Exemplify Magazine

Flu 101

Finding Peace

in Friendships

Double issue!

Check it out inside.

Bi!e Study on Peace Inside

Overcoming Common Christmas Arguments

in Marriage

Merry Christmas from Exemplify!

December 2009

Prince of Peace Issue

Editor’s Welcome !

It’s our story too, you know.

We’re just like those shepherds heading out to another day’s work. Like us, they carried with them the responsibility of their calling and the weight of their mistakes.

Some were tired of the wait.

Some didn’t think it would ever happen.

Some still dared believe it would.

Like us, they silently wondered what really mattered and what they were living for.

Maybe they got into a fight with a loved one that day.

Or lost someone dear.

Maybe they just gave up and decided it wasn’t happening for them.

Perhaps they really didn’t want to be stuck shepherding sheep another day. They dreamed of grander things and exploring the world.

Maybe they wanted to be heard.

Or ached for silence.

I’m sure at least one shepherd was hungry at the time.

Maybe he didn’t know for what, but something deep inside of him hungered.

Thirsted.

We don’t know what was going through their minds or happening in their lives but we do know they each had a story.

Each had his own life, his own desires, his own wants, his own let downs, his own

needs.

Yes, to each, his own.

Like us.

And as night fell there in a field, as they were keeping watch over simple sheep, an angel appeared. Glory shone around them and they were afraid.

But the angel said, ”Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord…" (Luke 2:10)

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL the people.

A Savior has been born to you.

Christ the Lord.

You see– it’s our story too.

As we celebrate the birth of Redemption, let us not forget our night in that field.

Let us not forget the moment when revelation dawned in the skies and the declaration of everything Holy met our hearts.

Let us not forget, today, as we struggle with all of our “owns” (as perhaps the shepherds did) that Christ the Lord is still “good news of great joy…today.”

Christmas is ours to celebrate all year ‘round, because, amazingly...

A Savior has been born to you.

And me.

Peace in Friendships

Page 8

He Will Be Their Peace

Page 9

Peace in the Frenzy

Page 24

Let us not forget, today, as we struggle

with all of our “owns” (as perhaps the

shepherds did) that Christ the Lord is still

“good news of great joy…today.”

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you & your family,

Kristen Schiffman

EDITOR’S P ICK

We’re expanding our team!

Check out page 10 for details.

co

nte

nts

features

columns

The Exemplify Team

Finding Peace in Friendships

Well of Creations Giveaway

Sneak Peek: Apologetics

Column

He Will Be Their Peace

Christmas Really Is The Most Wonderful Time of

the Year

How to Let Go of the Superfluous

Bible Study on Peace

The Christmas Sanctuary

Peace in the Frenzy

Jingle Bell Blues

Flu 101

The Peace that Transcends

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© Exemplify Magazine

Check out page 30 for our

Christmas SpecialFeature Issue

And be sure to check out our December Christmas events!

Year End Spotlight On The Exemplify Magazine TeamANDREA MITCHELL

ANDREA MITCHELL IS A COFFEE DRINKING, JESUS-LOVING WIFE AND STAY-AT-HOME MOM OF THREE IN

CONSTANT SEARCH OF JUST THE RIGHT MUG FOR HER BREW. YOU CAN FIND HER AT HER BLOG,

UNDERGRACEOVERCOFFEE.COM WHERE SHE SHARES THE LOVE SHE HAS FOUND IN JESUS, ALONG WITH

THE CAFFEINE-LADEN RANDOMNESS THAT MAKES UP THE MAJORITY OF HER DAY. GRAB YOUR CUP

AND COME ON OVER!

CHRISTY MCGRAW

CHRISTY IS ON A JOURNEY TO BECOMING A WOMAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART. SHE DELIGHTS IN BOOKS,

PHOTOGRAPHY, HER FAMILY AND HER FRIENDS. CHRISTY HAS A HEART FOR YOUNG WOMEN AND SINGLE

WOMEN. SHE ALSO LOVES EMAILS! THESINGLEJOURNEY@GMAIL.COM

TARA RACHEL

TARA RACHEL IS A BORN-AND-BRED SOUTHERN GIRL WHO LOVES SWEET TEA, JESUS, AND FOOTBALL -

AND NOT NECESSARILY IN THAT ORDER. VISIT HER AT MUSINGS OF A FUTURE PASTOR'S WIFE, WHERE

SHE BLOGS ABOUT HER DAY-TO-DAY LIFE AS THE WIFE OF A SEMINARY STUDENT/YOUTH PASTOR AND

MOM TO A PRECIOUS TODDLER GIRL, AND THE DAILY TRUTHS THE LORD TEACHES HER.

JUDITH ROBERTS

JUDITH ROBERTS HAS BEEN MARRIED TO HER COLLEGE SWEETHEART FOR FOUR YEARS, AND BOTH

SHE AND HER HUSBAND ARE ACTIVE IN THEIR CHURCH. SHE IS A COLLEGE INSTRUCTOR PURSUING HER

DOCTORATE AND HOPES TO MIRROR JESUS IN HER EVERYDAY LIFE.

KARA COX

KARA IS A SINGLE, THIRTYSOMETHING FOLLOWER OF CHRIST WHO LOVES TO LAUGH AND MAKES

OTHERS LAUGH IN THE PROCESS. SHE IS DEVOTED TO ALL THINGS AUTUMN AND THINKS THAT

PUMPKINS, FALLEN LEAVES AND FALL TV PREMIERES ARE A HIGHLIGHT OF LIFE. SHE WOULD ALSO

LIKE YOU TO KNOW SHE IS THE MOST EXTROVERTED INTROVERT YOU WILL EVER MEET.

WENDY MILLER

WENDY MILLER IS A BUTCHER (OF WORDS AS SHE EDITS HER NOVELS), A BAKER (OF

BIRTHDAY CAKES AND TREATS FOR HER BELOVED FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS),

AND A CANDLESTICK MAKER (NOT QUITE, BUT SHE ENJOYS CRAFTS OF ALL KINDS). SHE

APPRECIATES THE OUTDOORS, WRITING AND LAUGHING WITH LOVED ONES. WENDY’S

MISSION STATEMENT IS TO A LIVE A PASSIONATE LIFE FILLED WITH COMPASSION,

GRATEFUL TO BE CALLED DAUGHTER OF THE MOST HIGH GOD. VISIT WENDY AT

THOUGHTSTHATMOVE.BLOGSPOT.COM/ OR WENDYPAINEMILLER.WORDPRESS.COM/.

VICTORIA JENKINS

VICTORIA BEGAN WRITING FROM SCRIPTURE OUT OF THE SHEER INABILITY TO

KEEP A GOOD THING TO HERSELF--THE EXCEPTION BEING BROWNIES, THOSE

SHE REFUSES TO SHARE. SOON AFTER DELVING INTO HER FIRST BIBLE STUDY, IT

BECAME CLEAR THAT GOD WAS BUILDING A MINISTRY THROUGH THIS NEW-

FOUND LOVE FOR HIS WORD. WHETHER SHE IS HOMESCHOOLING, HOUSEWIFING,

OR HIDING FROM THE LAUNDRY HEAP, GOD CONTINUES TO GROW VICTORIA

THROUGH THE MINISTRY HE SET IN MOTION...AND SHE CONTINUES TO HOG ALL

THE BROWNIES.

JENIFER JERNIGAN

JENIFER MAKES HER HOME IN NORTH CAROLINA WITH HER HUSBAND OF TEN YEARS, THREE

CHILDREN, AND ENGLISH BLACK LAB, BELLA. ON A TYPICAL DAY, IF THERE IS SUCH A THING,

YOU WILL FIND HER SIPPING A CUP OF COFFEE, HOME SCHOOLING HER CHILDREN, AND

DIGGING INTO THE WORD. A FORMER PIT-DWELLER WHO HAS BEEN SAVED BY GOD'S

AMAZING GRACE, JENIFER HAS A BURNING PASSION TO SHARE WITH WOMEN OF ALL AGES

HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, MERCY, GRACE, AND FORGIVENESS.

AMY BAYLISS

AMY IS A TRUE CAJUN PRINCESS WHO IS ON A MISSION TO MINISTER TO

WOMEN VIA THE WORLD WIDE WEB. SHE HAS A HEART FOR

ENCOURAGING AND EQUIPPING WOMEN AND SHE DOES SO BY

UTILIZING MANY DIFFERENT VENUES. WRITING, SPEAKING, BLOGGING,

PIONEERING… VISIT HER AT AMYBAYLISS.COM.

Exemplify welcomes the new writers featured in this issue:ALISON HUNT

ALISON IS A TWENTY-SOMETHING SINGLE WOMAN LIVING IN THE NOW AND HOPING FOR THE FUTURE.

BASED IN NORTH FLORIDA, SHE AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT BY DAY, AND DREAMER BY NIGHT

(LITERALLY). SHE CAN ALSO BE FOUND READING UNDER TREES, ZUMBA-ING, SPENDING TIME WITH

FAMILY, AND CATCHING UP WITH FRIENDS OVER COFFEE. VISIT HER BLOG AT HTTP://

ALISONLHUNT.BLOGSPOT.COM.

JESS IE JONES

JESSIE JONES IS A NEWLYWED MAKING HER WAY THROUGH GRADUATE SCHOOL WITH THE HELP OF AN

AMAZING HUSBAND. SHE LOVES READING, COOKING AND WRITING.

Details on the writers featured in this issue begin on page 32.

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

8" © Exemplify Magazine

Peace on Earth. It’s such an interesting topic.

What does that mean in this day and time?

We are a world at war. We live in a country

that fights constantly, over more things than

I care to count.

But for me, finding peace in my life has been

a struggle lately. Going through life changes

like getting married, having children, or

moving away impact our friendships greatly.

As women, we need to find peace on earth in

our relationships.

As a newlywed, this has been my struggle.

As I sit and stare at my computer screen, I

have a feeling that I’m not the only one. My

friendships are changing. The beautiful

women who stood beside me that day do not

have near as much in common with me right

now. There have been fading relationships,

fights, and hurt feelings. I’ve felt so lost

lately, but I found great advice from our

Father. The words are so simple, as I sit and

stare at them.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother

is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times. That means a

friend loves at every single minute of every

single day. So, even when life changes and

times are hard, we are still called to love one

another constantly. It’s such a beautiful thing

to consider, and to live this verse out will

only bring joy to our Father.

I feel like this is my challenge, and our

challenge as women as well. We are mean,

catty, vicious creatures when we are caught

up in the world. I find myself in each of

those categories on a daily basis. Daily I am

learning to live differently, and I am trying to

burn this verse into my heart and soul. I

want to be this kind of friend. I will not be a

doormat. I will not enable bad behavior in

the women I love. But I will be a true friend.

I’ve struggled with many of my friendships

lately. As the first newlywed in our group of

girls, I’m dealing with many things they

aren’t. They are dealing with many things I

no longer am. Maintaining these

relationships keeps my life peaceful, and

full. As we approach the Christmas holidays,

I’m struck daily by this verse. It goes hand in

hand with peace on earth. We are called to be

one another’s friends in this life, and in the

next. If we will live our lives and deal with

one another in the spirit of friendship and

love, peace will overwhelm us.

Finding

Peace in

FriendshipsWritten by Jessie Jones

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

© Exemplify Magazine" 9

It was such a lowly place for the Prince of Peace to be born. To the people passing by, there was nothing extraordinary about the baby wrapped in cloths, nothing to draw them to him.

And yet on this one precious baby laid the fate of the entire world.

I’ve always looked at the baby Jesus as a beautiful gift from God – His gift of salvation for us. And yet these past weeks He has shown me just how much more He encompassed.

Recently my son was hospitalized with appendicitis. My husband had taken him in the walk-in clinic near our home because I was worried over EJ’s stomach pains. Before I knew it, he was admitted and on the list for surgery the next day.

Several years ago, my daughter Hannah was diagnosed with a condition called neutropenia, which while it turned out to be a benign

case that she outgrew, could have been a precursor to something much more serious, like leukemia.

Both of these incidences saw me completely unable to pray. It’s not that I didn’t want to pray. I just couldn’t. I was paralyzed with fear.

But once I realized what was happening, I quickly enlisted the help of several friends and family members, people who were more than willing to pray fervently for my children (and me!).

I could pretty much tell you the minute people started to pray. I

went from a worrying, frantic mess to completely full of peace.

It was during my son’s hospital stay that it hit home – that peace I knew without a doubt was from Jesus.

The Prince of Peace.

God’s peace isn’t the same as the world’s idea of peace. The world believes peace means no war, no pain, no grief. God’s peace doesn’t promise the absence of these things. It promises the absence of fear and turmoil in the midst of these things.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

I could have spent the days of waiting for my daughter’s final diagnosis, or the days of waiting for my son to be released from the hospital in turmoil and agony. But instead, God reminded me to fix my eyes on Jesus. To be filled with His peace that passes all understanding.

His reminder?

A tiny little baby. Worshiped and honored above all men.

“And he will be their peace.”

Micah 5:5

He Will Be Their PeaceBy Andrea Mitchell

“And he will be their peace..”

Micah 5:5

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

10" © Exemplify Magazine

Practical Home Columnist -Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write about practical tips for the Christian home. Articles on frugality, organization, time management and the like will be expected. This column will be perfect for someone who enjoys the topic of stewardship and would like to encourage other women to honor the Lord with a life lived in holy balance.

Closet Issues Columnist- Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write on overcoming women’s issues. Articles on overcoming abusive relationships, eating disorders, strongholds, etc. will be expected. This columnist may also interview women and write about the issues they have conquered in Christ. This column will be perfect for someone who

enjoys cheering on those who are victorious in Christ and have a testimony they long to share.

In the Kitchen Columnist – Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write about kitchen creations! Articles on cooking, baking, cookware and the like will be expected. This column will be perfect for someone who enjoys cooking and is able to write step by step guidelines with ease.

Fashion Columnist - Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write on the topic of beauty and fashion. Articles on current trends, beauty products, tips and tricks will be expected. This column will be perfect for someone who enjoys fashion and beauty with a holy balance before the Lord.

Health Columnist- Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write on the topic of health. Articles on well being, physical fitness, healthy foods, health trends and products will be expected. This column will be perfect for someone who has an informed interest on health topics.

Moving Toward Holiness Columnist – Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write on the topic of moving forward in the Christian faith. Articles on how to pray, set aside devotional time, make the most out of bible study, encourage our children to establish godly patterns now, etc. will be expected. This column will be perfect for someone who has a passion for seeing real life faith hit the pavement.

We’re expanding our

team!

Exemplify Magazine is currently looking for the following:

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

© Exemplify Magazine" 11

Empty Nest Columnist- Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write on the topic of empty nest challenges and joys. Articles on adjusting to life without children at home, reconnecting with your spouse, common challenges and encouraging anecdotes will be expected. This column will be perfect for someone who has experience with empty nest challenges and desires to encourage others in this new phase of life.

