The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1064171
D-14 Christmas Greetings Wednesday, December 19, 2018 The Press-Dispatch May the coming season bring peace and joy and all good things; and when the holiday is through, may its message of hope remain with you! 812-354-2121 To our friends, neighbors, associates, and folks we've yet to meet, we'd like to extend our sincere best wishes for a holiday that's as beautiful as you are, and hope that all your dreams come true during this magical time of year. MAY YOUR DREAMS BE MERRY & BRIGHT 610 E. MAIN ST. PETERSBURG Call for your appointment: 812-354-9268 - Mandi & Becky Merry Christmas As we count the days until Christmas, we are moved to count the many blessings this year has brought us. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the fellowship and support of our good friends, neighbors and customers here in the community. We are honored by your trust in us, and we consider it a privilege to serve you. 1202 E. Main Street, Petersburg PETERSBURG VFW #3587 Locally Owned & Operated // Dr. Clint Shoultz 715 S. 9th St. //Petersburg // 812-354-9400 Thank you for seeing us this year! We at Shoultz Eye Care are grateful for everyone who helped make 2018 successful. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Peace be with you all. JESUS CHRIST Our Firm Foundation "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." John 1:14, KJV May you find joy in this Christmas blessing from God. Merry Christmas! Pastor Denny Wiscaver 1415 N. Vincennes Ave., Petersburg • 812-354-4424 Many people prepare for the arriv- al of Christmas months in advance. The first traces of wrapping paper and decorations arrive in stores as early as September, transforming the holiday into a much more sec- ular celebration than its modest Christian beginnings. Despite Christmas being an im- portant date in the lives of today's Christians, the holiday failed to gain prominent status until relative- ly recently. Research indicates that as late as the 19th century, Christ- mas was not even a legal holiday re- quiring a day off from work. That's why 19th century readers of the classic Christmas tale, "A Christ- mas Carol," were not shocked at Bob Cratchit having to work on Christmas Day. The United States Congress used to meet on Christ- mas Day because it was not a na- tional holiday. In 1836, Alabama became the first state to officially recognize Christmas, but it didn't become a legal holiday across the country until June 26, 1970. Today's Christmas celebrations include traditions from around the world. Some ascertain that it was the Church's doing to sched- ule Christmas at a similar time to the pagan festivals, such as Satur- nalia, that took place during the winter months. But many biblical scholars argue that this was not the case. Some pagan influences, such as holly and mistletoe as well as the burning of a yule log, have long been a part of Christmas tra- ditions. Santa Claus is one of the more recognizable symbols of Christ- mas. He is based on St. Nikolas of Myrna, an area that is part of mod- ern-day Turkey. St. Nikolas is the world's most popular non-Biblical saint and is one of the saints most portrayed by artists. Early depic- tions of St. Nikolas show him as a stern man who delivered his share of discipline. Eventually, those de- pictions changed to show a fig- ure more associated with gener- osity. Throughout history there have been characters from around the globe, such as the Viking de- ity Odin, who were precursors to Santa Claus. Myth states that Odin rode his eight-legged flying horse in the winter. Odin gave out gifts to well-behaved children and pun- ishments to those who misbehaved. Children would fill boots or stock- ings with treats for the flying horse. Regardless of the origins of Christmas, today it is hard to deny that Christmas is a commercialized success. It is a national holiday not only in the United States but also in other areas of the world, and it is best known for the tradition of giv- ing presents to others. In fact, many people head to the stores well in ad- vance of the Christmas holiday to purchase all of the presents on their shopping lists. The shopping season tradition may be traced back to the time of World War II, when it was necessary to mail gifts early to the troops serving in Europe so that they would be able to open them in time. Merchants realized that this concept could be used when gifting troops as well as private citizens, re- minding shoppers to make their hol- iday purchases early so they could mail them to relatives near or far. As a result, the advanced shopping sea- son was born. Although many people feel Christ- mas begins when the first bag of tin- sel appears on a store shelf and ends when the last present is opened on December 25th, the true religious holiday does not coincide with mer- chant schedules. While most people are bustling to and from department stores and malls, Christians are par- ticipating in Advent, which was tra- ditionally a solemn season of reflec- tion and fasting. Christians are sup- posed to spend Advent preparing for the birth of Jesus Christ and the joy that ensues during the weeks lead- ing up to December 25. Similarly, the joyous time of Christ's birth is a day of celebra- tion that does not end on Decem- ber 26 but continues for 12 days until the Epiphany, also known as Little Christmas, when Magi were reported to have visited the infant Christ and give him gifts. Although the more traditional day for gift-giv- ing would seem to be on the Epipha- ny, by the time that day arrives many people have already taken down their Christmas decorations. Christmas is a holiday steeped in many different traditions, and many people have their own ways of cel- ebrating all through the month of December. Diagnostics 812-486-3637 Mark & Beth Toy 3528 S 650 E, Montgomery Just 18 minutes from Otwell • Only 30 minutes from Petersburg ■ Latest Diagnostic & Reprogramming Technology ■ Complete Auto & Truck Repair ■ 2 Year Parts & Labor Warranty on Qualified Repairs ■ Ford and GM Diesel Certified TECH 2 VCM II Your Complete Auto & Light Duty Truck Service Center Merry Christmas! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR A GREAT YEAR! 804 E. Illinois St, Petersburg (812) 354-2277 HOURS Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 11am - 9pm Friday & Saturday:11am - 10pm See Ya at the House! Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Christmas The Many Faces of