Merry Christmas

Christmas is coming fast. This week is just going and going by, and I feel like it was just Sunday.

Christmas is not just about gifts, and presents that people give you, it's about the time that you spend with your family, and the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jesus came into this world as a baby, so that He could grow up, and eventually die on the cross for the sins of this whole world.

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All of us at Beautiful in Christ are taking a break for Christmas, but we'll start back writing in January. Be sure to check back in January!

From all of us at BIC, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Movie Review: Miracle on 34th Street

I love watching Christmas movies, so today when I wasn't feeling very well, I popped in the old classic, Miracle on 34th Street.


Doris Parker and her daughter Susan live in an apartment in New York City. Doris, a young and pretty single mother, works for Macy's Department Store and manages their Thanksgiving Day Parade. When the man who plays Santa shows up for the parade drunk, Doris is in a bind until another man shows up. He has real whiskers, a jovial personality, and knows a lot about the toy market. He seems to be the right person for the job... especially since he says his name is Kris Kringle.

There's no doubt about it... Kris thinks he's Santa Claus. There's just one problem. No one believes him. Doris herself doesn't believe in Santa Claus, and she's raised her daughter Susan in the same way. People start to doubt his sanity, and eventually Kris is put on trial. It all comes down to one thing: do you believe in Santa Claus?

I really enjoyed this movie. It's an older movie, so it was very clean. I thought Kris was very sweet, and the ending was unique. It's now one of my favorite Christmas movies, and I definitely recommend it. Curl up in a blanket, grab some hot cocoa, and watch Miracle on 34th Street if you're looking for a heartwarming story for a snowy day.

~Kylie

Christmas Bible Verses

In Luke two, we are told about the heavenly host of angels that appeared to the shepherds on the night of Christ's birth. I am constantly fansinated with this passage and try to imagine what that event must have looked like and sounded like. Imagine it, a host of angels singing about the glory of God! What a night that must have been!

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” -Luke 2: 9-12

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” -Luke 2:13-14 

Redefining Christmas

Christmastime is definitely approaching. I can almost smell it in the air. People are gearing up for the busy holiday season, and depending on where you live, you’ve probably had at least one snowfall. Everything is centered around preparing for the arrival of what is probably the biggest and most-anticipated holiday of the year.

Christmas is probably my favorite holiday, but not just because of the general holiday cheer. I enjoy being able to spend time with family, give them gifts, and most of all, celebrate the birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ. To me, Christmas is just one more opportunity to really reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us. After all, the reason Jesus came to be on earth was so that He could grow up, die, and be resurrected, to take away the sins of the world. This season, I’ve been thinking a lot about Jesus, and the hope that He’s given us. Without Him, Christmas seems so empty. Christ has to remain in Christmas, otherwise it will become meaningless.

As I thought about it, I wanted some way to be able to share this hope with others. I was thrilled this morning when my mom told me we had some money to give. Excitedly, my siblings and I looked at all of our possibilities. We had so much fun choosing who we could bless this Christmas. In the end, we gave to several causes, such as a local pregnancy center, our local shelters, and several organizations that minister to families overseas. I felt so ecstatic that I was making a difference, and helping other Christians bring Jesus’ hope to those in need. This morning I discovered that the old adage rings true—to give is better than to receive. I can’t explain the feeling I got after choosing to give, but it was inexplicably wonderful. I realized what Christmas is really about—it’s about Jesus, and giving others His hope.

This Christmas, I’m going to redefine my focus. I’m going to focus on what I can give rather than what I will be getting. I’m going to focus on the ways that I can bring light to others, even if it’s just smiling at a random person who passes by me. Most of all, I’m going to look for every opportunity I can to remind those around me of Jesus, the real reason for Christmas. Who’s with me?

~Kylie

Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients:

12 slices bacon
2/3 cup margarine
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
7 cups milk
4 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 green onions, chopped
1 1/4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

1.Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium heat until browned. Drain, crumble, and set aside.
2.In a stock pot or Dutch oven, melt the margarine over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in potatoes and onions. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
3.Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Mix in bacon, cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until cheese is melted.

My family and I, love this recipe and, actually, just had it tonight! :) It's the BEST potato soup in the world! :D

~Ashley

Song Follow Up to "Corrie Ten Boom"

Praise YOU In This Storm

by Casting Crowns

  
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus 

I think this song goes along really well with the story of Corrie Ten Boom. Through all the storms that she went through, she praised God through ALL of it; being in many concentration camps, her sister dying, her father dying.

  ~Sam