November 2011Edition 1, Volume 1

At the Well Online Magazine

THE OLD AND THE NEWTHE OLD AND THE NEWAn Old Testament Devotional for Christmas

MAKE A DIFFERENCE THISMAKE A DIFFERENCE THISCHRISTMAS SEASONCHRISTMAS SEASON

25 DAY ACTIVITY

{advice for families grieving}

CALENDAR

FRAGILE HEARTSFRAGILE HEARTS

In This Issue

For Your Heart

For Your Home

FeaturesFrom the Editorial DirectorSarah Badger5

DevotionalChelsey Hall 7

Words of WisdomWendy Gunn8

His WayGlynnis Whitwer 10

Poetry CornerLynn Mosher13

Crafty KidsCheryl Hoover 30

Recipe ClubAshley Wells32

Light of Christ in Circles of Flame

M. Bycheckl16

Make a Difference this Christmas Season

Ashley Wells20

Fragile Hearts Jennifer Smith18

A Minimalist ChristmasCindy Carrier

24 25 Day Activity

Calendar Lisa Metzger

26

Your Life, Your Walk,

Y o u r K a l e o

3

Kaleo magazineEdition 1, Volume 1

Editorial Director :: Sarah BadgerEditorial Assistant :: Emily Yeaton

Copyeditor :: Darlene ReichMinistry Coordinator :: Ashley Wells

Produced by At the WellFounder & Co-Owner :: Chelsey Hall

Co-Owner & Executive Director :: Ashley Wells

Our name, Kaleo, comes from the Greek word meaning “call.” It’s used throughout the New Testament to describe God’s call to His followers. As women, we have a special calling in God’s kingdom and Kaleo magazine aims to encourage and equip you to meet that call.

To serve you best, we need to hear from you!

Whether you have a comment about something you read in this issue or just want to let us know what’s on your mind, e-mail our Editorial Director at sarah@titus2atthewell.com. Who knows? Your note might appear in the Your Call column of a future issue!

Q4U What's your favorite Christmas tradition?

Putting up our tree is my favorite!

Playing carols all through the month.

Heather

Amy

Singing

Happy Birthday

to Jesus before

gifts.

Kammy

Your Call

Watching White Christmas the first time it snows.

Darlene

Ashley

Spending extra

Quality Time with

Family and friends

At the well ad page

“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch;

And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and righteousness in the land.”

-Jeremiah 23:5 NASB( )

5

FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR...Christmas has been on our minds here at Kaleo since last summer, when we decided to launch our first issue in time for Advent. In the midst of blistering August heat, I sat down to pray about this issue the one open on —

your computer screen right now!

“What do you want this magazine to accomplish, Father?” I prayed. “How can we stand apart from the hundreds of other magazines that will be talking about Christmas to glorify you?”

I didn’t want Kaleo to be just another women’s magazine full of cheery, but —

shallow, fluff pieces about picking the perfect seasonal lipstick, with some pseudo-spirituality thrown in every ten pages for good measure. I hoped we’d be able to dig deeper, to encourage women to grow closer to the Lord Jesus Christ in these weeks leading up to our celebration of his birth. It wasn’t just about preparing our homes and bodies for a holiday of gift-giving, parties and tradition, I realized. Advent was about preparing our hearts for Christ’s first arrival on earth. For many of us, this is an annual time of preparation that can help remind us to live our lives in preparation for His second coming.

Whether or not you officially observe Advent as part of the liturgical calendar, chances are you put a decent amount of time into preparing for Christmas. In this issue, you’ll find words of encouragement for your heart, like a call to spend time with Jesus in the midst of your busyness (p. 10). Use your busy schedule to help other by taking a look at some quick ideas for making a difference in the lives of others this season (p. 20) or find out why one Christian family decided to stop observing Christmas altogether (p. 24).

others by taking a look at some quick ideas for making a difference in the lives of others this season (p. 20) or find out why one Christian family decided to stop observing Christmas altogether (p. 24).

However you celebrate this Christmas, it’s my prayer that you and your family keep your heart and mind focused on our Savior and King of Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ!

In HIM, Sarah Badger

For

Your

Heart

7

Take a look around you this Christmas, and you’ll probably spot the image of a pair of turtle doves lurking on front door wreaths and living room Christmas trees. Turtle doves symbolize peace, love, sacrifice, friendship and other virtues.

