Script of Virtue Copyright and the Publishing World
Christmas Hymns Author’s Corner Jolly Holiday Decors
Vol 1 Issue 4 December 2023
Magazine
Christmas for Kids
A Jamaican Recipe Upcoming Events Christmas Traditions Worldwide
‘Tis the Season
Shar on Moor e Author of ‘‘That ‘‘That First Christmas Day’’ Day’’
Joy to the World
Jesus Christ
is the LIGHT that dispels fear, provides assurance & directions, and engenders enduring PEACE and JOY.
- David A. Bednar
Conntents Co
14 Editorial 3 History of Christmas 4 Christmas Traditions Worldwide 6 Sharon Moore Interview 10 Jolly Holiday’s Decor 14
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‘Tis the Season Jill Deville 18 Authors’ Corner What’s Coming? What’s Out? 22 Upcoming Events 27 Copyright and the Publishing World Dianne Daley McClure 28 A Jamaican Recipe 32 Christmas for Kids A Holy Tale/Craft & Recipes 34 Christmas Hymns 38 Bibliography 40
Editoorial Edit Welcome to the enchanting world of Script of Virtue, where the spirit of Christmas comes to life through the pages of our festive edition, Joy to the World. As we embrace the joyous holiday season, we are thrilled to present a delightful compilation of heartwarming interviews, expert tips, and creative inspirations that celebrate the essence of Christmas through the birth of Christ. This festive edition of Script of Virtue Magazine is a celebration of the virtues that define the holiday season—love, kindness, creativity, and the joy of giving. To those individuals who shared their voices, testimonies, and visions, we sincerely thank you for your generous support. May this script serve as a source of inspiration and bring warmth to your hearts during this miraculous time of year. Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday filled with laughter, love, and the timeless spirit of Christ and what He brings. Warm regards, Tracey Nosakhare Editor-in-Chief Script of Virtue Magazine
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The History of Christmas
Tracing the Christian Tapestry of Faith and Celebration
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n the quiet corners of history, where The pages of the Nativity story unfold time converges with the divine, the further, introducing us to humble shepstory of Christmas unfolds—a narrative herds. The shepherds, recipients of anthat transcends generations and cul- gelic tidings, bear witness to the heavtures, weaving a tapestry of faith, hope, enly proclamation of peace on earth. and profound celebration. Let us em- Simultaneously, the magi, guided by a bark on a journey through the annals of celestial light, embark on a pilgrimage time, tracing the rich history of Christ- that leads them to present gifts symbolmas, where each chapter unfolds with izing the majesty of the newborn King. echoes of angelic choruses and the hallowed glow of a Bethlehem star. Redemption was unveiled. As the narrative progresses, we traverse Christ was the Divine Promise. The origins of Christmas can be traced to the earthly ministry of Jesus—a journey the sacred promises whispered through marked by compassion, miracles, and prophets, foretelling the arrival of a Sav- profound teachings. The culmination ior. This divine anticipation, interwoven of this divine odyssey unfolds on Calwith the Old Testament, culminates in vary, where the greatest gift of love is the Gospel narratives that recount the revealed. The sacrificial redemption miraculous birth of Jesus Christ—a gift offers humanity the promise of eternal from the Almighty, bestowed upon a hope—a gift that defines the essence of Christmas. world yearning for redemption. This is a Christmas blessing. Heaven met with Earth. In the town of Bethlehem, the pages of In this season of miracles, the light of history turn to reveal the miracle of the Christ illuminates hearts and homes. Incarnation. The Son of God, born in a The story of Christmas transcends hishumble manger, heralds the fulfillment torical accounts—it is an invitation to of prophecy and the arrival of Emma- experience the transformative power of nuel—God with us. The extraordinary God’s love and grace. May the celebrastar that illuminated that holy night in- tion of Christmas be more than a travites us to contemplate the celestial an- dition; may it be a profound encounter nouncement of Heaven’s divine pres- with the divine—a blessing that renews and enriches our lives. ence among mankind. 5
Christmas Cultures Worldwide
1. Advent Wreath and Calendar
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he Advent season, beginning four Sundays before Christmas, is a time of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Many Christian households use an Advent wreath with four candles, each representing a different week of Advent. Each Sunday, a candle is lit, and additional elements, such as readings or prayers, accompany the lighting. Advent calendars, with daily openings leading up to Christmas, are also popular and often include Bible verses or Christian messages.
