<p>Parent Newsletter 4 2014-2015 GEMS Season</p><p>You Might Have Missed the Message If . . .</p><p>You might have missed the message of Jesus’ birth if you have ever felt like . . .  you would just as soon skip Christmas this year.  you do not have time to celebrate Christmas this year.  you wish you could get off this crazy Christmas carousel and breathe.  you lack money, energy, and space for Christmas.  you sing “Joy to the World” but have no joy in your world.</p><p>As much as the holiday season has potential for sweet moments and fun memories, it holds equal potential to be completely missed and even miserable. In all the parties and programs, gift giving and scurrying back and forth to the grocery store, we can get sidetracked from the significance of Jesus’ birth. When our hearts ache and hopelessness is a film that clouds our perception, it can be difficult to see the good in the good news that Jesus was born.</p><p>What do you do if that describes you? Honestly, you can’t do anything. Only Jesus can. Only Jesus can bring peace to the chaos and hope to your hurting heart. Only Jesus can clear the dark clouds and shine His light and love into your life. </p><p>Before you do one more thing, simply rest in His presence. Stop moving. Take a deep breath and pray, “Jesus, I need You. I can’t do this Christmas or one more day without You. I surrender myself and my agenda to Yours and ask that You be Lord over my life. Come, Jesus, into my heart and into this holiday season. I don’t want to miss the message of Your love for me. Amen.” </p><p>Good News for You! Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord (Luke 2:11).</p><p>Did you know? GEMS is a non-denominational ministry with clubs established in several different denominations and non-denominational churches and Christian organizations. Today, the ministry serves more than 24,000 girls as well as the 5,300 women who mentor them. And, for the first time ever, GEMS has over 900 active clubs! If you or someone you know would like to start a GEMS Club in your area, request information by contacting the GEMS Service Center: [email protected] or 616.241.5616 ext. 3032.</p><p>At The Table Have you ever said to your children, “Don’t lean back on your chair”? It’s dangerous for them and bad for the chairs! When we think about relationships, there’s even more at stake when we lean back. Jenna Goudreau writes, “One of the top ways you signal that you’re bored, impatient, or generally disinterested is by leaning back rather than into the conversation.” So lean in, make eye contact, ask questions, and let the people in your life know just how much you care.</p><p>The next time your family gathers around the table, use these theme-related table talk questions to get your family talking about the things of God: 1. What is your favorite part of Christmas? 2. If you could sleep under the stars anywhere in the world, where would you put down your pillow? 3. The Bible says the shepherds were in the fields at night when angels appeared in the sky and announced that Jesus was born. If you were the shepherds on the night Jesus was born, what would you have done after the angels left? Read Luke 2 to see the reaction of the shepherds!</p><p>Family Fun Christmas Card Prayers: As Christmas cards come into your family mailbox place them on the dinner table. Before you dig in and eat, pray. Thank God for your food and pray for the individuals and families who sent Christmas cards to you today.</p><p>Least Favorite Thing: What is your family’s least favorite thing about Christmas? Be honest and talk it through. If it’s important to continue, how can you do it together with joy? If it can be released for a year or more, what would that require? When it comes to Christmas, make the main priority celebrating Jesus! Everything else is up for family discussion. </p><p>Candlelight Dinner: Dim the lights and light the candles for at least one meal this holiday season. Whether it’s frozen pizza or all the fixings, make the meal extra special with love, laughter, and special lighting. Merry Christmas! </p>