VOL. LXXXXI, No. 12 WASHINGTON, DC DECEMBER 2020 NOT FOR SALE

IF CHRIST WAS NOT CONCEIVED BY A VIRGIN,

THE BIBLE IS JUST ANOTHER BOOK

(Continued on Page 2)

Good folks, at present there is quite a controversy about the prophecy of the birth of the greatest character the world has ever known, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Writers of the newly revised version of the Holy Bible argue that the original translation, which states that Jesus would be born of a virgin, (see Isaiah 7:14) is in error. They say the correct translation states that a young woman, not a virgin, would conceive and bare a son. These modern writers would have you believe that Jesus may have been born of a young woman who was virtuous, or He might have come into existence out of the highest moral standards the world has ever known, but they do not want to accept the fact that Jesus was born of a virgin. The publication of this newly revised translation of the Bible has created quite a stir because it differs so much from the King James version. The revised edition states that Jesus would be born of a young woman. Now I am not arguing that point! A young woman can be a virgin and then again, a young woman can be a harlot. But listen, Jesus, the son of God, without any question came here as an exceptional character, ordained of God to be born of a young woman who was a virgin. No other man born after the flesh can make that claim. Isaiah 7:14 is a disputed passage of Scripture. “Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign; …” Notice! The new writers do not question the LORD giving a sign, “… Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bare a son,…” They question the fact that the woman who conceived and bore Jesus was a virgin. This modern group of translators say the Hebrew word, “almah”, means a young woman, but not necessarily a virgin. They are no more willing to accept the fact that Jesus was born of a virgin, than they would expect you to accept any other mother of this day being a virgin conceiving and bearing a child. They won’t come right out in the open and say she was not a virgin. Neither do they want you to accept the young woman as being a virgin. So, they contend that the translation is not, “virgin”, but rather a young woman. But listen! The Prophet Isaiah began by calling attention to the fact that God was going to give you a sign. God was going to do a work. God was going to perform a miracle. There would be no sign given, nor would it have been considered anything out of the ordinary, and certainly not anything unusual, for a young woman to give birth to a child if she had been touched by a man, conceived and then delivered. But if you were a virgin, had never known a man, if no man had ever touched her, yet she conceived and bore a son, then that is a sign. Isaiah not only prophesied that this miraculous conception would come to pass, but he also said that this particular son should have a name. “Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bare a son, and shall call his name Immanuel”. The word “Immanuel” being interpreted means “God with us”. God! No one is questioning that portion of the translation. But the devil is a trickster. He knows that if he can discredit the name, get it out of the minds of the people, that the mother of Jesus was a virgin

Don’t become excited at the storm the devil kicks up. Jesus is the Master of every tempest.

* * * * *There is never a care that Jesus cannot share.

* * * * *You are wasting your time if you are not making secure your chance to have eternal life.

* * * * *Be a reflector and reflect the light of Jesus throughout the world.

* * * * *There is nothing on earth as mean and contemptible as an unthankful heart.

* * * * *Your affiliation must be with Christ, not with denomination.

* * * * *Don’t let your aim in the earth cause you to miss the kingdom of heaven.

* * * * *When you make a mistake, go back and correct it. That is perfection.

* * * * *We don’t have millions, but we have what millions want.

* * * * *Security is not in money; it is in God.

* * * * *Obedience is what holds one to God’s Word and keeps him.

* * * * *You are holy if you are obedient to God’s Word.

* * * * *“Sparks from the Anvil” are now available in hard copy. If you desire a copy, write to the Happy New Publishing Company, 2030 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001-3027Contributions are $8.00.

Elder Lightfoot Solomon Michaux,founder, Gospel Spreading Church

PAGE 2 HAPPY NEWS DECEMBER 2020

(Continued on Page 11)

