Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child

Our church has recently been doing a message series for Christmas based around The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis. There was a question at the top of the card I received announcing this series: What if there were no Christmas? In the book it said that in Narnia it was "always winter but never Christmas". I began thinking how sad it would be if there were no Christmas. But in the book this statement is made to a child, and I thought how much more sad would a child feel if there were no Christmas? To children everything is larger than life. Christmas is especially magical to a child, filled with awe and wonder. Children look forward to Christmas with great anticipation.

To see things through the eyes of a child is so interesting and wonderful. For example, last Saturday morning I was up early and it was snowing. Our Christmas decorations were up and the snow added to that Christmas feeling. When my daughter got up she announced excitedly that it was snowing and went right away to the window to watch. Then my son got up and said "WOW! Why is it snowing?!" Then he too ran to the window and pressed his face against it to watch the snow. Then he says to me, "Mommy, no one is looking out their window. I guess they are still sleeping." I said, "yes they probably are." When I thought about what he said I realized that it was his assumption that as soon as people got up they would run to their windows to look out at the falling snow as he had done.

Sadly, most adults would not share in my children's excitement about the snow. They would naturally be concerned about having to drive in it or the irritation of shoveling it. The magic and wonder of a December snowfall fades away once we move into adulthood. In the same way adults tend to lose their wonder and excitement about Christmas. The many awe inspiring events surrounding the birth of Jesus, a virgin being with child, the announcement by angels that a savior had been born in Bethlehem, Magi traveling from a distant land following a star to find this baby, and countless others all become just a story we are used to hearing every year instead of real events in history that changed our lives forever. We become so stressed with shopping, wrapping, baking, parties, and events that we forget why we are celebrating. I have even heard many people say they couldn't wait for Christmas to be over. I have been guilty of this myself in the past, but I have never heard a child say that. Jesus said in Matthew 18:3 "I tell you the truth unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven".

When I asked my children why we celebrate Christmas my son said "because it is Jesus' birthday, we should get Him a present mommy." Then my daughter says to him "do you know the present Jesus wants most of all, you. This year let's try to view Christmas through the eyes of a child remembering that first and foremost it is Jesus birthday and everything we do should be to honer Him. Let's not lose our awe, wonder and anticipation as we celebrate God's most precious gift to us.

Have a blessed Christmas,
Kim Ratcliffe

Candy Cane Brownie Lollipops

This treat was made for us at our Christmas party by Jule Burton! Thank you, Jule, for giving them to us and for sharing this recipe!

Ingredients
1 pkg (18-21 oz) fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients to make brownies)
24 candy canes
10 oz chocolate-flavored almond bark
Additional decorations such as red jimmies (optional)

1. Line Medium Sheet Pan (or 9-in. by 13-in. metal pan) with a 13-in. piece of Parchment Paper; lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions; pour batter into pan.
Bake 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Remove from oven to Stackable Cooling Rack; cool 20 minutes or until still slightly warm.
2. Meanwhile, cut straight ends of candy canes off to form 4½-in. sticks using Utility Knife. Place candy cane tops into resealable plastic bag and crush using flat side of Meat Tenderizer; set aside.
3. Using Medium Scoop, scoop brownie into 24 rounded scoops, packing brownie into scoop using hands. (Entire brownie will be used.) Roll brownie scoops into smooth balls. Insert candy cane sticks into centers of balls, mounding brownie around each stick to secure. Pinch each brownie ball where candy cane and top of ball meet.
4. Place almond bark into Small Batter Bowl; microwave according to package directions until smooth. Spoon melted bark evenly over each brownie ball, turning to coat completely. Be sure to coat where candy cane stick meets brownie ball. Allow excess bark to drip off. Dip into reserved crushed candy canes or jimmies and stand upright on a piece of Parchment Paper. Repeat with remaining almond bark, lollipops and crushed candy. Let stand until set. Place into miniature cupcake liners.

Yield: 24 servings
Cook’s Tips: Although the edges of the brownies are crusty, they don’t need to be discarded. Simply scoop the edges along with the center, and they’ll soften as they stand.

If desired, lollipop sticks or stick candies can be substituted for the candy canes.
Wrap lollipops in cellophane, tie with ribbon and use as table décor, place cards or take-home goodies for a special holiday touch.

Meet...Jennifer Kirsch

I have really enjoyed getting to know Jennifer Kirsch over the past year. She has an absolutely joyful personality and she is a pleasure to be around. It is a treat to be able to feature her this month.

Jennifer has been happily married to her husband, Shannon for seven years and they have two children, Trevor (4) and Brianah (2). She also has one sister, two brothers, and four nephews. Her family is the most important thing to her after God.

Her hobbies and interests include spending time with her family, laughing, and shopping. She loves listening to Christian rock and some of her favorite singers and musical groups include Bebo Norman, Nathalie Grant, Jeremy Camp and the Newsboys. She also occasionally likes to listen to music of the 80's and 90's.

Jennifer's favorite thing about Mom's Connection is being able to fellowship with other moms who share the same interests and become closer to God's word.

Her favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 13:4, which says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." It reminds her that she needs to think of others in this way; no matter what is on the outside, it is what is on the inside that really counts.

