Deerfield Beach

Dec. 4: The residential director for Blue Sky Treatment Center said that three television sets were stolen from three apartments at 961 SW 15 St.

Dec. 9: It was reported that a man stole an 18 pack of beer from a Mobil Gas Station at 901 W. Sample Rd.

Dec. 9: An elderly woman was tricked by a younger woman into letting her into a home to check the water. The woman then stole $700. The incident was reported at 2379 SW 15 St.

Dec. 9: A man reported that his car parked at 1000 E. Hillsboro Blvd. and a key fab, headphones and $150 in cash were stolen.

Lighthouse Point

Nov. 17: Someone stole a political sign from in front of the residence at 1990 NE 31 Ct. The loss was $13.90.

Nov. 20: The victim went shopping and paid for groceries at the store at 3200 N. Federal Hwy. The victim recalled placing her wallet on a counter and then realized it was missing. The wallet contained ID, a social security card and a credit card.

Nov. 25: Someone attempted to enter a residence under construction at 3730 NE 23 Ave. No entry was made.

Christmas Services

Cathedral Church of God

365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Day – 9:30 a.m.

For more information, call 954-427-0302.

Christian Love Fellowship

801 SE 10 St., Suite 4

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Day – 10 a.m.

For more information, call 954-428-8990

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 5 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Eve – 7 p.m. (candlelight service)

• Christmas Day – 10 a.m.

For more information, call 954-427-0222

Cross Community Church

841 SE 2 Court

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Day – 2 p.m.

For more information, call 954-427-3045

St. Peter’s Anglican Church

1416 SE 2 Terr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Eve – 10:30 p.m., Midnight Mass

• Lessons and Carols, Holy Communion, refreshments

• All are welcome.

• Christmas Day – 10 a.m.

For more information, call 954-695-0336.

First Baptist Church

701 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Eve – 6 p.m. (candlelight service)

• Christmas Day – 10:30 a.m.

For more information, call 954-427-1216

Grace Baptist Church

501 NE 48 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

• Christmas Eve – 6 p.m. (candlelight service)

For more information, call 954-421-0190

St. Ambrose Church

380 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Eve – 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m. & Midnight

• Christmas Day – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 noon & 6 p.m.

For more information, call 954-427-2225

Zion Lutheran Church

959 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Christmas Eve – 7 p.m. & 10 p.m.

• Christmas Day – 10 a.m.

For more information, call 954-421-3146

Chanukah Services

Chanukah at the Beach

Sunday, Dec. 25, 4 p.m.

S. Ocean Way, between SE 1 St. and SE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Latkes, jelly doughnuts, dreidels, arts andc rafts for kids and music. Presented by Chabad of North Broward Beaches. For more information, visit www.jewishlhp.com.

Chanukah event

Tuesday, Dec. 27, 4:45 p.m.

Chabad of Deerfield Beach

1874 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Live music, doughnuts, latkes, driedels, chocolate gelt, grand menorah lighting and more. $5. For more info, visit www.chabaddeerfield.com.

Grand Menorah Lighting

Wednesday, Dec. 28, 5 p.m.

Pompano Beach Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

In the courtyard, near the carousel. Join Mayor Lamar Fisher with music, hot latkes, doughnuts, dreidels, crafts for the kids. Presented by Chabad of North Broward Beaches. For more information, visit www.jewishlhp.com.

Chanukah New Year’s Party

Saturday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.

Hooper Home

2370 NE 26 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

For the community… Kosher buffet, open bar and more. Presented by Chabad of North Broward Beaches. For more information, visit www.jewishlhp.com.

It is easy in our modern times to forget the significance of the Christmas event. With all the emphasis upon twinkling lights, holiday shopping and family gatherings, there is a need for a purposeful reminder that without Christ there would be no Christmas. The Biblical and historical account of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth is of great importance to the whole of humanity. Believers would argue that it offers the single greatest influence upon this world. The gospel of Matthew recounts the events that preceded and surrounded the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph are betrothed for marriage when she is suddenly discovered to be pregnant. An angel speaks to Joseph in a dream to allay his fears and to convey the supernatural and eternal significance of what has taken place.