when she conceived, the Lord Christ, he can get rid of the name of the Savior as being Immanuel, (God with us). If you want to split an old tough log, one that is extremely difficult to break, you first drive in one wedge, then another, and still another until the log cracks open. So, the devil is striving to place a wedge between “Immanuel” and the sign. If he can succeed in getting rid of the woman, the mother of Jesus, as being a virgin, he knows he can get rid of Christ as being Immanuel, the Son of God. But to me, the text shall remain as it was spoken by the prophet, “… Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bare a son, and shall call his name Immanuel”. He is God with me! A sign was given, a virgin conceived, and an unusual child was born. Now Christians, you can become as modernistic as you please, you can even become wise in your own conceit, you can wrest (pull and twist) with the Scriptures, or be unreasonable and let men cause you to lose your understanding of the Word of God. The Scriptures bare out the fact that Christ is the Son of God. On one occasion, as John was baptizing in the River of Jordan, Jesus came to be baptized. As Jesus came up out of the water, a voice was heard from heaven: “… This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (St. Matthew 3:17b)”. I’m satisfied with Jesus! Therefore, I am not going to let anyone destroy my faith by establishing another faith, a dual faith. You can’t understand anything that is double, yet credited as being equal. Surely, a young woman can be credited as being a virgin, then she can be equally credited as not being virtuous. There were Jews in the days before the coming of Christ who believed the prophet that a young woman who was a virgin, should conceive, for that’s an unusual event. There are many who didn’t believe the prophet, but their disbelief could not stop the Word of God from being fulfilled when the time came. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, there were many who believed He was their promised leader. The Wise Men came from the East to Jerusalem for their Lord and King. They had searched the Holy-writ and found that when the child, the promised Messiah, was born, a certain strange star would appear as a sign. Being men of science, astronomers, they had studied the elements and knew all about the many stars and lights in the heaven. So, when this unusual star appeared in the spot where the prophet had said it would, they looked at one another and determined this was His Star. They said, “Let us go and find the young

IF CHRIST WAS NOT CONCEIVED BY A VIRGIN, THE BIBLE IS JUST ANOTHER BOOK

(Continued from Page 1)

child and worship Him”. Following the star, the Wise Men came to Jerusalem and inquired of King Herod if he had heard any news concerning the birth of an unusual child, one who was born King of the Jews. They wanted to know where the young child might be found. Now when the King heard these sayings, he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him (See St. Matthew 2:3). Fearing the loss of his kingdom, Herod called the Chief Priests and all the scribes, the doctors of the law, and demanded of them where Christ should be born. “And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judae’a: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel” (St. Matthew 2:5, 6). It was King Herod’s plan to find the young child and then slay Him. He didn’t intend to let any other King share the throne. Herod, speaking privily to the Wise Men, told them that he had not received news concerning the birth, nor the whereabouts of the new king, but that they should go to search diligently for Him, come back and let him know, that he might come and worship Him, too. As the Wise Men left the King’s palace, they noticed that this particular star began to move again, so they followed it. This time it came and stood directly over a stable. The Wise Men looking at one another said, “This must be the place where the young child can be found. Let us inquire”. There in the stable (house), they saw their newborn King, Joseph and Mary, the mother of Jesus, (See St. Matthew 2:11). The Wise Men fell on their knees, worshipped, and presented the Son of God many different, precious gifts. King Herod was a deceiver. As the Wise Men considered returning to him, God sent an angel who warned them not to return to Herod, but to go

on their way rejoicing. The devil is a greater deceiver than old King Herod. That old “no - account rascal” has not stopped trying to destroy Christ by keeping Him out of the minds of the people.

Christ is a panacea for every illness or sickness. He is our Hope! He is our strength! He is the life of all those who believe in Him. Good folks don’t be deceived. An unusual thing was done in Bethlehem of Judea! The baby who was born, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger by a woman who had never been touched by a man, is the one and only begotten Son of God. No matter what the doubters may say, pay no attention to the preacher who wants to change the effect of God’s eternal truth. The Word of God will stand when they are dead and rotting in their graves. Yes! The truth and Word of God will abide forever. The Scriptures say that both heaven and earth shall pass away, but God’s Word… GOD’S WORD… shall not pass away no matter how you try to change the effect of it (See St. Matthew 5:18). Truly, the word “almah”, in Hebrew might mean “a young woman”, but if God gave us a sign, it had to be that it was a virgin which conceived and bore the only begotten Son of God. No matter what you say, the prophet has sanctioned the fact that a virgin would conceive. This fact would be a sign and that is not all. A name would be involved. You can try to rub out the “virgin” but the sign and name stand. “Emmanuel” is with us! If the statement made by these new translators of this new issue of the Bible is not in error, are the statements that Joseph made about the angel appearing to him in a dream and making him know that because he had found Mary to be with child, he, Joseph should not fear to take her unto himself also in error? Did he not realize that her conception was of the Holy Ghost? God has always dealt with his servants by warning them in visions and dreams.

