Editor's Note
In my household, Christmas has always been a great way to enjoy the traditions of the season. Spending time catching up with friends and family has always been something we would look forward to do together. But Jesus has come so that we would also focus on Him.
Nicole Crawford Editor
I thank Him for shining His light in an otherwise dark world. So as we enjoy our family traditions that may include watching the big game, volunteering in the community, celebrating at office parties, let's remember to celebrate Jesus. and to thank Him.
John 1:5 the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
New England Christmas
On a cold snowy Christmas morning in New England, as I opened my sleepy eyes an overwhelming sense of gratitude consumed me It’s the kind of emotion that makes your heart swell and your spirit melancholy As I wandered down the stairs, I said to myself, “It’s Christmas Of course you’re full of gratitude!” I put a log in the fireplace and cinnamon rolls in the oven. As I waited for the coffee to finish perking, I scanned my cozy abode. My dog Huey, was curled up in front of the fire, pointing his nose in the direction of the aroma of fresh baked delights waiting for my indulgence The Christmas tree beautifully lit adorned the room with years of memories Red and green plaid pillows, reindeer statues and balsam wreaths decorated my world with holiday cheer Gazing into the yard I watched mother nature blanket pine trees with snow so white you could sense its purity and there it was, the reason for my aching heart. The image my spirit saw poured out in song, in a house of bread little village known as the house of bread In a manger midst the stables a baby boy was bed
By: Rosanne Butler Mondrone
A mother holds her sacred child and tears of joy she weeps while across the world the soul of man’s asleep. The Light of the World was born, the king of Jews with a silver spoon from his father a crown of thorns He’ll choose No ordinary baby his birth of royal seed, was a gift of love anointed above reclaiming Heaven’s deed
Tears began to stream down my face as I continued to inhale the holiness of this moment. No ordinary baby. He was not! The image of a mother cradling her innocent child, shepherds in awe, leaving their flocks, following the star illuminating the darkest night. Wisemen desperately seeking him, and angelic choirs proclaiming his arrival was the historic event that became the cornerstone of the Christian faith. A faith that offers a season of joy and hope that will be celebrated for centuries by believers and non-believers He is the reason for the season. His birth ignited our understanding of God’s love and for over two thousand years has continued to give us a moment to pause and reflect.
Old Saint Nicholas brightens Christmas morning in homes across the world as little children awaken to find the gifts they have longed for all year under beautifully decorated trees. In my house Santa Claus works for Jesus He helps bring presents to good little girls and boys who follow his rules and are kind and loving like him. There is a sense of generosity and peacefulness in our communities Neighborhoods are bright with wreaths and lights and all that glitters making sure heaven knows where to find us Neighbors are helping neighbors. Donations to the less fortunate increase. The Salvation Army ruelest nge to pes of
Soup kitchens are filled with volunteers and churches are overflowing with people singing “Hosanna in the Highest” hoping to fill their emptiness. From generation to generation families travel far and wide to sip hot chocolate and hear “The Night Before Christmas” once again with those they love No matter what your beliefs the world softens for a moment during this glorious season from the all the chaos and strife. His birth gave humanity this time to reflect, to wonder, or ponder and change their direction. He is the hope we all longed for, His life our hearts desire and His death the glorious sacrifice that restores us to our Father for eternity. Traditions may change from generation to generation but, the one constant is Jesus. He was no ordinary baby.
Contributor Rosanne Butler Mondrone
Believing in an Unbelieving World
By: Tina Crawford
In a world that often seems indifferent or even hostile to faith, it can be challenging to maintain a strong belief in the Lord. Yet, for many believers, their faith is a source of strength, comfort, and hope. Christmas, for believers, is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but for many it is simply a pagan holiday that’s become commercialized.
How can we continue to not only believe in but also celebrate the Lord this Christmas season in a world that does not believe? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Ground your faith in scripture. The Bible is our source of truth and encouragement. When we read the scriptures, we are reminded of God's love, mercy, and faithfulness. God reminds us in scripture that divine knowledge is how we fight our mental and spiritual battles.
2. Seek out a community of believers. Having a community of believers around you can provide support, encouragement, and accountability. When we are surrounded by people who share our faith, it is easier to stay focused on our relationship with the Lord. Christmastime is a wonderful time to gather with other believers and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas together instead of getting wrapped up in the world.