2. Reading the Christmas Story from the Bible
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n Christmas morning or Christmas Eve, families often come together to read the biblical account of the birth of Jesus as described in the Gospels of Matthew (Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-12) and Luke (Luke 2:120). This tradition allows for a direct connection with the biblical narrative and reinforces the central focus of Christmas on the incarnation of the Son of God.
3. Acts of Charity and Giving
C
hristmas is a time for generosity and giving, reflecting the Christian values of love and compassion. Many Christian families engage in acts of charity during the holiday season, such as volunteering at shelters, donating to food banks, or participating in programs that provide gifts for those in need. This tradition embodies the spirit of giving, mirroring the gift of Jesus to the world. 7
Christmas Cultures Worldwide For thousands of years, Christmas culture has been rich and diverse, reflecting the various traditions and customs observed by Christians around the world. Here we will some unique Christmas cultures in different parts of the world.
Ethiopian Christmas - Genna Ethiopian Christians celebrate Genna on January 7th, following the Julian calendar. The celebration involves colorful processions, traditional hymns, and a special church service. Families gather for a festive meal, and a game similar to hockey, called Genna, is played. It is a unique and joyous celebration that combines religious observance with cultural traditions.
Mexico: Las Posadas - Journey to Bethlehem In Mexico, the tradition of Las Posadas reenacts Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Beginning on December 16th and lasting for nine nights, communities come together for processions, singing, and the reenactment of the Holy Family seeking shelter. The celebration concludes with a feast, symbolizing the hospitality of the innkeeper who finally welcomes Mary and Joseph.
Photo Credit: Aleteia (Veronica Markland)
Greece: Kalanta - Christmas Carols In Greece, Christmas caroling, known as Kalanta, is a cherished tradition. Children and adults go door-to-door singing carols, often accompanied by musical instruments. It is a way of spreading holiday cheer and sharing the joy of the Christmas season.
Russia: Holy Supper and Babushka In Russia, the Holy Supper (Sviataia Vechera) is a key Christmas Eve tradition. Families share a meal featuring twelve meatless dishes, symbolizing the twelve apostles. Babushka, a traditional folklore character, is said to visit homes on Christmas Eve, leaving gifts for children. Photo Credit: WoodeeWorld
These diverse Christian Christmas cultures showcase the universal themes of joy, love, and faith while incorporating unique local customs and traditions. Each culture adds its own special flavor to the global tapestry of Christmas celebrations.
Sharon Moore
Author l Musician
Interview with
Sharon Moore
Can you share with us a glimpse of your creative journey and what led you to intertwine faith, fun, and creativity in your artistic endeavors? My journey as an author of children’s books started many years ago when I was a Preschool Teacher. It was then that I wrote and had published my first book entitled Linda The Ladybug Goes to Heaven. I worked at a church daycare and I wanted to help my students understand about heaven and what happens when our loved ones die. Since then I have written and published 3 more books for children and a book of poetry. That all started to happen about 3 years ago, when I found a wonderful illustrator on Facebook. All my stories are a fun way to help children grow in their faith. My illustrator – Valeria Leonova does an amazing job of bringing my stories to life. My books are just one part of my creative arts outreach – Sharon Moore Fun. I also play the violin and help out with sing-alongs at local senior care facilities, as well as play my violin / fiddle in community events. One other artistic endeavor is that I enjoy creating watercolor pictures of nature and adding scripture or an inspirational saying to them. How does your book, “That First Christmas Day” engage young readers while imparting valuable messages and lessons? My intention was to enlighten children about the true essence of Christmas. I crafted a narrative wherein a young girl expresses her wish to witness the first Christmas when
