Exemplify MagazineChristmas 2009,

Special Feature Issue

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!
 E LA IN E OL S E N

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.

SUSA N DO L LY H I G H

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).

S HA N N ON JAC OB YA N S K Y

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 .
 e L isa Pu llia m

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.

H O LLY SM IT H

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.

A NG E LA N A Z WO RT H

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.
 S A B RI N A PAT E

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.

M AR S H A H A RWOO D

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.

V IC TOR IA J E N K IN S

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.

A L I S A WAG N E R

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

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.
Written by Angela Nazworth / Graphic by Christy McGraw

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!
6 © Exemplify Magazine
 A Christmas Tea to Rememr Written By Marsha Harwood

I'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."
 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
Everlasting Peace
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,
© Exemplify Magazine
P L I F Y M A G
“For he himself is our peace.”
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.
A Z I N E
Ephesians 2:14
Written by F. Elaine Olsen
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.
9
A Season of Love Written by Susan Dollyhigh

How great is the love the Father has “Baby Jesus.” She knew what we’d been After this, we played “Advent
lavished on us, that we should be called talking about. Trivia” with questions being asked about
children of God! And that is what we all the things we’d learned about hope,
are! The reason the world does not know “Very good!” And I pulled a peace, and love. One of the young boys
us is that it did not know him. Dear second prize from the bag and placed it living there recounted the entire story
friends, now we are children of God, in her small outstretched hands. almost word for word of why the color
and what we will be has not yet been purple is considered the color of royalty.
made known. But we know that when he Unknowingly, these two little He told us that when Christ lived on
appears, we shall be like him, for we ones had just shared the Christmas earth the purple dye was the most
shall see him as he is. Everyone who has message - Baby Jesus and hope. I could expensive to produce because it was
this hope in him purifies himself, just as have left at this point, for enough had squeezed from snails and it took over
he is pure. already been said, but I wanted to share 10,000 mollusks to make enough dye for
the message of love with them. just one robe. He and his two little
1 John 3:1-3 brothers loved that story. As the three of
Someone turned off the
overhead light and with the flames of them laughed, I was reminded of the
hope, peace and love flickering; the nine things little boys’ love: snakes and snails
On the third week of Advent, I of us talked about the everlasting love and puppy dog tails, and I once again
arrived at the homeless shelter planning God has for us. We talked about how experienced a feeling of love spread
to light the third purple candle that God’s plan for salvation for us was throughout my heart.
symbolizes love. Planning to talk about motivated by His great love for us. We As I prepared to leave that
God’s love for all His children, even His talked about how He desires to have an evening, one of the residents said, “Hold
children who feel they don’t deserve to intimate relationship and spend eternity on a minute!” She ran from the room and
be loved. Planning to assure the residents with us. We talked about how that’s why returned with a small package wrapped
that they are lovable - that they are loved Jesus was born in a manger and died on in Christmas paper. “This is for you -
by their Father’s children and by their a cross - to give us the greatest gift we’ll open it now.”
Father. ever receive - the gift of salvation. We
talked about how all we have to do to She placed the gift in my hand
Climbing the stairs leading to receive this gift is to believe God’s truth and I tore the wrapping off and lifted the
the kitchen, I heard little hands clapping and make the decision to turn from our lid of a small box to find a small green
and little cherubic voices chanting, sins and receive God’s glass snail. “I saw this and thought of you
“Yeah, Miss Susie’s here! Yeah, Miss forgiveness. and the snail story. I just had to get it for
Susie’s here!” Arriving at the kitchen you.”
door, the two little cherubs sat at the We talked about how God,
table, eyes glistening and mouths unlike man, is not impressed with our I felt my eyes fill with tears and
smiling. station in life - with where we live or for the third time that evening a feeling
what we drive or the clothes that we of love spread throughout my heart.
“Wow, what a welcome!” And wear. He’s not impressed with
a feeling of love spread throughout my I came that evening hoping to
heart as I greeted the little three and five- our degrees and accomplishments or share the message of love with those
year-old girls. who we know. He’s impressed with our living in the shelter. To assure them that
hearts and our desire to know and love they are lovable, that they are loved by
Placing the Advent candles in Him. We talked about how God proved their Father’s children and by their Father.
the center of the kitchen table, we lit the this when He chose the shepherds, the I can only hope that on that night of
three purple candles. “I know what the poor peasants of the day, who were Advent my message of love came across
first candle is for!” exclaimed the blonde considered unclean and outcasts in as clearly as the message of love I
five-year-old girl. Her mouth rounded society over kings and people with received from them as the little girls so
into an “O” shape as her eyes danced wealth and power to be the first to hear excitedly greeted me as I entered the
and she smiled up at me. We planned to the good news of Jesus’ birth. kitchen, as the boys shared the snail
play “Advent Trivia” and this little girl story showing that they had been paying
was ready. She looked as if she had We talked about how no matter attention and finally as I received my
waited the entire week just to say the what we think of ourselves or what most treasured Christmas gift of the
word “hope.” others think about us, God sent His Son, season - the gift of a green glass snail.
Jesus, for everyone of us. He sent Him We said goodbye and as I closed the
“You are right!” Even though for the outcasts and the kings, for the
the game hadn’t officially begun, I door to leave, I thought, “How great is
homeless and the wealthy, for the ill and the love that the Father has lavished on
reached into the bag of prizes and got the healthy, for the jobless and
out a small gift for her. me…”
employed, for the addicts and the sober,
for the imprisoned and the free. The
Little sister, not about to be Father lavished this great love on all of
outdone, leaned in close and whispered, us, His children.
 E X E M
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 celebrating His birthday that I barely had
five year old spilling hot chocolate all over the enough time for Him. I want to be a like Mary
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 working and forgetting the reason for my work
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
© Exemplify Magazine
P L I F Y M A G
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
who basked in the Savior’s presence, but I
always wind up being like Martha, busily
(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
A Z I N E
The Holidays
were
Stressful
for
Jesus’ Mother
Too!
Written by Alisa Wagner
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.
11
 E X
‘Twas the night before
Christmas, when all through the pause that this must be it.
house
None of God’s creatures were
stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the had as they praised His name;
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- tree,
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,
12
E M P L I F Y M
Still they knew by the star’s
Three gifts they brought to
little Jesus when they came,
And they rejoiced as the angels
“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
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;
Written by Victoria Jenkins
A G A Z I N E
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!
© Exemplify Magazine

