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i 1 C The Canadian Statesman. Bowmanville, December 23.1985 Section Four YULETHDE GREET3RGS ra « it\\t in !' iaii it 7K it iitl\W Hanukkah commemorates ancient miracle The Jewish Festival of lights, or Hanukkah, takes place during the month of December. This holiday commemorates a miracle that occurred 2,000. years ago, when the light in the Jewish temple's lamp burned burned for 8 full days, although there was only enough oil for one day. The miraculous miraculous lighting of the temple lamp took place when the Maccabees revolted against the Hellenist Syrians, reclaimed reclaimed the temple and rededicated rededicated it. Today, the menorah, a candelabra of 8 candles, is lit for 8 successive nights in Jewish homes. One candle is lit the first night, and another candle is added each night, until the whole candelabra is ablaze with light on the last night. For the Jewish youngster, it is a source of great pride to be allowed to light the menor ah. Besides its religious and historical significance, Hanukkah is also a time to celebrate. It is, after all, a Festival of Lights! Jewish families traditionally celebrate celebrate with songs, by exchanging exchanging gifts and eating special holiday foods. Traditionally, Hanukkah gifts were coins, collected by youngsters and presented presented to their teacher or rabbi. rabbi. Today, chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil may take the place of the gelt, and a variety of modern- day gifts may be exchanged. exchanged. Games are part of the celebration, too. An ancient, ancient, 4-sided top known as the dreidel is especially appropriate appropriate to this holiday. Each side of the top is decorated with a Hebrew letter. The dreidel is spun, and the side that shows tells the spinner his fate: nun means the spinner gets nothing, nothing, gimel means the spinner takes all, hay indicates indicates that the spinner gets half, and shin, that the spinner spinner puts something back. No celebration would be complete without a feast, and Hanukkah has its own special dishes. Traditional to this holiday are Hanukkah Hanukkah latkes, or pancakes, topped with sour cream, applesauce or sugar. When family and friends drop by, latkes are often served with a hot wine punch. Hanukkah is a joyous holiday celebrating a happy happy occasion, and is looked forward to by children and adults alike. from Roy Terry of CARPET 1 UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Call 623-2474 A star appeared For centuries, the image of the star of Bethlehem has captured the imagination of believers and scientists alike at Christmas. The Scriptures do not give many details about the star. Matthew's gospel tells us only that the Wise Men came from the Orient, saying, saying, "Where is He that is bom King of the Jews, for we have seen His star in the East and are come to worship worship Him." Still, there are many theories regarding the star, some based on faith alone, others based on astronomical astronomical explanations. One scientific theory is that the star may have been a supernova, a star that suddenly explodes into rti + Z Uhristmas Once again, hearts are lifted in hope and joy, renewed by the message of Christmas. Let us be glad! . from Paul R. Morris - Robert B. Williams Gary M. Conway Morris Funeral Chapel 4 Division Street Bowmanville Telephone 623-5480 'A Century of Service to the Durham Region" brilliance. | Because the supernova is quite rare, it would have been regarded as a sign of supernatural significance in the time of Jesus. And, since the supernova supernova remains brilliant for many months, such an occurrence would allow, the Magi sufficient time to travel in search of the Infant. Still another scientific theory is that the star was not actually a star, but a grouping of bright planets. Another theory is that the star was really a comet. According to researchers, , one comet appeared for around 70 days in the spring of 5 B.C. The Wise Men that Matthew Matthew describes were probably probably astronomers, say some researchers. Other historians claim that the Wise Men were actually kings: Melchior, King of Arabia; Caspar, King of Tarsus; and Balthasar, King of Ethiopia. Matthew does not specify that there were three Magi. Our tradition celebrates three Wise Men, but Oriental Oriental Christians had a tradition tradition of twelve. Whether the star of Bethlehem Bethlehem was actually a star, a comet or a conjunction of planets, and whether the visitors visitors from the East were astrologers or kings, the symbolism of the Magi following that light to the Infant Jesus is summed up by an expression so popular at Christmas time: "Today, wise men still seek Him." Abloom with Cheer! Here's to a season of unending delights, as well as a holiday that's merry and bright. Thanks, friends. The Apple Blossom Shop Christmas Day in t fie Morning As I sat on a sunny bank, A sunny bank, a sunny bank, As I sat on a sunny bank On Christmas Day in the morning. I saw three ships come sailing sailing by, Come sailing by, come sailing sailing by, I saw three ships come sailing sailing by, On Christmas Day in the morning. And who d'you think were on the ship, Were on the ship, were on the ship, And who d'you think were on the ship But Joseph and his Fair Lady. 0 he did whistle and she did sing, And all the bells on earth did ring For joy our Savior Christ was bom On Christmas Day in the morning. -- Anonymous NMMMMMIMIKU Verse for the Week. And the angel said unto them, fear not; for, behold, 1 bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. -- Luke 2:10 8 Msrry Christens «4 Hippy New Ywr j 1 2 There's no place like home for the holidays! May you and your family enjoy a bright and merry yuletide! Management and Stall ol MARQWILL FUR FARM 2 2 2 .jasijssi5=jasW!Wix«w5Kaw*aw!sa5a?iiB^isas«Ba»a)ai#wsBa'f. From the scent of pine to brightly wrapped gifts... the festive spirit in the air to the jolly old man in a bright red suit... Christmas is the embodiment of love, peace and joy for all mankind... a time when many take special care in expressing gratitude to those who've been there. And for us, that feeling of appreciation abides in the relationship we've had with our many patrons. As we extend our sincere thanks, we wish you. .: A very Merry Christmas To One and All! u- -J: /V tU , m *?*•*.,■ /*■ i IBB Ms Ma i'MWX K%! imm v?P' : I yr tWy-tb. X \\ \ Sr From the Management and Staff of HGDKGD OMV1ÏDG© DOWM4MNILL€ M4LL 243 KING STREET EAST, BOWMANVILLE