| December, 2019

Worth the Drive: FAB! supports NSU Art Museum

Posted on 30 December 2019 by JLusk

 

Funding Arts Broward (FAB!), a non-profit volunteer-based arts organization committed to preserving and cultivating the arts in Broward County, will present its fourth annual “Black & White: A Night At The Museum” friend-raiser on Monday, Jan. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. This elegant black and white themed cocktail party at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale will feature an exhibit tour, live entertainment, light bites and a decadent dessert table.

Attendees will have the opportunity to experience both I Paint My Reality: Surrealism in Latin America, which is currently on display until June 30, 2020 and Happy! which runs until July 5, 2020 at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale.

I Paint My Reality: Surrealism in Latin America examines the manifestation of Surrealism in Latin America. Drawn exclusively from NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale’s in-depth collection of Latin American art and promised gifts from the Stanley and Pearl Goodman collection, the exhibition features works by Leonora Carrington, Frida Kahlo, Wifredo Lam, Roberto Matta, Carlos Mérida, Wolfgang Paalen, Amelia Peláez, Rufino Tamayo, Joaquín Torres-García, Xul Solar and Remedios Varo, among others. It follows the flowering of the Surrealist movement in Latin America in the 1930s and examines its continued influence through today, including in South Florida, with works by Juan Abreu, José Bedia, Fernando Botero, Pablo Cano, William Cordova Demi, Luis Gispert, Guillermo Kuitca, Julio Larraz, Ana Mendieta, Maria Martinez-Cañas and Jorge Pantoja, among others.

Organized by Museum Director and Chief Curator, Bonnie Clearwater, Happy! explores contemporary works that were produced with the aim to help the artist and/or viewers cope with personal trauma and daily frustrations. Sorrow and happiness are intertwined in their work, and, as in life, a happy face may mask the depths of despair. Among the artists included in the exhibition are Mark Rothko, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Keith Haring, Friends with You, Tracey Emin, Christina Forrer, Takashi Murakami, Ernesto Neto, Yoko Ono, Richard Prince, Rob Pruitt, Ragnar Kjartansson, Alake Shilling and Andy Warhol, among others. These artists draw on a personal philosophy shaped by a variety of influences, including Buddhism, the healing arts, spirituality, ritual, gift-giving, Japanese anime and manga, science fiction, children’s art, music and dance. Seeking to reach a broad audience, some of these artists blur traditional boundaries between art, commerce, and popular culture. Their work is equally at home in art galleries and museums, the luxury brand market, as public graffiti, as advertising on billboards, on playgrounds, and even as giant balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Champagne and cocktails, Latin and American-inspired culinary delights, and live entertainment will add to this special event. Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite black and white cocktail attire.

Tickets for FAB members and non-members can be purchased for $75 per person by visiting http://fundingartsbroward.org/. For more information on “A Night at the Museum,” please call 954-353-7673 or e-mail fundingartsbroward@gmail.com.

 

 

 

Comments Off on Worth the Drive: FAB! supports NSU Art Museum

Don’t drink and drive — Call Tow To Go

Posted on 30 December 2019 by JLusk

 

 

 New Years is the deadliest holiday on U.S. roadways. In 2017, nearly 1,000 people were killed during the 3-day period – according to the latest figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Thirty-one percent of those deaths involved drunk drivers.

Because of this, AAA and Budweiser are providing ‘Tow to Go’ as a safe alternative to driving impaired. Tow to Go is a free service for both AAA Members and non-members, where a tow truck is dispatched to transport the driver and their vehicle home, or a safe place within a 10 mile radius. Since its inception in 1998, the program has removed more than 25,000 impaired drivers from the roads across the Southeast and Midwest. 

Tow to Go services are available:

  • Now – Thursday, Jan. 2 (6 a.m.)
  • To request service call 855-2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246
  • Visit AAA.com/TowToGo to learn more

“New Year’s Eve is by far the busiest holiday for Tow To Go,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Although we offer this service for all major holidays, half of our calls occur the night of New Year’s Eve. Because our drivers will be in such high demand, party-goers should not make us their primary plan for getting home. Before popping any bottles, AAA encourages people to appoint a sober driver. If you can’t find one, consider a ride sharing service, or calling a cab; but make Tow to Go part of your backup plan, to ensure safe transport into the 2020s.”

