Oakland Tribune from Oakland, California • 4

4 DakLanfc tribune J. tar Lightens of Faithful I -Wv'fffl Beth ehem even though he indicated so filled with the cares of interest because was personal ambition. By BILL ROSE Tribune Religion Writer stars- in the heavens, only "Herod failed to understand the significance of Of all the millions of one has been described as lyrlight because of hishatred "and hostility" for any-: with exceeding great joy. -1 It is the star that gleamed so brightly over Bethlehem of Judea 20 centuries ago, If this best-known of all stars, the Star of Bethlehem, could communicate its thoughts on the events related to the birth it heralded, this is what I believe it would say: "Thousands of people saw my brilliance fill the skies, but only the Wise Me nand some shepherds recognized that my presence was related to th emighty working of the hand of God. one or anything that might merit devotion and alle-.

-giance. "He failed to grasp the importance of the moment even though his scribes and priests told him of the prophecy of Scripture because he lacked teachability. "The Shepherds and the Wise Men were willing to 'bow down, but not Herod. "The Shepherds, the common people of that era, found the Christ child in Bethlehem because they knew they did not know much about the truths of Scripture and were eager to be taught and directed. "The Wise Men, the scientists of that day, found their way to the humble surroundings of Mary and" Joseph because tney acknowledged that in spite of all they knew there was still much to learn about the purpose and meaning of life.

"Though many termed it impractical, these Wise Men made the long journey from Persia Because they believed that God always provides signs and guide-posts for those who are willing to follow Him even if the sign is a star." Only the Wise Men upon my light as a sign that the Scriptures were being fulfilled in a stable in Bethlehem. yJ' a 1 i. 1 i it ii awl i mn in nwiwf rrr Only the Wise Men and the Shepherds responded and went in search of the child, Jesus, the Christ, born to Mary and "The world in those days, as in the present, was full of the worldly wise and those peoccupied with the lure of material things. "King Herod was within a dozen miles of Bethlehem, but he missed the drama of the birth of Jesus Youths from Fruitvale Presbyterian Church and Market Street Seventh-day Adventist Church sang Christmas Carols at the fire station at Fruitvale Avenue and Champion Way yesterday before moving to the Dimond shopping area to sing for noonday shoppers. Mrs.

Michael Yonan of the Fruitvale Presbyterian Church is the director. 2 stbfeu I eS erviees Candleleight service will be held at 10:45 p.m. PIEDMONT Piedmont Community, 400 Candlelight" service and -pageant will be held at 9:30 p.m.- today. SAN LEANDRO 7 Christ Presbyterian, 890 Fargo Ave. The Rev.

Dorel Londagin will conduct 11 p.m. service today. Bethel Presbyterian, 14235 causing hearts to rejoice and the Shepherds looked i 5 I si'-" Symbols Of Christ 3 jitr a Young Carolers Hallowed words, flickering candlelights and gay carols will be combined' in special -Christmas services scheduled for this evening and tomorrow in these Eastbay churches. OAKLAND Our Savior's Lutheran, Fontaine St. The Rev.

Sidney JorgenseiLwul, speak on "Grace, Mercy and Peace" at 11 p.m. today and "Sons Because of the Son" at 11 a.m. tomorrow. Greek Orthodox Church of the Ascentlon, 4700 Lincoln Ave. The Rev.

S.J. Anthony will offer the Divine Christmas Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow. St. John's Lutheran, 1800 -55th Ave.

Host church and Mills Terrace Christian Church will hold a joint Holy Communion service at 11 p.m. today. Central Lutheran, 215 Ridgeway Ave. The Rev. Walter Gravrock will speak on "Rejoice This Night" at 11 p.m.

today and Peace" at 11 a.m CHURCH Classified Display St. Andrew's Episcopal, 5201 Hillen Drive The Rev. Rob-1 ert Challinor will conduct Holy Communion services at 11 p.m. today and 11 a.m.-tomorrow. Fi t.

Presbyterian, 26th Street and Broadway candlelight service at. 11 p.m. today. First Congregational, 26th and Harrison streets Serv- ices at 7 and 11 p.m. today.

a 1 and Neighborhood ThurchTTOTlIacArthur BlvdT The cast and musicians of more than 150 will present the pageant "Gloria In Excelsis Deo" at midnight. BERKELEY First Baptist, Haste and Dana streets Dr. Raymond Jennings will conduct a series of brief Holy Communion services from 6 to 9 p.m. today. St.

1 Boulevard and Russell Street A service of lessons and carols and Holy Communion at 10:45 p.m. to -day First Street and Durant Avenue oU1' 'i NEWARK Assembly of God, 5970 Thornton Ave. The Rev. Andrew Rahner will conduct services at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

CONCORD Bethany Lutheran, meets in Veterans Memorial Building, 2290 Willow Pass Road The Rev. Armin Keibel will conduct services at 8 p.m. today and K130 a.m. tomorrow. Baptist, 3525 Chest- nut Ave.