These birds are unique in that both the male and female share the incubation and feeding of the young. They both have their part to play in raising their children. It is fitting, then, to think of a pair of turtle doves as representative of the Old and New Testaments: Both aid in the growth of the Lord’s children to spiritual maturity.

The Old gives birth to the New and the New finds its stability in the Old. They work together in harmony to paint a beautiful picture of our life story in Christ; past, present and future. If you immediately flip to the familiar Nativity stories in Luke and Matthew during the Advent season, consider perusing some of these passages of the Old Testament to see what these texts, which carefully mold together the purpose of Christ, can teach us about Christmas.

The Righteous KingWe know that Jesus is described as the “King of Kings,” but did you know that the book of Jeremiah foretells the coming of such a King? Read through Jeremiah 23 by yourself and with your family, paying special attention to verses five and six. List some ways that Jesus fulfills this prophesy of a “righteous King.”

The Stump of JesseTake a look at Isaiah 11: 1-5. This passage about a shoot from the stump of Jesse, tells us how Jesus acts as a defender of the needy and the downtrodden. Think about how Jesus has fulfilled these prophesies in your life or the lives of those you know.

Wonderful Counselor“For unto us a child is born!” we often proclaim at nativity services and in beloved hymns. That phrase first appears in the ninth chapter of Isaiah. Take a moment to read that chapter, paying particular attention to the names given to Christ. In what ways does Jesus live up to these names, either in His ministry as recorded in the Gospels or in your life, personally?

As we focus on the beauty of Christ during this season, let us not forget the greatly laid out foundation given in the Old Testament. For without the beginning, there would be no ending.

Chelsey Hall is a wife to one, momma of seven and daughter of the King. She is the

founder of At the Well and has a passion for leading others toward Biblical womanhood.

The Old and The New

Tradition

Tips

One mom offers her secrets to starting and keeping Christmas traditions.

1. Avoid the pressure to make your holiday “perfect.” Our desire at Advent and Christmas is to draw near to God and celebrate Christ's birth. If we have expectations that everything will be "perfect" whatever –

that word means to us we have only to –

look at Christ's birth to see that that's not God's way. The fruit of love, joy and peace may be seen in the memory-making and meaningful activities we choose, even though things are not "perfect." Remembering how God orchestrated the events of the birth of Christ should convince us that the "imperfectness" of our Christmas may be just the way He planned it.

2. Be intentional. Consider the meaningfulness of the tradition you’re keeping--does it celebrate and honor Christ’s birth? Celebrating Advent and Christmas when our children were very small meant telling the facts of Jesus' birth through the Bible stories. Every night my little guy and I sat on the big bed, propped up by pillows, and read Arch Books rhyming about shepherd boys and baby Jesus in a stable he –

could recite them by heart and every –

night before bed we read the story of Jesus' birth from Luke 2. This tradition helped my children internalize the relationship between the holiday we celebrate and God’s plan for salvation.

9

Wendy Gunn is a wife, former homeschooling mom, and blogger. In her house, the coffee’s always

on, the chocolate is always dark and she’s never too busy to have a chat and pray with you.

3. Choose service. Keep holiday traditions that bless others. Each year, my family would fill a box that would go to a boy and girl our children's ages through Operation Christmas Child. Our children really enjoyed picking out items they thought the child would appreciate. We also wrote a note, and when they were old enough they helped write it, sharing about Jesus. In later years, we instituted the tradition of bringing small homemade gifts to neighbors and handing out candy canes with a gospel message to store clerks while shopping. Along with activities like caroling with our church and visiting nursing homes, these traditions helped us keep our focus on the needs of others.

4. Prioritize. As our children grew to late elementary and early junior high age, we looked for ways to starve off greed, covetousness and materialism and keep the real meaning of Christmas most important. One tradition was reading the Christmas story from Luke 2 and focusing on Jesus' birth before opening gifts on Christmas Day. Gifts for our children always included a book, a game (or toy) and a pair of pajamas –practical gifts and ones to build character.

5. Be Flexible. Choosing traditions intentionally is important, but being alright if God changes your plans, is the key to having a Christmas you want to remember. Remember, Jesus’ birth likely didn’t go the way Mary planned, but it all became part of the beautiful story we commemorate today.