God’s Word is going to stand. St. Matthew 1:18–23, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee, Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in

Responses to theBible Word Puzzle

PAGE 3 HAPPY NEWS DECEMBER 2020

Claudia A. BellOrange, NJ

* * * * *Rudene K. Bonnette

St. Matthews, SC* * * * *

Lorie BugreYonkers, NY

* * * * *Ivy Canady

Williamsburg, VA* * * * *

Marion CarthanHuntingtown, MD

* * * * *Bessie HookerKinston, NC

* * * * *Sarah H. Johnson

Kenbridge, VA* * * * *

Lucy JonesBrodnax, VA

* * * * *Nathaniel Jones

Bronx, NY* * * * *

Georgia KimpsonOrangeburg, SC

* * * * *Bernice LambertSouth Hill, VA

* * * * *Kirdell Minor

Washington, DC* * * * *

Ola M. MontgomeryEast Orange, NJ

* * * * *Noah MyersBronx, NY* * * * *

Barbara NewbySouth Hill, VA

* * * * *Dorothy PurnellSouth Hill, VA

* * * * *Harriet Roberts

Kinston, NC* * * * *

Beatrice D. RussellBoydton, VA

* * * * *Annie SallyYonkers, NY

* * * * *Rosa L. StoneBrodnax, VA

* * * * *Dorothy Swinton

Yonkers, NY* * * * *

Rosa TaylorSouth Hill, VA

* * * * *Barbara WilliamsPortsmouth, VA

* * * * *Arthur Williamson

Severn, MD

The following persons found the correct answer:

PAGE 4 HAPPY NEWS DECEMBER 2020

God’s Wonderful Gift

I remember how in the early 1940’s, I was one of five or six male children who often gathered on the corner of a southeast community street in a small city of Virginia. We were celebrating what was thought to be the best season of our lives: “The Christmas Season.” For these children of working parents and grandparents, it was indeed a festive time. The smell of freshly baked homemade cookies was in the air. One morning, we children displayed the Christmas gifts we had received. For all of us, the gifts were not more than one shirt or a pair of khaki pants, or a toy. Western style toy cap pistols were the popular gifts received! The most memorable time was yet to come: Christmas Day dinner, when most of our families had a large dinner of fried chicken or lean beef, plus vegetables, and a homemade dessert! However, some of the poorest of us did not have dinner or Christmas gifts. But, because the compassion of those “who had” prompted them to give to those who “did not have”, the season was ‘merry’ for all residents in the neighborhood. On the other hand, relatively few persons seemed to appreciate the precious Gift that had already been given to them over 2,000 years ago. This tangible Gift, related to our souls, ushered in the first celebration of the Christmas season. This precious Gift was not a new toy, household item, or method of transportation, but a Person! For years, I was quite limited in knowledge about this Gift. Then one day I realized that someone born in an “animal feeding trough” (a manger) and Who, therefore, appeared to be poorer than I, could help me in anything. But I read what the Holy Scriptures say of this Baby, this Person, in the book of St. Luke the 1st chapter, beginning at the 26th verse through the 33rd verse. In synopsis, a Son would be born to a virgin named Mary. His name would be called Jesus. He would be great and called the Son of the Highest. He would reign over the House of Jacob forever. The book of St. Matthew, the 1st chapter, and the ‘b’ portion of the 21st verse says, “…for he shall save his people from their sins.” As I grew older, matured, and understood written messages, I wondered what these words meant. Certainly, as a child, I wanted food, shelter, and clothing! Little did I know that the source of all the above would come to me as a gift through this Baby Boy! See St. Matthew, chapter 6, verses 7 and 8 and St. John chapter 1, verse 3. In short, all things come from God, and this Baby Boy was all Man, as well as All God! All things that were made, He (Christ Jesus) made them. As an adult, I learned that God gave the Greater, and the Greatest of gifts, Jesus. By the way, that name means; “God’s salvation.” The word salvation is defined as “deliverance.” Perhaps your reading of this message will bring to your remembrance that as a child you only needed those things that would sustain your life in this literal world. Now as adults and born-again believers, we know we need much more than temporal blessings. St. Matthew Chapter 6, verses 31 through 33 state that God knows what we are in need of in this life, but we are to first seek that which is in God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. Surely, if we accept the Gift God gave (the sacrifice for sin on Calvary of His only Begotten Son Jesus), we also received the promises He made to give us everything we need, and some things we want in this world and the world to come. The Gift of Jesus to and for this human race, is far beyond our understanding. One thing is assured, “Love seeks to give its recipient the Highest, and very best Gift.” God the Father did just that when He gave His only Begotten Son. WOW!!! What a Gift of Love! Alphonso Holt, Interim PastorNewport News, VA Church of God

