Faithful Magazine - December 08

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NEW MAG FOR CATHOLIC GIRLS

Contents: 3 - Modesty 4 - Christmas 5 - Why would God send people to Hell?

6 - Cool Clipart 7 - Fun Stuff 8 - Jesus saves 9 - Heaven 10 - A Happy Christmas

11 - Saint Space

12 - True Love 13 - Christmas Ornaments

14 - Ask Miss Faithful

15 - The Media 16 - Quiz!

17 - Advent 18 - Music 19 - Prayers 20 - Answers

This month we celebrate Christmas. Jesus’ birthday. It is often easy to get carried away in the celebrations and forget about the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is not just about presents and Santa and christmas trees. Yes, these things are great (I for one love decorating the tree!), but let us not let Christmas get too secularised. I hope that this year you will take the time to reflect on Jesus’ birth and how this can affect our lives today.

However, along with the religious bits, I also hope to incorporate some fun and encouraging stories.

Have a very Happy Christmas, Anna

This Magazine is available for free download from the website http://www.faithfulmagazine.webs.com You can subscribe to our mailing list to make sure you never miss an issue. Please submit your stories and articles using the form on the website. I would be grateful if you would add a comment to tell me how I’m doing!

Modesty Fashion plays is a big part of every teen’s life.

However we must stop and think. Are those new tops too low cut? Is that skirt too short?

While we feel that it is essential to be fashionable it is also essential to be modest.

Why should we be modest?

As christians it is our job to defend our faith. How can we tell others to stay pure and modest while we ourselves are wearing revealing clothes? We allow others to see our inner faith, not our outer appearance when we dress modestly.

Do we want boys to lust after our bodies? No, we want boys to respect us for who we truly are, not what kind of body we have.

So where is this in the Bible?

In 1 Timothy 2:9 it says: ‘Similarly, women are to wear suitable clothes and to be dressed quietly and modestly,’ This verse is pretty easy to understand and tells us to dress modestly and not draw attention to our bodies.

‘But i really liked that top’ Okay, so maybe you’ve found a top that you really like, but it is really too revealing. What can you do? Layering is always a good option when this happens. Try putting another top underneath e.g. a vest top to cover up. This can create a really unique look!

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Christmas

When you think of Christmas, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Maybe a Christmas tree, the Baby Jesus in a manger, packages with snowmen all over and shiny red bows, Midnight Mass with incense and the dark stained-glass windows against the glowing light from the candles and overhead lamps, carolers, or the classic image of birds and chipmunks decorating a pine tree in the snow. For Christians, or in our case, Catholic Christians, Christmas - Christ Mass - is a blend of celebrating Jesus' birth and the tradition of St. Nicholas, as well as other secular traditions. Amid all the ribbons, bows, and turkeys, though, it is easy to forget that we are really celebrating Christ’s birthday.

He humbled Himself to become a simple human, with Mary as His mother. When Caesar decreed that there should be a census of his empire, Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem, because Joseph was a descendant of King David. They tried to go to one of the inns, but they were all full, and so Jesus was born in a manger. Shepherds were called by angels from where they were watching their flock. They came to worship the baby Jesus, who would save us from eternal death by dying on a cross for our sins. He would rise again and ascend into Heaven, where He can still be near us always.

He was the true son of God and our Savior. This Christmas, think of the baby Jesus lying in the manger, and how holy and joyful His birth was.

Dedicate this Christmas to the Christ Child. Remember what He did for you, and His love for you- as well as your love for Him, so sweet and mild.

Thanks to RosaryGirl from Teen Catholic Girl for this article.

Teen Catholic Girl: http://teencatholicgirl.blogspot.com/

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? l l e h o t e l p o e p nd e s e n o y r e v e s e v o ol h w d o G a d l u o w Why

I was asked this question by a friend at school and I found it hard to explain. I researched it further and this is the answer I came up with.

God does not send people to hell. It says in the Bible that God wants everyone to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). God gave us the wonderful gift of free will.

Because we have free will we can choose how we respond to God and his invitation to give us eternal life.

So if anyone goes to hell it is not because God sent them there it is because they, themselves chose to go there through their own actions.