Our traditions may have changed over the years, but the focus of our worship has remained the same. Just as our Christmas preparations may not be perfect or always go smoothly in our eyes, so that first Christmas was not the picture of perfection from a human perspective. But it was perfect in God's eyes. Jesus Christ's advent into our world was just the way God wanted it to be. Though it may not match up with the way we would have done it,

God's perfect plan to send His

Son into the world as a baby in

order to save us from our sins

will always offer us opportunities

to ponder the Person of Christ,

to wonder in awe at the ways

of God, and to sit in silence

before His Sovereignty.

10

I consider myself a "Martha" personality-- privilege of hosting Jesus. Jesus actually came to her house. Instead of sitting at His feet, like her sister Mary did, Martha worked and complained to Jesus that Mary wasn't helping her enough. Let’s put ourselves in that scene for a moment. Jesus has come to your house, to visit you. Not only are you too busy to spend some time with Him, but the time you do have you spend complaining. You complain about “someone” not doing her job, and how you have to do all this work, and if only “someone” would help you then

and I don't mean Martha Stewart. By this time of the year, that Martha probably has her hand-made cards mailed out, a dozen batches of candy made and gift wrapped, and her entire home decked out in holiday splendor. No, I'm nothing like Martha Stewart. In fact, a few years ago, I didn’t even manage to decorate the tree. I’m talking about the Martha of “Mary and Martha” fame, found in Luke 10, and I’m not flattering myself by making that comparison. That Martha had the privilege

Sitting in the Middle of my MessIn the midst of Christmas chaos, one woman takes time to meet with Jesus.

11

Be refreshed by the Lord this season! Three ideas for spending more time with Him:

1. Trade in one unnecessary Christmas task (like making another set of homemade ornaments) and spend the time you’d normally devote to that activity in prayer instead.2. Challenge yourself to add an extra five minutes to your devotional or quiet time each day.3. Sing your favorite hymns or praise music while you roll cookie dough, wrap presents or clean to help keep your mind focused on the Lord, even as you accomplish other tasks.

Sarah Badger

Glynnis Whitwer is on staff with Proverbs 31

Ministries as the Senior Editor of the P31 Woman

magazine. Glynnis, her husband Tod, and their five

children live in Glendale, Arizona.

Not that day. That day I sat at the kitchen table and looked at my mess. It was big. There were papers strewn over every surface, a lunch box left on the counter from the day before, breakfast dishes everywhere, jackets from yesterday, blankets that had been left on the couch, dog fur forming balls, and the list went on. I had to fight my instinct to get up.

I sat in the middle of my mess, and spent time with Jesus. I wrapped my

hands around a steaming cup of coffee, and imagined Him sitting across the table from me. It was

pure pleasure ... and the mess amazingly faded from my view. My

stress melted away, and I felt renewed.

This Christmas, whether you've gotten your house decorated or not, whether you've mailed out cards or not, Jesus has come to your house for a visit. I had such a good time sitting in the middle of my mess with Jesus, I’m planning on doing it again.

Will you join me?

then you could actually sit down and enjoy some time with Jesus. Martha wasted an amazing opportunity. Many times, so do I. She let the demands of every day overshadow the call of the divine. In fact, Jesus gently chided Martha, and affirmed Mary's choice to sit and spend time with Him in the middle of all the work that had to be done.

That same busy December that I barely managed to get a tree up in our living room, I decided to follow Mary’s example and sit in the middle of my mess to spend time with Jesus. Normally, I feel as if everything has to be clean before I can "treat" myself to some down time. I believe I have to have the dishes clean, counters cleared, urgent emails addressed, laundry going, home-based business checked for orders, etc. Normally, by the time I've done all that, something else has demanded my attention, and my time with Jesus is neglected - much like what happened to Martha.

*This is an affiliate link.

We Recommend

And the Word was Made FleshBy Lynn Mosher

Advent King in straw-lined splendor,

swaddled gently at mother’s breast,

God incarnate in a pink suit,

not knowing yet His future test.

In the gentle hush of silence,

soothing sounds of cattle lowing,

angel hosts sing Him their praises,

all creation in glory knowing.

Destiny pressing upon His life,

as shadow falls upon His face.

The miracle of empty manger

filled now with man’s future grace.

Poetry Corner

Features

I peer over the classroom shelf at the four candles. They seem so tall. They tower over my five year old stature. Three purple, one pink, beautiful. The Kindergarten teacher teaches us the prayer to say as the candle is lit…

Oh come, oh come Emmanuel. Come Lord Jesus.

16

It is Hope Week, the first week of Advent. The manger in our classroom is empty. Baby Jesus does not arrive there until Christmas. In church, on Christmas Eve, the young ones will carry him up near the altar and place him in the bed of straw. We are excited. One candle is lit each week until his arrival. We learn that the candles are purple for repentance and to represent royalty in the coming of our King.