Single Parenting Columnist – Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write on the topic of solo parenting. Articles on dealing with divorce, raising godly children solo, common challenges and encouragement will be expected. This column will be perfect for someone who has experience in this area and feels the call to encourage others who are struggling.

Photographer- Exemplify is currently looking for photographers who are willing to submit their photos for our magazine issues. This position will be perfect for someone who enjoys life behind the lens!

If you are interested in any of the above positions, please send a sample of your writing (or a link to your photography) to the Exemplify Team at submissions@exemplifyonline.com as

well as a quick bio on yourself and why you feel you’d be a good fit for our magazine.

All positions are volunteer based.

We will be considering all the women who inquire so we ask that you do not contact us

with a second email for at least one month. We plan to have the new columnists lined up by the

first week of January.

Due to the volume of emails we receive it may not be possible for us to respond to each and every email. We apologize for this in advance.

Serious inquiries may be asked to fill out a short questionnaire. All new team members will be

asked to read our ministry mission and commitment. We realize that writing for a

monthly publication is a commitment therefore we ask these things so that all parties involved

understand their responsibilities.

We look forward to expanding our team!

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

12" © Exemplify Magazine

She knew the conversation would eventually happen. Every year since they’ve been married the same issue comes up. “Do we go here? Do we go there?” Sarah knew the answer and was hoping this year he would too.

“I thought we were spending Christmas day with MY parents,” Andrew said, “weren’t we at your parent’s house last year!”

“Andrew, why is it that we have this same conversation every single year! Christmas day WILL ALWAYS be spent with MY parent’s at their house, because, well… that’s just the way it is. We can go to your parent’s house another day. Pick one! There are 364 days to choose from,” Sarah shouted back as she tidied up the kitchen from dinner. “And… we ARE going to have a real tree this year with ONLY white lights and yes, I am listening to Kenny G’s Christmas CD again!”

He stood looking at her in complete silence; dumbfounded by how stubborn his wife could be. “This is why I HATE Christmas!” Andrew grimaced as he walked out the door to the garage, slamming it behind him.

Sarah finished in the kitchen, checked on the kids, then crawled into bed to watch a little TV until Andrew came in. Andrew tinkered in the garage for a while, checked on the kids, then grabbed a blanket from the closet and made the couch his bed for the night.

“If he wasn’t so stubborn….” “If she wasn’t so stubborn…” were their thoughts as they nodded off to sleep that night.

Forget about peace on earth, good tidings to all men, fa-la-la-la-la. This couple is in desperate need of some peace and good tidings for themselves this Christmas season.

Christmas- the celebration of the birth of the King of Kings. The time of year when we especially reflect on the peace the babe in the manger came to bring to the hearts of a people in turmoil. A time of year when families come together to share gifts and meals and make memories that will last a lifetime.

If Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year” and the “hap-happiest season of all” then why do couples like Sarah and Andrew argue every year over whose home they will be going to for Christmas and what kind of tree they will have and what kind of music

they will listen to ? What can couples do to make certain Christmas IS wonderful and happy for both themselves and their families?

God ordained marriage to be a union between a man and woman who would both leave their own families and unite as one making a home for themselves (Genesis 2:24). Into this marriage both parties bring ideas, traditions, and memories from their childhoods. As their marriage grows and they begin to create their own family traditions and make their own family memories, one very important thing they must both keep in mind is to remain flexible and remember to listen to their spouse as ideas about traditions are discussed.

My husband is not a Christmas person; I, on the other hand, love Christmas. The lights, sounds, and smells all hold special memories for me. When we first married we had to really work hard to make Christmas an enjoyable time of year. We’ve had many conversations about things we would do and things we wouldn’t do. Ten years later, we have our own family’s traditions and we make new precious memories each year.

Christmas IS the Most

Wonderful Time of the

Year!Written by Jenifer Jernigan

Deciding where to spend Christmas. Decide where you will spend Christmas Day. Decide where you will be spending Christmas Day long before Christmas Day arrives and make sure both parties are in agreement. Because we live away from both sets of parents, each year we spend Christmas Day with my side of the family and then my husband’s family comes to our house the next week. We’ve done it this way for years. It works for us. Everyone knows months in advance where they will be and when they will be there. You and your spouse must be in agreement over where you will be so that your hearts and minds are focused on what Christmas is all about.

!e Christmas tree. I always envisioned Christmas music softly playing in the background and hot chocolate sitting on the mantel as my husband and I trimmed our tree paying special attention to all the decorations as we strategically hung them on the tree. Ah yes! What a nice vision that was! My husband will bring the tree in from the storage shed and that’s about as far as he goes to trimming anything. He just doesn’t get into it like I do. For the first couple of years of our marriage it really bothered me that he wouldn’t help me decorate the tree. I’ve gotten over it and just enjoy him sitting on the couch talking to the kids and me as we hang the decorations. Remember ladies, we are decorators. If your husband doesn’t get into the trimming of the tree or the placing of the manger scenes all over the house, don’t make him do it. Just enjoy him being there with you.

Creating family traditions. My husband and I have made it a point to create a few special traditions for our family. We buy our children three gifts each year to symbolize the gold, frankincense, and myrrh that were brought to Jesus. Before any gifts are opened we read the story of Jesus’ birth from the Scriptures. Now that our children are getting older, they are beginning to take part in the reading of Christ’s birth. In recent years we’ve begun making it a point to give back to others in some form or fashion so that our children are seeing that Christmas is not all about them but is, instead, about a Savior who came into the world to give new life to a hurting and lost people.

Here are a few things we’ve worked through during our years of marriage.

Remember this year that Christmas IS the most wonderful time of the year! It is a time to reflect, a time to make memories, and a time to praise God for sending a Redeemer into the world. I pray this Christmas will be a joyous time for you and your family as you make memories and worship the King.

You could win a one of a kind hand tote created,!crocheted and hand-stitched by Robin of Well of Creations.!

With large side panels and the bottom of the bag lined with cream denim fabric this is a piece that will compliment any wardrobe!

As a military wife with a toddler at home, Robin found herself feeling!isolated and trapped!in her home during her husband Mike's deployment in 2008. !A desperate prayer one!December evening led to miraculous series of events which led to the opening of "Well of Creations" on etsy.! Now, in the midst of yet another deployment, GOD is continuing to give her direction for her business and!she is pleased!to be able to share her latest renderings.

To enter this giveaway visit Robin’s ship at http://www.etsy.com/shop/wellofcreations and tweet us your favorite piece @exemplify.

Winner will be announced December 15th.

Beautiful Giveaway!Win the

Waiting...Hoping...Bag inspired by Psalm 1:1-3

www.etsy.com/shop/wellofcreations

Doesn’t it feel good when you decide to dig in your closet and sort through your clothes?

I’m always amazed at how many items have collected dust in my closet that I haven’t worn in years. They have no purpose for being there and they bunch up against all the apparel I do wear, making it more difficult to find that favorite shirt when I’m in a rush to get dressed.

Our closets aren’t the only place where we accumulate and save unneeded things. My words and thoughts have the potential to be infiltrated by unnecessary things. As Christians, we long to shine the light of Christ, to make our messages and our calling clear. I’m convinced that the more we rid of the cloudy, “extra” things of life, the brighter our light can shine.

I’ve written this how to article a little differently this time. I decided to break potential superfluous things into three categories. Synonyms of superfluous are extra, surplus, redundant, excessive, unessential, and unnecessary. These will be good to remember as you read on.

Material Things

Need vs. Want

First, we’ll explore the good ole’ way of measuring how important something is to us before we buy it or ingest it. You’ve heard of need versus want? This is when you ask; do I really need this item, the second helping of brownies, that overly expensive scarf or do I just want it? I’m never surprised to see how well this works. It’s an excellent mental sifter, helping me to try to make wise decisions.

“It’s not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.” Bruce Lee

Garage Sale, Anyone?

Once you’ve accumulated more stuff in your house than you know what to do with, you may find yourself tripping over toys thinking, what am I going to do with all of this? Garage sale, anyone? Or if you’re feeling extra generous, advertise a free garage sale. Or better yet, skip the

work of a garage sale and periodically throughout the year, give your stuff away. There are numerous clothing bins and plenty of Goodwill’s or Salvation Army’s around that know exactly where to put that toy you’ve had just about enough of.

When Avoidance is Fruitful

You drive by it on your way home. It’s only a click away. What is it? It’s that store of gorgeous dresses that always seem to fit you perfectly or it’s that online site that pulls you in every time, where you browse their online catalog for hours on end admiring, then purchasing about half of the offered items. Normally, where people are concerned, we don’t practice avoidance. We’re taught confrontation is good and avoidance is unhealthy. Not so with that store or online site. Back to the need vs. want on this one. What are we really trying to fill when we desire that blouse with such fervor? Is that new kitchen utensil really as imperative as we’ve made it out to be? Are you able to test your ability to be disciplined?

How to Let Go

of the SuperfluousWritten by Wendy Miller

Words

Needless Advice

This one is much simpler than we make it out to be. We live in a world full of fixers. Everyone has a problem and everyone else wants to fix it. It’s natural to want to fix. It tugs on us to lavish advice on a friend in need of it. But, we need to be extra careful with this. It’s not always our job. I’m willing to guess more often than not, it isn’t our job to lend advice when it hasn’t been asked of us. Just as everyone has problems, we are all learning. Some are faster learners than others. Allow others to go their pace, while you focus on your road ahead.

False flattery

This one grates on me. It’s manipulation. But it looks pretty. It’s still manipulation. Example: a lady glances you over and spots you talking with so and so, who happens to be the very person glance over lady has wanted to befriend, then glance over lady comes up to you beaming, with high pitched tone telling you how gorgeous you look, asking “how much weight have you lost?” when it happens to be a day you haven’t brushed a thing on your body, including teeth and hair and you’ve gained twenty pounds since you’ve last seen glance over lady. Blech. Save it!

Rambling, Ranting, Venting & Dumping

Writers try very hard to tighten their sentences, ridding them of any unneeded adverb or pesky adjective. This is not so with the spoken word. Women, we are famous for this. We love to talk. Ask my husband. He often prods me to a point by saying, “The headlines. I just want the headlines.” Much of what spills out of our mouths need not. I’m all for a long chat with a good friend, but make it about something interesting. Talking for hours about how cruel Aunt Betty was when she wouldn’t let you borrow hairspray to groom your dog’s bouffant tresses does not

constitute as interesting. As a matter of fact, we need to learn to call it what it is. Rambling, ranting, venting and dumping. We all do it, but we need to recognize our rants so we can work to minimize them.

“Take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…” James 1:19

Thoughts

Grudge Check

This is the messiest of the three. We can eliminate our spending, tame our tongues, but I’ve found taking my thoughts captive to be one of the most difficult aspects of faith. In one of her Bible studies, Beth Moore shares that often we hold onto past hurts as a way to punish the offender and because it can feel good to nurse a wound. This opened my eyes. I’d not viewed holding grudges in that light before. But, as you know, once the light is turned on, you see things for what they are. You no longer walk by darkness. I’d stuffed a lot of things into the attic of my brain that I’d allowed to become grudges. I’d allowed those things to turn into more than grudges, they marked areas of unforgiveness.

Worry

Having kids exponentially increases the number of things you can choose to worry about. Now you have not only yourself to worry about, but other beings. Worry is fruitless, though. Nothing comes of it. Prayer, however…prayer is bringing the concern to the One who has the power to do something about it. Here’s something to remember, the next time you feel worry creep in, making your bones hurt with fear or uncertainty, pray. Ask for God’s direction, decision, or delineation.

Gratitude

A thankful attitude is like a sword to needless and unhealthy thinking. When you begin to be flooded by insecurities, tackled by past hurts, or bombarded with pride, establishing a set of things in your life to be grateful for changes the entire focus of your heart. It moves the compass from pointing

to a dark and desolate location to a much brighter and peaceful place instead.

“Gratitude is the mother of all virtues.” G.K. Chesterton

Perspective

On the heels of developing gratitude is discerning perspective. A flat tire seems mild in light of a cancer diagnosis. A squabble with the spouse shines dimly in the light of your neighbor’s bitter divorce. Grappling the truth that God is in control, that God has blessed you and that God will continue to bless you is essential for growing in a relationship with Him. Letting go of the superfluous enables you to grow in that relationship, unencumbered by all things trying to throw you off course or distract you from that growth.

To wrap up, materially we can slim down. We don’t need as much as we think we do. Our wants tend to dress up and walk around like needs. It’s time we expose them for what they are: wants. There are plenty of places and people that need our things. It’s wise for us to learn to give. Also, avoiding some of those temptation spots will help us to let go of the material extras in our lives.

With our words, we let go of the superfluous by refusing to give needless advice or false flattery. Gauging how often we rant and ramble demonstrates that we are consciously trying to let go of unneeded words that have a tendency to crowd and even water down our conversations.

Finally, letting go of the superfluous in our thoughts means being willing to let go of grudges, turning worry into prayer, establishing an attitude of gratitude and insisting on understanding perspective. Why do we want to do all of the above things? Because when we clear the clutter out, we are able to see more clearly God’s vision and direction for our lives. And what could be more rewarding than that?

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

© Exemplify Magazine" 17

Have you ever sat down and flipped through your

TV preview channel and counted how many legal

television shows there are? Every channel seems to

have some version of a courtroom based drama.

There is the Court TV channel, the daytime divorce

court shows, and every Lifetime movie has the same

plot structure: 30 minutes of action and an hour and

a half of courtroom resolution.

And it doesn’t stop with fictional television. John

Grisham is one of the most popular, successful

authors of all time, thanks to his gripping legal

dramas. Our 24-hour news channels keep us

abreast of any legal developments in scandalous

cases of celebrities and politicians.

We’re trained to like whodunits from childhood.

Nancy Drew, anyone?

We are a generation of defense-loving, problem-

solving people. We like to know all the facts, all the

pieces of the puzzle. And yet, as a generation of

Christians, I wonder how we would respond if we

were asked the following questions, especially by a

stranger or someone we were trying to witness to:

“How do you know the Bible hasn’t been changed

at some point in history? How do you know you

are really reading God’s Word?”

“Why do you believe Jesus is God when He never

actually says the words, ‘I am God’?”

“Why do you believe in the trinity when the word

‘trinity’ isn’t even in the Bible?”

“If Jesus is really God, where was He during the

entire period of the Old Testament?”

“If God is a good God, then why is there so much

evil in the world?”

“Tell me why it’s logically reasonable to believe in

the God of the Bible.”

I’ll admit, the first time I was faced with these

questions I fell flat on my face.

I knew that I believed certain doctrines of the

Christian faith. I just didn’t know why I believed

those doctrines. And I was raised in church. If

anyone should be able to answer questions about

the Bible from the Bible, it should be me.

Unfortunately I found the opposite to be true.

While I had a rock-solid faith, my knowledge was

about Frisbee-deep.

