Christmas Movies

by   December 20, 2025 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

Christmas Movies

            I enjoy watching Christmas movies. I like to start early so I can fit in all my favorites before Christmas. I have some old favorites that I want to see every year or two. My wife and I really like some of the old black and white films. We try to watch a new one each year, but we both really like the old classics.

            There is one movie we watch every year and that is “Miracle on 34th Street,” the 1947 original in black and white. We have the colorized version and we will watch that some years, but we both prefer the black and white version. We also have the remake that was done a few years back, but give us the classic anytime.

            Two other old classics that we love are “Christmas in Connecticut” and “It Happened on 5th Avenue.” I think they might be labeled as romantic screwball comedies because they are both so funny and yet tender in their own way. These two movies tell great stories that will warm your heart at this time of year and I want to see at least one of them every year.  

            Our new movie for this year was “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” It actually came out last year and is produced by Dallas Jenkins, who produces “The Chosen.” I strongly encourage you to watch “The Chosen.” It is a great series depicting the life of Jesus in a very realistic way.

            In “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” you meet the Herdmans, six siblings who are rowdy, undisciplined bullies. They decide to come to church and be a part of the church’s traditional Christmas pageant…a disaster in the making. I won’t spoil the movie for you, but it is a great story and Dallas Jenkins brings a special touch to this film based on the classic children’s book. I highly recommend it.

            Most of us don’t want families like the Herdmans to come and ruin our churches. We want polite and respectful children who are obedient. We want our children to be dressed nicely. We want our churches to be neat and tidy and our people to be the same. We don’t want anyone who is dirty or who have sinful lives. What could THOSE kind of people add to our church?

            When we believe our sins are less bad than other people’s sins, we are in trouble. If our sins were listed for all to see at the front of the church, most of us would be ducking out. Jesus taught us that He came for the sick, for those who need a Savior. Jesus highly criticized the religious leaders of His day because they were shutting the doors on those who were seeking a relationship with God. Jesus wants to save the lost, fill them with His love, and give them a God- centered purpose in their lives.

            Jesus’ coming is not like a movie. It actually happened to real people who were treated badly. People thought Mary and Joseph had committed sin. But they endured the shame and disgrace in order to bring the Savior into the world. Life was hard for them living on the run. Knowing they were raising the Savior came with challenges. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus chose obedience and did the hard thing to give everyone the chance at a relationship with God.

            Most of us have family or friends who are not saved. Christmas reminds us that everyone is welcome in God’s house. Jesus wants to be found and comfort the broken hearted. Jesus was born in a manger so that ALL could approach Him. Jesus made Himself accessible so all could receive Him. Jesus loves every person, especially those who are far from Him…and our family and friends who need Him.

            If you are looking for love and acceptance then I encourage you to open your heart to Jesus this Christmas season. You don’t have to clean yourself up, just come as you are. There is forgiveness, peace, and joy available for you. God has saved you a place at His Christmas table. There is always room for one more. Jesus loves you and accepts you with all your problems and hang-ups. He has a plan to help you turn your life around. Come home this Christmas season to the family of God. Jesus came for ALL of us, sinner and saint, no matter what our lives look like. Jesus is born! He came for YOU!   Merry Christmas from my heart to yours.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

His Birthday

by   December 19, 2025 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

For the secular and non-Christ followers in America, Christmas most likely is a season of gifts, a season of colorful lights, a season for a trip to share time with relatives, a season for a tree decorated with trinkets and heirlooms, a season for parties, and more. It seems  this observer that “the season” has begun earlier and earlier in order to take full advantage of the commercial side of this birthday.

However, for this Christ-follower, the substance of this birthday is more. Yes, I have always given and received gifts, had a decorated tree, and such. But I am aware of the power of the commercial world during Christmas and work to “be in the world, but not of  the world.”

Jesus’ birth mystifies still. Yes, he was born of a virgin, but what of the arduous journey that his parents made?  What of the smelly shepherds informed of his birth by angels? What of the Roman military occupiers of the land who wanted the child killed? What of so much surrounding this birth of one small child? Luke writes in 2: 18-19 that Mary, after hearing from the shepherds that folks wondered at their story, “kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” Since Luke was not present at that time, did the young virgin, who was cast like Job into an unasked-for role,  tell him how she felt at that time?  We know so much with so little, and our faith must take over for much of Jesus’ birth.  

But we are a culture that likes and expects concrete answers. So, I offer to the reader a poem by the English poet, U.A. Fanthorpe that may explain this magnificent birth:

BC:AD

This was the moment when Before

Turned into After, and the future’s

Uninvented timekeepers presented arms.

