Dear Friend,

Through His prophets and teachers, God made every effort to provide the people of ancient Israel and Judah with His wonderful laws and the blessings that would result if obeyed. However, as biblical history shows, they continually rejected God and His ways that would have led to happiness and success—the people simply would not listen or heed.

Could the same be said today about the United States and other Western nations that have (so far) enjoyed such abundance and prosperity? Just what do we see? Isn't God and His truth being abandoned on an increasing scale in the public arena? What is seen on television, motion picture and computer screens these days? Are they not often dominated by images of adultery, pornography, murder, violence and oppressive language? A materialistic lifestyle is constantly promoted as the way to happiness. It also appears that fewer and fewer young people are being taught sound moral values—especially respect for others.

To further reach out to young people, the United Church of God has recently introduced a new magazine for youth, ages 12 to 22, titled Vertical Thought, and subtitled "a magazine of understanding for tomorrow's leaders".

We have also greatly expanded our Web and print promotions of The Good News magazine. In December and January alone, we expect to add more than 20,000 subscribers via Internet advertising. During that same period, we will also offer free subscriptions to The Good News to more than 3,640,000 households via various card packs and through bind-in cards in Countryside magazine.

We are determined, through the guidance of Christ, to reach as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, with the truth of His gospel message. As Jesus explained in John 9:4, a time is coming when "no one can work." As these efforts continue and expand to reach new people, please keep in mind that we are here to serve you as well. All of our literature and ministerial resources are available to you. Please don't hesitate to write or call anytime for additional literature or ministerial counseling.

Throughout much of the world, the Christmas season is underway. We have entered four stressful weeks in which millions of people fight traffic and mall crowds seeking the perfect gifts at the perfect price. Then the other shoe drops in January when the credit card bills arrive. Many people spend, on average, four to six months paying off their Xmas shopping debts.

Let me ask you some questions. What if someone wanted to throw a big birthday bash for a friend of yours—but they did it several months away from his actual birthday? And what if he didn't want them to, but they did anyway and nobody talked with or about him at the party. And, of all things, they brought gifts and gave them to each other! Sounds odd, doesn't it? Yet that's a pretty good description of Xmas. Santa Claus and getting gifts are the focus today—not honoring Christ.

But there is an even more important issue than finances to consider. You see, not only does Xmas not honor Christ; when you look into it you find that it dishonors all that He stands for. Its origin goes back to a time long before His birth. Check it out for yourself in almost any encyclopedia!

If you would like to look further into this important subject, request or download our free booklet Holidays or Holy Days: Does It Matter Which Days We Keep? You'll likely be amazed at what you'll discover!

In Christ's Service,

Roy Holladay
President
United Church of God, an International Association