A few months back I emailed our lovely, Jesus-

loving-and-glorifying editor Kristen about a project

the Lord was laying on my heart. We each prayed

about it and sought His direction and each feel Him

leading us to this place. A place where women who

love the Lord can come together and learn the facts

behind our faith. Why we believe what we believe.

I just love the Word of God. I love it in its perfection

and simplicity. I love how God doesn’t ask us to

just walk blindly believing what some pastor,

Sunday school teacher, or seminary student says to

believe. He puts it out there for us, perfectly

exposed in His Word and perfectly timed in history.

He doesn’t do it for Himself. He certainly doesn’t

need anything else to testify about His truthfulness

and in by doing so make Him more truthful. He is

the author of all truth; without Him there would be

no truth. He is also a God of promises, a God who

keeps His word. He tells us we can believe in Him

and believe in His Word, and then – just like with

His answered prayers, His miracles, and His

involvement in our lives – He gives us proof,

tangible proof in His Word and in human history.

Because our God is a God who keeps His word.

There seems to be a postmodern consensus that to

be a Christian you must also be unintelligent or

dimwitted and gullible. I don’t think there could be

anything further from the truth! Our magnificent

Creator gave us these amazing organs we call brains

for one purpose – so we can use them! And He has

left us one awesome treasure map of knowledge to

follow!

It is with great excitement that I announce to you a

new column coming January 2010 – The Facts

Behind Our Faith, a teaching column on apologetics.

Digging into His Word and digging into history and

really discovering why we believe what we believe.

I hope you will join us here at Exemplify for this

exciting journey!

Today the Lord led me to Psalm 119:66, and I’m

asking you to come there with me: “Teach me good

discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Your

commandments.” Notice the order in which the

psalmist prayed: he asks for knowledge because he

believes in the Lord’s commandments. The belief is

already there, but there is much knowledge and

discernment left to discover.

Pray this Scripture with me today. Let us come

before our Lord Jesus and ask Him to bless us with

holy knowledge about Him and His Word. We can

stand firm in James 1:5, knowing that He will give

generously to anyone who lacks wisdom but asks

for it.

It is my prayer that at the end of this series, you will

be able to answer all the questions above… and then

some.

Are you ready to go on the ultimate treasure hunt?

Then join us February as we begin to study the

evidence for the greatest defense written in all of

history.

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15

Sneak Peek: New Apologetics Column

Written by Tara Rachel

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

18" © Exemplify Magazine

Book Review: The Christ of

Christmas

by Deborah Boutwell

I love to read, which is good since I’ve been asked to do some book reviews for Exemplify. I truly feel blessed to be able to share with you some books, fiction and non-fiction that have touched my heart. My goal over the next few months is to pull books off my personal bookshelf and share with you.

My personal library shelves are full of books from every genre and various authors. Some of them may be books that I’ve pulled down many times, to journey again to a special place, others are brand new with spines waiting to be cracked and pages ready to be worn. There are books from every stage of life that I’ve been led through, most are marked and scored, notes in the margins, tears smearing the pages. The Christ of Christmas is one such book that has touched my heart.

There is one thing that I can always plan on and this book touches on it right off the bat….the “sameness” of Christmas. “The same traditions. The same meals. The same songs. The same story.” I have often found myself just doing the stuff of Christmas and forgetting the why of Christmas….the birth of my Savior.

This little book of 31 daily devotions helps me to remember the Christ of Christmas.

Calvin Miller opens the story with a humorous story line between Michael and Gabriel (the two most famous angels of the Bible). They are impatiently awaiting the moment that the world starts keeping up with “Jesus Time” (A.D.), the moment that the angels are allowed to fill the skies with praise, and when a new star shines down on a little town.

You will be taken on an eye-opening journey or maybe it’s better stated as a heart-opening journey through the months, days, and years that surround the birth of Christ and his childhood. Miller focuses each day on a verse from one of the Gospels giving wonderful insight and then offering additional readings and a prayer for each day. While quickly expanding on those events, he makes them all relevant to today.

Take for instance John. He was born to “bear witness of the light.” Miller challenged me to be like John and proclaim, “Here is the Lamb of God!” “To stand in an uncaring world and say, ‘See, here is the Christ’ is a daring act of courage.” He offers a prayer to not “continue to walk silently while others are walking in darkness.”

Or Mary and Elizabeth. One too young and the other too old to be a mother, yet both chosen by God to fulfill His plan. Both willing to be used. Miller reminded me how wonderful it is to see older people who have loved God all their lives and still dream of how He can use them. Ordinary people chosen to do something extraordinary.

“Don’t be afraid.” I wonder how many times that phrase is repeated throughout the Christmas story? Yet, after that assurance, God sets out to terrify them with His demands. And they listened and responded.

A few days into reading this little book, I began to realize that I was being challenged, that my heart was being touched, and I was beginning to think of Christmas differently. I wanted to be chosen and used by God. I wanted to be terrified because of the exciting plans He had for my life. I wanted to have a

“moment-by-moment anticipation” of what and how God was working in this crazy world of mine. I eagerly turned the pages searching for new insight into this familiar story. Who would have thought I would find it in Joseph?

He was chosen, just like Mary, but there is no prayer of thanksgiving from him. He was given no advanced warning of the miracle taking place. Joseph found himself in the middle of the miracle, unsure which way to go, who to believe. The woman he is betrothed to (probably chosen for the same reasons that God chose her) shows evidence that she has been unfaithful or completely lost her mind. Miller calls it “the spirit of Joseph”, the ability to have a loving treatment of the guilty or those that appear to be guilty. Can I have that kind of spirit?

So many treasures and challenges can be found in the daily walk through this book and through the Gospels. Miller talks about how God whispered to a few that He was in town that night. “Most of Bethlehem didn’t know God was in town. Some people there may still not know it or at least not think much of it.” Who in my town needs to be reminded Immanuel is with us?

This charming little book, The Christ of Christmas, is a perfect companion during the busy holiday season. It will help you daily with it’s short devotions, to remain centered in the reason we celebrate and give you excitement to look for His next coming.

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

© Exemplify Magazine" 19

During the holiday season stores are

filled with greeting cards and

decorations that read some version of

“Peace on Earth”. This year it is making

me ask myself, “Do I have peace in my

little part of the earth? Do I have peace

in my soul?” If I answered honestly, it

would probably be “Um…sometimes, I

think? Well, OK, I worry. A lot.” Please

tell me I’m not the only worry wort!

For the past few years I have been

embarking what I like to call “The

Process of Exchange”. A friend

introduced me to the theory that we are

living a life of exchange. I sacrifice one

thing to gain more of another. Isaiah

59:2 (NLT) says “It’s your sins that have

cut you off from God.” Even David

cries out to God and says in Psalm

51:12 (NIV) “Restore to me the joy of

your salvation and grant me a willing

spirit, to sustain me.” David knew that

his sin kept him from the fullness of his

relationship with God and even asked

for a willing spirit to make a change.

Exchanging is not a sacrifice out of

obligation, but a sacrifice out of an

intense love and desperate need to have

more of the Holy Spirit, more of God,

more of Jesus living inside of me.

In Matthew 6 Jesus talks to his disciples

about worry and asks them a very

poignant question; “Who of you by

worrying can add a single hour to his

life?” I believe Jesus is asking us the

same question today. Now, you should

know something about me. My life

struggle has been anxiety and worry. I

have spent countless minutes, hours

and days rehearsing conversations,

anticipating struggle, wondering how

situations will be resolved, thinking

“What if…” or “I should have…”. But I

recently realized that my worry

requires no faith. It gives me an easy

out if things don’t turn out like I

thought they would, but when I worry

I also miss out on the peace of God. So,

it’s time to exchange that anxiety for

true soul filling peace.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

That passage of scripture has been my

lifeline in my process to exchange

anxiety for peace. Let me translate this

into the AAV (Alison Amplified

Version):

Peace on Earth and In My Soul Written By Alison Hunt

Alison, rejoice in the Lord in

everything you do! Rejoice!

Do not let your fear and worry

harden your heart. The Lord is

near. Did you hear that? The

Lord is NEAR! There is no

reason to be anxious about

anything, instead through

prayer AND petition , with the

thanksgiving that remembers

everything He has done in the

past, present your requests to

God. This doesn’t mean you’ll

get your answer right away.

Instead, you get to have the

peace of God because you trust

Him. You’ll get His

supernatural peace that you

cannot even begin to

understand. It will remain even

in times when it seems

ridiculous to be filled with

peace! It is the peace that

guards your heart and mind in

Christ Jesus from the enemy.

I LOVE that the Bible is a

practical tool in growing closer

in relationship with God. How

can He not increase when we

fill our minds with the Truth?

In Philippians 4:4-7 Paul gave

some very clear directives

about trusting the Lord. He

tells us to Rejoice in everything

that we do. Have you ever

tried to rejoice and worry at the

same time? It’s not possible.

Try it. Spend 30 seconds, right

now, praising God with

everything you have and thank

Him for who He is and what

He’s done. I dare you.

Did you worry? I would

venture to say there was no

room for that little worry worm

to dig around your thoughts.

Throughout the rest of that

passage Paul tells us to

remember that the Lord is near.

There is no reason to be

anxious with our Savior right

there. He tells us to talk to

God, to tell Him our needs,

desires and hopes. It’s not that

God doesn’t know those things

already, but that the act of

coming to God with everything

is an intimate experience. It

requires you to be honest with

Him about the good, the bad

and the ugly. It brings you to a

point of acknowledging to God

that your will was not lining up

with His will and asking Him

to show you how to correct that

in your life. It’s in the place of

true genuine honesty with God

that we make room in our soul

for that transcendental peace

Paul is talking about.

This process of exchange that

I’m on to give up my anxious

thoughts for the peace of God

has not necessarily been easy.

To be honest, sometimes it has

been downright painful. When

I asked God to show me what

anxiety has done to my heart

like David did in Psalm 139, He

did.

I wish I could draw you a

picture of what God showed

me. What I saw was a princess

imprisoned in a tiny brick cell

with no door to get in or out. In

one corner is a pile of brick and

mortar. In another corner is a

stack of books filled with her

secret desires and hopes. She

never writes anymore, though.

Her ink well dried up years

ago. In another corner is a tall

standing mirror caked in dust

and grime. She is beautiful, but

there is no radiance in her tear

stained cheeks because she has

not seen the sun in a very long

time. She can’t remember how

she got inside, but she knows

she wants to get out. As she

walks the border of her room,

she beats the walls looking for

a weak point to escape.

Everyday she walks her room

and each night she draws the

same conclusion that whoever

built these walls spent a lot of

time making sure they would

never come down. At the end

of the vision she went to her

mirror, wiped some of the

grime away, and I saw my face.

God showed me that in my

anxiety and self-protection, I

built myself a room with no

visible escape. But what I saw

next gave me hope. It was a

picture of me standing in the

middle of that very same room,

arms held high with my books

in my hands and the walls were

crumbled to the ground. God

is more than able to perform

miracles in each of our lives.

Sometimes all we need to do is

just raise our hands and receive

His peace.

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

© Exemplify Magazine" 21

she•lo•v•mi, she•lo•v•mi notA Bi!e Study on Peace

Today is one of those days when our study of God’s Word is going to pit our literal understanding against the Spiritual understanding with which we must weigh all things. Complicated text is just one of many reasons prayer should always precede our time on the pages of God-breathed Scripture. Let’s petition our Father for the supernatural wisdom that He is ever gracious to deliver.

Lord,

The enemy often uses apparent contradictions in Your Word in his attempts to trip us up. Father, we know that with the wisdom You

lend, we can grasp the many levels of Truth in every word of Scripture. We ask that You will grow us in wisdom and in understanding as we seek to become more pleasing in Your sight. Show us how we might apply Your

precepts as You shape us into a more perfect picture of Your Perfect Son. Lord, thank You

for being quick to provide our every need and faithful to fulfill each promise You’ve made to

Your children.

In love we pray,

Amen.

The Christmas season awakens dreams of sugarplums and the like as it stirs our deepest hopes, however deeply they may be buried. Miraculously, the birth of one tiny babe has brought with it the hubbub of holiday while also providing the only real hope for humanity. Not just any infant, this swaddling-clothed child is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior, and the Prince of Peace.

“For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, NIV).

More than two thousand years after His arrival, teachings, death, resurrection, and ascension, peace still eludes the Earth. Where is the peace we were promised long before Christ walked among us? Every Messianic prophesy was fulfilled and yet we live in a perpetually war torn world. How can we reconcile the vow to bring peace with the stark reality that mankind continually battles against itself?

As I prepared for this study, God faithfully revealed the direction He’d be taking us through a simple game of childhood. I’m sure you recall the days of plucking petals from unsuspecting daisies, alternating between the rise of “he loves me” and the fall of “he loves me not”. More than just a catchy title, She•lo•v•mi is the transliteration of the Hebrew word, shalom, which means “peace to you”. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to divide the world. (Luke 12:51) What about peace on earth?

She•lo•v•mi, she•lo•v•mi not?

Speaking to His disciples, Jesus addressed the fact that the peace He gives isn’t what the world would have Him give, saying, “peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives” (from John 14:27, NIV). Not on the world’s gift registry and not given in the fleeting manner that is all this place has to offer, Jesus’ brand of peace is eternal and surpasses our every expectation.

I can remember praying fervently that God would deliver me from my once loveless and painful marriage. For many years I believed His answer was “no”, but with time the Lord revealed that my rescue would be much different than what I had in mind. Instead of giving me what I thought I needed, God gave me what I never knew I always wanted. God healed my broken heart and is continually rebuilding my relationship with my husband. I never imagined it was possible, and I’ll never stop standing in amazement of the way God went beyond all that I could think or dream for myself. Our Father dreams big for all of His children. Can you name a time in your life when the Lord has turned what seemed like an unanswered prayer into a blessing that surpassed your want?

Written by Victoria Jenkins

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

22" © Exemplify Magazine

When the Lord’s reply to our wants seems to be a resounding “no”, we can know that our Father simply has something better in store for us. We can find immense encouragement in knowing Jesus’ brand of peace goes beyond what we might envision for ourselves and it exceeds the limitations of our fallen world.

How would you describe the expectations man has concerning the concept of peace?

In Jeremiah 6:14 and 8:11, God tells us, “they dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. “Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace.”

A state of quiet or tranquility

Freedom from disturbance or agitation

Calm

Repose

Exemption from, or cessation of, war with public enemies

Public quiet, order, and contentment in obedience to law

Exemption from, or subjection of, agitating passions

Tranquility of mind or conscience

Reconciliation

Agreement after variance

Harmony

Concord

To make or become quiet

To be silent

To stop

Each of these aspects of the world’s definition is as good as the last, yet none are as good as that which Jesus brings! The world will never be able to offer the one element that sets the peace of Christ apart.

As the Prince of Peace, Jesus is ruler over welfare, soundness, peace and completeness.