3. Pray regularly. Prayer is a vital way to communicate with God and to strengthen our relationship with Him. When we pray, we open our hearts to His presence and invite Him to work in our lives. Prayer includes praise, and tis the season for praising God for sending his Son for us. When we rest at the feet of Jesus, we are surrendering to His calling on our life.
4 Serve others One of the best ways to show the love of Christ at Christmas time is to serve others When we reach out to those in need, we are not only making a difference in their lives but also deepening our own relationship with the Lord. We know that God is love and therefore we are called to be love as well as we step into imitating Him with a childlike faith.
5. Trust in God's sovereignty. Even when the world seems dark, uncertain, and unbelieving we can trust that God is in control. He knows what is best for us, and He will never leave us or forsake us. There is no better time to remember this than at Christmas season, when Jesus literally came to Earth for our sin.
Believing in the Lord in a world that does not believe is not always easy. But it is not only possible, but beautiful. By grounding our faith in scripture, seeking out a community of believers, praying regularly, serving others, and trusting in God's sovereignty, we can continue to grow in our faith and experience the joy and peace that comes from knowing the Lord, especially during this Christmas season
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WHAT WAS I THINKING?
By Edward Beam
In 1997, I had the ultimate plan As a youth minister, I took eight of our youth several hundred miles to a Youth For Christ conference in Niagara Falls New York. The day after Christmas we headed out to the Joshua Revolution and had a chance encounter with Reggie Dabbs, the last speaker who messed up our lives but good. I felt like I had been run over by a truck never experiencing God in such a real fashion. We left Niagara Falls really on fire for God ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead. The next hurdle was formidable, taking this group to Times Square on New Year’s Eve This was not any New Year’s Eve though it was the second coldest on record The high, when we were at the Empire State Building earlier in the day, was nine degrees As the ball dropped that night it was a -15 wind chill factor Did we have a front-row seat for the proceedings? Heck no. We were in the area but could not see the ball drop. We gave up about 11:45 and went into a donut shop. It was so cold. We saw the top of the ball and the start of the drop but that’s about it.
We walked through Times Square at about 12:30 en route to our hotel and oddly enough everyone had left I know you’re probably wondering why would you take a youth group to Times Square on New Year’s Eve. It would be a risky proposition on a normal day, let alone New Year’s Eve. In retrospect, it wasn’t one of my brightest ideas. What was I thinking? I was betting on God’s promise of provision and security. What was I thinking? I wanted us to start thinking outside of the box. Quit doing what is comfortable and do something risky, within reason of course. I was betting that the Times Square encounter would not only be a fond memory for these young people, but I wanted to challenge them to grow their faith, be bold, and do things that they would not try ordinarily This idea worked
A 13-year-old young lady returned home from that trip determined to start a Bible club at her school, and it happened What was I thinking? It was going to be the start of a great season for our youth group, and it was.
We went back to Niagara Falls the next year minus the stop in Times Square. There we hear what would be our favorite story entitled The Fourth Wise Man It will be posted on my website What was I thinking about taking a group of teenagers to Times Square on New Year’s Eve? I was thinking that God would challenge us, myself included, to new heights in our spiritual lives I was thinking we needed to be challenged outside of our comfort zone. I was thinking the ball drop would usher in new life to these young people, and you know what that happened. We had a gettogether a few months ago, and people traveled from all over the world just to be together for an afternoon. To hear from some of them of that experience, but to hear from one that I was one of the most important people in their life That’s what I was thinking What are you thinking this
Taking Holiday Traditions On The Go
The car is loaded with a stroller, bassinet, toys, a portable highchair, and suitcases filled with clothes for the baby, the preschooler, and Mom and Dad. Brightly wrapped presents fill every extra space as you head home for Christmas Memories of years past fill your heart, and you can’t wait to hug your parents and siblings. Nevertheless, you wonder how you will maintain the routine that works so well for your growing family when you are away from your own home. Holiday visits can be a wonderful time for grandparents and extended family to reconnect. However, everyone needs to approach holiday visits with respect, flexibility, and mutual understanding. These three keys will help your family avoid meltdowns and enjoy the time together.