Jesus was born. This tale is encapsulated in a poem titled “I Wish I Could Have Been There.” Within the poem, the girl creates a heartfelt card for baby Jesus. The book concludes with pages encouraging children to craft their own cards. By presenting the story in this interactive format, my aspiration is to captivate young minds and impart to them the genuine significance of Christmas. What role does your background in early childhood education play in shaping the content and structure of your books? I strongly believe in the significance of introducing children, even as young as preschool age, to the teachings of Jesus and initiating the establishment of foundational principles found in the Bible. This includes instilling practices like prayer, imparting Bible lessons, and nurturing the potential for sharing with others. Living in Bloomington, Indiana, what elements of the community or environment influence your creative expression? Bloomington, Indiana, offers an inspiring environment nurturing various forms of creative expression. Home to Indiana University, it provided me with abundant opportunities to witness exceptional artists showcasing their talents while growing up. My mother, a choir teacher in the public school system, frequently brought my twin sister and me to orchestra concerts and other enriching events. Under the tutelage of Mrs. Bricht, my dedicated violin instructor for many years, I learned the intricacies of playing the violin. Participating annually in the School of Music’s solo and ensem-
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and ensemble contest, I competed and earned several ribbons. These experiences in Bloomington cultivated my passion for music and the arts.
iii. Contributing to a pilot program with Arts For Learning aimed at teaching children in Bloomington, IN’s public schools how to create illustrated children’s books. iv. Preparing to set up a booth at a local bookstore to promote my outreach and showcase my books for sale. v. Continuously seeking ways to further develop my craft and share it with a wider audience.
How has your passion for music, painting, and writing interwoven into your outreach through Sharon Moore Fun? Undoubtedly, my passion for music, painting, and writing serves as my primary inspiration. My vision entails harnessing these diverse art forms to inspire individuals of all ages, empowering them to cultivate their own creative talents. I aspire for these crafts to become a means through which people can not only nurture personal growth but also share and strengthen their faith.
Where can we purchase your books? All my books are available on Amazon. For detailed information about each book and my outreach initiatives, visit my website and explore the different tabs. You can find me at sharonmoorefun.org.
As a grandmother, how do you see the impact of your books and creative activities on the younger generation? It’s my heartfelt desire that my grandbabies come to know the Lord. They thoroughly enjoy listening to my books time and again, and I aspire for these readings to aid in fostering their faith. Each of my books imparts a lesson on nurturing faith through endearing characters such as frogs, sparrows, a delightful little girl, and even a charming ladybug. My goal is to make their journey of learning about faith both enjoyable and meaningful.
Sharon Moore Fun is a website that offers faithbased books for children and enjoyable activities through the creative arts. The website is run by Sharon Moore, who is a children’s book writer, artist, and musician. She is passionate about nurturing wonder, empowering young voices, and fostering imagination through the creative arts. On the website, you can find examples of her outreach, a blog where she shares a message of encouragement as well as teaching resources that correspond with her books, and a section all about her books. In the book tab, you can learn about the details of each book and a link for purchase.
What are your upcoming projects or aspirations in the realm of children’s literature and creative arts outreach? i. Collaborating with Valeria on my latest book titled “If You Could Be Anything, What Would You Be?” ii. Engaging in music sessions and sharing inspirational messages at local senior care facilities. 12
JOLLY HOLIDAY DECORS
Decorations serve as reflections of our moods and wildest imaginations. Christmas, in particular, is no exception. Create distinctive decor with our spontaneous ideas this holiday season. Ensure that the decorations are vibrant, cheerful, and warm, showcasing the true spirit of Christmas.
Festive Door Wreath
Create a wreath using traditional holiday elements like holly, pinecones, and red bows. Consider using a mix of colors like red, green, and gold for a classic look.
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Twinkling Lights Everywhere Decorate both the interior and exterior with strands of twinkling lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Wrap lights around stair railings, door frames, and windows.
Jolly Table Centerpiece Create a festive centerpiece for your dining or coffee table. Use a decorative bowl filled with ornaments, pinecones, and fairy lights.