Designed to be with the Lord and ripped from His side by our sinful nature, we are born with a God-shaped hole that leaves our spirits screaming for the wholeness in which we were made. Our efforts to fill a void fit for the King will never bring us the completeness we seek. Take heart! The Prince of Peace will live up to His name. He will live up to every one of His majestic and wonderful names. “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 1:20, NIV). We can rest in the fact that the promise of peace became a “yes” in Christ Jesus.

“He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace” (Micah 5:4-5, NIV).

Let’s replace “their” with “my” in that last bit. And He will be my peace. As silly as it will undoubtedly feel at first, I want you to stand up with me right now and repeat those words until the silliness fades.

What does that mean to you in this moment? We can tell our Father all about it as we fellowship with Him in prayer right now. The Holy Spirit will intercede and speak those words too rich for us to speak, too deep for us to mine, and too hard for us to admit.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26, NIV

The ChristmasSanctuaryChristmas.

The birth of a savior.

Is there anything more joyous in this world than that? Indeed, there is not. So, it’s no wonder why

Christmas is such a beautiful and magical time. It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year – a

time that should be celebrated and experienced with all five senses.

The Lord has gifted most of us with five senses through which we experience life. Let us make use

of those senses in our sanctuary to create long lasting memories for our families. Here are a few

ways to do this…

• Sight: This perhaps is the most obvious, but let’s not forget to make Christmas a magical time

for our family by decorating our sanctuary. Now, you don’t need to break the bank and erect a

fully decorated Christmas tree in every room, however, try to attempt having a small glimmer of

the Christmas spirit in every room. This can easily be accomplished by simply filling some glass

jars with ornaments, or placing a small wreath on the wall.

• Smell: Make sure your family and guests are experiencing the glorious scents of Christmas in all

major areas of your sanctuary. Dust off those holiday scented candles and spread them around

the house. If you live in a cold climate, perhaps you can have a fresh batch of the family’s favorite

cider simmering in a crock pot on a regular basis. No scent permeates the sanctuary better than

hot cider!

• Hearing: Add extra holiday magic to your sanctuary by playing festive Christmas music as often

as possible. Music has a profound impact on one’s spiritual and emotional well-being and has the

power to melt away the stress of a busy day.

• Taste: Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a platter full of freshly baked treats… especially for

children. Endeavor to bake fresh Christmas treats at least once a week. I know this is a lofty goal

and can be quite time consuming, however, Christmas only comes but once a year – lavish that

Christmas spirit on your loved ones!

• Touch: Encourage and entice your family and friends to experience Christmas with exploring

hands. Add decorative items to your holiday decor that have interesting textures and beckon to

be touched. Grab some boxes in various shapes and sizes and wrap them up like Christmas

presents with sparkling paper and extravagant bows. Spread them around the house and see if

family and friends can keep their hands to themselves! And don’t forget about that warm

crackling fire burning in the hearth! If that doesn’t invite hands to join the Christmas celebration,

then nothing will.

Written by Christy Klein

S E Q U O I A C L U B

24" © Exemplify Magazine

I have worked in retail (well, the

behind the scenes administrative side

of retail mostly) for the last 10 years.

We get ready for Christmas in the

summer. The buyer is seeing catalogs

for Santa’s and reindeer in mid-

March. I order music in the early fall

that will be on a constant loop from

mid-November until the day after

Christmas.

We deck the halls before trick-or-

treaters can make it around the block

and we are ready for our Christmas

Open House in early November. But

all the preparation of this blessed time

of year still doesn’t prevent the

insanity that commences the day after

Thanksgiving and doesn’t let up until

January. It is a wild ride in retail, let

me tell you. Fun, but wild. And really,

anything but peaceful.

You don’t have to work in a store like

I do to understand the crazy hustle

and bustle of shoppers. Likely, you’re

one of them. I know that when I

venture outside the walls of my own

store I am one of them too. You are

completely normal as an individual,

but sometimes you get in a crowd and

the insanity just takes over. At least

that’s how it appears from our side of

the counter. Impatience is a given.

Impulsiveness too. I love the men that

come in a day or two before Christmas

(two days if they are a planner)

searching desperately for something,

anything, to give their spouse or

girlfriend for Christmas. They are so

wide-eyed and terrified it just adds to

the insanity of all the last minute

shoppers in a frenzy. They have no

idea what they want but it better be

good. We always have just the thing.

It’s our job.

But I have to wonder what it would be

like if people put less emphasis on the

gift buying and hoopla of our modern

day festivities and more emphasis on

what is really important at Christmas.

We have made trite the whole “Jesus

is the reason for the season” but it is

the truth. Our Prince of Peace must

scratch his head and sigh at all our

endless activity. How often is He lost

in the midst of it? How blessed would

we be if we reveled in the peace He

brings and stepped back from all the

busyness to reflect and worship and

share His good news?

I’m not abandoning all tradition this

year. Christmas is hands down my

favorite holiday. I love giving and

receiving gifts. I love the lit up trees

with shiny baubles tinkling around it.

I love watching It’s a Wonderful Life

for the five hundredth time in my life

(and don’t even get me started on Elf).

I love parties and people and even,

sometimes, work. I’ve already told

you I think the hustle and bustle can

be fun.

But there is a stirring in me to want

more than this. To make all the

craziness take a backseat to peace. To

revel in all the unparalleled beauty

and wonder that Christmas truly is. To

praise the One who planned

redemption for all mankind through

the birth of a holy perfect Christ child,

born to a poor noble carpenter and his

young wife in a stable. To imagine

what it must have felt like to be a

young shepherd on that hillside when

the company of angels brightened the

night sky startling them with a

proclamation that would forever

change the course of history.

The scene still makes me pause in

awe: “An angel of the Lord appeared

to them, and the glory of the Lord

shone around them, and they were

terrified. But the angel said to them,

‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good

news of great joy that will be for all

the people. Today in the town of

David a Savior has been born to you:

he is Christ the Lord. This will be a

sign to you: You will find a baby

wrapped in cloths and lying in a

manger. Suddenly a great company of

the heavenly host appeared with the

angel, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest and on

earth peace to men on whom his favor

rests.’” Luke 2:9-14 NIV.

One of my favorite Christmas albums

is from Sara Groves called O Holy

Night. Do yourself a favor and check

it out immediately (if for no other

reason than to hear Sara’s precious

son Toby read the birth story of Jesus

on the song It’s True). There is a song

titled Peace, Peace that ministers to

me so much during this crazy time of

year. Here are some of it’s lyrics:

“Peace Peace, it’s hard to find, trouble

comes like a wrecking ball, to your

peace of mind and all that worry you

can’t leave behind you. All your hopes

and fears, all your hopes and fears, all

your hopes and fears are met in Him

tonight”. He came to bring a peace

that passes all understanding. A peace

that is worth celebrating this time of

year, really, all throughout the year,

just because. So if you come into the

store I work in this month and see me

take a step back, you’ll know why. I

don’t want to miss it. I hope you don’t

either.

Peace in the

FrenzyBy Kara Cox

I adore the Christmas season. The birth of our Savior, the decorations, the hustle and bustle of shopping, the parties, the time with friends, and the time with family. It surrounds me in all of it’s loveliness. At the same time every year I experienced a deep loneliness that at times can crowd the goodness of everything else.

To be honest, most of the year I am content in my singleness. I know at this season of my life it is where I am suppose to be. I do have moments where my heart wishes for that special someone but most days are good days. Only two events each year cause such loneliness that at times I think my heart physically hurts. My birthday is one of those times. I cannot help but to wish every year that I had someone special to share my day with. The other time is the Christmas season. From the day after Thanksgiving until the new year I feel so lonely.

The loneliness comes and goes and at times hits when I least expect it. I will be getting ready for work and wish I had someone to share my bathroom sink. I will be driving in my car on my way somewhere and wish I was not driving alone. With loneliness also comes the depression, or the jingle bell blues as I like to call them. To me if there is anything worse than loneliness it is depression and loneliness. A lingering sadness that something is missing.

Every Christmas I would wish and pray for the same thing. Every Christmas that wish and prayer goes by, unanswered. And I wonder…am I doing something wrong, why is it that I wish and pray and nothing comes of it? And sooner or later the same questions would pop into my

head, What is wrong with me? Do I not deserve happiness? Does God dislike me so much that He does not see me as a fit person to be a wife and mother? The questions spin around in my mind over and over. At times I felt like putting my hands over my ears and yelling, stop! Soon I am obsessed with finding fault with myself and my insecurities start showing up in big ways. I become overwhelmed.

Last year after my 30th birthday I decided that cycle had to stop. I started a journal specifically about my singleness and my desire to be married. I also went to the Word and started specifically memorizing verses that told me how much I was loved. God immediately reminded me of my favorite verse. It was a verse that He gave me more than five years ago and it would become one of my mantra’s over the next several months.

“The LORD your God is with you,

he is mighty to save. He will take

great delight in you, he will quiet

you with his love, he will rejoice over

you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

(NIV)

Everything I need from Him was in that verse. In The Message version God is called a mighty warrior. I needed someone to save me from the cycle I was in, He was there. I needed someone to delight in me and be my constant, He was there. I needed to know someone loved me no matter what, and once again He was there. In many ways it was the beginning of my journey toward loving Jesus more and knowing how very much He loved me.

Other things that helped was the book of 1 John and several songs that are still among my favorites. I started surrounding myself with reminders of His Love. A cross on my bookshelf as a reminder of His death. Beside the cross sits a rock to remind me of His conquering of death. I started having tea with Him. I would fix a cup of tea in a certain cup, shaped like a heart, and sit down with His Word and my journal. I became intentional in my relationship with Him.

From October to December my life changed tremendously. I became a more content person in all areas of my life. I was not only happy but joyful. Of course I was very nervous about Christmas because I was doing so well and I knew if anything would bring me down Christmas would. In the midst of all that God laid a blog post on my heart about my singleness. I wrote it but instead of hitting publish I saved it as a draft. Finally on December 15th I hit publish. It was during that prayer time the following day that I was given my word for 2009. Journey. That post along with all the others things was a first step. A step into learning and trusting and Journeying with Jesus. As I look back over the last 12 months I cannot help but be in awe of everything He has done in me and in my life. He brought me to a place of contentment in my single life, He brought me some fabulous friends. He brought me to Exemplify and then to this column. After this year I cannot help but look forward to the journey 2010 brings!

Jingle Bell BluesWritten By Christy McGraw

S E Q U O I A C L U B

26" © Exemplify Magazine

Flu 101Seasonal Flu

Seasonal influenza is a very contagious virus that affects the respiratory organs. It is unfortunately very common, affecting up to 20% of the population yearly. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and occasionally stomach problems like nausea and diarrhea. If you experience some or all of these symptoms, you should avoid contact with others by staying home from work or school, and head to the doctor’s office. The flu is contagious from person to person even a day before symptoms show up, and a person stays contagious for up to seven days after symptoms appear.

The best way to prevent yourself from getting or spreading the flu is to get vaccinated with the seasonal flu vaccine. They usually cost about $25, and some insurances cover them if you get vaccinated at the doctor’s office. The vaccine comes in two forms – a shot and a nasal spray. The flu shot is highly recommended for children aged 6 months to 19 years of age, as well as people 50 years or older. Pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses, health care workers, and people who are in contact with children are also among people who should get a flu shot. People who should not be vaccinated include people with chicken egg allergy, those who have had a bad reaction to the flu vaccine in the past, and infants less than 6 months of age. Also, if you

have a fever, you should wait until you are well again to get the flu vaccine.

For more information on the flu vaccine, talk to your doctor or visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm.

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

I’m sure that everyone has become aware of the so-called “swine flu epidemic” that appeared in the U.S. in April of 2009. Although it was originally thought to be the same flu that affects North American pigs, recent studies have shown the H1N1 virus to be much more complex. It actually contains two different swine flu genes, an avian flu gene, as well as a human flu gene. While the symptoms appear to be nearly identical to seasonal flu symptoms, this virus appears to be targeting a younger crowd, unlike the seasonal flu. The people who have been most affected by H1N1 are healthy people up to the age of 24, pregnant women, and people with underlying health issues. Unfortunately, complications with H1N1 have led to many deaths in the United States.

Luckily, an H1N1 vaccine has been made available to the public. However, supplies are limited. Young children and pregnant women are among those that are strongly recommended to be vaccinated. Many public health clinics and some pharmacies have or will have the H1N1 vaccine available.

If you or someone you know does get sick with the H1N1 flu, don’t panic. There is a very

effective prescription medicine called “Tamiflu” that has been the preferred drug for treatment of H1N1 as well as other serious influenza conditions. Tamiflu appears to take care of H1N1 without any complications if it is taken early enough.

For more information and updates about the H1N1 flu as well as the vaccine, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.

General Flu Safety Tips

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use it after touching things that have been touched by many others, like door knobs or credit card machine pens.

• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes at all when you are out of the house

• If you suspect you or your children have flu-like symptoms, get to a doctor as soon as possible

Although it is easy to become anxious and worried about loved ones and ourselves with a scary virus on the loose, we can remain calm and find rest in Christ, our King. Jesus said, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” He also says that anything we need, our Father will provide. Even when troubles arise, we can find comfort and peace in the presence of God.

‘Tis the season for joy, family,

and…the seasonal flu. This year,

the swine flu, or H1N1 flu, has

become a major concern as well.

Whether you are choosing to

protect yourself through sanitary

methods or by getting vaccinated,

I’d like to offer some information

and tips on these two viruses.

Written by Shannon

The Peace that

TranscendsShe lay there, completely still from expended

energy, letting her senses take in everything.

Her eyes, which had been closed from

exhaustion, cracked open. She could see the

moonlight peeking through the rafters.

Outside the stars twinkled down upon them.

She tilted her head to the side. He sat to her

left, knees raised and arms outstretched over

his kneecaps. He smiled weakly.

I wonder what he is thinking. I wonder how

strange this all is to him. Despite her

exhaustion, despite her weariness, she felt the

insecurity creeping up inside her. He didn’t

ask for this.

But the angel had visited him, too. The angel

had intervened when he was considering

divorce. He was such a good man; he had no

malice or desire to shame her. He was trying

to find the most discreet way to avoid shame

himself.

He had helped her during the birth,

massaging her stomach, sponging her face,

and helping clean the baby. No man should

have to do that, especially not for a child that

wasn’t even his. But if there was one thing

she could say for Joseph, he was a man of

great humility, and his rough carpenter’s

hands gently caressed the small bundle as

though the boy was his own.

She smiled at him, loving him more than she

ever had in their entire courtship. He reached

out and stroked her hair.

She turned her focus to her ears. The soft

swishing of hay and straw as the animals

lumbered around. The crunching of the

livestock eating the feed Joseph had pitched

out of the manger to make room for the baby.

Nearby a cow lowed softly.

She could smell the hay, fresh and sweet,

mixed with the pungent aroma of animal

waste. She could smell her own sweat, and

the sweet scent of fresh skin of new life.

She could still taste the linen fibers from the

rag she clenched between her teeth during the

final contractions.