This was the moment when nothing

Happened. Only dull peace

Sprawled boringly over the earth.

This was the moment when even energetic Romans

Could find nothing better to do

Than counting heads in remote provinces.

And this was the moment

When a few farm workers and three

Members of an obscure Persian sect

Walked haphazard by starlight straight

Into the kingdom of heaven.

May peace reign: Vrede, Salām, Paz, Shalom, Peace to us all.

Resolution Run

by   December 18, 2025 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Resolution Run, Why You Should Do It?

    Rowan County had 31 normal races in 2025, plus we had two Girls on the Run events. Some of these events were small and three of them pushed on 400 participants. The West Rowan Bible Teachers 5K, the Butterball 5K and Winter Flight’s 8K and 5K were the big ones. We’ve had great fun at all of them, in fact, some people enjoy them so much that they seldom miss one. Why is that?

   First and easiest is that we all need to challenge ourselves with good exercise, at a pace that we can handle. Since most of the local events are 5K’s, 3.1 miles, all ages are welcome. We often see kids, 9 and under, and occasionally we’ll get 90-year-olds to join in.

   Do a few and be assured that you’ll make new friends, even without trying hard. Walkers are always welcome and many of them walk and talk the whole distance of the race. Many of our races average about 100 people, and it is my guarantee that if you join in at whatever pace, you’ll soon be looking for blossoming friendships at the next one.

    We all love the outdoors, and you’ll get plenty of that. Some of the races are scenic, but no doubt you will enjoy improving your health while exploring new areas. I found out years ago that every time I went to a new race, I learned something about the town or city. You probably would too!

    Races locally remain inexpensive, often half of what they cost in Charlotte. Our 5K’s average about $30 per entry, and for that total, participants will be a part of a group effort for better health, get a quality dri-fit t-shirt or some other exercise apparel like socks, gloves or toboggans. Participants also get great refreshments and a chance at overall and age group awards.

     While what you as the participant may get is important, just as big is what the charitable organization gets because of your presence. Sponsors of all shapes and sizes see the event and want to be part of it, and in the long run, the host charity is the biggest winner of all.

     Another way to make the most of one of our local runs is to volunteer for it, to just say, “How can I help? What can I do?” Those are the two sweetest phrases that a race director gets to hear.

     So, how can you get involved, get your feet wet and just give it a try? We have one race a year that has been long intended for boosting new commitments to better health for the upcoming year. Would you believe that this race is next, just at the right time of year? Just when everyone is worried about resolutions! The problem with most resolutions is they aren’t defined enough or aren’t achievable. The “I want to lose weight!” or “I am going to improve my health!” aren’t easily measurable or achievable.

     The Resolution 5K is Thursday, January 1st, and is hosted by The Forum and Salisbury Rowan Runners. It is open to anyone; pace doesn’t matter and the best part for many is that the cost is only $10 early registration and $15 on New Year’s Day. Participants get a new shirt, plenty of refreshments and the knowledge that the whole event benefits Rowan Helping Ministries.

    If you have thought about doing a 5K locally and want to explore what makes the experience so much fun, this is the perfect run/walk 5K to get started. Come do your pace, nobody else will care, except that they will be glad you showed up to just be a part of the fun. You’ll get encouraged, and then you’ll feel proud of yourself for doing all the good things mentioned here.

      It’s simple, go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org and click on race calendar and then the Resolution 5K. You will see several ways to sign up. And stop by New Year’s morning to tell me that you made it! Bring a few extra canned goods or used running shoes for Rowan Helping Ministries too!

Gotta’ Run: Resolution Run, why you should do it?

Lynna’s “Z”

by   December 17, 2025 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

“When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” He said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.” -Luke 19:5,6

What a picture! A grown man in a tree. All his accumulated wealth didn’t make him any taller. I feel your pain Zac… well, except for the rich part. There was a time when I loved to climb a good tree. Now I don’t even venture onto a step stool. I’ve been warned. Anyway, I love this little story. What a beautiful picture of the heart of Jesus. Loosely translated He said, Hey buddy! Come down from there! I want to be friends with you too. Let’s go get a little matzah ball soup and get to know each other!

Zac scampered down that tree so fast he probably had bark burns. Then the friendship began. Jesus invites us too. No need to stay in the tree. There’s joy to be had!

Let’s go!

Tree art by John Koch of Ocracoke Island, NC

Family is More than Blood Relatives

by   December 16, 2025 with No Comments

Steve Hartman helps us understand that family is much more than blood relatives. Family is….people….people we do life with every day. It might be work, school, a neighbor… Listen to Steve Hartman’s story and see what family really is….. ENJOY!

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