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Cheerful Throw Pillows and Blankets
Add holiday-themed throw pillows and blankets to your sofas and chairs. Choose patterns like snowflakes, reindeer, or classic red and green plaid.
‘Tis the Season By Jill Deville
I don’t know about you, but the holidays can swiftly swing between being a blessing and a burden! The anticipation and anxiety about family gatherings during this time can be overwhelming. Thoughts of achieving perfection, managing food, budgeting, time, and decorating flood our minds, right? But here’s a message of hope that doesn’t come from an “everything is perfect, just pray” perspective. I often feel like I’d turn into the Incredible Hulk while preparing for company in general, let alone during a holiday! One day, while reading the Word of God, I stumbled upon Luke 10:38-42. But before I dive into its message, let me paint a picture that might resonate with you. I recall a time when I was getting ready for Christmas, feeling utterly overwhelmed because distant family members were visiting. Our home was amidst construction with unfinished floors, worsened by a year of heavy rainfall leaving the yard a mess. No decorations were up, and the rest of the house was cluttered with construction materials. To top it off, there were tools scattered around the porch and sawdust everywhere, remnants of my husband and me working on the floors after our day jobs. To say I was stressed would be an understatement. One evening, as I settled to read, Luke 10:38-42 felt like Jesus simultaneously scolding, correcting, and comforting me. Luke 10:38 -42 At the Home of Martha and Mary 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” 18
In Luke 10:38-42, Martha and Mary host Jesus and his disciples. Martha is consumed by preparations, asking Jesus to make her sister, Mary, help. Jesus gently points out her worry and distraction, highlighting Mary’s choice to focus on Him. Have you ever considered if you were more like Martha or Mary? One might think that decorating and preparing for holidays or events have no relevance to these verses. However, the Holy Spirit can reveal their significance. Jesus left us stories and teachings in the Word of God to guide us during challenging moments. James 1:22 encourages us not just to hear but to act on God’s word. Martha was so engrossed in working for Jesus that she nearly missed her time with him. Conversely, Mary prioritized her time at Jesus’s feet. Our families are gifts from Jesus and should represent an opportunity for them to encounter Jesus through us. Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. As you prepare for holidays, events, church, or any day, consider this story. It impacted me deeply, becoming my anchor whenever anxiety creeps in while preparing for big or small things—a family dinner, tidying the house, or tending to the yard. It’s time to focus on what truly matters: being in the presence of Jesus, cherishing time with Him, and valuing our gifts from Him. Your family didn’t come to meet stress; they don’t need to see stress in you before meeting Jesus. Let’s break generational cycles by embracing God’s word spiritually. Focus on those around you, creating beautiful memories for your family, friends, and yourself. Listen for Jesus saying, “Martha, Martha, you’re troubled about the wrong things.” Seek to hear His voice guiding your thoughts, transforming your experience from here on. 19
I’m praying for your heightened awareness, wisdom, joy, favor, and love this holiday season and beyond! Remember, God’s word emphasizes that if you love Him, you’ll follow His commandments. It doesn’t say, “Obey my commandments, and then I’ll love you.” Always remember, Jesus already loves you! He entrusts us to introduce others to this love through our actions—let’s “Show What You Know”! Wishing you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, From Author, Speaker, Pastor, and Just Jill Deville—daughter of the King of Kings!
Author, Jill L. Deville of both Show What You Know and The Inheritance writes on the importance of knowing the scriptures and showing the scriptures in your daily actions and reactions in your everyday life. She loves to preach the word of God at her and her husband’s church Gift Ministry of Louisiana in a small little town, Basile Louisiana. Jill Deville is also a motivation speaker, teacher and writer for Jill Deville World Ministry. God has attracted a huge following on social media through Jill Deville World Ministry as she makes sure everyone knows, “ It is all God, she is just the station He is playing on” Connect with her Social Media Facebook Page Name: Jill Deville World Ministry https://www.facebook.com/ShowWhatYouKnow?mibextid=ZbWKwL Tiktok tiktok.com/@jilldevilleworldministry Website www.jilldevilleworldministry.com
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Jesus is the reason for the Season.