Finally she shifted her attention to her final

sense. She could still feel the pain throbbing

in her back and abdomen. The sore muscles

from the straining and pushing. She could

feel her hair, soaked with sweat, plastered

against her head. The hard ground of the

earth pushed back against her spine. She

loved the warm pressure from Joseph’s hand

on her head.

She moved her eyes down, over to the cattle

trough, studying His tiny perfect face. His

hair was dark and matted on the back of his

head. His eyes were swollen closed from the

trauma of being born. His cheeks puffed in

and out as he rooted his small, rosebud

mouth against his tight linen wrappings. He

was perfect.

She tested his name. “Jesus…”

He opened His eyes for a fraction of a second,

and she found herself lost in them before he

slowly closed them again.

“The LORD saves,” Joseph said quietly from

beside her.

She nodded, reaching to touch His hair. He

sighed softly against her chest.

Words from old came back to her, words she

had heard as a girl and young woman.

Written by Tara Rachel

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

though you are small among the clans

of Judah, out of you will come for me

one who will be ruler over Israel,

whose origins are from of old, from

ancient times.”

“Therefore the Lord himself will give

you a sign: The virgin will be with

child and will give birth to a son, and

will call him Immanuel.”

“For to us a child is born, to us a son

is given, and the government will be

on his shoulders. And he will be

called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty

God, Everlasting Father, Prince of

Peace. Of the increase of his

government and peace there will be

no end. He will reign on David’s

throne and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness from

that time on and forever. The zeal of

the LORD Almighty will accomplish

this.”

“In those days and at that time I will

make a righteous Branch sprout from

David’s line; he will do what is just

and right in the land.”

The journey down to Bethlehem had

been incredibly difficult. 96 miles on

foot and by donkey. Joseph had

insisted she ride, afraid that the

weeks of walking would make her go

into labor and they would have the

baby on the side of the road. So she

had heeded his wishes, although the

donkey was not exactly preferable.

By the end of the first day she was

sore, her body swollen and her center

of balance completely distorted. She

had trouble staying on the back of the

swaying, trotting animal.

The census could not have come at a

worse time. She had been so

prepared to have a calm, peaceful

birth at home in Nazareth, hopefully

with Elizabeth assisting her. Instead

they had had to pack up and head

south, to Joseph’s home seat of

Bethlehem, by the decree of Caesar

Augustus via the governor Quirinius.

She was so nervous, traveling so far

and for so long being so close to

delivery. Elizabeth had told her how

many days to count and how to mark

how much time had passed, and she

knew she was closing in on the finish

line.

She had not been prepared for the

crowds in Bethlehem, though

hindsight showed her she should not

have been surprised. Every single

person from the house of David

milled around Bethlehem. Crowds

swarmed the streets. Joseph moved

from inn to inn, trying to find a place

for them to settle, pleading with

innkeepers for the welfare of his

expectant wife.

There was no room to be had. They

would have to sleep on the road,

under the stars. And if she had the

baby out in the open, that was what

she would have to do.

One innkeeper took pity on them,

and offered them the stable. They

accepted gratefully. While it wasn’t

exactly a bed with enclosed walls,

there was hay and water. It was

sufficient.

So sufficient that when the

contractions began rolling in that

night, they at least had some privacy.

Mary struggled through the labor,

unsure of the strength in her young,

inexperienced body. But it was as

though the same Holy Spirit who

created the life within her drew Him

out, and she sank back in exhaustion,

amazed at what had just taken place.

When she had regained some

strength, she took Him and wiped

Him down. He whimpered, but did

not wail. She studied His features,

etching them forever into back of her

mind. As she took in the curve of His

cheeks, the roundness of Him tummy,

the length of His toes, Elizabeth’s

words came back to her, clear as a

ringing bell in a tower.

“Blessed is she who has believed that

what the Lord has said to her will be

accomplished.”

“Blessed indeed,” Mary had

whispered, smiling at the memory.

She carefully wrapped Him tightly,

binding His tiny arms and legs to his

body. He stilled as soon as she

finished, relaxing into the wrappings.

He fell right to sleep, and she placed

Him carefully in the manger that

Joseph had so carefully packed with

hay.

Now, in the quiet, the surreality of the

situation descended on her. She

immediately questioned the hygienic

conditions of the barn, wondering if

placing her newborn baby in a trough

that cows ate out of was the wisest

decision.

But then again… he’s the Son of God.

Is there anywhere on earth that is fit

for Him to lay His head?

She was still trying to wrap her mind

around events if the night. While her

belly grew, it was easy to not dwell

on what was happening inside her

body. There was nothing, except her

expanding waistline, to touch or to

care for.

But now, as this little literal miracle

lay sleeping beside her, she couldn’t

avoid letting her mind wonder into

the supernatural, into places she

wasn’t sure she was fully capable of

understanding.

“This child,” she whispered to

Joseph, “my Yeshua… He’s going to

be our Savior. He’s going to be Lord

of all and reign as king forever.” She

looked over at Him, helpless and

sleeping, trying to marry her words

with her vision.

She was a little unsure of how to treat Him,

how to hold Him. How do you care for the

Son of the Most High God?

She felt insecure, and even Joseph’s strong

presence did not calm the anxiety. She

wondered if she was qualified. She

wondered if she was capable.

But as she stared at the small, sleeping

baby, she knew it didn’t matter whether

she believed she was capable or qualified.

She had received the call from the Lord,

and as she spoke to the angel, she

reaffirmed her commitment. “I am the

Lord’s servant,” she said aloud to no one in

particular. And I will begin by serving this

child with all my heart and soul and might

and strength.

She let her mind weave together the words

proclaimed and the events that transpired.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah… out of

you will come for me one who will be ruler

over Israel…”

Out of Bethlehem… the two of Nazareth

had to travel to Bethlehem for the census,

and right at the time she was supposed to

deliver…

“…whose origins are from of old, from

ancient times…”

“…the Holy One to be born will be called

the Son of God…”

There was no possibility of this child being

Joseph’s, or anyone else’s for that matter.

Joseph, once his fears had been calmed by

the angel, had not so much as laid a finger

on her. And she was merely a child before

becoming engaged.

“… David’s throne… a Branch sprout from

David’s line…”

Joseph was in the line of David, as was she.

They were both a part of the Davidic

genealogy.

“… the virgin will be with child…”

She could scarcely believe how perfect,

how intricate everything had meshed

together, like fibers woven into a perfect

tapestry.

The significance of his birthplace did not

escape her. An inn. A temporary dwelling.

She knew it was a sign to her, a visible

reminder that this was only temporary. He

was not born in a house to dwell

permanently. Instead He came at an inn, a

place where people only pass through.

Where they stay for a time, and then move

on.

And suddenly, like a pane of glass wiped

clean, nothing else mattered.

It didn’t matter that people back home

called her a whore and a harlot.

It didn’t matter that Joseph had been

slandered because of her.

It didn’t matter that they didn’t have a bed

to sleep on.

It didn’t matter that politics had changed

the shape of their ancient nation.

It didn’t matter that they were forced to

learn the language of the pagans.

It didn’t matter that evil men had taken

control of the Temple.

It didn’t matter that Jerusalem had been

under siege.

It didn’t matter that Rome was spreading,

that their rule was trickling down to even

the most remote areas.

None of it mattered.

She smiled sardonically. Pax Romana. The

peace of Rome. Rome attempted to spread

peace by rule and power and control.

She reached out and gently lifted the

sleeping infant to her chest. This was

peace. A child, a baby – sleeping away

while the world continued to turn around

Him.

She knew deep within her heart that soon

the world would turn because of Him.

Suddenly she could no longer hear the

cows lowing, the drifts of conversations

from late-night crowds in Bethlehem, the

whooshing of the wind over the trees. All

she could see was Him. All she could feel

was Him.

All she knew was Him.

And then a holy chorus rang out, shaking

her from her reverence. She carefully

placed Him back in the manger and sat

back, closing her eyes, as the angelic voices

rang over her.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth,

peace among men with whom He is

pleased.”

Peace.

She didn’t know what the future years

would bring. She didn’t know if they

would be free of strife or the most difficult

she would ever live.

What she did know is that she had

firsthand, eye-witness experience of the

miraculous power of the Lord God

Almighty. And as His son slept away in

His makeshift, humble bed, she knew that

there was hope yet for the nation of God.

There was hope. Because God in His glory

cloaked Himself in flesh and came down to

earth.

She couldn’t completely comprehend how

the baby beside her was also God. But she

did know one thing: she would believe in

and serve Him for the remainder of her

days. He was the source of her joy, and the

catalyst for her peace.

She leaned over to kiss His small forehead.

“I love You from the depths of my heart.

My Prince of Peace.” She pulled the

blankets a little tighter around Him and

settled back to rest herself.

As she felt herself slipping into the comfort

that precedes a deep rest, her heart began

to sing – praises to the Lord written deep

within her soul and etched into her life.

She drifted off, calm and content.

Completely at peace in a world lost in

chaos.

Adapted from Matthew 1, Luke 1-2, Isaiah

7:14, 9:6-7, Micah 5:2, Jeremiah 33:15

© Exemplify Magazine

Christmas 2009,

Special Feature Issue

Exemplify Magazine

Merry Christmas from Exemplify!

Special Features

Pour yourself a glass of eggnog, grab some cookies and kick back with our Christmas Special Feature Issue.

• Meet our featured contributors on page 32.

• Read how A Baby Changes Everything on page 35.

• Enjoy A Christmas Tea to Remember on page 36

• Find yourself immersed in Everlasting Peace on page 38

• Embrace this Season of Love on page 39

• Holidays stress you out? Page 40 is for you.

• Celebrate the Night Before Christmas with a twist on page 41.

• Bring Holy Back to the Holiday on page 42

• Get cozy with One Imperfect Christmas on page 44

• Savior Money at Christmas on page 45

• Decorate your Hearth and Mantle on page 46

• Win A Forever Christmas on page 49!

ELAINE OLSEN

Elaine is the wife of Preacher Billy and has the delightful privilege of mothering four dynamic children who have been with her for nearly half of her almost forty-three years. She grew up amongst the rolling hills of the Bluegrass which boasts the presence of exquisite thoroughbreds and die-hard Wildcat basketball fans. Her growing up years were spent running the hallways of Asbury Theological Seminary where her father was a professor of preaching and her mother was the Registrar. From the cradle to her current, Elaine has been a church girl. The spiritual shaping she received from her parents quickly secured for her a belief in a great big God who loves her far beyond reasonable bounds. Elaine was born on Easter Sunday. The significance of its shadow has followed her all the days of her life. God began the sacred conversation with Elaine’s soul from the earliest of ages, and she has spent the past four decades walking the path of such a gracious grace. He has marked her forever for kingdom living and kingdom loving. Her overriding hope and desire for her life is to live as authentic before her God and his created people.

Elaine’s first book peace for the journey: in the pleasure of his company will soon be released by WinePress.

Be sure to visit Elaine at her blog, Peace for the Journey: peaceforthejourney.com.

SUSAN DOLLYHIGH

Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a free-lance writer and columnist who recently won the Women of Faith National Shine the Light Contest. She is a contributing author in Spirit and Heart: A Devotional Journey. Susan also writes for Christian Devotions, Internet Café’ Devotions, and The Christian Pulse. She and her husband have two children and two grandchildren and reside in Mount Airy, North Carolina.

Susan has a passion for the homeless and leads a weekly Bible study at The Shepherd’s House (a homeless shelter for women and children) and Mary Sue’s Safe Haven (a domestic violence shelter).

SHANNON JACOBYANSKY

Shannon has been a devoted writer for the past four years. She has had four of her inspirational and sometimes funny stories published in books with her latest appearing this holiday season in the book, “Christmas Traditions”. You can be inspired daily and at her blog sites www.hewonmyheart.blogspot.com and www.sendingyouthoughtsandprayers.blogspot.com .

She also guest writes at the Internet Café (www.internetcafedevotions.com) and At the Well…In Pursuit of Titus 2 (www.titus2atthewell.com) Please leave a message or ask questions via e-mail at shannonjacobyansky@yahoo.com .

eLisa Pul l iam

eLisa is passionate about her vocation as wife to Stephen, mom to four precious children under the age of 10 (including twins), and their spiritual daughter (now 18). She considers it a privilege to share about God’s extravagant grace, not only with her family but also through speaking, teaching the Word, serving in ministry, and as a friend to women and teenage girls of all ages!

eLisa received a degree in English Writing Arts and Art, specializing in graphic design and public relations, which she draws on as she create materials for women’s ministries, design blogs, write devotionals and Bibles studies, and shares her thoughts at ExtravagantGrace.net. She is currently serving as a co-Chair on her church’s women’s ministry team and spends much time mentoring teenage girls, who often find their way to her couch and a freshly brewed cup of tea.

HOLLY SMITH

My name is Holly Smith from Monument, CO. I am the wife of Chris and mother of Noah, Kylie, Tabor and Sydney. My Chris and I have been married for 18 years on August 10th this year. We have truly grown up together. We love to be together and are the best of friends! Although it is rare that we have alone time, we search for it like treasure. We are each others' prayer warriors and biggest cheerleaders.

I am a stay at home mom, who very much loves her job as a mom. On the side, I design web pages and marketing pieces. It is a great way to pour out creativity! God has gifted me with a love of all things creative--from painting and wall-papering to scrapbooking and design-work. Also I write a couple of blogs, which you can read online if you want. One is a cooking blog called What Would Martha Cook? (http://whatwouldmarthacook.blogspot.com/) It's about Martha in the Bible not the other Martha. The other is a devotional writing blog called Crown Laid Down (www.crownlaiddown.com) I began blogging in February 2007.

Also, through blogging, I have compiled a cookbook for Beth Moore and for all the blogging Siestas on her blog. All the proceeds have gone to build clean water wells through Life Outreach International. So far, we have raised over $2,500! I love when God does that! In every season of our lives, God is faithful.

ANGELA NAZWORTH

Angela Nazworth is the wife of a college professor and the mother of a delightfully precocious five-year-old drama princess, and a two-year-old son with aspirations of mountain climbing.

Before exchanging her business suits for yoga pants and and peanut butter stained shirts, she worked full time in the public relations industry managing programs, editing publications, and writing copy and articles for magazines, newsletters, Web sites, brochures, educational resources, and other publications. Currently, Angela accepts freelance writing, copy editing, and PR jobs and write regularly at (in)Courage, Five Minutes for Faith, and at her own blog, Becoming Me.net.

SABRINA PATE

Sabrina spends her days working as an Office Associate on a college campus. She enjoys ministering to young girls, leading bible studies, reading and watching girly movies. You can read her random thoughts over at her blog: www.patelife.blogspot.com. Sabrina lives in Kentucky with her husband Justin, fat cat Zoey, and large dog Joey.

