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God’s love through Jesus on Christmas

Matthew 1:18-25 With explosions, earthquakes and shooting stars, that’s how many expected to see the Messiah descending out of heaven. No one would miss his coming! The whole world would have to bow down in wonder before him. But God’s purpose wasn’t to wow us into submission before the awesome power of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His purpose was to save us. It was to restore a relationship with Him. God’s plan was to give us unmistakable proof of His love for us. And so, God chose to become like us so we could see what love looks like. Amazing. The King of Kings and ...

Religion briefs

Editor’s note: To submit a nonprofit announcement to The Sentinel’s Religion section, contact Tom Laub at (717) 248-6741 or by email at living@lewistownsentinel.com. Items also may be faxed to (717) 248-3481 or sent to The Sentinel, 352 Sixth St., Lewistown, PA 17044. Items must be received by Tuesday for publication in the Saturday edition. Submissions will be published as space allows. The editor reserves the right to edit all submissions. ••• UMC to host Bible study LEWISTOWN — First Bakers United Methodist Church will host a Bible study every Wednesday at 7 p.m. ...

New Camp Mount Luther program celebrates season

MIFFLINBURG — The staff at Camp Mount Luther knows this time of year is a busy one. They know you need to take a breath and remember what the season is all about. What better way than to join friends and spend time outdoors, enjoying creation. Executive Director Chad Hershberger will lead an Advent Holy Hike from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18 on the grounds at Camp Mount Luther. The hike will be about one mile in length and will feature scripture readings, singing, and reflection. The hike will start and end at the Evergreen Center. There will be hot chocolate, coffee, and tea ...

Who were the wise men who visited Jesus?

By Eric Vanden Eykel Ferrum College The Conversation Christmas Nativity scenes around the world feature a familiar cast of characters: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, an angel or two, some barnyard animals, shepherds and, of course, the three wise men led by a star. Within the New Testament, the story of the wise men is found only in the Gospel of Matthew. It spans 12 short verses, and is simpler than most readers likely remember. The wise men arrive in Jerusalem from an unnamed location “in the East,” led by a star and in search of a new king. They make their way to Bethlehem, where ...

Who Invented Music?

By Laura Dallman University of Florida The Conversation Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com. Who invented music? — Rom, age 7, Las Vegas, Nevada The short answer is: No one knows who invented music. No historical evidence exists to tell us exactly who sang the first song, or whistled the first tune, or made the first rhythmic sounds that resembled what we know today as music. But researchers do know it happened thousands of years ago. The earliest ...

Former pastor offers to assist churches and build faith

LEWISTOWN — A former Mifflin County pastor is looking to help struggling churches in the area to help others come closer to Jesus Christ. Dr. Howard Houtz and his Church Ministry Assessments, formed in November of this year, has made it his mission to help keep the faith in Mifflin County. “Basically what I’ve heard over the years is that a number of churches are declining, churches that don’t know what to do next and I have had people approach me,” Houtz said. “I’ve had other churches say things like, ‘I don’t know why we can’t grow, we don’t have any children ...