Mrs. Mary E. Michaux, co-founder,Gospel Spreading Church

God Is Greatly To Be Praised

PAGE 5 HAPPY NEWS DECEMBER 2020

All nations should praise God as His Word says in Psalm 117: 1-2: “O PRAISE the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.” Godliness has promises of this life and the future life. Psalm 112:1-10: “PRAISE ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. “A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour. The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.” Praise God for His Excellency. Psalm 113. 1-9: “PRAISE ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised. “The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of His people. He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.” God is to be praised for His glorious works. Psalm 111:1-10: “PRAISE ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious and his righteousness endureth forever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his

covenant. “He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever.” How good it is to trust in God. Psalm 118:1-29: “O GIVE thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth forever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. “I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. “All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. “The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. “The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Prayers, praises and professions of obedience is found in Psalm 119: 1-16: “BLESSED are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. “I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. “Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” May God bless you is my prayer.

PAGE 6 HAPPY NEWS DECEMBER 2020

GOSPEL SPREADING CHURCH BAPTISING SITES

1920 Pinkett’s Beach - Newport News, VA 1925 Druid Hill YMCA – Baltimore, MD1932-1934 Potomac River - Washington, DC1937-1962 Griffith Stadium – Washington, DC1963-1968 Washington Coliseum - Washington, DC1969-1989 Carter Barron Amphitheater – Washington, DC1990 Palladium - Baltimore, MD1991-1992 Morgan State University – Baltimore, MD1993 National Guard Armory – Washington, DC1994 Banneker Recreation Center - Washington, DC1995-2012 Show Place Arena - Upper Marlboro, MD2013-2018 Gospel Spreading Church of God – Washington, DC2019 – Ferguson Center for the Arts – Newport News, VA

THE HUMAN CROSS CHOIRNearly two decades after the Gospel Spreading Church was organized in 1919, Elder Lightfoot Solomon Michaux was inspired to conduct revival services in a huge sports stadium in Washington, DC. A series of Sunday meetings climaxed with baptizing hundreds of persons who had accepted Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior. Griffith Stadium served as an ideal platform for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Crowds were excited to learn through song and drill that WILLINGLY JESUS SUFFERED FOR VICTORY!

One major feature of the revival services was a mass choir seated in the form of a cross, thus the name Cross Choir. The Lord planted the idea of this unique choir in the mind of Brother Mark Johnson who organized and directed the choir. Attired in white satin robes and white hats which concealed red caps displayed during specific choir drills, the choir enthusiastically set in place a foundational platform for delivery of the preached Word of God.

The choir was well prepared for the performances. Each rehearsal began with singing of the choir’s theme, “In the Cross I Know I’m Anchored”. The Happy Am I Band played “The Army of the Living God” as the choir entered the stadium. They marched with small American flags on their right shoulders. When Griffith stadium closed and was torn down, the popular revival services were moved to other local venues including Carter Baron Amphitheater, Washington Coliseum, DAR Constitution Hall, and the Washington DC Ar-mory. In addition to metropolitan Washington, DC venues, the Human Cross Choir performed in the Philadelphia, PA Convention Hall, New York City’s Madison Square Garden, the 1940 New York City World’s Fair (Court of Peace), the Williamsburg, VA Memorial Grounds, Morgan State University, in Baltimore, MD, and the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD. The Human Cross Choir’s most recent performance (2019) was at the Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA.

Over the years, these gatherings have attracted thousands of persons. The Human Cross Choir has been comprised of members of congregations that are part of or associated with the Gospel Spreading Church. While the outdoor revival services have been attended by numerous individuals, the major goal has been to call attention to Jesus Christ and His power to save, heal and deliver. The songs, drills, sermons and dramatic presentations have been instrumental in sounding the COME to JESUS alarm.

(Continued on Page 7)

PAGE 7 HAPPY NEWS DECEMBER 2020

THE HUMAN CROSS CHOIR(Contunied from Page 6)

PAGE 8 HAPPY EWS DECEMBER 2020

MEMORY VERSE

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (St. Luke 2: 7).

THE LORD’S PRAYER

“…Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (St. Matthew 6:9-13).