GUIDELINES

  • AAA tow truck transports the vehicle and the driver to a safe location within a 10 mile radius
  • Free and available to AAA members and non-members
  • Based on the availability of AAA drivers and tow trucks during times of high call volume
  • Tow to Go may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions
  • If you are hosting a party, please do so responsibly. Check out the Great Pretenders Party Guide to learn more.
  • Visit AAA.com/TowtoGo for dates and availability throughout 2019

Comments Off on Don’t drink and drive — Call Tow To Go

Deerfield — Precautionary Beach Advisory

Posted on 29 December 2019 by LeslieM

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County conducts weekly water sampling along Broward’s coastline to test ocean water quality. The sample taken in Deerfield Beach just south of the International Fishing Pier on Dec. 26, 2019 did not meet state requirements. The sample found 130 CFU/100 mL of Enterococci which is at the threshold of being categorized as a “poor” sample result. Enterococci is a bacteria that lives in hot, salty, or acidic environments.  It can also aggravate the GI tract. Therefore, in an abundance of caution the Florida Department of Health is recommending that beach patrons do not swim in this location until further notice.

A second test will be conducted and results will be available on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019.

For more information, please visit www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-waterquality/index.html.

Comments Off on Deerfield — Precautionary Beach Advisory

Deerfield–Precautionary Beach Advisory LIFTED

Posted on 29 December 2019 by JLusk

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County has lifted the precautionary beach advisory it issued on Friday, Dec. 27.

The Health Department conducts regular water sampling along Broward’s coastline to test ocean water quality. Health officials determined that the sample taken in Deerfield Beach just south of the International Fishing Pier on Dec. 26, did not meet state requirements. The sample taken was at the threshold of being categorized as a “poor” sample result, which indicated the Enterococci bacteria. Tests performed yesterday, Dec. 30, showed a significant improvement, and the Health Department has, therefore, lifted the precautionary advisory. Enterococci is a bacteria that lives in hot, salty, or acidic environments and can aggravate the GI tract.

For more information, please visit www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-waterquality/index.html.

Comments Off on Deerfield–Precautionary Beach Advisory LIFTED

MLK Day events–Jan. 19-20

Posted on 27 December 2019 by JLusk

Join in the festivities of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Weekend.  The festivities begin Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, from 6 to 9 p.m., and continue Monday, Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex Baseball Field, 445 SW 2 St., in Deerfield Beach.

Each registered praise group will have 15 minutes to perform their best songs. The judges will decide the winners in the adult and youth categories. Come see who will go home with the traveling trophy and the $1,000 prize for the first-place winner of the adult competition, and $300 prize for the youth competition! (Limited to 8 entries, first come, first served basis.) The winning praise group is required to be available to perform, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the Dr. King Ceremony on Monday, Jan. 20 at 2:30 p.m.

Don’t forget to bring the family out to cheer on our 2020 MLK Parade participants on Monday, Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This year, the parade will begin at St. Ambrose Church (380 Federal Hwy) and will go north on US-1 for 0.4 miles and turn left onto E. Hillsboro Blvd. for 1.1 miles, the parade will then turn left onto SW 3 Ave./SW Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. for 0.2 miles and conclude at Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex (445 SW 2 St.) All are welcome to follow the parade to the OMRC baseball fields to enjoy free snow cones & cotton candy, bounce houses, great local food and free entertainment until 6 p.m.

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

MLK Parade

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Battle of the Bands Competition

1:30 PM – 1:45 PM

Awards Ceremony

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Keynote Speaker Senator Perry E. Thurston Jr.

2:45 PM – 6:00 PM

Entertainment

Above times are subject to change without advance notice.

For additional information or if you would like to participate please visit www.dfb.city/mlk or call the Community Events and Outreach Division at 954-480-4429.

Comments Off on MLK Day events–Jan. 19-20

Altieri unfazed by pressure; qualifies for nationals

Posted on 26 December 2019 by LeslieM

By Gary Curreri 

Lucas Altieri practices his routine as he gears up for nationals next month.
Photo by Gary Curreri.

