, me- international museum galleries, per-
chanical/electrical forming arts hall, Museum of the Bible
First floor: Lobby, atrium, orientation offices, Scholars Initiative offices, con-
area, childrens gallery and affiliated ference hall
libraries, mezzanine with coffee shop Sixth floor: Biblical garden, viewing gal-
Second floor: Impact of the Bible gallery lery, gathering room, restaurant
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