LET US PRAY THIS PRAYER AT NOON

“…Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God” (Joel 2:17b)?

COMMANDMENT SECTION

“BLESS the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name” (Psalm 103:1).

FROM ALL OF THE CHILDREN WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE 2020 EDITIONS OF THE HAPPY NEWS:

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL OF US TO ALL OF YOU!!

Aaron, Jr., Age 5, Baltimore Joshua, Age 10, Chesterfield

Noah R., Age 8, Chesterfield Noah M., Age 10, Upper Marlboro

Anthony III, Age 2, Williamstown

Peyton, Age 4, Williamstown Elisabeth, Age 16, Capitol Heights

Cheyenne, Age 11, Newport News

Robert-Anthony, Age 8, Silver Spring

Taylor, Age 11, Silver Spring

N’Kyron, Age 12, Greenbelt

Malayah, Age 9, Wash., D.C. Makari, Age 12, Wash., D.C.

Nya, Age 15, Greenbelt

London, Age 6, Danbury

Mariah, Age 16, Williamsburg Shelby, Age 18, Spotsylvania

Bella, Age 6, Laurel

David, Age 14, Capitol Heights Rachael, Age 17, Upper Marlboro

Anthony III, Age 2, Williamstown Hannah, Age 19, Upper Marlboro

Dakota, Age 16, Fredericksburg

Cheyenne, Age 13, Wash., D.C.

Alexis, Age 15, Williamsburg

PAGE 9 HAPPY NEWS DECEMBER 2020

Joy to the World

Words by Isaac WattsMusic by George Frideric Handel

Joy to the World, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room,

And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love.

ANSWERS TO NOVEMBER HOLY BIBLE QUIZ

1. Where did the men of Kirjath-jearim take the ark? Who was sanctified to guard it?(The house of Abinadab. Eleazar guarded the ark - I Samuel 7:1).

2. How long did the ark stay in Kirjath-jearim?(Twenty years - I Samuel 7:2).

3. What did the Israelites have to do to be delivered from the Philistines?(The Israelites had to return to the LORD with all their hearts and put away strange gods - I Samuel 7:3).

4. Where did Samuel gather the Israelites and pray to the Lord for them?(Mizpeh - I Samuel 7:5).

5. What three things did the Israelites do?(The Israelites drew water, poured it out before the LORD and fasted - I

Samuel 7:6).

6. What did Samuel do after the Philistines were defeated?(He took a stone and called the name of it Ebenezer - I Samuel 7:12).

7. How long did Samuel judge Israel? Where did he build an altar unto the LORD?(Samuel judged all the days of his life - I Samuel 7:15. He built an altar at Ramah - I Samuel 7:17).

ANSWERS TO NOVEMBER FILL IN THE BLANKS

1. O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people (Psalm 105:1).

2. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works (Psalm 105:2).

3. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD (Psalm 105:3).

4. Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore (Psalm 105:4).

5. Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth (Psalm 105:5);

6. He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all the earth (Psalm 105:7).

7. He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations (Psalm 105:8).

DECEMBER HOLY BIBLE QUIZ

1. Who sent the angel to Nazareth? What is the angel’s name?

2. What did the angel say to Mary?

3. Was Mary perplexed with the greeting of the angel?

4. Why did the angel tell Mary to “fear not”?

5. How did Mary respond to the angel?

6. What was the angel’s reply?

7. Malachi 4:2 states that the “Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings”. How was Jesus’ birth on earth like a sunrise?

DECMBER FILL IN THE BLANKS

1. O GOD, thou art my God; ______ will I ______ thee: my ______ thirsteth for ______, my ______ longeth for ______ in a ______ and ______ land, where no water is;

2. To see thy ______ and thy ______, so as I have seen ______ in the _______.

3. Because thy ______ is better than ______, my ______ shall ______ thee.

4. Thus will I ______ thee while I _______: I will _______ up my ______ in thy _______.

5. My _______ shall be _______ as with marrow and fatness; and my ______ shall ______ thee with ______ lips:

6. When I _______ thee upon my bed, and _______ on thee in the _______ watches.

7. Because _______ hast been my _______, therefore in the _______ of thy _______ will I _______.

Elijah, Age 8, Hyattsville

Nathaniel, Age 12, Greenbelt

Levell, Age 8, Danbury

Micah, Age 14. Upper Marlboro

N’Dea, Age 8, Baltimore

Imani, Age 3, Baltimore

Chloe, Age 11, Upper Marlboro

Tsehai, Age 11, Baltimore

Phillip, Age 16, Upper Marlboro

Tyler, Age 13, Wash., D.C.