Lighthouse Point’s Lucas Altieri is headed to his fifth straight national figure skating championships next month. Altieri, 18, who is a senior at North Broward Prep, has finished fourth twice at nationals and qualified for the 2020 United States Figure Skating Championships from Jan. 20-26, 2020, at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N. C. After two to three years, he started to realize that this was a sport he wanted to do. He has been a figure skater for eight years and is a member of the Pines Figure Skating Club out of the Pines Ice Arena in Pembroke Pines.

 Altieri qualified for nationals after he finished third in the Junior Men’s Division with a 69.69 score after his short program, and followed that up with a 126.50 for a 196.19 total at 2020 Eastern Sectional Figure Skating Championships in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

 “I definitely wanted to have a good showing and show U.S. Figure Skating my best,” said Altieri, who will compete in his 5th straight nationals competition where he has finished 4th twice.

“I wanted to stay consistent so U.S. Figure Skating knows I am ready for what they give to me. I would still like to skate in the Olympics. I have been wanting to do that for a very long time. I like performing under pressure,” he added. “After you perform well under pressure, that is really the best feeling.”

 11 Bucks sign with colleges




Deerfield Beach senior Bryce Gowdy (Georgia Tech) signs his national letter-of-intent at a ceremony on Wednesday. Photo by Gary Curreri.

Deerfield Beach High School was well represented on Early Signing Day last Wednesday as 11 football players signed their national letters-of-intent.

The marquee signee was Jaylan Knighton who is the second leading rusher in Broward County history. Knighton led the Bucks to three straight state semifinal appearances as he rushed for 5,174 yds., second all-time in Broward County history to former Blanche Ely star Tyrone Moss (7,105 yds). He had 1,534 rushing yards and 20 TDs this year.

 Knighton chose the Hurricanes just a couple weeks after decommitting from Florida State following the dismissal of Coach Willie Taggart. Before committing to FSU, Knighton had verbally committed to Oklahoma.

“I chose Miami because they never stopped recruiting me,” Knighton said. “I have some great bonds with the coaches, the players…there is so much about the school, it is unexplainable.”

He will be joined at the UM by teammate Xavier Restrepo, who is the first one from his family to go to college. 

 “This is really big,” Restrepo said. “I am the first one from my family to graduate and head off to college out of all my uncles, aunts, grandparents, everybody. It is a big accomplishment in my family. It’s been an amazing journey.”

Michael Pratt, who transferred to Deerfield Beach this year after spending the past three seasons at Boca Raton High School, said the decision to graduate early and head to Tulane was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. 

Others who signed included wide receiver Deajaun McDougle (Maryland), wide receiver/defensive back Bryce Gowdy (Georgia Tech).

McDougle, who became the Bucks’ all-time leader in receiving yardage with more than 2,000 yds., said it was a lot of hard work to reach this point.

“This was a long process,” said McDougle. “I know I’m capable of playing at the next level, and I’ll see what is next for me.”

Other Deerfield Beach signees on Wednesday were safety Christopher Townsel (South Florida), defensive tackle Kervins Choute (Central Florida), wide receiver Aydin Henningham (Pittsburgh), cornerback Anthony Prospere (Tennessee Martin), tackle Woody Jean (Arizona) and offensive tackle Bryce McNair (Ohio).

Comments Off on Altieri unfazed by pressure; qualifies for nationals

Saturday matinee popcorn eating fun

Posted on 26 December 2019 by LeslieM

By “Cinema” Dave
http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Given the timeliness of #FakeNews, the tragedy of Richard Jewell was going to be my last review for Flicks, but my dear readers are savvy enough to know the difference between fantasy and reality.  It is for John Williams sake that I chose to review Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker as the last column of Flicks.

While the Beatles are the soundtrack from my youth and Alice Cooper is helping me cope with middle age, the music of John Williams has truly been the soundtrack of my life.  “Johnny” Williams, the maestro, composed many television shows, most notably season three of Lost in Space, which still gets my adrenaline pumped after 50 years. When I hear the opening notes of The Cowboys, I want to find Bruce Dern and avenge John Wayne. As a senior at Florida State University 35 years ago, I was honored to lead the Marching Chiefs across three football fields to the strains of the Indiana Jones theme.  