The Rev. Leland Regier will conduct candle- light service at 7 p.m. today. United Methodist, West St. at Clayton Way Dr.

Charles E. Lord will conduct candle-' light services at 7:30 and 11 p.m. today. Shepherd Lutheran, 3978 Clayton Road Leonard E. Dalberg, will conduct family vespers at 7:30, 11 p.m.

today and Holy Communion at 11 a.m. tomorrow. First Presbyterian, Colfax and Salvio streets Cathedral Choir will present Han del's "Messiah" at 10 p.m. Fitst Lutheranr4000T Con cord Blvd. Fred W.

Behr-mann, will speak on "God's Answer to Our at p.m. today and on "Good News for You" at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Concordia Lutheran, 660 Oak Grove Road The Rev. Conrad E.

Greenquist will hold service at 10:30 p.m. today and festive service at 11 a.m. tomorrow. PITTSBURG First 7 United Presbyterian, CHURCH Classified Display ORTHODOX Father S. J.

Anthony, Th.B., Pastor -CHRISTMAS DAY 30jun. Christmas Liturgy CHRISTMAS SERMON TRADITIONAL CAROLS JBancrofLAve- Holv Co: munion service will be held at 11:30 p.m. EL CERRITO Northminster Presbyterian, 545 Ashbury Ave, The Rev. "Vernon Alexander will conduct candlelight service at 10 p.m SAN LORENZO First Christian, 15661 Washington Ave. The Rev.

Fred Jobs will, conduct candlelight service at 11 p.m. St. Christopher's Episcopal Via Toledo and Hacienda Ave. Holy Communion will be of- iered atJ.Q:30 p.m-today and 11 a.m. tomorrow.

CASTRO VALLEY Faith Lutheran, 20080 Redwood Road -rr The Rev. A.M. Karlstad will conduct services at 7:30 p.m. today and 10:30 a.m. Eden United Church of Christ, 21455 Birch St.

Fellowship time will begin at 7:45. p.m., a service of carols at 8 p.m. and a candlelight service at 11 p.m. today CHURCH Classified Display GREEK ifMt CHURCH Classified Display -CHRISTIAN Elmhurst Christian Church 632-8502 9330 Holly Street (Independent) HUGH MORGAN, MINISTER "Christmas Day 1 1a.m. i "Share What You Have" rf Oakland FirstwChristian Church And First Baptist Church 5202 Railroad Ave.

The Rev. Harry Porter will hold 11 service today. BRENTWOOD St. Alban's Episcopal, Second and Birch streets The Langtry will conduct 8 p.mr carol and Holy Communion service today. ANTIOCH First Congregational, Tre- gallas Road at Freitas Lane The Rev.

Norman A. Head will conducLcandlehghLand carol service, 7 p.m. today. PLEASANT HILL St. Andrew's-Presbyterian, 1601 Mary Drive The Rev.

James M. Crothers will conduct family carol service, 7 p.m. today and family service at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Christ the King Catholic Church, 190 Brandon Road Christmas Eve, midnight Mass; Christmas Day, Masses at 7, 8, 9:15, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

and 12:15 p.m. Hillcrest Congregational, 404 Gregory Lane Live Na--tivity scene will be presented at 10:30 p.m. today on church patio. Carol and candlelight servicewill be held at 11 p.m. MARTINEZ Grace Episcopal, Muir Station Road The Rev.

W.B. Cams will conduct Holy Communion service at 11 p.m. to-. day and 10 a.m. tomorrow.

First Methodist, 100 Church St. The Rev. Eugene Brackney will hold Holy Communion service at 11 p.m. today. Christ Lutheran, 2370 Har-rbor View Drive The Rev.

Russell Homen will conduct services at 11 p.m. today and 10 a.m.. tomorrow. Our Savior's Lutheran, 1035 Carol Lane The Rev. J.E.

Rommereim will speak- on "Love Came Down" at 8 and today and on "Peace on Earth What Is It?" at 10 a.m. tomorrow. WALNUT CREEK Walnut Creek Presbyterian, 1720 Oakland Blvd. Choirs will present cantatas at 7:30 and 11 p.m. services today.

Mt. Diablo Unitarian, 55 Eckley Lane Candlelight service will be at 10:30 p.m. today. Valley Baptist, 1355 Creek-side Drive Candlelight service will be held at 7 p.m. today.

Grace Presbyterian, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd. The Rev. Robert Williams will speak on "Christ Brings Life to Light" at 11 p.m. today. St.