Healthy Respect Lays the Foundation
When grandparents consciously choose to respect their adult children, it enables them o work together towards the goal of harmony. Mom and Dad have a routine that works well for their children If they stay with family members who don’t respect their routine, disastrous results may ensue. If the baby is nursing, family members must respect the mother’s feeding choice instead of undermining it Sometimes grown children feel like their parents don’t fully respect them as adults capable of making sound decisions and life choices. Before making the trip, it’s a good idea to establish ground rules so that everyone understands the expectations. For example, if your three-year-old naps at noon every day, Grandma needs to know she can’t interfere and try to talk Mom out of making her take a nap
Mutual Understanding Keeps Family Unity
Taking the time to talk through everyone’s expectations before conflict arises will help the whole family have a wonderful holiday. Sometimes visiting children or grandparents may decide that it works better to stay in a hotel instead of with family. Perhaps that will make keeping the children’s routines easier, or it will allow older grandparents a place to rest away from rowdy, excited children The potential for hurt feelings can make this decision difficult. Therefore, everyone must communicate honestly and openly to avoid damaging precious relationships
If both grandparents and adult children will remember the words of Jesus to love your neighbor as yourself, it will help the whole family have a wonderful time making Christmas memories for everyone to treasure.
Being Flexible May Avoid Conflict
Grown children who return to the family home for the holidays may have already established certain traditions with their own children around the holidays Grandparents who visit for Christmas may expect their adult children to celebrate the same way they did when they were growing up. As families grow and change, some traditions may change, too.
For example, perhaps Grandma and Grandpa made it a point to teach their children the truth about Santa Claus from an early age In an effort to keep the focus of Christmas on Jesus, They chose not to emphasize the secular aspects of the holiday Nevertheless, the new parents have decided that they would like their children to experience the magic of believing in Santa The grandparents must be flexible enough not to destroy the atmosphere their grown children are trying to create
Glenni Lorick is a pastor’s wife and lactation consultant in Huntsville, AL She and her husband Keith have 4 children and 5 grandchildren Find more of her writing at www glennilorick com
Christmas is Your day, Jesus
Christmas is Your day, Jesus. We celebrate it with You!
"Happy birthday, Jesus", Is what we say to You!
This is our way.
The way we give honor that's due!
What a blessed day, Jesus
The blessing makes all feel new!
We give gifts today, Jesus To each other as though to You!
Christmas Is the best day. Your birthday party we come to!
You showed us a loving way A Godly thing to do.
Christmas is here to stay In the hearts of men who are true!
Of all the days in the year
Christmas is the one so dear. I wouldn't miss it ever It was planned so clever!
Everyone is invited
We are all so excited It is the "In" thing to do It is all because of You!
"Happy Birthday, Jesus!"
What a sweet sound
The whole world around Says, "Happy Birthday to You!"
Christmas Is
Christmas is A season of great joy for Jesus came to earth
Christmas is When we realize God's plan for saving fallen man.
Christmas is
A time to open gifts and our hearts for new birth
The people of the world follow that Bright Star And in their hearts journey to Bethlehem from afar. As in heaven so on earth, the star is a mere reflection
Of The One Who is born on beyond mere perfection!
Christmas is
The season He fills us with Love as only He can
Christmas is
All of the hopes and dreams of man in God's Plan.
Christmas Is The time to be together to celebrate Christ's birth.
Ed McCloud
Moving from Virginia to South Carolina about seven years ago was one of the best decisions my husband and I have made When our son called and announced that our first grandchild would be born in July, we quickly packed our belongings, sold the house, and moved. A few years later, a second grandchild was born that November. Among the experiences we cherish is teaching the grands to share the love of Jesus at Christmas and always.
As we bring out the artificial trees of different sizes to place in various places inside and outside, the anticipation grows. Our grandchildren help sort through boxes and tubs of decorations. We look for colored and white lights to hang on the tree first. Then, we begin placing old and new decorations on the tree
While finding the best spot for each Christmas ornament, we pause and share the importance of that item Some are handmade and have been handed down from generation to generation Others were purchased at different stores across the country Every bulb, hand-painted reindeer, cotton-ball snowman, Nativity scene, cross, photo frame, and more, has a story that shows the love of Christ Each one was created out of love and dedication
Showing our grandkids each decoration and sharing a special story about the item, allows us to teach them how to share God’s love with others. Some of the ornaments were gifts. Others were created at school or for a family project. From sparkling snowflakes to wooden sheep, every decoration is given a special spot in the house.