For many years, John Williams was the conductor for the Boston Pops, and I had always wanted to attend his concerts. The year 1992 was to be John Williams’ final tour. He was playing at the Wolf Trap in Virginia. At that time, I was unemployed, house sitting in Maryland and being nourished by Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. As broke as I was, I decided to put myself further in debt and attended the concert. It was a crossroads moment in my life, and I have never regretted this decision. I finally learned to listen to my own voice 37 years ago.

Beyond the special effect visuals, following one’s own conscience and moral compass has been the underlying theme of the Star Wars franchise.  Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker wraps up three generations of characters and how they deal with consistent evil. Characters like Darth Vader and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) are seduced by power and evil, while characters like Leia (the late Carrie Fisher), Luke (Mark Hamill) and Rey (Daisey Ridley) endure, persevere and heal. John Williams also has a cameo as a bartender in the film.

According to Rotten Tomatoes.com, the public likes Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker more than mainstream critics.  Given four decades of great expectations and the fact that the top billed actress died three years ago, the production team created an entertaining movie.

Utilizing John Williams’ inspired musical score, Episode IX cements many lingering plot points from the previous eight movies of the Skywalker Saga. Along with Star Wars: The Mandalorian, Disney has plans for the future of Star Wars, though the Skywalker Saga, which began in 1977, has concluded. Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker succeeds as popcorn-eating Saturday matinee fun.

In the days before Christ, primitive people would hunker down in their caves at night, light a torch and tell some stories. The more artistically inclined individuals would paint their stories on the cave walls. It was much later when someone placed some corn over a fire, watched it pop and shared the food with their family and friends. This was the first cinema experience, which became perfected by the evolution of technology. Movies are merely an extension of the entertainment once enjoyed by our ancestors.

At age 81, former President Ronald Reagan said, “In our country, one’s destinations matter more than one’s origins. Like most Americans, I live for the future.” 

These words become more meaningful to me as I write my final paragraph of Flicks.  I am humbled by my dear reader’s 20 years of readership and, to quote the great clown, Red Skelton, “God Bless and Good Night.”

Comments Off on Saturday matinee popcorn eating fun

CRIME WATCH

Posted on 26 December 2019 by LeslieM

Deerfield Beach

Dec. 10: A woman reported that a man threw a piece of cinderblock at a mobile home window. The woman said the man returned later and threw a rock at her window. The incident was reported at 326 NE 45 St.

Dec. 11: The owner of World Tool and Supply reported that a customer who purchased tools used a fraudulent check to make the purchase. The business owner reported that a fraudulent check for $91,960 was placed in the business account.

Dec. 11: A man reported that someone broke into his car parked at 2301 W. Sample Rd. and stole a wallet with various credit cards.

Dec. 11: A man reported that someone stole his Chrysler convertible. The incident was reported at 3774 NE 3 Ave.

Dec. 11: It was reported that a man stole 24 beers from Marathon Gas Station at 4517 N. Dixie Hwy.

Dec. 11: A man was arrested and charged with stealing a six pack of beer and food from Publix at 150 S. Federal Hwy.

Lighthouse Point

Dec. 10: Police responded to a silent alarm call at a bank at 2850 N. Federal Hwy. When police arrived, everything was secure.

Dec. 10: Police responded to an alarm call at 2420 NE 32 Ct. When police arrived, everything was secure as the homeowner’s father was house sitting.

Dec. 13: Police responded to a burglary alarm call at a bank at 2850 N. Federal Hwy. When police arrived, everything was secure. Apparently workers who were laying carpet, tripped the alarm.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

Comments Off on CRIME WATCH

HAPPENINGS

Posted on 26 December 2019 by LeslieM

Movies in the Park — The Grinch

Friday, Dec. 27, 7 p.m.

Community Park/Multi-Purpose Field

1700 NE 8 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The City of Pompano Beach Parks & Recreation Dept. invites you to the first ever Movies in the Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and come enjoy a featured presentation at the park under the stars on the fourth Friday of every month. This is a free, family – friendly event. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

Sweet New Year

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Royal Palm Ballroom

501 E. Camino Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Children will enjoy an extra sweet New Year’s Eve at this candy-themed celebration featuring a DJ, dancers, crafts, interactive games, arcade, bounce houses, balloon artists, airbrush tattoos, movie lounge and photo booth. Indulge in a children’s dinner buffet and dessert display. Count-down to midnight with hourly raffle prizes and surprise finale! Ages 5-12. Reservations required. Tickets are $147 per person. The deadline to make reservation changes and cancellations for this event is Sunday, Dec. 29 at 5 p.m. No refunds thereafter. Please make reservation adjustments by calling The Lifestyle Activities Team at 561-447-3071.

