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i re B= mee See Tp rr SAE ---- eT EE CHRIST IS BORN IN A MANGER LUKE -2:1-7 From THE LIVING BIBLE About this time Caesar Augustus, the Roman Em- peror, decreed that a census should be taken through- out the nation. (This census was taken when Quirin- ius was governor of Syria.) Everyone was required to return to his ancestral: home for this registration. And because Joseph was a member of the royal line, he had to go to Bethle- hem in Judea, King David's ancient home--:journey- ing there from the Galilean village of Nazareth. He took Mary, his fiancee, who was obviously pregnant by this time. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born; and she gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn. ' Illustrations from TAYLOR'S BIBLE STORY BOOK new Christmas season. May you enjoy your holidays with that good-old-time happy spirit. CONWAY GARDENS Coptic' Customs Rulein Ethiopia Ethiopia-is a land which has been Christian for some 1600 years. The Ethiopian Orthodox Coptic Church, which has much in common with other Eastern Rite churches, such as the Greek and the Russian, is the es- tablished church of the na- tion. In its interesting and unusual customs, which are a blend of Christian, Heb- raic, and pagan traditions, there are many unusual rites and ceremonies, cen- tering on the important Church festivals of Christ- mas and Epiphany. Today, in Ethiopia, cus- toms of the Western cele- bration of Christmas are beginning to find popular- ity, so that Santa Claus is becoming a familiar figure, Christmas trees are being set up and decorated, and gifts are being exchanged. All this is done, however, according to the dates of the old Julian calendar, which is the one followed in Ethiopia, so that they celebrate Christmas on January Tth. In this connection, it.is I erasing 0 know that the year in Ethiopia consists of 13 months, starting on Sep- tember 11, when spring be- gins. There are 12 months of 30 days each, plus a short month of 5 days, known as Pagumen. This comes just before the New Year. However westernized the Ethiopian Christmas may become, the people are not likely to change their ob- servance of important reli- gious festivals. In the month of January, known as Tirr, the Coptic Church observes 4 festivals -- the first being Christmas, but even more important is Epiphany, or Timket. This has, as its main feature, the blessing of water and the sprinkling of it on the assembled faith- ful -- a re-enactment of Christ's baptism by John the Banus, On the previous day, all is made ready. Bells ring, trumpets blow, and drums roll as the priests carry the sacred "Tabot" out from the church to a Special carpeted tent, where it remains overnight until time for the priests to bring it forth for the ceremony. The "Tabot" #s the most |_--"5acred object in the church. It represents the Ark of the Covenant, which, according to tradition, was hrought to Ethiopia from Jerusalem by Menelik, son of King Solo- mon and the Queen of She- ba. The Tabot is really a portable altar holding the sacred vessels for celebrat- ing the Eucharist, and is al- ways carried concealed un- der crimson cloths, on the heads of the priests. Port Perry Star Chnstmas Edition. 1972 19 Marzipan: famed Holiday Sweet Marzipan, which is basi- cally a simple combination of almonds and sugar, is considered the peerless con fection for holiday tables, all over Europe. It appears in many forms not only exquisite bonbons, usually shaped into fruits and veg- etables, but also as the deli- cious bittersweet ingredient in all sorts of cakes and cookies and pastries, Marzipan has an ancient history, having been cre- ated by the Persians and Egyptians shortly after the birth 'of Christ. It has al- ways been associated with elaborate dishes and deco- rations, especially at Christ- mas. Then, bakeries display cakes and cookies trimmed with holly leaves and fig- ures of Santa Claus in col- ored marzipan. Some of the fine patisseries create elab- orate sculptured displays showing entire scenes. THE BEAN KING } In parts of France, Spain, and Mexico they still eat a special 12th Night cake, in which a single bean has been concealed. The finder of the bean is hailed as Bean King --a survival of an ancient pagan custom which chose the King of the Saturnalia by lot in this way. CSR "Y Our good 0 wishes are on their way to you this 7 ty happy time . . . erry IMS istmas CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE Oe 0° During Christmastime we extend to all our neighbors and friends warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday. HAUGEN'S CHICKEN BARBECUE Decorated with Hearty "Thank You's"... You're the frosting on our cake . . . and doing business with you is a real treat. To you, wishes for a Christmas full of goodies. HANK'S PASTRIES In © Merry ChyStmag Best wishes of the season, friends, and grateful thanks. HARRIS & HARRIS Barristers & Solicitors The beauty anda spirit of the season brings to mind most wonderful gifts . . . friend- ship, loyalty and good will, We thank you for yours and wish you a Merry Christmas. Port Perry Auto Supply