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 2023 gives you and your family some ideas on how to do that.
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 to Arianna (6th), Caleb (4th), and Lily (7th) on December 20th. Kennedy (11th) and Mrs. Henny will celebrate on Dec. 27th. Kahlysi (4th) and Mrs. Hyke will celebrate on Dec. 28th. Emmie in (K5) was born on Dec. 31st. Sadie (1st) and Mrs. Raysik will celebrate on Jan. 1st. Happy birthday to Liam (5th) on Jan. 3rd and Mrs. Dodd on Jan. 5th.
Local Christmas Eve Church Services
First Baptist Church has a candlelight service on Christmas Eve at 5:30 PM.
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. This is their 25th annual candlelight service.
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 Christmas Eve Bible Reading from 3:30-4:00 PM. -Vivian C
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!
Santa on the Square
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 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday, 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Saturday, and 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sunday
Independence Community Ice Rink, Independence, MO, General Admission is $8, Child admission is $6, Senior (55 and older) $6, Group (20 or more) is $7, 10 Session pass is $50, and Skate Rentals are $3. www.independencecommunityice.com
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!
Cranberry Orange Cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped cranberries.
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Make the cookies: Cream butter, white sugar, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth. Beat in egg until well blended. Mix in orange juice and zest.
Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Stir flour mixture into the butter mixture until combined. Mix in cranberries and walnuts until evenly distributed.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven, switching racks halfway through, until edges are golden, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
