Christmas is a magical time of year. Celebrating the birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, gives us a boost of excitement during the holiday season. Baking with family, looking at Christmas lights, decorating, singing carols, attending church, going to Christmas concerts and gifting others gives us a sense of happiness. Members of "The Patriot Press" wanted to give you some ideas on how to find JOY this holiday season, so we hope that our last newsletter of 2024 is a blessing from us to you!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your CCA family!
The Christmas Story: Luke 2: 1-20
In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Birthdays over Christmas Break
Happy Birthday Kennedy, a senior, and Mrs Henny on the 27th. Mrs Hyke will celebrate on the 28th. Emmie, in 1st grade, and Mrs Fisher, our K5 teacher, will celebrate on the 31st. Sadie, in 2nd grade, and Spanish teacher, Mrs. Raysik, will celebrate on New Year’s, January 1st. Harlow, in K4, will celebrate on Jan. 2nd. Liam, in 6th grade, will celebrate on the 3rd. Ms Cindy Dodd, Para, has a birthday on Jan. 5th. Second grader, Raelynn has a birthday on Jan. 8th. Kaylee from 5th grade celebrates on the 9th. Raelynn, a 1st grader, celebrates on Jan. 11th. Happy Birthday and Happy New Year! –Lilly
Local Christmas Eve Church Services
First Baptist Church has a candlelight service on Christmas Eve at 5 & 6:15PM.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 1267 E Hwy 7, Clinton, MO 64735, will have Divine Service from 7:00 - 8:00 PM.
Allen Street Baptist Church, 210 W Allen St, Clinton, MO 64735, has a candlelight service on Christmas Eve at 5:30 PM and 11:30 PM.
Northeast Baptist Church, 619 E Lincoln St, Clinton, MO 64735, has a candlelight service on Christmas Eve at 6 PM.
Clinton Christian Church, 1201 East Ohio St, Clinton, MO 64735, has a candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 5:30pm and another Christmas Eve service at 10:30am.
Favorite Christmas songs of CCA music classes
- The Little Drummer Boy by For King and Country
- Feels Like Joy by Micah Tyler
- I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Casting Crowns
- Noel by Lauren Daigle
- The Present by Forrest Frank
- Oh What a Glorious Night by Sidewalk Prophets
Common Christmas Traditions
Christmas time is a time full of traditions and memories. Some common family traditions during the Holiday season are:
Picking out new Christmas ornaments
Advent calendar countdown & Bible readings
Hiding a Christmas pickle in the Christmas tree
Making homemade hot chocolate
Going ice skating
Driving to see neighborhood Christmas lights
Secret Santa gift exchange
Decorating Sugar Cookies or Gingerbread Men
Putting together a gingerbread house
Holiday traditions are memorable & special. If you don't have any traditions of your own, it's not too late to start one. Just pick something and start making memories with your family!
Ice Skating
If you are looking for some places to go ice skating, we’ve got you covered!
- Crown Center Ice Terrace, Kansas City, MO, opens at 10:00 am, closes at 9:00 pm every day except Friday and Saturday, which closes at 11:00 pm
- Summit Ice, Lee’s Summit, MO, Open 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday and Wednesday, 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays, and 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sunday
- Independence Community Ice Rink, Independence, MO, they have their frosty skate festive ice skating experience on the 22-27. December 22-23 they're open 12-7pm, closed December 24-25, open 12-7pm December 26-27.
- Brightspeed Ice Park, 635 E Trafficway, Springfield, MO 65806; Cost is $7 for Adults, $6 for Students (ID required), and $3 for Skate Rental
Publication's Favorite Recipes
Oreo Balls:
- 38 Oreo Cookies
- 8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 cup white chocolate or milk chocolate
- Crushed peppermint, Oreos, or melted chocolate to decorate (optional)
Directions: Crush Oreos in food processor or by hand. Combine crushed cookies and cream cheese and mix until combined. Roll mixture into balls and place on wax paper lined baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes. Melt the chocolate in small microwave safe bowl. remove balls from the freezer and dip into the chocolate. Drizzle chocolate on top with coatings if desired.
Rolo Pecan Pretzels:
- One bag of rolos
- One bag of regular mini or square pretzels
- One bag of whole pecans, I use unsalted, but you can use salted
Directions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line an ungreased baking sheet with pretzels, add an unwrapped rolo on top (you will use the whole pkg of rolos) and bake for 2 minutes (these get hot fast). Remove from oven and lightly push a pecan on top. Put in the freezer for 10 minutes, then enjoy!
Peanut Butter Fudge: without Marshmallow Cream