By M. Bycheck

Lightof

Christin

Circlesof

Flame

I peer over the classroom shelf at the four candles. They seem so tall. They tower over my five year old stature. Three purple, one pink, beautiful. The Kindergarten teacher teaches us the prayer to say as the candle is lit…

Oh come, oh come Emmanuel. Come Lord Jesus.

It is Hope Week, the first week of Advent. The manger in our classroom is empty. Baby Jesus does not arrive there until Christmas. In church, on Christmas Eve, the young ones will carry him up near the altar and place him in the bed of straw. We are excited. One candle is lit each week until his arrival. We learn that the candles are purple for repentance and to represent royalty in the coming of our King. They teach us that we are saved by grace. They teach us that he told us to be Holy. We cannot save ourselves, but we ought to examine ourselves and prepare to meet our King. We learn to anticipate his coming. We learn to wait. Advent is about waiting. We sit in the hard wooden pews for chapel. We are in middle school now, so we can sit farther toward the back, behind the younger ones. It is a rite of passage. A kindergarten student is called forward to light the second candle. She trips. We giggle. But in truth, we all trip sometimes. She reaches up on tip toes, she has far to go. Flame meets wick and glows.

Oh come, oh come Emmanuel. Come Lord Jesus.

It is Peace Week, the second week of advent. Come and heal my teenage anxieties. Teach me to deal with my angst. Teach me to hope and to trust that everything with come to fruition. I sit across the dining room table from my husband. My three year old stands on the dining room chair, her hand in mine, wrapped around the candle lighter, other hand reaching to light the first three candles. Steady steady… …

Oh come, oh come Emmanuel. Come Lord Jesus. 17

It is Joy week. That’s why the third candle is pink. Teach me to wait. Teach me to remain steadfast as I wait for our youthful efforts to find stability and routine and balance slowly work themselves out. Teach me to hope in the promise. Come into our home. Bless our family life. Come and teach me to have patience with her boundless energy. Teach me acceptance of my infertility. You have blessed me with one miracle. She is joy. You are joy. Years have passed. It is Love Week. I have received many gifts of love. My now seventeen year old lights the fourth candle. The tiny flame flickers and glows bright on ivory skin. It shines in clear hazel-blue eyes. She is beautiful now. She stands on the precipice of life. Teach me to trust that you will provide for her. Teach me patience so that I’ll not rush her too quickly into adult life. Teach me to be secure in the hope that you will bless her with a godly man who will protect and provide her and lead his family with vision and strength. Come into her life and give her wisdom. Remain steadfast in the heart of her future husband, wherever he is, whoever he is. Give her joy. Give them joy.

Oh come, oh come Emmanuel. Come Lord Jesus.

For most, thoughts of Christmas begin with memories of special times with family with each family member in –

his place around the dining room table or Christmas tree. These memories often involve long-standing family traditions, beloved and replicated each year. However, for grieving parents, the anticipation of the holidays and the memories it awakens can be heart-breaking. No matter the age of your child or how long it has been since his death, the holiday season will present an enormous emotional challenge for grieving parents and other family members. It has been five Christmases since our youngest son, Tyler, went home to Heaven. Before his death, we had thirteen Christmases with our family all together celebrating and making –

memories that we still cherish. These past five Christmases have each been a trial and error as we have attempted to create holidays that are still joy-filled, but that also embrace the memory of our son. Some ideas have worked; others--not so much. Each year, for the month of December, we have a large, white pillar candle that burns in a hurricane lamp on our front porch. We use white lights in our decorations and this candle blends so nicely. At the same time, it stands alone as a special tribute to our son. Candle-lighting often plays an important part in memorial services, and all of our friends and neighbors seem to recognize - and even appreciate- our burning candle. The year after

18

Each year, for the month of December, we have a large, white pillar candle that burns in a hurricane lamp on our front porch. We use white lights in our decorations and this candle blends so nicely. At the same time, it stands alone as a special tribute to our son. Candle-lighting often plays an important part in memorial services, and all of our friends and neighbors seem to recognize - and even appreciate- our burning candle. The year after we moved to a home with a larger porch, the lamp I originally had looked a bit “lost,” but just this year I found a perfect lantern style candle holder that will give “Tyler’s candle” much more presence, which in turn fills me with joy. We also have a “Tyler tree.” During his life, we had only one tree as the Christmas centerpiece of our home. The first Christmas after Tyler died, we added an additional, smaller, tree. It is decorated in things that remind of us him and we refer to it as the “Tyler tree.” A tree to remember your child might be decorated in his or her favorite color, or with ornaments that reflect a hobby or a favorite sports team. Siblings might even make ornaments that remind them of their brother or sister. You could also consider adding objects or symbols that have been helpful in your healing –such as a tree covered in rainbows, angels or butterflies.