Ring in 2020

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Galuppi’s

1103 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Looking for the best place to wine, dine and dance the night away as the clock hits midnight this New Year’s Eve? Galuppi’s has you covered! Enjoy a night of culinary delights beginning with passed hors d’oeuvres, top-notch entrees, including Filet Mignon, Prime Rib, Roasted Salmon, Sea Bass and Duck, a vast array of hot and cold side dishes, salad, dessert, party favors, champagne toast at midnight and live entertainment by one of South Florida’s hottest party bands! Live entertainment by Bounce. Call 954-785-0226 a.s.a.p. to reserve your table for this New Year’s Eve party like no other and ring in 2020 in style!

New Years Eve Glow

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 6 to 9 p.m.

Sky Zone

1834 SW 2 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Celebrate 2020 in style at a Sky Zone glow party. Jump away 2019 for just $20.20, which includes 120 minutes of jumping on a trampoline and a glow T-shirt. Lasers, music and black light transform the whole park into a crazy jumping dance club. Waivers, sky socks and glow shirt are required for all persons entering the park during the event. Reserve your tickets today at www.skyzonefortlauderdale.centeredgeonline.com.

Blues School

Saturday, Jan. 4, 2 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Percy White Library

837 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Piano player Kris Nicholson creates an uplifting celebration of the life and musical times of Martin Luther King. This performance will feature music from 1929-1968 and will focus on Blues, Jazz, Big Band, Rock, Soul and Gospel.

Save the Date:

Cool Wheels Car Show

Sunday, Jan 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park (Bald Eagle Shelter)

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Come out for a great day for the entire family. See 700 fantastic show cars, a silent auction, raffles, food trucks and Broward Sheriff’s Office SWAT presentations. Music from DJ’s Eugene, Rockin’ Rich and Scott the Music Man. Cash prizes: $1,000 Best of Show, $500 2nd Place, $250 3rd Place and Club Participation Cash. Gift Bags and T-Shirts to the first 300 cars. No entry charge for spectators. Show cars $20 pre-entry, $25 day of show. Call Joe for details at 561-452-3684.

Heavenly Orchids

Monday, Jan. 13, 12:30 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Come out for personal enrichment. Make new friends with a shared love of gardening, floral and landscaping design. Learn about the environment, civic projects, different gardening techniques and creating your own sanctuary. New members welcomed. For more information, call Hilde at 954-782-4121. First time guest welcome free of charge.

Monthly Business Breakfast

The Better Principle

Friday, Jan. 17, 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Wyndham Deerfield Beach Hotel

2096 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join guest speaker Michael Altshuler for an engaging, fun, and empowering session to help you reach your 2020 goals. Member cost is $35 and non-members $45. Register at www.deerfieldchamber.com/.

Presidents and their first ladies

Saturday, Jan. 18, 2 p.m.

Percy White Library

837 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

A dramatic portrayal of George and Barbara Bush by William and Sue Wills. Over the past 24 years, they have given over 5,000 presentations of their Presidents and Their First Ladies programs.

ABC 7 Week Course

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Pompano Power Squadron

3701 NE 18 Terr.

Pompano Beach, FL33064

America’s Boating Course (ABC) starts soon! Materials include a 244-page full-color manual, extensive diagrams, graphics and boating tips, along with the nautical rules of the road. Hands-on demonstrations included. This course cost $85 and includes 244-page full-color manual boating textbook, boating certificate, FL & education card. Broward residents use code BROWARD19 for $35 off tickets that include a textbook at checkout. Visit https://pompanobeachpowersquadron.com/ to purchase.