Watching the young grandchildren hold the Nativity pieces with care brings joy They put them in the best spots as we chat about the shepherds, wise men, animals, Mary and Joseph, and the baby Jesus
We also have Christmas music playing in the background as we fill the house with His love. Slow hymns often played during the holidays bring peace and calm. Now and then, we turn on a fast and upbeat song that gets everyone dancing and jumping with joy.
After we have finished decorating the house and trees, we sit on the living room floor and gaze at the twinkling lights. Those twinkles remind us of the star in the sky that led the shepherds to find the baby Jesus.
Have a wonderful Christmas and know that you are loved by God “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was ” (Matthew 2:9 NIV)
Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes humming with humor. Melissa is the author of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”. She is a contributor to many publications. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, Bookbub, Youtube, Linkedin, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com
Do you ever have trouble knowing when you’re full? Do you get bloating or abdominal pain after meals? Do you regret your food choices at the end of the day, or eat foods that don’t make you feel good? Eating mindfully can help with those things. And not only with those things; it has many benefits, such as improved digestion, better weight management, lower stress levels, and enhanced enjoyment of food.
When we slow down and think about the food we are eating, taking note of every part of the experience along the way, it allows our bodies and our minds to relax and enter into a calm state of being by activating our parasympathetic nervous system. Not only does this make it easier for us to enjoy our food, it also allows our bodies to function at a higher capacity, enhancing nutrient absorption and possibly decreasing symptoms associated with a sluggish digestion.
What is mindful eating? Mindful eating is the practice of being fully present and aware during meals, focusing on the experience of eating, rather than being distracted or eating mindlessly. It encourages us to fully engage with our senses while also paying attention to our hunger and fullness cues. Here are some ways to incorporate mindful eating during the holidays.
By practicing mindful eating, you can curate a more positive and fulfilling relationship with food. It’s okay if you don’t implement these all at once, just start with one and work your way up from there as you feel inclined. Any positive change in mindfulness is progress, and the point of mindful eating is to eliminate stress about food choices. So don’t stress, and enjoy your next meal to the fullest.
1. Set intentions. There is a time and a food for everything. Think about what you want to gain from a meal, whether it’s fueling your body, fueling your mind, or fueling your soul.
3. Create a calm environment and eliminate distractions. Save any stressful conversations for another time, turn off the television, and silence your phone This creates an opportunity for you to be more fully engaged with the experience, and more likely to bond with family and friends over a shared meal.
2. Slow down and savor each bite. Notice the texture, smell, and taste of your food. Notice when you’re feeling full, and how each food you eat makes you feel.
4. Practice gratitude. Take a moment to appreciate your food and consider the effort that went into preparing it
5. Reflect on your meal. When you’re done eating, take some time to think about your meal. How did it make you feel? Did it leave you energized and refreshed? Were you satisfied? This can help you make better choices about what you want to eat in the future.
Cranberry Spice Cookies
Ingredients
1.5 cups gluten free oats
½ cup almond flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground ginger
⅛ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup coconut oil
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract or flavoring
½ cup dried cranberries, unsweetened is best
¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, baking soda, and spices. Stir to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the coconut oil, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix to fully combine. The dough should be a little sticky, but hold together.
5. Fold in the cranberries and nuts, if using.
6. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing each cookie 2 inches apart. Flatten them slightly with the back of a fork or spoon.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set in the middle.
8. Let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a plate or cooling wire.
No-Bake Peppermint Chocolate Coconut Balls
Ingredients
1.5 cups unsweetened, dried, finely shredded coconut, plus a little extra for garnish
2 tbsp coconut flour
4 tbsp cocao powder
2 tbsp arrowroot flour
5 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla extract or flavoring
1 tsp peppermint extract or flavoring
4 tbsp coconut oil, melted and cooled Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl, starting with the dry ingredients and adding the wet ingredients last. Mix well.
3. Spoon dough into small mounds onto prepared cookie sheet. Sprinkle extra dried coconut on top.
4. Place cookie sheet in the freezer for 10-15 minutes and allow them to firm up before consuming or storing. Refrigerate unless serving promptly as these must be kept cold.
Jessica Hearn
I’m a certified nutritionist, wellness writer, wife to an amazing husband, and mom to the two coolest kiddos I know.
www.honeyandgrace.net
@like_honey_and_grace
