Features

A long time ago
in a galaxy far, far away...

There was a Ring

[DEC. 24, 2002]

Mighty in its power, The Ring was cherished as it was coveted, though it had even yet to have been discovered.

In contrast to the world, a world filled with an encompassing darkness, there dwelled within The Ring a light no mortal could prove capable of possessing of their own. But it was a light which every mortal needed. And the possessor of The Ring was the most unlikely of them all:

A small child.

A babe by the name…of…Anikan H. Potter.

A mystical birth brought forth the light and life of young Potter, who was destined to learn the craft of this, the more powerful light…The Light of The Ring. But an evil awaits.

The Dark Sith Lord Hogwart, wicked ruler of the Middle-Earth, between the ultimate land of darkness below and the ground where the righteous tread above, was determined to stop the light. But to stop the light meant a total destroying of the gift of The Ring. Therefore, too, the destroying of young Anikan. Alas, the limited powers of the Sith Lord’s supernatural army proved fleeting against the will of The Ring’s Creator. And hence, in the choosing of the tiny Potter, the Creator then also allowed the gift of The Ring to be spread among the mortals. Shepherds, craftsmen, even the high but corporeal elected rulers of this Middle-Earth land: All to be allowed possession of the light of The Ring, but only so by their own choosing. So the Dark Sith Lord called upon not the minions of his own clone, but rather Hogwart then shifted his leadership toward the forces of the mortals, turning the shepherds and craftsmen and rulers against each other, even after they had already accepted the gift of the light.

Passed down now into the hands of the mortals, The Ring, along with the gift of its light, has proven through time to maintain its power. Shining. Swallowing the darkness inside all who had chosen to be part of the dark. For the power of The Ring maintains the power of its Creator.

The Dark Sith Lord Hogwart is still a rampant traveler. A traveler who spreads. Taking dark around with him as he moves vastly from mortal to mortal. Hoping, in that fastness, to continue his own will: To turn shepherds against shepherds by mere means of the trivial. For pettiness has become the light of the Dark Lord’s dark. And so it begins again: Power against Power.

But behold the true power: The Power of The Ring.

[Colin Bird]

The Christmas story

[DEC. 24, 2002]

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you:  Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

[Luke 2:1-19; KJV]

[Susan Lynn, Signal Mountain, Tenn.]

Announcements

Lincoln Christian Church
to offer Alpha Course

[DEC. 7, 2002]  Lincoln Christian Church will introduce the Alpha Course on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the church's Fellowship Center, at the corner of Pekin and Hamilton streets. This 10-week practical introduction to the Christian faith offers answers to some key questions.

Each weekly session begins with an informal dinner followed by a large-group learning time and ends with small-group discussion. Attending the Jan. 14 introductory evening does not obligate individuals to continue the course.

Alpha began in London, England, and is now offered in thousands of communities around the world. Join the millions who have found answers about life and God. To learn more about the course, call 732-7618 or visit the church's website, lincolnchristianchurch.org.

Back to top