By the end of January, I imagine my life could look pretty different than it does right now. In the meantime, let’s celebrate the work that God did in December!
Celebrating Jesus in Community
This Christmas, my students celebrated Jesus as the Light of the World. Check out this video of them explaining how Jesus’s birth changes everything.
We watched The Star nativity movie, ate popcorn, and drank hot chocolate.
We ate too much sugar, imagined Jesus’s birth in Legos, received gifts, played Blooket math games, and rested.
Fourth grade planned and facilitated their own Secret Santa gift exchange!
Inspired by the way students’ have become passionate for the word of God, my colleagues and I gave away 15 bibles to students who would not otherwise have them! After months of waiting for the perfect timing, my students were able to receive the word of God as celebrated the Word of God being born into the world.
What’s Next?
In mid-December, I asked students, “What emotion do you need God’s help feeling, either because you feel that way and you want help carrying it, or because you haven’t felt that way in a long time?” Their answers blew me away. After sharing with my colleagues, we’ve decided to lead students through a series about the Emotional Life of Christ once we return from the Winter holidays. In this difficult school year, may our children encounter the inner wholeness of Jesus and know that there are healthy ways to feel each emotion.
Visiting Family
I spent this Christmas with my dad and extended family in Northwestern Iowa. I’ve been looking forward to having quality time with my dad, whose interest in the supernatural has become a frequent topic of conversation. While my dad doesn’t consider himself a Christian, he is very supportive of my faith and demonstrates a high degree of curiosity about the power of God. Please pray that my father would experience an immeasurable hunger and that it will lead him to the source of all mysteries.
There are a lot of good gifts I get from my father. We are similar in humor, creative writing, education, and love for nature. For a little Christmas entertainment, my aunt happened to find some wigs in some dress up clothes her grandkids once used. In typical Nus fashion, I bet my dad $1 to wear the wig all around town. And he did.
Another reason I am happy to have been in Iowa is because my dad and aunt are living in my paternal grandparent’s home. Since August, I have had dreams about the work God is doing to cleanse my family and bloodline. While in Iowa, I had the chance to pray over the home in a way that significantly effected the atmosphere. It gives me even more hope for the work God is doing in us, based on the faithfulness of past generations.
In Iowa, I noticed that my dad saved a clay hippo I once made in grade school. I also found this handmade Christmas sweater, in perfect proportions. We are a family that goes thrift shopping for entertainment, and Northern Iowa did not disappoint.
I also got a chance to see some Amish stores and community life. My favorite part was when one little boy had his sister in a tiny shopping cart and kept having to be told to slow down so he didn’t run the other kids over. Same goofy kids, just a different place.
I got to spend time with my aunt’s Collie mix, Lily. When it comes to playing fetch, she is highly skilled and unyielding.
Click here to see a goofy video of Lily battling the evil Eyeball yo-yo I got at the thrift store
Enjoying Media
I have finally gotten to the point in Christmas break where I have the stamina to read and can pleasantly cease production. Here are some of my favorite forms of media that I’ve found to unwind.
Best Christmas Song
This is probably my favorite traditional Christmas song. I love the way these writers rewrote the lyrics to celebrate Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King!
Best Youtube Video
Best Book
If you’re looking for accessible and engaging history, check out this book on the history of Mail order brides in North America. There’s plenty of great detail but the author’s style makes it like drinking ice cream in your coffee.
Best Movie
Like how some people might crave saltwater taffy, I crave good satire. If you’re looking for something satisfying to chew on, I recommend “Don’t Look Up” (on Netflix right now). Timely and well-crafted.
Prayer
Please pray:
- That God would sovereignly continue the work he’s started in my family
- For ease in coming transitions and clarity
- In Thanksgiving, for the God who has been so kind this year
Praise the Lord!
Age of the Unexpected 
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