AUTHOR’S AUTHOR ’S CORNER
What’s Coming?
GUS,, GUS
the Talking SAFETY BUS
Release Date 12/15/2023
What’s Out? SHOW AND TELL A Day at School with Fun Activities
By Nadine N. Edwards
Available on Amazon
.........
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That First Christmas Day By Sharon Moore
www.sharonmoorefun.org/general-1
Available on Amazon
.........
EVERYDAY AFFIRMATION FOR TEENAGERS Building Strength from Within By Tracey Nosakhare https://ladytraceyofficial.com
Available on Amazon
.........
Reflections A Poetic Memoir By Elaine Wiley
Available on the Reading Glass Books and Amazon
..........
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We introduce our newest bilingual ‘Italian and English’ inspirational journal—a beautiful fusion of two languages designed to inspire and elevate your daily walk with God.
Each purchase of this journal includes a complimentary company pen, the perfect companion to help you bring your thoughts to life. Get yours today!
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Dianne Daley McClure LL.B (Hons.), LL.M
C
opyright is a bundle of exclusive rights granted by law to authors of original literary, musical, dramatic and artistic works to control the use and exploitation of their works. Practically all kinds of works in the creative industries may qualify for copyright protection once the work originated from the author as opposed to having been copied from another person’s work.
There are several rights in the copyright bundle. There are described as economic rights and moral rights.
distortion, mutilation or other modification of, or other derogatory action in relation to, the said work, which would be prejudicial to his honor or reputation (the integriThe economic rights inty right). clude: 1. the Right of Reproduction (right to copy) 2. the Right of Public Performance (Recite, Play) 3. the Right of Communication to the Public (via Broadcast, or other means) 4. the Right of Translation 5. the Right of Adaptation, Arrangement and Other Alteration
Copyright is central to the publishing and media industries. Authors get copyright protection over the original content they create, while publishers (in most countries) get a separate copyright The moral rights are: over the edition or typo1. the right of the augraphical arrangement of thor to claim authorship the works they publish. of the work (the paternity right) and 2. the right of the author to object to any 28
It is important to note that copyright is country specific. Anywhere you are in the world there is a local copyright law that governs that jurisdiction and copyright laws around the world have their own peculiarities. However, common international standards apply to countries that are members of international conventions on copyright and related rights, the main one being the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (1886).
The Berne Convention established minimum standards, national treatment and reciprocal recognition of copyright around the world. Each country is mandated to provide the same level of protection to foreign authors and publishers as it provides to its own nationals.
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H
ere are some more quick facts about copyright that an author should know. 1. Copyright protection arises automatically as it is not conditional upon compliance with any formality (such as registration). However, there are some statutory and voluntary copyright registration facilities which are very useful, and it is highly recommended that authors and publishers use these facilities where they exist. The so-called poor man’s copyright is also a legitimate self-help method to establish independent proof of one’s claim to copyright. 2. Copyright protection lasts for the author’s life plus a minimum of 50 years after the author’s death. In several countries the minimum duration has been extended, to life plus 70 years or even life plus 95 years. Check your local copyright law for what duration applies. 3. Similarly, copyright in typographical arrangements of published edi-
‘‘Copyright does not protect ideas.
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tions last for a minimum of 50 years from the date of the publication or for longer periods e.g. a total of 70 years or 95 years, depending on the country. 4. Copyright does not protect ideas. Copyright protects the tangible forms in which ideas are expressed and not the ideas themselves. 5. Literary, dramatic, and musical works must be recorded in writing or otherwise to qualify for copyright protection. A few countries do not have this fixation requirement and copyright will arise as soon as an original work is created, whether recorded in a tangible form or not. 6. There are Copyright Management Organizations (CMOs) around the world which assist authors and publishers with the licensing of some of the rights in the copyright bundle. For literary authors and publishers, these CMOs are known as Reproduction Rights Organizations (RROs).