FragileHearts

19

Some traditions we have dropped. When deciding which traditions to continue, add or drop from your family’s Christmas plans, I advise families to involve everyone. No one should be forced to participate in activities that make them uncomfortable or sad. Be willing to explore new ideas, and then continue the ones that help the healing process and forego those which do not.

Every family is as unique as their Christmas traditions. There is not one “correct” way to decorate the tree, one way to open the gifts, or only one menu that is perfect for Christmas dinner. Nor is there simply one way for grieving families to manage their grief during the holidays. Grief is unique and each family member grieves uniquely. Suggestions from others who have grieved for a child during the holidays are simply that suggestions. There is no –

pressure to make an idea that helped someone else perfectly fit for you and your family. It is also important to remember that grieving takes time. Each year may be a bit different. Ideas that may have worked last year may or may not work again this year. Be flexible and be patient. Finally, remembering the true reason for the holiday is most important for those grieving during Christmas. Because Christ was willing to be born as a baby, in order to die as our Savior, we have genuine hope and the real assurance of one day being reunited with our children. Mediating on this truth throughout the holiday season can be a balm for hurting hearts and can even restore joy at a time when our hearts are most fragile.

We also have a “Tyler tree.” During his life, we had only one tree as the Christmas centerpiece of our home. The first Christmas after Tyler died, we added an additional, smaller, tree. It is decorated in things that remind of us him and we refer to it as the “Tyler tree.” A tree to remember your child might be decorated in his or her favorite color, or with ornaments that reflect a hobby or a favorite sports team. Siblings might even make ornaments that remind them of their brother or sister. You could also consider adding objects or symbols that have been helpful in your healing such as a –

tree covered in rainbows, angels or butterflies.

Gift-giving can also be challenging for parents after a child’s death. It hurts not to be buying for your child. My husband and I always budget a certain amount to be spent on each of our children. The money that I would have spent for Tyler’s gifts, I have contributed to different organizations or causes that were important to us and important to Tyler. Each year it has been different; however, the money is always “well spent.” One year, I had teddy bears made from some of Tyler’s clothes. The bears were given as gifts to family members and even Tyler’s friends. Each bear was accompanied with a photo of Tyler wearing that piece of clothing. These gifts have become treasures. Several different personalized gifts like these bears can be found on the internet. While some families benefit from visiting the burial place of a loved one on Christmas day or Christmas Eve, my family finds this very painful. We do attend church together on Christmas Eve and try to continue some of our other favorite traditions. Some traditions we have dropped. When deciding which traditions to continue, add or drop from your family’s Christmas plans, I advise families to involve everyone. No one should be forced to participate in activities that make them uncomfortable or sad. Be willing to explore new ideas, and then continue the ones that help the healing process and forego those which do not.

Jennifer Smith has been married for 26 years, has three children, a step-daughter and two

adorable grandbabies. She works on staff at her church, leads women’s groups, and has a heart for

helping women who find themselves on a more difficult path than they imagined.

20

Make aDifference thisChristmas Season

Christmas time is the perfect season to make a difference in your life and the lives of those around you. Impact your heart, home, community, and world for the better with these simple ideas!

21

Ashley Wells is the Executive Director of At the Well. She lives in Kentucky with her husband,

Michael, and recently published her first e-book, How My Soul Yearns.

I pray that we would do Christmas different this year. Let’s focus on Him, the meaning behind all the celebration, and intentionally keep our perspective upward during this season.

Make A Difference in Your Heart●Read through the book Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus by Nancy Guthrie.●Meditate daily on what Christ means to you.●Write in a personal gratitude journal to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness in your own heart.●Meditate on the depth and meaning of lyrics as you sing through Christmas Carols.●Think less on material blessings and more on eternal blessings.●Pray specifically each day throughout December for one person you know who is lost and share the gospel with them sometime before Christmas.●Don’t move so fast. Instead move slow and let the purpose and meaning on this season soak into your heart.