Matthew 1:21 records, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” The name Jesus means “he shall save.” His mission and purpose were, therefore, indicated in His name. Because of Adam’s transgression, mankind was plunged into a quagmire of iniquity that manifested in rebellion against God. The stranglehold of sin had to be broken so that men could experience true fellowship with God as originally intended. Jesus was God’s agent of salvation who would take the sins of the world upon Himself, die in our place, and secure God’s forgiveness and mercy. Christmas remembers and celebrates His coming to fulfill this task for our benefit.

Sadly, many choose to ignore this aspect of Christ’s coming. There are those who offer peace, love and goodwill as the essence of the Christmas message. God’s gift of His Son, they claim, ought to inspire us to give of ourselves to others during this time of year. While that may be a commendable way of viewing the Christmas event, it is not its essential message. John 3:16 clearly states that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” And the angel in Matthew 1:21 said that He would save His people from their sins.

Many would agree that the world needs salvation – from hunger, war, brutality, poverty and hate. These seem to be the real issues facing people today; and, if we could resolve these problems, the world would be a better place. The folly of such reasoning lies in the denial that man is unavoidably and inevitably a sinner who cannot help himself. Even if those issues were resolved, new ones would be created to take their place. Men are hungry, fight wars, hate and produce poverty because of sin. Deal with the sin problem and we will see clearly to end hunger, cease from wars, eliminate hate and eradicate poverty. Ignore it and we are doomed to an endless cycle of misery, frustration and depravity. The prophet Jeremiah (17:9) said it best, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” Jesus is God’s solution to man’s sin problem.

The greatest Christmas gift was God’s own Son, sent to be the Savior of the world. The malls and shopping centers are full of anxious consumers searching for the right gift. God’s gift is waiting for you to receive Him. You won’t find Him in a display window, on a department store shelf or through an online special. You will find Him wherever the heart is tender toward the purposes of God. You will find Him wherever there is trust in the Father’s eternal will. You will find this gift wherever there is brokenness and sorrow over one’s sinful condition.

Accept God’s gift! Embrace God’s gift! Make this the best Christmas ever by responding to the love of God and putting your trust in Him. That’s the real meaning of Christmas.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

The construction that has closed down Hillsboro Blvd. in front of the railroad tracks near Dixie was supposed to end on Dec. 21 but now has been extended until Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. They are working on the tracks for the Brightline passenger rail service.

For more information on the future road closures and a map of traffic detours in the area, please visit http://allaboardflorida.com/construction/grade-crossings.

By Gary Curreri

If Highlands Christian Academy is going to make a deep run in the postseason, it will have to find a way to get past nemesis Jupiter Christian.

Highlands Christian is 6-2 this season, with its only two blemishes coming at the hands of the Eagles by a combined nine points. The Knights dropped a 73-68 decision in the 39th annual Highlands Holiday Classic and then fell 69-65 to Jupiter Christian in a District 7-3A game on Tuesday night. On Friday, the Knights will host district leader Boca Christian (5-3, 3-0 in the District) at 7 p.m.

Senior point guard Herman Robinson has been a member of the varsity team at the school since he was in the seventh grade. He averaged 15.0 points and 6.2 assists per game last year.

“Basketball means everything to me,” said Robinson, 18, of Deerfield Beach, who hasn’t decided on a college yet. “It’s my life. It has taken me through a great journey and taught me a lot of life’s lessons. It’s shown me no matter what I can do anything in life if I put my mind to it. The hard work is making me a better person.”

“I think we have a great team this year,” Robinson added. “We didn’t have a great year last year by our standards, but we have been working hard in the gym and preparing. It’s my senior year, so it is important for me to end my (long) career here on a good note. We have room up there for another banner.”

Highlands Christian has won 12 district championships in school history, however, none since winning in 2011. The Knights made it to the state final four in 1979 and 1994.

“Herman has been the face of Highlands basketball for about six years now,” said Knights head coach and athletic director Jim Good, whose team last season finished at 10-13. They finished third in the Holiday Classic. “He gets the guys to do things that I can’t do and has an incredible work ethic. I never question his intensity or his passion for the game. He is definitely going to be missed next year.”