However this does not mean that if you ever sin you are immediately certainly going to go to hell. The Church says that, in order for someone to go to hell, they must die in a state of un-repented mortal sin. This doesn't mean that someone will go to hell if that have ever commited a mortal sin, but if that die without repenting and asking forgiveness. In the catechism it says that for a person to go to hell ‘a willful turning away from God (a mortal sin) is necessary, and persistance in it until the end’ (CCC 1037).

But what exactly is a mortal sin?

The requirements for a sin to be a mortal sin are: 1. Grave matter - the sin must be a major sin which causes serious harm.

2. Full Knowledge - the person must know what they are doing and how this action will affect their relationship with God 3. Deliberate consent - The person must do it as a free, conscious decision.

Of course, God does not want us to go to heaven, but he loves us so much that he does not force us to follow him. He has shown us the way for us to get to heaven through Jesus Christ. the only way to reach heaven is through a relationship with Jesus.

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Cool Clipart!

I just wanted to share some really cool clipart I found on http://www.gospelgifs.com/ This is just a selection because there were so many to choose from!

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! f f u t Fun S Christmas Wordsearch C

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s e v a S s Jesu Jesus and Satan have a discussion as to who is the better programmer. This goes on for a few hours until they come to an agreement to hold a contest, with God as the judge.

They sit themselves at their computers and begin.

They type furiously, lines of code streaming up the screen, for several hours straight. Seconds before the end of the competition, a bolt of lightning strikes, taking out the electricity. Moments later, the power is restored, and God announces that the contest is over.

He asks Satan to show what he has come up with.

Satan is visibly upset, and cries, "I have nothing. I lost it all when the power went out."

"Very well, then," says God, "let us see if Jesus fared any better."

Jesus enters a command, and the screen comes to life in vivid display, the voices of an angelic choir pour forth from the speakers. Satan is astonished.

He stutters, "B-b-but how? I lost everything, yet Jesus' program is intact. How did he do it?"

God smiled all-knowingly, "Jesus saves."

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Heaven Heaven is so beautifulPrettier than I can explain.

Heaven is so prettyit makes the beach look lame.

Heaven is so perfectwith Angels and Saints, it is so perfect, too perfect to paint!

Heaven is so special, Because it has the touch of God.

by MaryKate Flavin

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A Happy Christmas Isabel smiled as she settled down to go to sleep on Christmas Eve. She was excited about the next day because, of course, It was Christmas Day. She knew, however, that she wouldn’t get many presents this year as her father had died six months previously and now her family were very poor.

As Isabel watched her mother open the present she had given her she felt a warm glow of love as her mother exclaimed with delight at its contents. It was a simple gift of a warm pair of slippers, but after all isn’t it the thought that counts?

Next, it was Isabel’s turn to open her present from her mother.

Inside the colourfully wrapped package Isabel found a lovely warm, homemade woolen jumper, just right for the cold weather of winter.

She hugged her mother and said a big thank you. Isabel’s two brothers also unwrapped their presents (also jumpers) and thanked their mother.

There was happiness all round as the family got ready for mass.

They walked, laughing happily, through the snow, proudly wearing their new jumpers. The jumpers might not have been expensive, but had been made with love and care especially for them.

All day the joyful atmosphere continued. Before they ate they all thanked God for each-other and what little they had. There was no sense of sadness about the children’s father’s death at all, but he was not forgotten.

They could all remember Christmases before he had died, and it was not the same without him. Despite this, they did not mope and despair, but trusted in God and accepted that it was all a part of his greater plan for each of them.

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Saint Space St. Maria Goretti St. Maria Goretti was born on the 16th October, 1890 in Italy. He father died of malaria and it was a great struggle for her mother to feed the children.

In 1902, Alexander, who was 18 years old tried to rape her. She said that she would rather die than let him do this so Alexander began to stab her with a knife.

Before she died she forgave Alexander in hospital. However this was not the end of hr forgiveness.

Alexander was arrested and sentenced to 30 years in prison for his crimes. He would not repent until he had a dream of Maria. She was in a garden and gave him flowers. From the moment he awoke he was changed. he repented his crime and lived a reformed life.