Make A Difference in Your Home●Start a family gratitude journal to record the blessings you see in your daily lives as a family.●Create a Christ-centered tradition (For example, every day in December praying for someone specific that is lost.).●Sing a different Christmas carol (that focuses on the real reason for the season) each evening. After singing, talk about the meaning of the carol as a family.●Talk with your family about the return of Jesus.●Participate in the Activity Calendar included in this magazine●Make handmade gifts for each other to cultivate a spirit of giving instead of receiving.●Read through the Christmas story in Matthew or Luke.●Pray about how you can bless others who are in need of Christ’s love in a practical way.

Make A Difference Around the WorldSince most of us won’t be traveling around the world in the

next month, the best way to make a difference is support organizations that serve around the world to impact lives!

●Shop through The Mercy House Kenya Online Store.●Purchase a gift through the World Vision or Compassion Gift Catalog.●Become an online missionary.●Shop through the 147 Million Orphans Store.●Buy Fair Trade products.●Shop with the Noonday Collection and help provide jobs that create a pathway out of poverty for women. ●Buy a product and help a child be adopted.●Send an encouraging note to some missionaries serving overseas.●Enrich the spiritual life of a military personnel by sending them a free Bible with a personal note.

Make A Difference in Your Community●Cook a meal for a local homeless shelter.●Pass out cookies and tracts to your neighbors, maybe also an invitation to your churches Christmas service.●Collect canned goods to donate to a local food pantry.●Buy gifts for local children in foster care, or from an “angel tree.”●Make cards for residents at a local nursing home, then hand deliver them and wish everyone a Merry Christmas!●Sing Christmas Carols around your neighborhood.●Have a Christmas party as an opportunity to share the gospel with those close to you like friends, family, and neighbors.●Sort through your winter items and donate extras to an organization that distributes them to the needy.

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When our children were few and young, we proactively tried to keep Christ in Christmas. We used an Advent wreath, had daily devotions centering on Christ’s birth, did service projects and really emphasized the giving rather than the receiving of gifts. However, even with all of these counteractive measures in place, once it came down to brass tacks and the kids started opening presents, it seemed to us that much of our effort had been in vain. The fleshly, consumerist human nature was still there, difficult to tame under the onslaught of gifts, not to mention the over-indulgence of food and activity that also accompanies the holiday season. Largely because of the character issues we wanted to address, our attempt at simplifying Christmas began. Our children were the first grandchildren (and nieces and nephews) on both sides of the family. To say they were spoiled by the family when holidays and birthdays rolled around is somewhat of an understatement. So, our first step was to ask family members to limit gifts to one or two items.

Over the years, our family Christmas celebrations have evolved, both out of necessity and due to conviction. We have tried to balance the expectations and feelings of our family members with our family’s goals and with our desire to please the Lord. When our children were few and young, we proactively tried to keep Christ in Christmas. We used an Advent wreath, had daily devotions centering on Christ’s birth, did service projects and really emphasized the giving rather than the receiving of gifts. However, even with all of these counteractive measures in place, once it came down to brass tacks and the kids started opening presents, it seemed to us that much of our effort had been in vain. The fleshly,

Editor’s note: The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of At the Well or the Kaleo staff.

A

Minimalist

Christmas

Our children were the first grandchildren (and nieces and nephews) on both sides of the family. To say they were spoiled by the family when holidays and birthdays rolled around is somewhat of an understatement. So, our first step was to ask family members to limit gifts to one or two items. At the same time, we also took a hard look at our own giving. It bothered us that we were buying gifts for people just because it was an expectation and an obligation. Likewise, we were receiving gifts of things that we didn’t really need. So for one Christmas we gifted our parents and siblings with donations made in their name: we made a donation to the American Lung Association for my Grandmother who volunteered there, a gift to Second Harvest for my green-thumbed uncle, and so on. However, wanting to get away from the materialism more and more (and put our finances to better use for the Kingdom), we next asked the family if we adults could stop exchanging gifts entirely, saving the “fun” for the kids.

Over the years, we’ve made other modifications to the way we’ve celebrated Christmas, and each one has helped in terms of dealing with the character issues and underlying desire to use our resources wisely. However, the real change came several years ago as we began to study the early church, particularly the Ante-Nicene fathers like Origen and Tartullian. We realized that much of what we celebrated at Christmas was not observed by the early church and was, in fact, pagan in nature. This knowledge, coupled with our growing discomfort with the holiday celebration in general, led to a conviction that we needed to stop celebrating Christmas altogether. 25

Cindy Carrier is wife to Marc and a homeschooling mom of eight children. The Carriers seek to

glorify God in all they do and will soon be relocating to Kenya to serve on the mission field.