MARSHA HARWOOD

Marsha lives deep in the woods of western North Carolina with the love of her life Mike, their dog Lucky, and an occasional bear that comes by for a visit. Married for 35 years, they are blessed with 3 children and 6 grandchildren. She and her husband started Snowbird TEAM Ministries 12 years ago to reach the people of Appalachia for Christ. Her ministry is with at risk teen girls, pregnant teens and counseling women and children who have been abused. She knows and understands the shame and fear that fills the hearts of abused women and children. Usually found with a camera nearby and a song on her lips, Marsha enjoys being out in God's creation. It is her goal in life to live simply, laugh often and to love deeply.

VICTORIA JENKINS

Victoria began writing from Scripture out of the sheer inability to keep a good thing to herself--the exception being brownies, those she refuses to share. Soon after delving into her first Bible study, it became clear that God was building a ministry through this new-found love for His Word. Whether she is homeschooling, housewifing, or hiding from the laundry heap, God continues to grow Victoria through the ministry He set in motion...and she continues to hog all the brownies.

ALISA WAGNER

Alisa is a full-time mother who is able to write while raising and homeschooling her three vivacious children. She has a God-given passion to write, and she loves to write about what the Holy Spirit is currently teaching her.

Alisa has published devotionals, articles and poetry; and she is continuously trying to reach people for Christ with her writing. She has also written her first novel and is currently seeking publication.

Alisa is the chief editor of the Granola Bar Devotional Writing Ministry and is always looking for new ways to help people share their faith story. She is also a contributing writer for the Internet Cafe and Take Root and Write.

Alisa married her high school sweetheart and has been married for over ten years. They are hometeam leaders at their church and dedicate themselves to creating community within their church. Her husband is the greatest supporter of her writing ministry. You can find her at faithimagined.com.

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

© Exemplify Magazine" 35

One month shy of six years ago, my

life was forever altered by a

bitsy baby girl. Exhausted, yet

exhilarated, I clutched her tender

body...pink and squirmy...and

kissed the top of her forehead.

"You were so worth it," I panted.

That sweet baby girl changed

everything.

More than 20 centuries ago, another

baby changed everything...for His

earthly parents, several shepherds

and scholars, and some others the

change was immediate. However,

most of the world would not know

the significance of the divine

descendant of David until about 30

years after He was placed in a bed

of hay.

He was the only baby who changed

everything for everybody...and who

still can change everything for all

who believe.

For it was not the first robust cries of this precious baby born in

Bethlehem that brought light to a dark world. Instead, it was His

last cry...the enervated, convulsive wail of a dying man hanging from

a blood-drenched cross on Calvary... that changed everything...and in

the most beautiful way imaginable.

I wonder if, as He drew His final breath, Jesus murmured, "You were

worth it." Because, had He not felt that, we would still be in the

dark.

Instead, Jesus was born, sacrificed, and resurrected so that we too

can one day live with Him in paradise. May this gift forever be your

hope...your peace...your joy...and your love.

Hallelujah!

Written by Angela Nazworth / Graphic by Christy McGraw

A Chri"mas Tea to Remem#rI've been entrusted with a special gift. I'm a Keeper of Christmas. It’s my calling. Part of the responsibility of being a Keeper of Christmas is to create memories that point people to the One we celebrate at Christmas.

In Keeping Christmas two years ago, I decided to have a Christmas Tea at our cozy little cabin in the woods with the ladies from church. I planned, prayed and envisioned this moment for months. I was like a child in a candy shop. I wanted this to be a wonderful occasion full of memories that would not only knit our hearts together, but that would also point us to the Savior.

The thought occurred to me, make it a Currier and Ives type moment. You know, Keep Christmas by reflecting memories from a simpler time. Have the women come the mile and a half up the mountain in a sleigh that's being drawn by 2 galloping horses over the river (creek) and through the woods to Marsha's house we'll go type thing.

Thus began the search for horses and sleigh.

I think romantically about most aspects of life. I see the silver lining in every cloud that looms. My husband calls me Pollyanna. Well, this Pollyanna was going to Keep Christmas by using horses and sleigh and I managed to pull my husband into the silver lined cloud with me. He has lots of contacts, so his part of being the husband of a Keeper of Christmas was to find me horses and sleigh.

You know your husband truly loves you when he joins you in a quest such as this. In no time at all he delivered! He came home so excited. But it wouldn't be a sleigh because there has to be snow and if there's that much snow people around here are not coming out for a tea. He found a wagon instead. I called it a carriage to the ladies, sounds more "tea-ish" don't you think? Mike’s co-worker’s brother and father enter parades occasionally with their team and wagon. I knew the style of wagon. I'd seen them in parades during the summer. They have a roof and open sides so you can see out. PERFECT for this memory making ride. I couldn't wait. The excitement was building with the ladies. “Ah, this Keeper of Christmas has outdone herself!” I thought to myself.

Two weeks before the tea, Mike informs me that the "team" is NOT actually a team of horses, but rather a team of mules. The fantasy came down a notch. Well, at least they do this all the time, pulling a wagon full of people. And then he adds, oh, and by the way, mules don't gallop, they just plod along doing their job, that means it will take too long to get them to go 1 -1/2 miles up the mountain. So, we arranged for the ride to begin half way up the mountain by the mailboxes; down another notch the fantasy slid. Gulp, well, okay, at least they have four legs, a tail and sleigh bells that will jingle through the woods. It was still going to be so Currier and Ives-ish!

The time was fast approaching for the Christmas Tea. I sent out an e-vite to the ladies coming and reminded them to dress warmly and to wear comfortable shoes because we would be taking a short little walk to my elderly neighbor’s cabin to sing Christmas carols. I assured them I wasn't going to make mountain goats out of them, the terrain here in the hollow is relatively even. Going Christmas Caroling is a good thing to do when you are a Keeper of Christmas you know.

The Saturday morning of the tea finally arrived. I could hardly sleep the night before. I was SO excited! "Lord,” I prayed, “thank you for giving me the Gift of being a Keeper of Christmas. Lord, may all of our hearts be knit together in love through this tea. May they see You through your creation as they meander through the woods on their carriage ride. May they come feeling refreshed and relaxed as they reach our little cabin in the woods."

Written By Marsha Harwood

Mike went to help his friend load the ladies into the carriage. His job was to take LOTS of pictures for me since I needed to stay at the house. The ladies were coming in 2 trips because of the lack of space on the carriage.

Mike got to the end of the road and finds the mules hitched to the...okay, so now it truly is NOT a carriage, it's NOT even an open wagon...it's a "Little House on the Prairie-ish" wagon!

Well, at least the ladies are smiling and they can see either where they've been or where they're going. It will be fine.

Have you ever heard the expression "stubborn as a mule?” There's a reason for that expression. These mules went MAYBE 100 yards and quit, just flat out quit! They REFUSED to go anywhere, no matter WHAT this well trained mule and wagon owner did to these mules!

He was SO embarrassed. He told the ladies they just "stubbed out!” When a mule decides it's not going, it's NOT going.

There was nothing else they could do. They had to disembark from the wagon and walk the rest of the way (3/4 a mile UP the mountain). Yes, there you see them in the picture heading UP the mountain while the mules head DOWN the mountain to get group #2!

Bless these ladies hearts, upon arriving, they looked up in disbelief and saw they have to climb 19 stairs to the front door! Most had never been to our cozy little cabin in the woods before.

I was embarrassed standing on the porch laughing and crying at the same time. I had promised these ladies when I told them to wear comfy shoes that I wasn't turning them into mountain goats!

Back to the second group of women yet to arrive. The mules and wagon were facing toward climbing up the mountain. They got loaded up and the mules just stood there. At that point the older gentleman (the father) came and said the mules were teamed up incorrectly. So they moved them around. There, now they'll move. NOT!!! They just stood there! Totally "STUBBED OUT!” At this point the driver had enough of this nonsense. He said he knew how he'd get those ‘dadburn’ mules to move.

He got out and tied them to his 4x4 diesel truck (that's 4 wheel drive) and pulled the 4x4 mules (one mule with 4 legs and another mule with 4 legs = 4x4) that pulled the wagon with 4 wheels that carried my precious friends and the only hope for me (and the poor mule driver) to retain any sense of dignity and honor; both necessary traits for one who is gifted as a Keeper of Christmas.

His idea worked. Honor and dignity preserved. The truck was able to pull the mules that pulled the wagon, that held my friends, that held my future as a Keeper of Christmas intact.

Up and up the mountain they slowly went.

They finally arrived at "The Hollow of His Hand" (the name we call our little cabin in the woods) with just a faint smell of diesel fuel and mule manure in their hair. And did I mention they were very pale looking?

Despite the stubborn mules who tried to thwart the plans of the Keeper of Christmas, God was faithful and answered my prayer request. Some of these women were new to our church. God did indeed knit hearts together as they encouraged the out of shape ones up the mountain. They watched after the one with a heart condition, and they laughed together along the way. The ladies in the wagon knit their hearts together as they sat huddled close, white knuckles showing, silently praying for their safety as the mules walked right on the edge of the road that drops off. They all saw the Savior that day in a very unique way. They saw a place of beauty at a slower pace than they would normally take and were able to appreciate His creation. A Christmas memory was made that will long be told to others that may come and worship with us in the future.

At the end of the afternoon, when we went caroling at my elderly neighbor’s home, the presence of the Lord could be felt. A capella voices in three parts singing "O Come let us adore Him, O Come let us adore Him, O Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord" were lifted to the highest point of her cathedral ceiling. The joy, the peace, the hearts knit together as one, the presence of Christ Himself were evidenced by my neighbor. Christmas was placed within all our hearts to keep that day.

My husband asked me what I was going to do the next year to Keep Christmas. I thought a moment and said, "I think I'll have a drop in.” "Oh, that sounds great!" he exclaimed.

At some point I need to let him know what I meant by that. He’ll need to cut some trees. I'm thinking - parachutes!

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

38" © Exemplify Magazine

Peace.

Everyone wants it, yet so few of us possess any lasting measure of it. Why? Because we are a people who have inaccurately assessed the means for acquiring it. We level our quest for peace within the boundaries of the temporal without acknowledging that true and lasting peace can only be found with our “pressing in” toward the eternal.

Peace isn’t a product for sale. Peace isn’t a feel-good philosophy. Peace isn’t a place of escape. Peace isn’t the absence of conflict. Peace is a person, the very person of Jesus Christ. Accordingly, we cannot purchase peace’s portion, even though our market-driven society begs to differ. We can spend a lifetime and a fortune on coddling preferences that paint a momentary calm, but for peace to truly govern a life’s journey, peace requires an investment beyond the bank account.

Lasting peace requires a relationship.

For any pilgrimage to walk in peace, it must walk with peace. Scripture identifies peace, not only by its characteristics, but more profoundly by giving peace a name--Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:14). Holding him in our hearts moves peace within reach. The more we know Jesus, the more we know peace.

Knowing Jesus is the sole requirement for our lives to walk in peace—the sole requirement of our hearts if we truly want to walk this Christmas season with any measure of it as we go. Thus, we must seek him. Anticipate him. Notice him. Cradle him. Celebrate him. Release him. Know him.

Not just remember him.

We’ve perfected our remembering. We spend a lot of time during Christmas planning our remembrances of Jesus. We cram our schedule with well-intentioned “stuff” designed to foster our contemplation of him and his Bethlehem arrival. Christmas carols, pageants and programs, movies, family gatherings, cards, parties, live nativities, Advent readings and candles—all manner of avenues utilized to foster our remembrance of Jesus. All good things in their ideology, but, sometimes,

the very things that take away from the one thing that is required of us if God’s peace is to walk its portion in our hearts.

Knowing Jesus.

How much quicker would peace arrive in our lives if we spent more time walking with Jesus this Christmas rather than planning our remembrances of him? Programs and activities aren’t the prescription for our finding peace. Pursuing the Author of peace is the remedy.

What might that look like for you in this season? What could you surrender in these next few days in order to more fully know your Jesus? I’m not suggesting that you eliminate your planned remembrances of the Christ Child; many of them will be the avenues that God uses to bring you into a fuller understanding of his Son. What I am suggesting, though, is that we might need to re-arrange our thinking in regards to our finding God’s peace if we want to arrive at December 25th with our sanity and our hearts in tact.

I love Christmas. I love the preparations and the anticipation of the season. I’m as busy as you are, and for the most part, I relish the busyness. But there is one thing I cannot abide—one thing that fosters my desire to throw all preparations and planning to the curb. I can speak about it with some authority because I have lived it time and again.

That one thing?

Getting to Christmas morning and greatly anticipating its finish—craving its end because the weeks leading up to the “event” have taken their toll on my nerves and have robbed me of my moments at the manger with my Jesus—my Peace.

This is the tragedy of a season’s good intentions. To come to the end of it all and to be glad for its conclusion. This isn’t the way that God intends for us to celebrate the gift of his Son. God intends for better. For our Christmas desires to lead us to the manger so that divine fellowship can be tasted between his tabernacled presence and our great need to know that he is alive and actively living amongst his people.

Manger remembrances that lead us to focus on what once “was” rather than on what continually “is” serves little purpose as it pertains to our lasting peace. To package the baby Jesus within an isolated time-frame is to diminish a Christmas’ worth. Christmas wasn’t just then. Christmas is now. Is tomorrow. Is next month. Is next year.

Christmas doesn’t walk with a time-table burdened by human constraints; neither does Jesus. Neither does his peace. Wherever Jesus goes, peace goes with him. Accordingly, if it’s peace we’re after, wouldn’t it be better to chase him directly rather than chasing after all manner of detours to get to him?

The shortest route between two points is a straight line. The shortest route between our desire for peace and God’s offer therein, is a straight-forward run to his heart. His manger. His cross. His tomb. His Easter. The other “stuff” we scatter into our pursuit is just filler and often become the distractions that keep us from experiencing the lasting peace of Jesus.

Lasting peace requires a relationship. That relationship began at Bethlehem’s manger some 2000 years ago when an infant boy interrupted the silent night with his cries of invitation to the world to come and enter into a relationship with him. To take notice of him, to seek him, anticipate him, find him, cradle him, celebrate him, release him. To know him.

He cries still … for you and for me.

Don’t just remember your Jesus this Christmas. Know your Jesus more fully through your own moments of silent and intentional pause before his throne. Light a candle in his honor and find God’s peace for the journey. It’s as simple as that. It’s as real as that. It’s God’s Christmas gift to each one of us as we are faithful to come and unwrap the majesty of Bethlehem’s everlasting peace.

I’ll meet you at the manger.

Written by F. Elaine Olsen

Everlasting Peace“For he himself is our peace.”

Ephesians 2:14

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called

children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know

us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been

made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we

shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as

he is pure.

1 John 3:1-3

On the third week of Advent, I arrived at the homeless shelter planning to light the third purple candle that symbolizes love. Planning to talk about God’s love for all His children, even His children who feel they don’t deserve to be loved. Planning to assure the residents that they are lovable - that they are loved by their Father’s children and by their Father.

Climbing the stairs leading to the kitchen, I heard little hands clapping and little cherubic voices chanting, “Yeah, Miss Susie’s here! Yeah, Miss Susie’s here!” Arriving at the kitchen door, the two little cherubs sat at the table, eyes glistening and mouths smiling.