James. Age 5, Laurel

A’maia, Age 13, Wash., D.C.

Aydn, Age 6. Wash., D.C.

Devin, Age 8, Wash., D.C.

Steven, Age 6, Seat Pleasant

London, Age 12, Wash., D.C.

Jasmine, Age 18, Landover

PAGE 10 HAPPY NEWS DECEMBER 2020

LESSON 49 – December 6, 2020SUBJECT: The Testimony of John

GOLDEN TEXT: “No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:18).

PRINTED SCRIPTURE TEXT: John 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

LESSON DISCUSSION

John, who is also recognized as the forerunner of Jesus, had a special ministry that involved diverting attention from himself and towards the Messiah (See St. John 1:15). He was a witness for Jesus. He considered Jesus to be the basis of grace on top of grace, one following another (See St. John 1:16). Aside from the law given by Moses, this grace and truth came by Jesus (See St. John1:17). God made Himself visible through His begotten Son Jesus (See St. John1:18). Regardless of how popular he appeared before the crowds and the religious leaders such as the priests and the Levites that questioned His authority, John always acknowledged that he, John, was not the Christ (See St. John 1:19-20). The religious leaders asked him if he were the prophet Elijah, to which he responded “No” (See St. John 1:21). John let them know that he was a voice proclaiming the coming of the Messiah (See St. John 1:23 and Isaiah 40:3). The Pharisees approached John concerning baptism, and his right to baptize if he were not Christ or Elijah. (See St. John 1:24-25). John explained that although he baptized with water, the coming Messiah whom he considered himself unworthy even to unlatch His shoes, would be the One Who would make the difference concerning true repentance. Although water baptism represents the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, Jesus came to baptize man with His spirit. As John said in St. Matthew 3:11, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire”.

LESSON 50 – December 13, 2020SUBJECT: Jesus’ First Disciples

GOLDEN TEXT: “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

PRINTED SCRIPTURE TEXT: John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

LESSON DISCUSSION

In this lesson, John saw Jesus walking towards him, and acknowledged Him as “… the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (See St. John 1:29). In the Old Testament, lambs were sacrificed as offerings to the Lord (See Exodus 29:38-42). In John’s eyes, Jesus was identified Jesus as the Lamb of God. Although John and Jesus were cousins, John had no idea that Jesus was the Messiah. (See St. John 1:31) On the very day John baptized Jesus, God manifested Who Jesus was. The Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, descended upon Jesus (See St. John 1:32-34). The very next day, John and two of his disciples were standing by when John pointed to Jesus as being the Lamb of God. From that point, the two disciples followed Jesus (See St. John 1:35-37). When Jesus saw them following, He questioned them regarding what they wanted to do with their lives. The two disciples wanted to know the place where Jesus was dwelling. Jesus took them there and spent the rest of the day with them (See St. John 1:38-39). In their excitement, one of the disciples, Andrew, found his brother Simon Peter, and told him they had found the Messiah (See St. John 1:40-41). When Jesus met Peter, He saw great possibilities in him. Jesus called him Cephas, meaning “rock” or “stone” (See St. John 1:42). A true follower of Jesus cares enough to share the gospel with others. As much as lieth in their power, they compel others to follow Jesus. Proverbs 11:30: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise”.

LESSON 51 – December 20, 2020SUBJECT: The Word Became Flesh (Christmas)

GOLDEN TEXT: “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not” (John 1:10).

PRINTED SCRIPTURE TEXT: John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

PAGE 11 HAPPY NEWS DECEMBER 20204 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

LESSON DISCUSSION

Notice how the Apostle John begins the writing of “The gospel according to John”. His opening words introduced Jesus as God, the Creator, and the Word made flesh (See St. John 1:1-3). John described Jesus as the Life and the Light of men. Jesus brings to mankind the opportunity to be delivered from spiritual darkness and separation from God (See St. John 1:4-5). John the Baptist was sent by God, not as the Light, but to testify about the true Light (See St. John 1:6-9). Jesus offered salvation to His own, (the Jews), but not recognizing Him as light and life, many of them rejected Him (See John (1:11). On the other hand, those who received Him were granted the power to become children of God (See St. John 1:12-13). “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us”, Jesus’ two natures, human and divine, were thusly revealed (See St. John 1:14). With Jesus in our lives, we have the power to become lights in a darkened world. St. Matthew 5:14: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”

LESSON 52 – December 27, 2020SUBJECT: Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael

GOLDEN TEXT: “And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man” (John 1:51).