Over the years, we’ve made other modifications to the way we’ve celebrated Christmas, and each one has helped in terms of dealing with the character issues and underlying desire to use our resources wisely. However, the real change came several years ago as we began to study the early church, particularly the Ante-Nicene fathers like Origen and Tartullian. We realized that much of what we celebrated at Christmas was not observed by the early church and was, in fact, pagan in nature. This knowledge, coupled with our growing discomfort with the holiday celebration in general, led to a conviction that we needed to stop celebrating Christmas altogether.

I respect families whose goal is to keep Christmas truly Christ-centered and use it as an opportunity to disciple their children and shine a light to the world around them. However, we believe that God calls our family to refrain from celebrating. We no longer decorate, use stockings, send Christmas cards, etc. We have tried to extend respect to family members who don’t agree with our decision and continue to allow the children to receive one or two well-chosen presents from family members. At some point that may change but for now, we’re pleased —to be observing a very minimalist Christmas. How do we prepare our hearts and

homes for Christmas? The same way

we prepare our hearts for Christ

every day: by loving God and others

and striving to please Him in all we

do. We live for His Kingdom and His

glory, no matter the day or the

season.

26

Lisa Metzger is the keeper of her home, help meet to Mark and 2nd generation homeschool mommy

to NINE precious children.

25 DayActivity

Calendar

1 Discuss ways you can tell others that JESUS is the reason for this season! Purpose to say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays!” (1 Peter 3:15)

2 Make an Advent chain to count down the days until Christmas! Discuss how Advent is a time to look forward to Christ’s birth. (Titus 2:13)

3 Practice being an “angel” to others! Do something nice for someone else (shovel snow, mowing a law, giving a small gift, taking time to just visit)! (Hebrews 13:2)

4 Collect gently used coats from your church and neighbors. Donate them to a homeless shelter or similar ministry! (Matthew 25:36)

5 When decorating your tree, place a nativity ornament on first! Read “The Tale of the Three Trees!” (Proverbs 19:21)

6 Get together with friends and make Linus Blankets, while remembering how Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes! (Luke 2:12)

7 Drink hot cocoa and light some candles,

and sing carols! (Psalm 100:2)

8 Plan, shop for, and assemble the ingredients to make Gift Jars (cookie mix, soup mix, etc.)! (Luke 6:38)

9 Give everyone $1-5 to spend and throw family members’ names in a hat! Everyone shop for the person they choose! (Dollar Tree, Wal-Mart, etc.) (James 1:17)

10 Visit a shut-in or a nursing

home and sing Christmas carols! (1

Corinthians 10:31)

11 Go to Samaritans Purse website and choose a small gift to give a family in need. (James 2:15-16)

12 Volunteer for an hour to ring the bell for The Salvation Army! (Proverbs 19:17)

13 Plan a “Happy Birthday Jesus Party” and invite neighborhood

friends! Show The Jesus Film for Children after

eating cake! (Philemon 1:6)

14 Find another family and go caroling in your neighborhood! (Psalm 105:1, 2)

15 Search out a few gently used baby

items to donate to your local Crisis

Pregnancy Center (Craigslist, yard

sales, consignment stores)! Remember how Jesus came to earth as a helpless baby! (1 John 3:19)

16 Take Christmas cookies or treats to your neighbors! Include a tract and homemade Christmas card! (Luke 2:10b)

17 Eat candy canes while reading “The Candymaker’s Gift.” (Isaiah 53:5)

18 Choose 3 Christmas Carols and discuss their meanings as they

pertain to the Savior’s birth!

(Psalm 150:1-6)

19 Gather some canned goods and donate to a food pantry! (Proverbs 22:9)

20 Take a drive through some neighborhoods and look at all the lights! (John 8:12)

21 Make and decorate

Christmas cookies!

(Psalm 16:11)

22 As a family memorize Luke 2:11. Make it fun with motions or a catchy tune!

23 Read “The Crippled Lamb” and head to a live nativity! (Romans 8:28)

24 Act out The Christmas Story for friends and family! End with singing “Away in a Manger” and “Joy to the World!” (Matthew 25:13)

25 Read the Christmas

story before opening gifts!