When he was released he went straight to Maria’s mother to ask for forgiveness. She said “If my daughter can forgive him, who am I to withhold forgiveness” and gave him her forgiveness.

In 1950 Maria was declared a saint. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII as a model for youth.

She is called a martyr because she fought against Alexander’s attempt to rape her. The most important part of her story is how she forgave her attacker.

Her feast day is the 6th July. She is the patron saint of youth, young women, purity and rape victims.

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True Love How often have you heard that phrase? Fairy tales, novels, people you know. So - what does it mean, really? I always thought love was an emotion. If someone does something nice for you - you call that feeling "love." if someone dies and you cry... you call that "love". I used to think that I had to have that feeling when I prayed or I didn't "love" God. So what is love, then? And what makes love "true"?

First - love is not a weak, emotional thing. You can feel it, but it's not a feeling. Love is powerful; it conquers all. Love takes strength. 1 corinthians 13. Love is to want what is best for someone. To want them to have life, happiness, freedom, and everything good.

True love is sacrificial love, which Christ is the perfect example of! True love is love that you have not for the sake of yourself, or what you will get out of it, but for the sake of the one you love - because you truly love them.

That is why Mary made the sacrifice, uncomplaining, to go help Elizabeth with her child that was due - and guess what - the fruit of the mystery is love of neighbor! That is why when Mary said yes when God told her she was to be the mother of His son and she didn't think of what she would get out if it, but said yes, trusting in God that He would make everything turn out right. Mother Teresa did all of her work, and why St. Therese picked up a pin. (I'm sure she did sometime in her life, not just saying it!).

And that is why Jesus died for you on the cross - True Love.

Thanks to RosaryGirl from Teen Catholic Girl for this article.

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Christmas Ornaments your very own homeke ma t no y wh so y, ne mo on ht Everyone is tig ideas to get you started. few a are re He ts? gif as tm ris Ch made

Ornament #1 This one is very easy!

Supplies Beads of any shape Flat-headed pin Jewelry Pliers Earring hooks Start with your earring hook. Simply use a flat-headed pin, put the beads on it, and use your pliers to bend the end of the pin to a close through the open-circle part of the earring hook.

TIP: Make a matching one and use as a unique earring set as a gift for a friend!

Ornament #2 This one is a bit harder, but the outcome is pretty.

Crochet or knitting skills needed.

Supplies Yarn of choice Knitting needles or crochet hook Earring hook Simply knit or crochet a 2x2 inch or so square. Take the excess yarn on the end and tie it through the open-circle of the earring hook.

TADA! It is very elegant and can be done with any color!

Thanks to ‘Little Mary’ from Teen Catholic for these crafts.

Her blog: http://littlemarybernadette-therese.blogspot.com/

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Ask Miss Faithful What do you think about courtship? I would like to date but my mom believes in courting, but she hasn't decided yet.

I don't really know much about courtship as it's not really that common where I live in the UK (at least not around me!). My parents have let me date, but I feel now, after having dated a couple of boys, that I want to wait until I'm older and can actually get married.

I have read up on courting, and this is what I think. I think courting is a good way to get to know people. It is especially good because it is done with parental approval and it's purpose is usually to find a suitable person to marry.

However dating can also be fine if your mom is OK with it and you are careful about whom you date and where you go together. For example it is not advisable to go somewhere where you are really alone as you may get tempted.

As you can see I am not really for one above the other. I would suggest you wait for your mom to give her decision and follow that, because most of the time your parents do know best!

Miss Faithful

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The Media

The media is one of the most powerful tools in our 21st century lives.

It is so influential many of us find ourselves wanting to dress like a certain celebrity we have seen on TV or in a magazine!

For the United States readers, you know how media can be influential based on the recent Presidential elections. The media, specifically television, was used to persuade people to vote for the person who "approved this message."

Now, I am not saying media is all bad! As long as you are careful what you watch, you are doing fine.

A good question to ask yourself is one you may use when determining if what you are doing with a boyfriend is crossing the line, even a little bit. Ask yourself, "Would I be listening to/watching/reading/ doing/ this if Jesus were in this room?" For example, Jesus would be OK with you giving your boyfriend a light kiss on the lips, or watching a PG-13 movie if your parents believe you are mature enough to view it.