Festival of the Arts

Saturday, Jan. 25 to Sunday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

International Fishing Pier

200 NE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

This multi–day art festival will feature over 130 juried artists from all over the United States along with continuous live music, a student art exhibit, a variety of food vendors, refreshments and a wine garden. There will be $5,550 awarded in prize money in a variety of artist categories, including $1,500 for Overall Best in Show. Artists are encouraged to apply by Jan. 6 for consideration. All event details are available online at www.dfb.city/FOA. For more information, call the Community Events and Outreach Division at 954-480-4429 or visit www.dfb.city/foa.

New Year’s at 2 Georges

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

2 Georges

1754 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come spend the night ringing in the New Year on the water…watching the boats cruise by. Live entertainment, champagne toast at midnight and party favors! New Year’s Eve specials: seafood risotto, crab stuffed prawns, swordfish napoleon, prime rib dinner, whole yellowtail snapper. Full menu available. Call early for reservations at 954-421-9272.

Worth the Drive:

New Year’s Celebration

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Old School Square Pavilion

51 N. Swinton Ave.

Delray Beach, FL 33444

The countdown to 2020 begins at Old School Square. Come usher in the New Year with Donna Summer Celebration concert! The concert celebrates the life and career of the queen of disco, Donna Summer, performed by her back-up singer and sister Mary Gaines Bernard. In addition to great music, patrons will hear untold stories from Summer’s tours and private life.
To purchase tickets, visit https://oldschoolsquare.secure.force.com/.

Comments Off on HAPPENINGS

The real Christmas story

Posted on 26 December 2019 by LeslieM

Every year we are inundated with numerous tales related to the Christmas season. Santa Claus, Frosty the snowman, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, the Grinch that stole Christmas and a host of other characters are an inevitable part of our holiday preparations. Their stories are told over and over through song, storybook and television episodes from late November to the end of December. They are an inevitable part of decorations and holiday displays in stores, shopping malls, and both inside and outside of our homes. The appeal of these characters is not confined to young children as many holiday gatherings may feature adults dressed in costumes representing the Grinch, Santa or one of his elves. But there is much more to Christmas than what these characters and their stories represent.

Christmas is based upon the Biblical account of Jesus, a real person who was born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. He was believed to be the Savior of mankind since many of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Redeemer were fulfilled in his life. One of His followers, John, recorded many of the miracles He performed and the teachings that He gave. In John 3:16, Jesus says this about the purpose of His coming: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. His statement gives insight into the significance of celebrating Christmas.

God loves the world:

Genesis reveals how God created the world with power and precision. He declared His satisfaction with what came into being through His spoken command. He involved His hands and His breath in the creation of man and positioned Adam and Eve in dominion over the earth. Their disobedience to His restriction on one tree in the Garden of Eden introduced sin in the earth and broke the fellowship they enjoyed with God. He could have destroyed them and started over, but He showed mercy and purposed to reconcile with man in due time. Despite continued rebellion against His way, He loved the world enough to wait until the appointed time of redemption.

The world needs God’s love:

At every juncture in human history there has been evidence of the depths of mankind’s sin and propensity towards evil. War, violence, slavery, deceit, racism, robbery and murder are just some of the fruit of wickedness that pervade the human experience. Yet, the declaration of the Bible is that God loved the world. It is difficult to comprehend why and how He could love the world with its evils and gross wickedness that seem to outweigh the good. But we are part of that world, and the truth is that He loves us despite our own faults, failings and sin.

Jesus connects us to God’s love:

Though many in His day did not believe Him, and some were even offended, Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. The full revelation of the Bible teaches that God Himself condescended to become like us in order to redeem us. Through Jesus, the full measure of God’s love is revealed. In His birth, Jesus identifies with us as humans. Through His life, he shows us God’s way and models perfect obedience. Through His death, our sins are forgiven. Through His resurrection, we are given new life and victory. All of this is an expression of the undeniable and unequaled love of God.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, God incarnate, in humble and unlikely circumstances. It is a reminder of the magnitude of God’s love for His creation and the power of His redemptive plan. It provides an opportunity for believers to worship the King who conquered sin’s power over men’s lives and provided a way of reconciliation with God. It may sound like the stuff of fairy tales and imagination, but it’s the real account of how only God can save and satisfy the soul. That’s the real Christmas story.

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

Comments Off on The real Christmas story

Advertise Here
Advertise Here