Paul's Episcopal, 1924 Trinity Ave. The Rev. Alfred Seccombe will conduct Holy Communion services at 11 p.m. today and at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

I Hillside Covenant, 2060 Mag nolia Way The Rev. James Persson win conduct family service at 7 p.m. today. ORINDA Community, 10 Irwin Way Candlelight service will be held at 10 30 p.m. today.

ORINDA Community," 10 Irwin Way Candlelight service will be held at 10:30 p.m. Mayflower Independent Con-' gregational, 9 Altarinda Roadc Dr. Michel VaDon will speak on "The Power of Looks" at 11 pjn. today. Triis Christmas Tree at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 8800- Fontaine is decorated, with Chrismons symbols used by the Christian Church to symbolize Christ.

Mrs. Richard Lincoln super GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH "Ascension of Our Lord" 'Will Celebrate Christmas Eve 1 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 24 111 Fairmount Avenue EAST OF BROADWAY AT 29TH STREET 4700 Lincoln Oakland vised the making decoration of the 25 INTERDENOMINATIONAL "VisitorsAlways Welcome0 Christmas Date Displaced Pagan Festival Observance Zlie Neighborhood Church UNITED METHODIST 3 Li of the symbols and ties. The evergreen tree was retained as a symbol off ter-nal life. The 12 Holy Nights of the solstice began to commemorate the birth of Christ, the visit of the Shepherds and the Wise Men.

The name "Christmas" is considered to have evolved from thte words "Christ-Mass," as the observance of Christ's birth became a major event in the life of the Christian Church. Hi Missionary Freed WASHINGTON '(UPI) -The i State Department has promised to make every effort to secure the return of the Rev. James D. Fite, an American Baptist missionary released after Vk years in a Cuban jail. Fite was convicted of illegal currency transactions in Cuba and in April, 1965, was.

given, six years in prison. His father, the Rev. Clifton E. Fite, is "pastor of a Baptist irarch in Waynesboro, Ga. Community Methodist Church 5151 Argyle Road, EL SOBRANTE Christmas Eve Service 1 1 :00 p.m.

The Christmas Message presented in song; word, and Special music by the Aldersgate and Chancel Choirs 8411 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland The Rev. Jacob Bellig, Minister CHRISTMAS EVE 11:15 p.m. Organ Concert jl p-m' "Jyus Sounds of Christmas" CHRiSTMAS CHORALE AND ORCHESTRA Midnight "Gloria In ExcelsisDeo" Illustrated Christmas Musical Pageant Cast One Hundred 1 Montclair Methodist Church CORNER OF MOUNTAIN BLVD. AND SNAKE MONTCLAIR. DISTRICT VERL L.

CHURCHILL, PASTOR DECEMBER 24, TUESDAY A "Be-In" Candlelight Communion Service 1 p.m. "THE HOLY CHILD" CANTATA BY GORDON YOUNG WITH CONGREGATIONAL PARTICIPATION Germanic peoples, which began on Dec. 21. When the Germanic and Norse nations embraced Christianity, missionaries substituted the reverent celebration of Christmas for the boisterous merry-making activi- 82 Parishes Plat) Yule Mass Midnight Masses- w21 be fared in all 82 parishes of the Catholic, Diocese of Oakland tonight, 'Including St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, 21st and Grove Streets.

The Most Rev. Floyd Begin, bishop of the two-county diocese, will be the celebrant for Solemn Pontifical Christmas Midnight Mass at the cathedral The cathedral choir, and instrumental ensemble will pre- sent a program of Christmas music beginning at 11:15 p.nx The celebration of Christ's birth Christmas has not always been on Dec. 25. The observance of the Babe of Bethlehem's birth varied as 7 much as four months in the early ChrBtian Church. Christmas was established at its present fixed date to counteract a non-Christian festivaL Pagans of the early centuries began the feast of Saturnalia on Dec 17.

Work stopped for several days, gifts were exchanged and slaves ruled their masters. Drunken orgies were common. In displacing this pagan festival, Christianity adopted the custom of exchanging gifts and proclaiming Christmas as a time when all men should seek peace with God and their fellowmen. A similar development took place in regard to the emer-, gence of the Christinas tree as a 'symbol bflhis holy holiday. Centuries ago, the tree wax the center of the winter solstice festival of the Norse and UNITY- LIBERAL CATHOLIC LAKESIDE UNITY TEMPLE 1 44 Athol af E.

6th and Lakeshore Ave. Rev. Katheryn S. Jarvis, Minister CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Christmas EveDeclmber 24 "The Light That Lighteth Every Man" Candlelighting and MeditationX p.m. and p.m.

St. Raphael The Archangel 1 521 51st Avenue, Oakland Christmas Eve Services 10 p.m. SOLEMN BENEDICTION SOCIAL HOUR" Midnight Mass 11:30 CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE 1 1 a.m. HOLY EUCHARIST I.