“Our expectations and goals for the season is to compete for a district championship,” Good added. “We should be a little deeper, so we are trying to play more up tempo and press. We have placed much more of an emphasis on defense.”

It is an experienced group with seven seniors and several returners. Junior guard Matt Veynovich (8.9 ppg, made 60 3-pointers) improved during the offseason and Good called him the team’s sleeper player. Veynovich was the lone Highland’s Christian Academy selection to the All-Tournament team in the Holiday Classic.

Another top player back from last season that Good and the Knights will count on is senior forward Kyle Lassen (11.6 points per game, 5.5 rebounds).

“Matt has really worked on his game and gives us a lot of options,” Good said. “Herman is our leader and the focal point of the team, but he has a lot of help this year. The players have put in the time and we are going to be a little more balanced I think.”

Good knows this is a difficult district to get by. In addition to Jupiter Christian and Boca Christian, the Knights will also face stiff challenges from Village Academy and non-district foes like Canterbury (St. Petersburg), the opening round opponent in the Keswick Christmas Tournament.

“We play a tough schedule and tough district, so all of those games will prepare us for the postseason,” Good said. “It is a wide open district with very competitive teams. I am happy with where we are as a team and I see improvement in all of our players. I think they want to do something special this season. I am excited about the progress that we’ve made.”

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

For that past five years at The Spooky Empire, I have observed the teamwork between a mother and her son, Cheryl A. Thayer-Blackford and her son, Jarrad Walker. These two are cosplayers, and their costumes are eye catching and unique. Upon closer inspection, one realizes that Jarrad is in a motorized vehicle, for he did not have use of his legs. Over the summer and under consultation with medical doctors, Jarrad had his legs amputated to improve the quality of his life.

Yet, as early as April, Jarrad planned to attend The Spooky Empire Ultimate Horror Weekend as the Anti-Santa Claus – Krampus. When Hurricane Matthew forced the closing of Spooky Empire in October, Jarrad was more than prepared for Spooky Empire’s Halloween for Christmas. Cheryl and Jarrad’s perseverance paid off, for Krampus won The Spooky Empire Best Exhibition Costume Contest.

Best known for providing lumps of coal in the Christmas stockings of naughty children, Krampus represents the dark side of Santa Claus. By acknowledging his own tribulation through Krampus, Jarrad provided another lesson about the importance of the human spirit rising over adversity.

Happening this week:

Moana ruled the box office for the third weekend in a row. Moana has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award, along with Moonlight, which is currently on the big screen in local theaters.

While lacking a Golden Globe nomination but with plenty marketing hype, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens tomorrow. Manchester by the Sea also opens tomorrow with much awards buzz. Already nominated for five Golden Globe nominations, Manchester by the Sea is on track to stay on the big screen until the Oscar ceremony in late February.

Stay-at-home holiday movies:

For those who seek a return to memory lane, there are always DVDs. Sitting on the shelf at your local library is the annual classic Miracle on 34th Street. Starring Maureen O’Hara and a very young Natalie Wood, this classic tale set in Manhattan feels as fresh today as it did when it was released 69 years ago. For his performance as Kris Kringle, Edmund Gwenn earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

While lacking the special effects of Disney motion picture, March of the Wooden Soldiers does feature a live action Mickey Mouse in a supporting role. Based on a Victor Herbert operetta, Babes in Toyland, March of the Wooden Soldiers stars Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy as toy makers who attempt to protect Little Bo Peep, the Three Little Pigs and the little old lady who lives in a shoe from the crooked man Barnaby Silas (Henry Brandon). This film is filled with much humor and charm that will surely put one in the Christmas spirit.

Deerfield Beach

Nov. 28: It was reported that a Christmas light projector was stolen from a front lawn at 317 SE 13 St.

Nov. 28: Someone entered a victim’s home at 2396 SW 17 Dr. and stole a purse, money, credit cards and checkbook.

Nov. 28: Someone stole a Honda pressure cleaner from 120 SE 7 St.