“Wow, what a welcome!” And a feeling of love spread throughout my heart as I greeted the little three and five-year-old girls.

Placing the Advent candles in the center of the kitchen table, we lit the three purple candles. “I know what the first candle is for!” exclaimed the blonde five-year-old girl. Her mouth rounded into an “O” shape as her eyes danced and she smiled up at me. We planned to play “Advent Trivia” and this little girl was ready. She looked as if she had waited the entire week just to say the word “hope.”

“You are right!” Even though the game hadn’t officially begun, I reached into the bag of prizes and got out a small gift for her.

Little sister, not about to be outdone, leaned in close and whispered,

“Baby Jesus.” She knew what we’d been talking about.

“Very good!” And I pulled a second prize from the bag and placed it in her small outstretched hands.

Unknowingly, these two little ones had just shared the Christmas message - Baby Jesus and hope. I could have left at this point, for enough had already been said, but I wanted to share the message of love with them.

Someone turned off the overhead light and with the flames of hope, peace and love flickering; the nine of us talked about the everlasting love God has for us. We talked about how God’s plan for salvation for us was motivated by His great love for us. We talked about how He desires to have an intimate relationship and spend eternity with us. We talked about how that’s why Jesus was born in a manger and died on a cross - to give us the greatest gift we’ll ever receive - the gift of salvation. We talked about how all we have to do to receive this gift is to believe God’s truth and make the decision to turn from our sins and receive God’s forgiveness.

We talked about how God, unlike man, is not impressed with our station in life - with where we live or what we drive or the clothes that we wear. He’s not impressed with

our degrees and accomplishments or who we know. He’s impressed with our hearts and our desire to know and love Him. We talked about how God proved this when He chose the shepherds, the poor peasants of the day, who were considered unclean and outcasts in society over kings and people with wealth and power to be the first to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth.

We talked about how no matter what we think of ourselves or what others think about us, God sent His Son, Jesus, for everyone of us. He sent Him for the outcasts and the kings, for the homeless and the wealthy, for the ill and the healthy, for the jobless and employed, for the addicts and the sober, for the imprisoned and the free. The Father lavished this great love on all of us, His children.

After this, we played “Advent Trivia” with questions being asked about all the things we’d learned about hope, peace, and love. One of the young boys living there recounted the entire story almost word for word of why the color purple is considered the color of royalty. He told us that when Christ lived on earth the purple dye was the most expensive to produce because it was squeezed from snails and it took over 10,000 mollusks to make enough dye for just one robe. He and his two little brothers loved that story. As the three of them laughed, I was reminded of the things little boys’ love: snakes and snails and puppy dog tails, and I once again experienced a feeling of love spread throughout my heart.

As I prepared to leave that evening, one of the residents said, “Hold on a minute!” She ran from the room and returned with a small package wrapped in Christmas paper. “This is for you - open it now.”

She placed the gift in my hand and I tore the wrapping off and lifted the lid of a small box to find a small green glass snail. “I saw this and thought of you and the snail story. I just had to get it for you.”

I felt my eyes fill with tears and for the third time that evening a feeling of love spread throughout my heart.

I came that evening hoping to share the message of love with those living in the shelter. To assure them that they are lovable, that they are loved by their Father’s children and by their Father. I can only hope that on that night of Advent my message of love came across as clearly as the message of love I received from them as the little girls so excitedly greeted me as I entered the kitchen, as the boys shared the snail story showing that they had been paying attention and finally as I received my most treasured Christmas gift of the season - the gift of a green glass snail. We said goodbye and as I closed the door to leave, I thought, “How great is the love that the Father has lavished on me…”

A Season of LoveWritten by Susan Dollyhigh

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

40" © Exemplify Magazine

I love thinking about Christmas in July. In July, Christmas is a magical holiday celebrating the birth of the world’s savior, Jesus Christ. Just the thought of Christmas forms a delightful image in my head of my family sweetly sitting by the fireplace, each holding a steaming cup of hot chocolate, enjoying the sound of carolers standing in the front lawn.

The reality of this image, though, would be my five year old spilling hot chocolate all over the Christmas tree skirt, my two year old shoving Christmas DVDs into the fireplace, and my four month old caroling to us all night with her cries.

Once November comes around, the magic of Christmas seems to fade with the warm weather, and I roll up my sleeves, write out my battle plan and prepare to seek and destroy everything on my holiday to-do list. I’m on a mission to enjoy Christmas, and I will not rest until all the holiday traditions have been accomplished.

I pull an all-nighter baking Christmas cookies for teachers and friends, begging my husband to frost the sugar cookies. I trudge to the mall with my kids, urging them to smile while sitting on Santa’s lap. I climb into the tiny dark attic, scouring for all my Christmas decorations. And I comb through all the cooking magazines, hoping for just the right recipes for my made-from-scratch Christmas dinner.

Year after year, I find myself on the other side of December exhausted and thankful the holiday season is over. I heave a sigh of relief that I’m in a new year and that twelve months

now separate me from the next Christmas holiday. I’m determined to lose the five pounds I gained from so much stress and baking, and I make a mental note to rethink my holiday strategy for next year.

I’m also filled with guilt that I wasn’t able to enjoy Christmas like I should. And I wonder if Jesus is upset with me that I was so busy celebrating His birthday that I barely had enough time for Him. I want to be a like Mary who basked in the Savior’s presence, but I always wind up being like Martha, busily working and forgetting the reason for my work (Luke.38-42).

But a friend released me from my guilt when she said, “The holidays were hard for Jesus’ mother too.”

When Jesus was born, Caesar Augustus was taking a census, so everyone was traveling and the streets were packed with traffic. Mary was only pledged to be married to Joseph, yet she was nine months pregnant. I’m sure the looks she received from the strangers around her were not always nice. She was either walking or riding on an animal, so her entire body ached from being very pregnant and on the go.

Mary is not prepared when she starts going into labor. Her life is on the verge of overwhelming change, but no one seems to care. She is forced to give birth to her baby in a cave, and she probably didn’t have the basic necessities for the delivery.

Angels start popping up out of the middle of nowhere, jolting people out of there leather sandals. Shepherds neglect their sheep and run

off to get a glimpse of the new King. People are now hearing crazy stories about a baby in a manger and angels singing glory to God.

Mary was just a girl. She just gave birth to the world’s savior. She was far from home in a cave with a man she barely knew, and gawking shepherds were trying to get a look at her. I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say that the first Christmas was a tad stressful for Jesus’ mother.

However, what was Mary’s reaction to all of this chaos?

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Instead of fighting the chaos, complaining about the chaos, running from the chaos; Mary “treasured” the chaos in her heart. To her the overwhelming events weren’t chaos at all – they were God’s design to bring a savior into the world. God many times brings us His beautiful will through an ugly mess.

So the next holiday season, don’t feel guilty that your Christmas is somewhat chaotic. The world will always be a mess, but we as Christians have peace in our hearts. Our peace should not change with our environment; it should be our constant staple. Don’t begrudge the chaos because someday you might miss it. Our lives are beautifully messy, and we should constantly be pondering those crazy memories in our hearts.

The Holidays

were

Stressful

for

Jesus’ Mother

Too!

Written by Alisa Wagner

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

© Exemplify Magazine" 41

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

None of God’s creatures were stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In truth, it’s Christ’s birth that had put them there.

His children were nestled all snug in their beds,

Unlike the baby Jesus, with no place to lay his sweet head;

Mother Mary and Joseph, and some shepherds perhaps

Watched over our Savior as he peacefully napped.

When up in the sky there arose such a clatter,

That three wise men grabbed the best gifts they could gather.

Away to the Messiah they flew like a flash,

To see our redeemer in the flesh at long last.

The star in the sky gave off such a glow

Shining with the luster of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to their wondering eyes should appear,

But the stillness of the star showing they must be near,

It’s unclear how long they traveled, but it was quite a bit,

Still they knew by the star’s pause that this must be it.

Three gifts they brought to little Jesus when they came,

And they rejoiced as the angels had as they praised His name;

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace among those whom He favors!

To the top of the mountains!

To the bottom of the sea!

Our Savior is born to save both you and me!”

As God’s children sleep, safe in their beds,

Both Father and Son watch over their heads,

Loving them enough to number each countless hair,

We’ve no way to earn their love, but every way to share.

Giving gifts as the wise men did is a fun tradition,

As long as the point of Christmas never goes missing.

Deck the halls and trim the tree,

Hang the stockings and dance with glee.

Share the joy of Christmas which no wrapped gift could match,

Tell of the babe wrapped in cloth who brought us freedom at last;

A bundle of joy lying in the manger,

Sent to save us from unspeakable danger.

His life for ours, what an amazing gift!

He was born so that man might no longer perish!

His life was as pure as the day He was born,

As He taught us the greatest lessons we’ll learn;

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love,

Don’t try to be pleasing to man, but to God above;

Build on the Rock and not the sand,

Keep an open heart and an outstretched hand.

So many people are in need this Christmas,

Let God use you to fulfill their wishes;

Give as you’ve been given to,

You provide for others and He’ll provide for you;

So speak of His word, and get straight to His work,

Always giving Him the glory since it all came from Him first.

Remember, it’s God’s children in this world that are the light,

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Written by Victoria Jenkins

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

42" © Exemplify Magazine

It might seem like the traditional Christmas season is upon us, but this year I’m tackling it with an entirely different approach. Instead of allowing my Christmas joy to spiral into despair over of gifts, commitments, relationships, cookies, and cards begging signatures, I’m on a new mission of Bringing Holy Back to the Holiday!

Would you like to join me?

As followers of Christ, shouldn’t our Christmas focus be the celebration of Jesus’ birth, and not the holiday driven marketing plans adding to our mounting (and sometimes meaningless) traditions.

Instead of succumbing to the pressure to perform, I’m looking for opportunities to celebrate and share our Savior in a holy new way.

Holiday is a Holy Day!Many of us miss the “holy” in holiday, even though the word comes from merging “holy” and “day.” 1 Holy means to be separated, set apart, or consecrated. 2 A holiday is

meant to be a day(s) set apart to celebrate something holy. It is not intended to transform us into maniacs conquering a “to do” list of holiday responsibilities.

Christmas is meant as a time to celebrate our Holy God and the gift of our Savior. Yet, the man-made burden to bless turns otherwise sane gals into emotional wrecks sharing in a year-end stress-fest. Traditions have overtaken the holiday, pushing holiness right off the calendar. It is time for a change, which begins with understanding holiness.

Understanding God’s Holiness

Did you know that holiness is God’s most fundamental attribute? “It is the only attribute repeated three times in a row anywhere in Scripture. We do not read, ‘Powerful, powerful, powerful is the LORD of hosts!’ But the angles do say, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.’”3 (Isaiah 6:3).

God not only refers to himself as holy, but also declares that His people are holy and should live holy lives: “I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:44a); “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:15-16). This “being” holy is only possible through the one who makes us holy, Jesus Christ. Even before conception, Christ was holy. When He came to earth, He was on a holy mission for all mankind:

Luke 1:30-35

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and

you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the

throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never

end."

!"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

!The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the

power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one

to be born will be called the Son of God.

Bringing Holy Back to the Holiday

Written by eLisa Pulliam

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

© Exemplify Magazine" 43

God’s holiness breached the heavens and touched the earth, manifested in Christ, and in His mercy, holiness was bestowed on each one of us who declare Him Lord.

Understanding Our Holiness

We become holy when we put our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, thereby being adopted into God’s family and sharing in His holiness (Ephesians 1:4-8). As a child takes on the last name of their parents and reflects the attributes of the family, we become partakers in God’s holiness when we put our faith in His Son by believing in our heart that Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. (Romans 10:9-10)

Without Christ as our Savior, God only sees our sin. But when Christ’s blood is poured out for our sin, we are washed clean. God now sees us through the sacrifice of His Son (Hebrews 10:10). We become holy because the Savior covers us, making us “holy and blameless in his sight.” (Ephesians 1:4)

As God’s children, we are set apart -- holy -- and are called to declare His praise. As “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God...” our purpose is “....that [we] may declare the praises of him who called [us] out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9) We are commissioned by God to blaze forth, eyes glistening with the love of Jesus and gratitude for the cross, bringing His holiness to a needy world, not only in the dark nights of Christmas but all year long.

Bringing Holy Back

Bringing Holy Back to the Holiday means living as ambassadors for our Holy God. We evaluate our traditions, keeping the holy ones in place, while pursuing every opportunity to share our Savior with others. It means applying the Word literally, as we become agents of God’s hope, joy, peace, and love to the world around us. Consider the possibilities...

Hope

1 Peter 3:15 “...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have...”

Is your hope obvious in your countenance during the bustle of the holiday season? Are you prepared to share His hope with

others? Decide now to share about our Savior this Christmas!

Joy

Psalm 28:7 “...My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”

Does your heart leap for joy filled with gratitude to God? Gather together friends to sing Christ-centered carols at a nursing home, prison, or community group.

Peace

Romans 12:18! “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Instead of bringing strife to the family party, grumbling on the checkout line, and stress to your marriage over gift-giving purchases, bring peace through forgiveness, grace, mercy, and submission.

Love

Romans 12:9, 13 “Love must be sincere...Share with God's people who are

in need. Practice hospitality.”

Share God’s love practically: skip the holiday manicure and head to the nursing home to paint nails; ditch the extravagant dinner party and instead invite a neighbor over for a cup of

tea, which means forgetting the dust bunnies running rampant, four loads of laundry begging to be folded, and sticky juice spills smattered on the counter. Enlist the help of family members and together seek ways to share God’s love.

Friends, the reality is that without the birth of Christ, there would be no holy in the Christmas holiday. Not only would there be no gifts and cookies and carols, but imagine the absence of hope, joy, peace, and love! Only the Savior of the World can offer these treasures (and dozens more) wrapped in His holiness. Instead of caving into the Christmas chaos, it is time to start a new movement of Bringing Holy Back to the Holiday as we share our Savior in a holy new way.

\\\

Sources:

All Scriptures are NIV translation from Biblegateway.com

1 http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/holy

2 http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/holy

3 Erwin Lutzer, Walk in the Word, August 2009

Steps to Bringing Holy Back

H Humble Yourself

The first step is to humble yourself before God by

acknowledging that He is a Holy God. Confess the

times you’ve ignored His holiness, give thanks to

God for being a forgiving Father, and finally ask

the Lord to give you a new vision for celebrating a

holy Christmas as you commit to sharing His Son

with a needy world.

O Open the Word

Find out what God’s says about holiness by

opening up our Bible (or visit Biblegateway.com).

If you look up “holiness,” you’ll find 25 verses in

the NIV. Plan to read one verse a day from

December 1 through the 25th, in context. Keep a

journal of what you learn!