Jennifer's relationship with the Lord is very important to her. She feels so blessed that He is always there when she needs Him and He never lets her down. She says, "It is always exciting to see what the Lord has in store for me next."

I hope you have enjoyed getting to know Jennifer, I know I have.
Tina Burton

December Events

Monday, December 14 Women's Ministry Christmas Dinner- Enjoy great fellowship and delicious food at Dubbie's Deli at 6:30 pm. Tickets on sale for $15. For more information, contact Heidi Shank.

Sunday, December 20 Bethel Assembly of God's Christmas Dinner- A catered event in the church gym at 6pm for the whole family. **Only if signed up in advance.**

The Greatest Gift

What was read at Mom's Connection Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 8:

I'm placing before you this beautiful gift. If I would give this beautifully wrapped gift to one of you, what would you do with it? What if you never took the time to open it? I would feel disappointed, hurt, and angry at your callous rejection of my friendship and my love for you. And for you, this gift would be worthless if you left it wrapped on this table. It would be of no benefit to you.

Yet this is exactly what so many people do every Christmas. They have celebrated Christmas every year of their lives without ever having opened their greatest and most expensive Christmas gift- Jesus Christ. Jesus is God's Christmas gift to you. He came wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. He went unrecognized by many in that time and still in ours as the priceless and personalized gift He is.

It doesn't matter whether you are Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Mormon, or have no religious background at all. God didn't send Jesus to bring us religion! He came to make a relationship with God possible. In Romans 5:11 it reads, "Now we rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God- all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in dying for our sins- making us friends of God."


For some of us who have opened this precious gift we have found that in Jesus our past is forgiven, we have a purpose for living, and a home in heaven to look forward to. (Moms stood up and shared what Jesus has done for them.)For me, Jesus replaced my self-centeredness with love and compassion for others. And Jesus says to you today, "I can do the same things in you. But I'm not going to break down the door of your heart. You have to invite me in." Is it time for you to accept His gift today? If you want to take that step today, you can recite the following prayer:

Dear God in Heaven,
I know that I have sinned against you and that my sins separate me from you. Please forgive me. I want to accept your free gift of salvation given to me through Jesus Christ because He died on the cross for my sins, rose again three days later, and hears my prayer today. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey you, and to do Your will for the rest of my life.
In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen

The Bible tells us that when one person makes a decision to follow Christ that all of Heaven rejoices! Praise God!!　

Walking in Winter Wonderland

Don your stocking caps and wrap those scarves tight as you take a magical stroll around through this winter wonderland! You're sure to be delighted by this light show that let's you see it from the inside out. Clearbrook Park will host this enchanted walking tour that encourages you to take your time enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. Warm up in the cabin-where you might run into santa- or with hot chocolate and cookies!

Walking in Winter Wonderland Spectacular Holiday Light Show at Clearbrook Park in Clearbrook, VA. The grand illumination began December 5 and continues through Dec. 30 (closed on Dec. 24 & 25) from 5:30-9:30 pm. Lights are out at 10 pm so plan your trip accordingly.

Fee: 12 and over: $4; 2-11 years: $3; and 1 and under free

For more information or directions, check out www.co.frederick.va.us/parks/communityevents.aspx

Holiday Events

If your looking for a way to give to children in need this Christmas, please consider putting together a stocking for the Urban Outreach in DC. This ministry focuses on spreading the love of Jesus Christ to the children of the inner city. Mom's Connection will be giving towards this ministry at our Christmas Party. We will already be able to donate 20+ stockings as shown above! When filling each stocking, label it for boy or girl and age group.

Below are some items to consider putting in a stocking:

 Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, plastic kazoos, jump rope, coin purse or wallet, action figure toys, story books, harmonicas, yo-yos, puzzles, stickers, small Etch A Sketch®, travel games, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky, Video (ie:Bibleman,Veggie Tales), CD’s, etc.
 School supplies: pens, pencils and sharpener, ruler, crayons or markers, coloring/activity books, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, etc.
 Hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, soap, mirror, body lotion, shower gel, shampoo, comb, washcloth, etc.
 Other: hard candy, lollipops, mints, gum, sunglasses, flashlights with extra batteries, ball caps, toy jewelry sets, hair clips, watches, small picture books, tracts, etc.
 Clothing items: mittens/gloves, hat, scarf, character underwear, decorative shoelaces, socks, T-shirts, sweatshirt, etc.
 Do not include: used items, war-related items, medicines, or fine breakables!

Tuesday, December 8 Our Annual Christmas Party- In the busyness of the season treat yourself to a time of fun and fellowship with good friends and an opportunity to meet new ones. We will be having prizes, games, treats, food, and our gift exchange!!

Everyone is encouraged to bring a dish to share for lunch (ham will be provided) and a gift to give. Your gift can be something you received on a past occasion that is like-new or buy one for no more than $10.

Monday, December 14 Women's Ministry Christmas Dinner- Enjoy great fellowship and delicious food at Dubbie's Deli. Tickets on sale for $15. For more information, contact Heidi Shank.

Monday, December 20 Bethel Assembly of God's Christmas Dinner- A catered event in the church gym at 6pm for the whole family. **In order to attend, must sign up at Bethel at the Welcome Center or notify Lisa Fraley by Sunday, December 6th.**