Watch This Video and Tell the Story of Christ's Birth in Your Own Words

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Watch This Video and Tell the Story of Christ's Birth in Your Own Words CHRISTMASTIDE THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS Christmastide begins on December 25 and ends on the evening of January 5 known as Twelfth Night. Since at least the fourth century, Western Christians have celebrated the nativity of Jesus Christ on December 25. The time between December 25 and January 6 (Epiphany) is the season for the church to celebrate and give thanks for the arrival of God’s Word made flesh, the light of God that has come into the world, the light that even death could not extinguish. In the Presbyterian Church, this IS the Christmas season. Please join us for worship on Christmas Eve and light all the candles on your Advent wreath. Watch your email for the Zoom link. We celebrate Jesus' birth. Watch this video and tell the story of Christ's birth in your own words. OR, read these Bible verses to tell the story: Luke 2: 1-20 and Matthew 2: 1-12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXWoKi5x3lw Jesus told us to love one another. What does this story tell us about the true meaning of Christmas? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuRn2S7iPNU Maria says, "You really have to watch this crazy cat." We spread the Good News of Jesus' birth through acts of kindness. Boxing Day takes place on December 26 and is celebrated in several including our neighbors in Canada. Starting in the Middle Ages, it was the day when the alms box, collection boxes for the poor in churches, were opened so that the contents could be distributed to poor people. On boxing day, the rich gave needed items to the poor such as clothing and food. Their contributions were gently used or even leftovers from the Christmas feast. * In that spirit, take time to go through your things at home. Are there gently used toys or clothing that could be given away or donated? We remember those who waited and watched. In Advent we waited and watched for the arrival of Jesus and his light into the world. Anna and Simeon were waiting and watching for the arrival of the Messiah. We know that at a time when the world probably would have regarded them meaningless, God chose Simeon and Anna to complete one of the most important tasks ever performed in our faith history. They declared the true identity of Jesus. Read Luke 2:22-38 for their story. *Consider reaching out to the elderly in your family or neighborhood to hear their stories. Join us for our Zoom Christmas play on December 27. We need actors! Contact Maria at [email protected] if you want a part. Watch your email for the service Zoom link. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. Mark 6:31 Most of us will not be celebrating with extended family this year. Our days may be quieter and provide time for joy and reflection. We offer here a number of options for you to enjoy during this season. Decorate an outside tree for the birds by stringing popcorn and dried fruit, and making pinecone birdfeeders. Slather pinecones with peanut butter, roll in birdseed, add a string and tie in a tree or bush. Read. For those of you with little ones, we have attached a reading list from the Center for Christian Growth. All of these books can be borrowed from the Resource Center. You may like to listen to God Gave us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oje4lhoZDbs Middle school students and even adults will enjoy The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. Teens and adults might enjoy these fiction books suggested by Goodreads. The Screwtape Letters CS Lewis The Shack William Paul Young How Far to Bethlehem Nora Lofts Redeeming Love Francine Rivers The Pilgrim's Progress John Bunyan The book marks are a gift from a member. Cook. Ask a friend or family member for the recipe of a food you enjoy when they make it and try it yourself. Or, on these chilly days, make soup. Try Holiday Tortellini Soup. (see our recipe sheet) Craft. Use Christmas cards to create gift tags for next year. Decorate paper lunch bags for New Year luminaries on your porch or walkways. Put some dry rice in the bottom of the bag to keep them upright and support the tea light inside. Celebrate the New Year. The traditions that people around the world celebrate with are endless. Indulge in your favorite. In the morning, have a pancake party, where the toppings are plentiful and PJs are 100% acceptable attire. Make your favorite pancakes in advance and heat them up just before putting on the table. Offer plenty of topping choices including fresh fruit, spreads (butter, honey butter, peanut butter, Nutella) toasted nuts, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, whipped cream and warm syrups ( maple, of course, pecan, blueberry). See our recipe sheet for the fluffiest pancakes ever. Celebrate Twelfth Night. Twelfth Night is a celebration at the end of Christmastide. Traditionally, this is the day to dismantle your Christmas tree. Many people celebrate with a hearty meal and a party, which often includes medieval costumes Raise a toast to good health with Wassail. Wassail comes from the old Anglo-Saxon phrase 'waes hael', which means 'good health'. (see our recipe sheet) We would enjoy seeing a picture of your family celebrating this season. You can post it on our Facebook page or email it to [email protected] .
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