L Look at Your Life

It is time to look at realistically at your life. Grab a

piece of paper and pen to jot down all the things

you do to celebrate the holiday season, beginning

as early as November 1st, all the way through

January 1st. Categorize your list by food (as in

baking or must have holiday meals), decorations

(inside and out), activities (such as card writing

and photographs), events (church, non-for-profit,

community) and parties (family, friends, work).

Put a star by everything that brings pleasure. Put a

cross by everything that spreads the Gospel. Put an

x by everything that seems unnecessary or

emotionally/physically draining. Make a plan to

respond in stages, starting off slowly this year and

implementing a few more dramatic changes next.

Y Yield to His Ways

Prayerfully seek the Lord concerning which

holiday traditions need to be laid to rest in order to

make space for holy living. Be ready to yield to

His ways, and not assume you know best.

Bringing Holy Back doesn’t necessarily mean

doing more “Christian” things. It may actually be

quite the opposite. In order to make time to drive a

neighbor grocery shopping for her holiday meal, it

might mean not participating in the choir. Or it

may mean offering to do a Christmas Sunday

school lesson to the 4 year old class. in order to

give a sister in Christ the chance to sit in service

and be refueled by worship, instead of taking

another class yourself. It may simply mean putting

up less decorations so that a few more hours can be

dedicate to rest, study of the Word, and practicing

ways to share the love our Savior with our family,

friends, and strangers, alike.

Bringing Holy Back to the Holiday is about doing

less “holiday” things to make time to share more of

the our Holy Savior with others!

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

44" © Exemplify Magazine

I had previously reviewed two upcoming novels from Abingdon Press, both of which had a historical setting. The third Abingdon book, One Imperfect Christmas, is set more or less in the present day, and chronicles the profound effects a medical crisis can have on a family. While I found the novel to be somewhat depressing for a holiday story, by the end of the book I was glad to have read it. The first novel of Myra Johnson, a short story writer since 1985, One Imperfect Christmas is descriptive and thought provoking.

The novel centers on Natalie Pearce, a talented graphic artist who dreams of becoming a fine painter. Her husband Daniel is a teacher and sports coach, and together they have a preteen daughter named Lissa. Natalie has strong family ties, but it seems like she’s closer to her parents than to her husband and daughter. She and Daniel don’t spend as much time together as she’d like because of his coaching schedule, which she resents. At the same time, Daniel resents his wife putting her painting and graphic artwork ahead of taking care of her home and family, and her lackluster housekeeping annoys her husband.

Even before the crisis, the couple argues constantly, especially about money, parenting, and Daniel’s job. They were slack in disciplining their daughter, who seemed to be espousing the preteen stereotype with her attitude, and they weren’t putting any effort into strengthening their marriage. Being privy to the omniscient narration and thus able to see everyone’s points of view, I couldn’t really fault Daniel for not wanting to be home more.

Natalie made little effort to make their home into a place he’d want to be, and what man wants to come home to a messy house, a disobedient daughter, and a wife looking for a fight? (At this point, I’m cringing at the self-conviction.) At the same time, Natalie is filled with bitterness and resentment because of the time Daniel spends away from home and because of Lissa’s attitude and behavior.

All of these issues come to a head during an unexpected crisis: One day shortly after Christmas, Natalie gets a call from her mother, Belinda, asking for help taking down the Christmas decorations. This is Natalie’s least favorite chore, and she begs off, telling her mother she’s busy and asking her to wait until someone can help her. Although feeling slightly guilty, Natalie spends the rest of the day painting.

That evening, though, she gets a frantic phone call from her father: Belinda has had a stroke, and it doesn’t look good. After rushing to the hospital, Natalie discovers that her mother’s prognosis is grim. “If she’d received immediate treatment” things would have looked better, but Belinda was alone at the time, trying to take down the Christmas decorations by herself. Unable to speak, Belinda is moved from the hospital to a long-term care facility. Now Natalie is guilt-ridden for putting her painting ahead of helping her mother.

The rest of the novel, taking place over the following year, focuses on Natalie’s thoughts and decisions in response to her mother’s stroke. Natalie’s guilt at not being there for her mother causes her to pull away from those who love her, including, sadly, her husband and daughter. She throws herself into her work, accepting a partnership position at a graphic art firm. Her marriage continues to crumble and Daniel gives her an ultimatum: Either be present in body and in mind, or don’t be present at all. Daniel loves his wife and doesn’t want her to leave, but he needs her at home and not so consumed by her work and by her feelings of guilt and bitterness. Natalie chooses to leave, which sends the family into a tailspin. Lissa begins running away from home and is forced to choose which parent with which to live. She chooses Daniel, and the two are soon reduced to eating frozen meals in front of the television, with no one to care for their home.

In the midst of Natalie and Daniel’s dysfunctional marriage, we see occasional, indirect examples of a godly marriage. Daniel’s boss, head coach Carl Moreno, is a wise friend who offers Daniel advice and understanding. Carl’s wife, Marie, occasionally provides a meal for Daniel and Lissa after Natalie leaves.

Although we never meet Marie and only see these examples of her charity and hospitality, I imagined her as a contrast to Natalie in marriage and homemaking: a talented home keeper who is quietly supportive of her husband.

The sections of the novel written from Belinda’s point of view also intrigued me. Although confused and frustrated by being trapped in a body that cannot do what it’s told, she reflects on the forty-nine “perfect Christmases” she spent with her husband before her stroke and realizes that they really weren’t perfect. Bad weather, illness, and other mishaps tended to make each holiday less than ideal, but it was spending Christmas together as a family that made it perfect. Despite her condition, Belinda is at home with her loved ones, making it the fiftieth perfect Christmas that she promised her husband.

Belinda illustrates what I thought was the overriding theme of the novel: We cannot control life, but we can control how we perceive and respond to our circumstances. Even in the midst of tragedy and hardship, we can turn to the Lord and be thankful. One Imperfect Christmas, which released in September, is thought-provoking juxtaposition of the stereotypical perfection we seek and the reality we live.

Written by Kate of Proverbs14.com

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

© Exemplify Magazine" 45

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,

with kids jingle-belling

and everyone telling you be of good cheer

spending their income for the year!”

Yep, it’s that time of the year again, Christmas! A time to celebrate a Savior being sent to a sinful world. A time to praise a God of grace and love. A time to share His love with others. And a time to stop and thank God for all He has done for us. It is time to remember Jesus’ birth.

But it is also a time for shopping, and sales, and stuff. It is the time of the year retail business lives for. It is the time of the year credit card companies long for. It is the time of the year our pocketbooks cringe over. It is time for the commercial “Holidays”. What are some ways you can protect yourself and your family from getting sucked in once again?

Start with prayer. Admit to the Lord that you struggle to see all that you have as ultimately His (don’t we all Sister?). Ask Him to give you a generous heart with Kingdom priorities. Thank Him for all the material blessings you have. And ask for guidance and strength to stand firm against materialistic urges that are bound to come.

Realize the “Reason for the Season”. You are setting a budget for CHRISTmas! This is a time to celebrate the Incarnation of Christ. Take time to meditate on Philippians 2:1-11, a passage that tells us Christ gave up equality with God the Father to come and die for us. What a great Savior we have!

Set your heart priorities first. Make a list of people you want to buy a present for, and beside their names give a reason why. Do you simply feel obligated to buy some people gifts? Your answer is more than likely yes, and don’t beat yourself up over it because this is a reality for alot of us in America today. Instead of just buying to meet that ‘requirement’, begin praying for God to show you how to minister His grace and love through each gift. Make a goal that every gift be a tangible representation of the loving gift Our Heavenly Father gave us through our Savior and Lord Jesus! Maybe even type up a short explanation of why you can give, because God

gave His only Son, and attach it to each of your gifts. This will be a challenge, but one with great spiritual rewards.

Use this season to give to those less fortunate monetarily than you. Adopt an angel tree child, fill an Operation Shoebox box for a child, give money to a local homeless shelter, etc. The possibilities of how to give instead of receive during this time of the year are endless, but the important thing is to do something. This shares the gospel in such a real way!

Get creative! Look at your list and brainstorm if there is something you could make by hand, or some kind of service you could give instead of purchasing anything. Put thought and prayer into each person you are giving to, and try to get personal.

Check your resources. The internet is such a helpful tool for shopping. Study prices and deals. Also use the internet to help you consider what can be made for cheaper. There are so many great crafty blogs and frugal blogs that are full of new ideas, remember to visit them!

Remember to spend the most important thing you have: time. Spend time in His Word each day. Spend time in prayer, praising and adoring Him each day. Spend time memorizing and meditating on His amazing truths. Spend time talking about our great God with your family. This is the greatest gift we have to give to our Lord, top priority in our time.

Save your money for the Savior. No seriously, your money is the Saviors. He does not want us to be controlled by the money He has given us. Instead we need to see this as a means to show His love and grace to the world around us, both our loved ones and the poor and oppressed. This year if you just take a little time to stop and set your heart and mind on this fact, Jesus will be your “Reason for the Season”.

Savior Money at Ch!"masWritten by Sabrina Pate

There is nothing that welcomes the Christmas season with a warm embrace than decorating the hearth and mantle. The fireplace is where our family gathers for special moments together as we talk, laugh, and sometimes watch a movie together sitting by the warmth of the crackling fire. So why not adorn this special place in the home with beauty and creativity. Yet, do it in such a way so it might transition into winter and Valentines Day with minimal changes.

The first thing to do is call a friend and meet at a book store...preferably one with coffee. Once you arrive, grab a stack of fun Christmas decorator books and magazines, order a steamy brew of your choice, and begin to browse through the ideas between the pages. You’ll have great fellowship with a friend as you share with each other the pictures and ideas you like.

After I returned home from the bookstore, I decided to sketch and write my ideas on paper. This is a step you could skip, but I like doing this. It keeps me focused on my idea and not waver too far as I shop for special items if needed. My sketch had no garland because I didn’t want to narrow myself down, but keep an open mind as I looked for something that was not too Christmassy so it would transition into winter and beyond. Please remember to stick with a style that goes with the rest of your home’s décor. I love the Victorian look in a magazine, but my home is mostly rustic and primitive. Victorian decorations would look out of place. So stick with what fits to create harmony. Also keep in mind the following:

• Vary heights in the items used in display.

• Use different textures (soft lines and ruff edges).

• Go with what you have…reinvent something.

• Layer, layer, and layer.

• Candles…real or fake…with the addition of mirrors equals fabulous!

Now for the fun part…shopping! Start your shopping trip in your own home by sifting through the Christmas items you already have and set aside items you think will work for your display. In this way you will not spend unnecessary money on duplicate decorations forgotten about over the past year.

Another great idea, ask friends if you can borrow items they may not be using or swap them something you have for the item you desire. Then make a list of the things you still need and plan a day (a friend is always great to bring along) to shop for your remaining decorations.

Set the mood for the main event; creating the mantle masterpiece! A box of chocolates, a glass of eggnog, and good Christmas music playing joyfully are some of my favorites. It might also be nice for dad to take the kids out for a fun trip. If you didn’t make a sketch, now would be a good time to try your idea out on a table top before placing it on the mantle. I also tried out my display on the mantle and made sure the pieces I choose to switch out for winter (snowmen and snowflakes) and Valentines Day (red heart vases) would work before the final touches were added.

My first layer is some sort of linen. I’ve chosen a soft look with the lace mantle runner. The second layering piece is the background. This is where I thought “out of the box” and used something I already had and reinvented it. The mirror was actually from an old dresser which detached with the simple turn of some screws. I laid it on its side to create some coziness in the reflection of the candles. Add all your big pieces next and then tuck smaller ones in and around some of the larger ones like I have done with my sheep. Your garland would be your final layer woven back and forth between your pieces. Notice how the ribbon and lace mantle runner bring softness to to the ruff looking primitive pieces…this is texture. The antique wooden spools with candles were placed at varying heights. The lit candles reflected in the mirror give a spirit of glory around the baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph…that’s cozy.

Hearth & Mantle#e place which warms $ h%se and sings home in %r hea&sWritten by Shannon

Jacobyansky

My mantle scape tells the story of the birth of Jesus. The angel in the field appears before the shepherds bringing good news of great joy for all people.

“…I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is

Christ the Lord.”

~Luke 2:10-11

Then the manger scene is the center of the display for Christ should be the center and focus of our Christmas celebration.

“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

~Luke 2:7

And then the gifts of the magi are represented…gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gold represents that Jesus is King over all. The frankincense to remember Christ was born to die. The harden drops of myrrh are

considered very rare and very valuable and so are we as children of God. Jesus enhances our fragrance as children of the light as we grow in our knowledge of him and allow his love and grace to embrace our daily walk.

“On coming to the house, they (the magi) saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, and of incense, and of myrrh.”

~Matthew 2:11

I hope your mind is buzzing with thoughts of new ways to decorate and embellish your hearth and mantle. But most of all remember, it is the traditions that you continue and memories that you make as a family year after year that pull at our children’s heart strings making a house an abode they will always come home to.

'e Story of My Mantl(cape

See more ideas for y%r mantle on #e next pa)!

Holiday Mantel Tip Who says s’mores are only for outside summer campfires? Try making those delectable marshmallow treats inside on a cold December night. Have the kids in front of the warm fire with a blanket beneath their feet and cook up a new Christmas tradition as you read the true story of Christmas from the book of Luke. End the night with a picture of tootsies warmed by the fire as a memory of this special family time.

Winter Long DecorHow about extending your mantel decorations into the winter, straight

through Valentine’s Day?

All photos for this article were taken by

photographer, Kim Sweimler of Reading,

Pennsylvania.

Sarah Radcliffe’s quiet Christmas back in

her hometown will be lost if she agrees to

direct the church’s Christmas pageant. But

when she meets two little boys determined

to gain their father’s attention, Sarah

agrees to help. Then she discovers that

the dad in question is Gregory Jones, the

man she loved and lost.

The single dad is working himself to the

bone to give his boys the Christmas of

their dreams, when all they want is some

family time. Time that includes a new

mommy. If Sarah can learn to open her

heart, she may receive the most wonderful

present of all—a family of her own.

___

I love a good book set during

Christmastime! What better festive way to

get in the mood for the holiday season is

there? You will love this story of two

former sweethearts reuniting at the most

wonderful time of the year! This story is

an uplifting tale of forgiveness and

family.

Miss Tippens, author of A Forever

Christmas, is offering a copy of this book

to one of our readers! To enter this

giveaway, simply tweet @exemplify why you’d love to win a copy.

A winner will be chosen December 9th!

Win a Copy of Missy Tippens’ New Book!

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The Exemplify Team wishes our readers a

merry Christmas!

May you rejoice in the birth of our Savior

as you celebrate His coming to earth to set

us free.

May you stand in awe of the Redemption

He offers.

May you be blessed with glimpses of His

glory this month.

Exemplify Magazine will be taking January

off to prepare for the new year of this

ministry.

We aim to bring you the best content we

can in February.

See you in the New Year!

Kristen Schiffman

This image was provided by Christy McGraw of CrittyJoy.

Merry Christmas!