Finally, copyright oftentimes involves complex legal considerations. Legal advice is highly recommended if you run into any copyright challenges. Dianne Daley McClure LL.B. (Hons), LL.M., is the Chairman of the Cayman Islands Appeals [Trademarks] Tribunal, Design Rights Tribunal and the Copyright Tribunal. She is also Chairman of the Jamaican Copyright Licensing Agency (JAMCOPY) and Company Secretary for the Jamaica Music Society (JAMMS), National Copyright Management Organizations. Dianne is one of the founding partners of FOGA DALEY and the head of the firm’s Intellectual Property (IP) Department. Her practice areas include trademark law, patent law, copyright law, advertising law and media, entertainment and sports law, commercial IP transactions and disputes and IP portfolio management. Dianne has authored several publications on IP including a Monograph on Jamaica: Intellectual Property, International Encyclopaedia of Laws, Kluwer Law International, Intellectual Property – Suppl. 47 (2008) (being updated) and the Jamaica Chapter on Copyright in Copyright throughout the World, West (updated 2020). She is an Adjunct Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, the University of the West Indies (UWI) where she lectures Entertainment Law. She is also a WIPO Tutor and course director for Patent Law and Copyright Law for the master of laws programme at UWI Cave Hill and has lectured on the master’s programme on IP in the Creative and Cultural Industries, UWI Mona.
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JAMAICAN SORREL FRUIT CAKE Jamaican Sorrel Fruit Cake is a spin of the traditional fruit cake. The petals of the sorrel plant is used alongside a variety of fruits blended with and soaked in Jamaican Rum and Sweet Wine. This is perfect to eat during the festive season and any time sorrel is available to you. Recipe by Roma’s Kitchen Course: Servings Prep time Cooking time
Ingredients 200g unsalted butter
1 tsp nutmeg ¼ tsp cloves
2 cups soft brown sugar
1 ½ tsp salt
5 eggs
1 ½ tsp baking soda OR 3 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp. lemon juice ½ tsp lemon zest (you can also add ½ tsp orange zest for extra flavor) 1 tbsp. vanilla extract 1tbsp rose water ½ tsp almond essence 3 cups sorrel puree 1 1/3 cups blended fruits 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp cinnamon powder 1 tsp cinnamon powder
1/3 cup sweet red wine/rum
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 ◦ 2. Cream butter and sugar 3. In a bowl, remove chalaza from egg, add lemon juice and zests to eggs and beat everything together 4. Add egg mixture to the creamed butter and sugar 1/5th at a time and mix together until all is combined 5. Add vanilla extract, rose water, almond essence to the mixture 6. Add SORREL PUREE 7. Add BLENDED FRUITS 8. Mix everything together 9. Add red food coloring 10. Sieve flour, cinnamon powder, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking soda 11. Mix dry everything together 12. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients 1/3 at a time 13. Add sweet red wine/rum and mix 14. Add mixture to a greased and lined tin 15. Bake over a water bath for 1 ½ hrs. or until a toothpick is inserted in the middle and comes out clean 16. Enjoy!
Notes: Food coloring is optional, this is for you if you care for presentation and the cake having a rich red color.
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Photo Credits: Roma’s Kitchen
CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS
Photo Credit: Craftologia
A Holy Tale: Story of Baby Jesus
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nce upon a time, in the small
town of Bethlehem, a special baby named Jesus was born. This wasn’t just any baby; it was a miracle baby who would bring joy and love to the world. Let’s dive into the enchanting story of Baby Jesus, perfect for kids. Mary and Joseph, a kind and humble couple, were on a journey to Bethlehem. Mary was going to have a baby, and they needed to find a place to stay. They traveled for days and nights, with Mary riding on a donkey, while Joseph walked beside her. When they reached Bethlehem, the town was bustling with people. Everyone was there to be counted in a census, as ordered by the king. Mary and Joseph searched for a place to rest, but every inn was full. They were worried and tired, wondering where they would stay for the night.