Written by eLisa Pulliam
Bringing Holy Back
to the Holiday
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.
© Exemplify Magazine
E X E M P L I F
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.
Y M A G A Z I N
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:
E
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.
13
 E X
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 mercy, and submission.
our sin. But when Christ’s blood is poured
out for our sin, we are washed clean. God Love
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 the help of family members and together
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. the Holiday as we share our Savior in a
It means applying the Word literally, as we holy new way.
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
14
E M P L I F Y M
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,
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
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
\\\
Sources:
All Scriptures are NIV translation from Biblegateway.com
1
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/holy
2 ways to share the love our Savior with our family,
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/holy
3 friends, and strangers, alike.
Erwin Lutzer, Walk in the Word, August 2009
A G A Z I N E
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
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!
© Exemplify Magazine
 E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E

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.
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.

That evening, though, she gets a frantic phone

Written by Kate of Proverbs14.com
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.
call from her father: Belinda has had a stroke, Belinda illustrates what I thought was the
and it doesn’t look good. After rushing to the overriding theme of the novel: We cannot
hospital, Natalie discovers that her mother’s control life, but we can control how we
prognosis is grim. “If she’d received immediate perceive and respond to our circumstances.
treatment” things would have looked better, but Even in the midst of tragedy and hardship, we
Belinda was alone at the time, trying to take can turn to the Lord and be thankful. One
down the Christmas decorations by herself. Imperfect Christmas, which released in
Unable to speak, Belinda is moved from the September, is thought-provoking juxtaposition of
hospital to a long-term care facility. Now the stereotypical perfection we seek and the
Natalie is guilt-ridden for putting her painting reality we live.
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.

© Exemplify Magazine
15
 E X E M P L I F
Savior Money at Ch!"mas
“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
16
Y M A G A Z I N E
Written by Sabrina Pate
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”.
© Exemplify Magazine
Hearth & Mantle
#e place which warms $ h%se and sings home in %r hea&s

Written by
Shannon
Jacobyansky

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.
'e Story of My Mantlescape

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.

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 Decor

How 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.
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___

I love a good book set during

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 Merry Christmas!
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.