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The best Christmas ever Luke 1:46-56

The Christmas story is such a magnificent one—so full of tenderness and love. As a young bride-to-be of Joseph, Mary knew God was at work in her life. Her cousin Elizabeth knew, too. When she greeted Mary, she exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. . .” Mary answered Elizabeth with a song of joy, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his ...

Be thankful for what you have

A true account is told of a group of young people who had gone to the Caribbean on a mission trip. They didn’t travel there for luxuries the area is known for. Instead, they visited a leper colony on the island of Tobago. While there, they held a worship service. We can only imagine the impression that must have left on the hearts and minds of those young teens, as the emaciated lepers filled the bare pews, waiting to worship the God they loved. There was this one memory, though, that is deeply engraved in the souls of all who attended. The pastor had asked for song selections from ...

Religion briefs

Editor’s note: To submit a nonprofit announcement to The Sentinel’s Religion section, contact Erin Thompson at (717) 248-6741 or by email at ethompson@lewistownsentinel.com. Items also may be faxed to (717) 248-3481 or sent to The Sentinel, 352 Sixth Street, Lewistown, PA 17044. Items should arrive to The Sentinel by Wednesday afternoon for publication in the Saturday edition. Submissions will be published as space allows. The editor reserves the right to edit all submissions. ¯¯¯ Church to host special speakers REEDSVILLE — Schrader United Methodist Church will host the ...

REEDSVILLE — The 13th Alternative Gift Fair, hosted annually by East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church in Reedsville will be held by mail this year due to continuing COVID-19 concerns. Individuals may make a donation in honor of a loved one to one or more of 17 non-profit organizations doing work in our area and around the world. You then receive a card to announce your gift. Some folks give in memory of a loved one, and others just make a donation. All monies received go to the non-profits. This year, the Alternative Gift Fair is supporting the following: The Abuse ...

In birdwatching, Christian ‘ornitheoligists’ see God’s hand

(RNS) — It is early morning in the Great Smoky Mountains. Kevin Burrell is half asleep and wrapped tightly in his sleeping bag. Before surrendering his warm cocoon to the chilly morning air, he hears the call of a hermit thrush just above his tent, coaxing him to stay in bed for just a few seconds longer. The flutelike tune stops but is promptly followed by the quick chirps of a northern cardinal and the cheerful song of a tufted titmouse. Burrell, with the skill of an avid birdwatcher, realized these sounds were coming from the same spot above his tent and that, while the calls ...

Christmas services

Editor’s note: The following Christmas services have been submitted to The Sentinel. To have your church’s service listed, email ethompson@lewistownsentinel.com or call Erin Thompson and leave a message at (717) 248-6741, ext. 117. Yeagertown United Methodist Church YEAGERTOWN — Yeagertown United Methodist Church, 7 N. Mann Ave., Yeagertown, will hold a Christmas eve service at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 24. There will be a candle lighting service. Reedsville United Methodist Church REEDSVILLE — Reedsville United Methodist Church will hold a traditional Christmas Eve ...