Nov. 29: A person entered a home at 2382 SW 17 Dr. while the owners were sleeping and stole several items.

Nov. 29: Someone entered a car parked at 1956 SW 15 Ct. and ransacked it. Nothing was stolen.

Lighthouse Point

Nov. 12: A male subject went into a store at 2450 N. Federal Hwy. and selected beer, sandwiches and shaving gel. He went into the restroom with the merchandise and then left the store. The store manager believes he may have done it earlier in the day because merchandise was found on the floor. The loss was $21.55.

Nov. 14: A male subject entered a store at 3722 N. Federal Hwy. and stole a laundry hamper. The loss was $29.99. A search revealed that he had two additional thefts.

Nov. 15: A loss prevention officer followed a female subject who stole three cosmetic items and placed them in her pants before leaving the store at 3700 N. Federal Hwy. without paying for them. The items were valued at $56.94.

Beach Sounds

Friday, Dec. 16, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free family-friendly concert by “U2 by UV.” Bring chairs and blankets and come enjoy the music. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Movies on the Lawn — Norm of the North

Friday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.

Great Lawn

Intersection of Atlantic Blvd. & Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL

Free, family–friendly event. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics. For more information, call 954-786-4111 or visit www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

DB Chapter of Hadassah meets

Monday, Dec. 19, noon

Century Village

Le Club Activity Center, Rm. C

3501 West Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker, Lisa Lobel, of Broward County Library, reviews the book The Black Widow by Daniel Silva. Also, celebrate the birthday of founder Henrietta Szold, born Dec. 21, 1860. Everyone welcome. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 954-427-9902 after 6 p.m.

Tuesday Night Beach Dances

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

“Johnny Vincent” will be playing. Wear dancing shoes and bring beach chair for a fun evening under the stars. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

3rd Annual Boca Raton Bowl

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.

The University of Memphis from the American Athletic Conference will face Western Kentucky University from Conference USA in the Florida Atlantic University stadium. It will be televised on ESPN. This is Boca’s “biggest outdoor party” and a must-attend for the football fan. For more information, visit www.MarmotBocaRatonBowl.com.

Holiday Heritage Party

Thursday, Dec. 15, 6 to 9 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Open House tours features 12 historically decorated trees and 30+ unique quilts on display. Beer/wine bar and appetizers. Special choir presentation as La Bri serenades with Christmas \Carols in the courtyard. Also, Santa arrival by firetruck! Ticket price is $35. Tickets may be reserved on line at www.SampleMcDougaldhouse.com or call 954-691-5686 for additional information. [Also 100th Anniversary Christmas Ornaments are on sale all month. Designer artist Pat Anderson will visit, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 5:30 to 8 p.m. to sign and/or personalize ornaments. $5 admission].

Winter Frost Festival

Saturday, Dec. 17, 3 to 5 p.m.

Highlands Community Center

411 NE 44 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

Enjoy food, hot chocolate, arts and crafts, and games. For more information, call 954-429-1847.

Winter Wonderland

Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to noon

Villages of Hillsboro Park

4111 NW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Slide down two giant snow hills, ride on horse-drawn hayrides, enjoy refreshments and holiday treats, see a giant snow globe and get a visit from Santa. Free. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Holiday Ice Cream Social with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Johnny Tigner Community Center

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Make your own ice-cream sundae, win prizes by singing your favorite Christmas songs, create arts & craft projects and meet Santa. Free. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

BYOD(OG) to Meet Santa

Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Dog owners are invited to bring their furry best friends to take free photo with Santa Claus. Dogs must be on leash and safe for Santa to handle. Designated water stations will be located throughout the shopping center and clean up baggies will be available in Center Court. Please pick up after your pet. Enjoy live musical performances, face painting, games, snow flurries and more. Bring a camera for photo opps. Carousel will be open for $1 per ride. Free. Adult supervision required. For information, visit www.pompanociticentre.com.

Chanukah at the Beach

Sunday, Dec. 25, 4 p.m.

