The CIS Mission Board of Directors has approved Colin Campbell, chaplain with the “War on Cancer” in Charlottesville, as a special ministry project. The decision was ratified at a regular board meeting in October, 2008. [read more]

For over 30 years Dr. Bray has used the YWAM Prayer and Planning Diary as a way to stay on track with his personal piety and as a prayer guide for the whole team. "Next to the Bible, this is the most life-changing devotional book I have ever used," says Dr. Bray. "It takes you right into the heart of Jesus for the lost world-it is like walking with God. Plus it helps you plan your daily apostolic action." [read more]

THE volunteers who serve at the CIS Mission Book Table Ministry are offering two free gift books this season as part of their 2008 holiday ministry to needy students, supporters and the whole body of Christ. [read more]

By Ted Baehr and Tom Snyder
Special to ASSIST News Service

HOLLYWOOD, CA (ANS) -- On Dec. 1, moviegoers around the world will have a rare chance to discover the true meaning of Christmas. "The Nativity Story," a major new movie from New Line Cinema, is the first major movie in 40 years to tell the true story of the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, the most influential person in human history who is worshipped by nearly one-third of the people on this planet.

The movie, which opens on Dec. 1, clearly proclaims the divine birth of Jesus Christ and declares Him to be the unique Son of God and "the Fountain of Life." It also declares Jesus to be the "greatest King" and "God made flesh," as well as the King of the world and the greatest priest of all. Furthermore, it honors Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the Cross as an offering that can redeem all people from their sins. This is, of course, the true meaning of the Christmas season.

Though there is no shame, and certainly no crime, in enjoying and celebrating the other pleasures of the Christmas season - from Christmas trees filled with angels, stars and other emblems of the birth of Christ, to Christmas lights symbolizing the star that led the wise men to a simple manger in Bethlehem, to the Christmas dinners that remind us of the joyous feasts in Heaven to come - it is imperative that we not forget this true meaning of the Incarnation of our Divine Savior, Jesus Christ.

This is the true meaning of Christmas that is powerfully evi dent in this wonderful movie. THE NATIVITY STORY is one of those very rare movies that brings the Gospels alive in a compelling, captivating, entertaining, and inspiring manner that shatters expectations. It is a sacred movie and a divine revelation in the best sense of these words. It is a human story with depth and breadth and height and all the right elements to capture the audience.

In speaking of the true meaning of Christmas and the true meaning of the Incarnation and Atonement of the one and only begotten Son of God (which this movie proclaims), it is instructive to recall the words of Mary, Jesus Christ's mother, who says in Luke 1:46-48:

"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."

It is also good to recall the Good News proclaimed by Zechariah at the birth of his own son, John the Baptist, in Luke 1:68, 69, 76 and 77:

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a hor n of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. . . . And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, to give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. . . ."

In Jesus Christ, the divine nature of God and the created nature of humankind are united in one Divine/Human Person, for the benefit of all. In and through Christ Jesus, the Word of God has been made Flesh and now dwells among and in those who believe on His Name, or Divine Authority.

As Moses tells us in Genesis, the first book of the Torah/Bible, humankind is made in God's Image. In Jesus Christ, God has taken up our humanity to become the Perfect Divine Sacrifice for the sins that separate us from God. Those sins eventually will send us to everlasting torment if we refuse to believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Son of Man.

To all those who receive the Jesus Christ of Scripture - who believe in His Name - Jesus Christ gives "the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God" (John 1:12,13).

By seeing "The Nativity Story" when it opens on Dec. 1, you have the chance to celebrate this true meaning of Christmas and to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Divine Provision for your sins.

This is an offer that's not just open to those who already believe in His Name, but also to those who yearn for the truth, love, justice, righteousness, and glory of God in their lives.

"The Nativity Story" is not only an example of Divine Revelation to all of us; it is also a Divine Gift that we all can share as we celebrate together the birth of Christ this Christmas holiday season.

Do yourself, and your children, a favor, and celebrate the Meaning and Glory of Christmas on Dec. 1.

By doing so, you can send a note of thanks and encouragement to those in Hollywood who have finally recognized and honored the true meaning of Christmas.

(c) Baehr, 2006