Truly take time to

remember what

Christmas is ALL about!

(Luke 2:1-20)

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For

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Home

30

Crafty Kids

Grab the kids and a few supplies and you've got an easy, fun, and meaningful

craft to do together!

31

Cheryl Hoover is the mother of four and grandmother of one. She is married to her best friend,

teaches preschool at her church and serves at Royal Family Kids Camp, a camp for abused and

neglected children, each summer.

Make Your Own MangerI have done this activity with preschoolers for the past 16 years. It's not a pretty or complicated craft, but kids love it and it teaches a wonderful lesson about the birth of Christ. It's a good reminder to all of us that our Savior came into this world in such a humble way. I always encourage the children to place their baby Jesus under the Christmas tree to remember that it's His birthday we celebrate on Christmas day.

Supplies:●1 empty toilet paper tube for each child●1 wooden doll pin●a little hay (or make your own by having the children cut yellow construction paper)●brown markers●paper towels cut into small pieces

Directions:1. Cut the toilet paper tube down the long end on both sides. Young children will need help with this step. Older children should be supervised if they use the scissors themselves. 2. When you have the two pieces, staple them back to back to create a manger. The children can color the mangers brown and add the paper hay.3. Help the children add eyes, nose and mouth to the doll pin.4. Wrap baby Jesus in his swaddling clothes (paper towel) and place him in the manger.

5. Display your homemade manger and baby Jesus as part of a Nativity scene, or wait until Christmas Eve to put Him under the

Christmas as a reminder that His salvation is the greatest gift we can receive.

Recipe 1

32

Recipe ClubChristmas Cut-Out Cookies

Get your cookie cutters ready and whip up a batch of these sweet holiday treats!

Submitted by Ashley Wells

33

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:2 cups all-purpose flour¾

1 teaspoon baking soda teaspoon. baking powder½

1 cup butter1 cups granulated sugar½

1 egg1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, cream together butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until well combined.

3. Prepare a floured surface for rolling. Roll out the dough until it reaches about a quarter inch thickness.

4. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut your cookies into fun shapes. Place on cookie sheet.

5. Cook for 7-9 minutes, being careful not to let the edges brown. Your cookies should still look a little soft when you take them out of the oven. Let cool on the cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes, then remove them to wire racks to cool completely.

6. While you wait, make the icing.

Icing

Ingredients:1 C. powdered sugar2-4 tsp. milk2 tsp. corn syrup

tsp. almond extract¼

assorted food coloring

Directions:1. Place the powdered sugar in a mixing bowl and add milk gradually until the consistency is smooth.

2. Add the corn syrup and almond extract.

3. Mix in a few drops of your desired food coloring, or divide the icing into smaller bowls if you want to decorate with multiple colors.

4. When your cookies are cool, get started with the decorating! Icing will harden when dried.

5. Enjoy your efforts with a cookie!

Dear Readers,

The Christmas season is one of my favorite times of the year. We spend the month in anticipation; wondering and weaving our way through the history, stories, prophesies; the roots of the one who was born to give His life. Remembering.

We spend time with family and friends, sharing in love wrapped up in the warmth of giving hearts. Connecting.

We laugh and cry. We sing the beautiful songs of Christmas past and the new ones of today. Reflecting.

My prayer is that our first Issue of Kaleo was all those things wrapped up together to bring you a little closer to the heart of Christ during this season.

As we close out this issue and this year, I want to take a moment to give my thanks to a few people.

First, to Ashley Wells {from Putting God First Place} who has been my right-hand gal, the Co-Owner and Executive Director of At The Well. Words cannot express the love, appreciation and admiration I have for her. Over this past year, when the Lord had me step away for a bit and just keep an eye on things from a distance, Ashley held it all together and ran the distance. She is truly a blessing.

Secondly, I want to give a big thank-you to Sarah Badger {from Living Titus 2}, the Kaleo Director, and her entire team. Without them, Kaleo would never have come together. A lot of prayer and hard work was put into this and it shows.

I want to say a special thank you to each of the writers that contributed to our first issue. God has used each one of you to speak to the hearts of women everywhere.

And finally, and maybe most importantly, my gratitude extends to you...our readers. Without you, this whole endeavor would be pointless. Thank you for your support through all of this.

May each one of you have a blessed and Merry Christmas.

By His grace and for His glory,

Chelsey HallFounder and Owner of At The Well and Sharing the Journey

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From the Founder

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