S. Ocean Way, between SE 1 St. and SE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Latkes, Jelly Doughnuts, Dreidels, Arts and Crafts for Kids and Music. Presented by Chabad of North Broward Beaches. For more information, visit www.jewishlhp.com.

Grand Menorah Lighting

Wednesday, Dec. 28, 5 p.m.

Pompano Beach Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

In the Courtyard, near the Carousel. Join Mayor Lamar Fisher with music, hot latkes, doughnuts, dreidels, crafts for the kids. Presented by Chabad of North Broward Beaches. For more information, visit www.jewishlhp.com.

Chanukah New Year’s Party

Saturday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.

Hooper Home

2370 NE 26 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

For the community… Kosher Buffet, open bar and more. Presented by Chabad of North Broward Beaches. For more information, visit www.jewishlhp.com.

It was a crowded day at the mall and a woman just had to go to the mall and pick up one more Christmas present. The problem was that she was due at any minute and her husband, doctor, parents and friends told her that she shouldn’t go to the mall. But she insisted. Her best friend tried to talk her out of it, but then found herself driving her very pregnant friend to the busiest place at the busiest time.

The mall was loud and chaotic. People were in a hurry, hustling and bustling with a nervous, yet exciting, energy. And when she found herself in the right shop, it happened.

There was no way to get out of the mall in time. Her best friend told the owner of the shop that a baby was going to be born and, as good fortune would have it, there was a nurse in the shop. The store owner wasn’t sure that she could afford to take two or three clerks off the floor to assist the woman in need, but she did, knowing that this was going to put a dent in her sales. And then, in the back room, a beautiful baby girl was born with a nurse, three clerks and a best friend surrounding the mother and child. The child was wrapped in tissue paper and lying in an open cardboard container.

Her husband got word, via text message, and he drove as fast as he could and bobbed and weaved his way through the crowded mall to see his newborn daughter. When the father saw his beautiful daughter, it was love at first sight, and everybody in the room experienced the joy, including the owner of the shop.

When all was said and done, the owner was grateful for the “blessed distraction” that allowed her to put life in perspective, witness the miracle of birth and feel the bond with her customers, who shared the miracle with her. She may have lost some time and money; but she experienced something far more valuable. Thank God for “blessed distractions!”

I love the song “O Little Town of Bethlehem” as much as any Christmas-loving Christian. It is certainly not my intention to ruin the song, but I must point out that the “Little Town of Bethlehem” was called “The City of David” in the Christmas narrative of Luke. Now, the word “city” is relative, and it may not have been a booming metropolis; but it was booming. A mandatory census was put in place and people travelled to their ancestral homes. In Mary and Joseph’s case, that was Bethlehem and together they traveled back home from the place of their residence, Nazareth. No doubt, they travelled in a caravan with other relatives and, when they arrived at Bethlehem, there was no room for them in the inn. With “No Vacancy” signs on every hotel in the City of David, it was anything but “silent.”

And then, in the midst of the hurry and scurry, hustle and bustle in a city with a nervous, and yet, exciting energy, a “blessed distraction” occurred. Jesus was born.

When word got to the shepherds, not by text but singing angels filling the sky, they bobbed and weaved their way through the crowded streets of Bethlehem, maybe even with their sheep at toe. Can you imagine?

This reimagining of Christmas may change your perception, and I apologize if I ruined it for you. But I find this image to be more meaningful, especially in the context of our Advent season where we find ourselves so distracted in our preparation for Christmas that we forget to prepare ourselves for Christ. You may even say that sometimes Christmas stands in the way of Christmas. We need “blessed distractions” to reorient ourselves to that which is most important in life. We need to stop, pause and reflect upon the miracle of birth, the blessing of family and friends, and the bond that strangers feel when they witness a miracle together, and are strangers no more.

But this isn’t just another “blessed distraction.” This event transformed life as we know it. God enters into our chaos of shopping malls and city streets with a gift to all humanity. And, though it may be inconvenient to some, it certainly reminds us that we are loved by God.

May the “blessed distraction” of Christmas transform your life this year.

Pastor Gross is a pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, located at 959 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. For more information, contact 954-421-3146 or visit www.zion-lutheran.org.