As the baby lay in the manger, a bright star appeared in the sky. It was a magical star, shining with extraordinary brilliance. Far away, in the fields, shepherds were watching over their sheep. Suddenly, an angel appeared, bringing them the most wonderful news. The angel told the shepherds about the birth of Baby Jesus, the Savior of the world. The sky lit up with a choir of angels singing praises, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” Overjoyed, the shepherds hurried to the stable to see the baby. They found Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus, just as the angel had said. They were filled with awe and wonder, grateful to witness this extraordinary moment. Meanwhile, in a distant land, wise men saw the bright star and knew it was a sign. They followed the star, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the newborn king. Their journey led them to Bethlehem, where they found Baby Jesus and presented their precious gifts.
The story of Baby Jesus teaches us about love, kindness, and the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a story Finally, they found a stable, a simple of hope and joy that has been cherand cozy place filled with straw. It ished for generations. So, as we wasn’t a grand palace, but it would celebrate Christmas each year, let’s become the most special place on remember the magical night when Earth that night. In that humble sta- Baby Jesus was born, bringing light ble, surrounded by gentle animals, to the world and filling our hearts Mary gave birth to Baby Jesus. with warmth and love. 35
Children Childr en Cra Crafts &Recipes
Cardboard Tube Snowflakes Cut cardboard tubes into rings and paint them white. Glue the rings together in the shape of a snowflake and add glitter or sequins.
Winter Tissue Paper Trees Twist green tissue paper into cone shapes to create mini Christmas trees. Decorate with colorful pom-poms or small ornaments.
Gingerbread Cookies
Bake gingerbread cookies in various shapes like stars, trees, and gingerbread people. Decorate with icing and sprinkles. 36
Fruit Candy Cane Arrange alternating strawberry and banana slices to create a candy cane shape on a plate.
Snowman Cheese Ball Mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and seasonings. Shape the mixture into a snowman and use black olives for eyes, a carrot for the nose, and pretzels for arms.
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CHRIST MAS HYMNS
Joy to the World
3 No more let sins and sorrows 1 Joy to the world, the Lord is grow, come! nor thorns infest the ground; Let earth receive her King! He comes to make His Let every heart prepare Him blessings flow room, far as the curse is found, and heav'n and nature sing, far as the curse is found, and heav'n and nature sing, far as, far as the curse is found. and heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing. 4 He rules the world with truth and grace, 2 Joy to the earth, the Savior and makes the nations prove reigns! the glories of His righteousLet men their songs employ, ness while fields and floods, rocks, and wonders of His love, hills, and plains and wonders of His love, repeat the sounding joy, and wonders, wonders of His repeat the sounding joy, love. repeat, repeat the sounding joy. Source: Psalms and Hymns to the Living God #219
O Holy Night 1. O holy night! the stars are lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our brightly shining; It is the night of the dear Sav- Friend. He knows our need— to our ior’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and weakness is no stranger. Behold your King, before Him error pining, Till He appeared and the soul lowly bend! Behold your King, before Him felt its worth. A thrill of hope- the weary world lowly bend! rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and 3 Truly He taught us to love one another; glorious morn! Fall on your knees! O hear the His law is love and His gospel is peace. angel voices! O night divine, O night when Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, Christ was born! O night, O holy night, O night And in His name all oppression shall cease. divine! Sweet hymns of joy in grateful 2 Led by the light of faith se- chorus raise we; Let all within us praise His holy renely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cra- name. Christ is the Lord! O praise His dle we stand. So led by light of a star sweetly name forever! His pow’r and glory evermore gleaming, Here came the Wise Men from proclaim! His pow’r and glory evermore Orient land. proclaim! The King of kings lay thus in Source: One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism: an African American ecumenical hymnal #267
Bibliography https://romaskitchen.net/jamaican-sorrel-fruit-cake/ Isaac Watts (PHH 155) wrote this text as a paraphrase of Psalm 98. He published it in his Psalms of David Imitated (1719) under the heading “The Messiah's Coming and Kingdom.” The paraphrase is Watts' Christological interpretation.
Script of Virtue Collections Publishing. Branding. Advertising. . . . . scriptofvirtuecollections@gmail.com ladytraceyoffcial.com/script-of-virtue-coll +39 351 211 1457 Montego Bay, Jamaica