PRINTED SCRIPTURE TEXT: John 1:43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

LESSON DISCUSSION

While traveling with His disciples in Galilee, Jesus found Philip and invited him to follow Him (See St. John 1:43). Impressed with Jesus’ deity, Philip found Nathanael, and told him that they had found the Messiah about Whom Moses and the prophets had written (See St. John 1:45). Nathanael questioned the possibility of anything good ever coming out of Nazareth. However, Philip invited Nathanael to follow Jesus and out for himself (See St. John 1:46). When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, Jesus declared to him that he was a man of upright character, not associated with guile, or trickery (See St. John 1:47). Responding to Jesus’ statement about himself, Nathanael asked Jesus how He knew him. Jesus told him exactly where he was when Philip called him (under a fig tree) (See John 1:48). Since the Messiah alone could have known that information, he honored Jesus with the title Rabbi (teacher) (See St. John 1:49). Jesus assured him that as His disciple, Nathanael would witness greater miracles. The moral of this lesson is that belief in Jesus enhances our ability to experience great spiritual happenings.

her is of the Holy Ghost”.All right now! All right now! If what Isaiah said is not true, then neither is the angel’s message. Now what did the angel

say? “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins”. Hallelujah! The devil is mad because Jesus was to be a man, a Godly man, with power from God to remit sin. “Now all of this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us”.

The devil doesn’t want God to be with us; he wants to make Jesus just an ordinary man, or a great prophet, or a worker of wonders. Satan doesn’t want Christ to be known as the Son of God. The Holy Ghost told Joseph that it was the fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by Isaiah. Now if you are not going to believe that which Isaiah said is true throw away your New Testament. Don’t accept any of it. The entire New Testament and everything in it is built around Jesus Christ.

Everything from St. Matthew to Revelation is built around Jesus Christ being the Son of God and born of a virgin. If what Isaiah said about a virgin conceiving is not true, then Mary’s own testimony, (See St. Luke 1:46-55) is nothing but mockery. Brothers and sisters be not deceived, God is not mocked when the church rises up and attempts to destroy its own foundation which is Christ Jesus, look out!

If what Isaiah said is not true, then Mary’s words are mockery. St. Luke 1:26 – 35: “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city in Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.” If you are not going to accept what Isaiah said, let’s throw this away too. Rub this out. Jesus was conceived of a virgin and all the demons out of hell can’t change it. “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive, in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God”.

All the kingdoms, since Christ came, have come and gone in some manner, but the Kingdom of Jesus still stands – Yes! Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth and goodwill toward all men. Jesus was born of a virgin. Glory to God, Amen!

IF CHRIST WAS NOT CONCEIVED BY A VIRGIN, THE BIBLE IS JUST ANOTHER BOOK

(Continued from Page 2)

TUNE INTO WFAX RADIO 1220 AM Saturday 11:00 - 11:30 AM

Sunday 3:00 - 3:30 PMSunday 9:00 - 9:30 PM

PAGE 12 HAPPY NEWS DECEMBER 2020

JESUS IS COMING

Jesus is coming for His SaintsJesus is sure enough on His way

He will arrive momentarilyAll Saints must be ready for that day.

Jesus is coming for His loved onesThose whose lives reflect His Word,

Those who are cleansed and satisfiedAnd in their hearts, God’s Word is buried.

Jesus is coming, oh yes, He isCan’t you feel it in the air?

Can’t you feel a sort of quickeningLike Jesus’ angels are already here?

Right here, at this very moment of timeArming the Saints with strength to hold fast

Whispering, it won’t be very long now

Jesus is coming, He’s coming at last.Get ready, get ready, oh, get readyYou don’t want to be left behind,

Don’t lose your chance for eternal lifePlease hear, get heaven on your mind!

Get your human house in orderGet the wrinkles out of your soul,

Bow down on your knees and surrenderBe sincere, Jesus will make you whole.

And when Jesus comes in the skyHallelujah, all His holy ones will know

And according to the Bible’s description of ascension

With Jesus the holy immortal spirits will go.I am praying for you.

Arlethia B. Jones-Carter