Would you want to "make out" with your boyfriend with Jesus in the room? My guess is no, which means you should not be doing that in the first place. The same goes for certain movies. Would you want to be watching most R-rated movies with Jesus in the room? I would guess not, unless it is The Passion or something equally done.

As far as music goes, as long as the music you are listening to does not have profanity or suggestive lyrics, the music is probably a safe bet. I am not one to tell you that if you don't listen to Christian music you are a bad Catholic, because I personally like country music and pop music, along with quite a few Christian worship songs.

As long as you remember the rule I stated earlier and apply it to the media, all media, you will be making wise Christian choices!

Thanks to ‘Little Mary’ from Teen Catholic for this article

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Quiz!

1) In the song ‘The Twelve days of Christmas’ how many calling birds are there? a) Three b) Four c) Seven d) Nine 2) Where was Jesus born? a) At home b) In a hospital c) In a stable d) In an inn 3) On what date do we celebrate Epiphany? a) 1st January b) 27th December c) 30th December d) 6th January 4) How many sundays are there in Advent? a) Four b) Three c) Five d) Ten 5) What color do priests traditionally wear during Advent? a) Green b) Brown c) Red d) Purple Answers on page 20.

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Advent Christmas is fast approaching and we are all getting excited.

However, what about the period of time before Christmas? Advent.

What is it all about?

The word Advent comes from a Latin word that means ‘coming’.

Advent is a time for preparation for christmas, but there is more to it than that. It is a time for us to think about the first coming of Christ in Bethlehem, yes, but also it is a time for us to reflect on the second coming of Christ.

It is a time for us to become more involved with the community and the meaning of our faith. Therefore we are not only preparing for Christmas, but also Jesus’ second coming.

The Advent wreath is a symbol of Advent. It is made up of a circle of evergreen leaves, which symbolises eternal life, and four candles. the candles are often three purple candles and one pink candle.

Sometimes there is also a white candle placed in the middle.

On each sunday of Advent one candle is lit. Each Sunday has a specific theme. The first sunday of Advent had the theme of Hope and one of the purple candles is lit. On the second sunday another of the purple candles is lit and this sunday has the theme of Love. Now, on the third Sunday we light a pink candle and the theme is Joy. Finally on the fourth sunday we light the last purple candle and the theme is Peace. If there is a white candle it is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

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Music It is often hard to find music which is moral and OK for us to listen to. So here are a few artists/bands that I think are good. (Sorry if you don’t like these types of music!)

• Matt Maher

http://www.mattmahermusic.com/

• Rebecca St. James

http://www.rsjames.com/

• Coldplay - Viva La Vida http://www.coldplay.com/

• Keith Green - An amazing voice!

http://www.lastdaysministries.org/

• Addison Road

http://www.addisonroad.com/

• Relient K http://www.relientk.com/

• Krystal Meyers

http://www.krystalmeyers.com/

• Britt Nicole

http://www.brittnicole.com/

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Prayers Morning prayer: Father in Heaven, I give this day and everyday to You. I offer You all my thoughts, words, and actions for Your glory and the salvation of souls. I love You with all my heart, and I thank You for Your healing love and mercy.

Amen.

Prayer to Jesus: Dear Jesus, You died, so we could have Eternal Life. You made a sacrifice for us.

You died, so we could have graces to help us on the journey of faith.

You died because You love us, even though we don't deserve it. And we know that there will always be someone that cares about us: You Thank You. Amen.

Prayers from Pope John Paul II: To God for Guidance: O God, You are our Creator. You are good and Your mercy knows no bounds. To You arises the praise of every creature. You have given us an inner law by which we must live. To do Your will is our task. To follow Your ways is to know peace of heart. Guide us on all paths we travel upon this earth. Free us from all the evil tendencies that lead our hearts away from Your will. Never allow us to stray from You; help us to be included among Your chosen ones on the last day.

To the Spirit: May the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Pentecost, help us to clarify what is ambiguous, to give warmth to what is indifferent, to enlighten in us what is obscure, and to be before the world true and generous witnesses of Christ's love, for no one can live without love.

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Answers Christmas Wordsearch Quiz Answers 1)b 2)c 3)d 4)a 5)d

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