Issue 6

WHERE IT’S AT

EVENTS Week In Pictures

Message From The Editor REBEKAH MAURICE

My first year at CUC I did a sign language solo for vespers. I was crazy nervous and shy but when it was finished so many people applauded and came up to me afterwards to say how much they’d liked it, it made me so happy. In that moment I thought in my mind that the one word I would use to describe CUC is “supportive.” That might not be the first word that comes in your mind for CUC and it isn’t always for me, but wouldn’t it be great if it was. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says: “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” Having a support base is necessary for anyone to succeed. You’re not going to reach for the stars if you’re not sure that there will be someone to catch you if you fall. Here at CUC we’re all trying to finish our degrees and start our careers and we can tend to get focused, especially around this time of year, on what we as an individual need to accomplish. “I have 4 papers to write and 5 exams, I’m so stressed”. The reality is we’re all in the same boat, sure maybe some people have more to do than others, but we’re all stressed. It’s easy to lash out at others when you’re feeling pressured or despise those you don’t think are working as hard as you but the reality is that robbing someone of their support backbone won’t make yours stronger. The next time someone rattles off a list of things they have to accomplish don’t retaliate with yours, try just saaying “I feel you, I’m pretty stressed too but I’ll be praying for you”. It’s tricky when you’re high-strung like many are this time of year but as the semester winds up and we go on break spend some time thinking about how you can be more of a support to the people around you. And most often than not it will come back to help you, if you get your thoughts off your own work it may help you to calm down, plus if you help others they’ll have your back when you need them later. There are lots of amazing programs around campus and they take a lot of time and effort to put together. If you haven’t already done so I encourage you to come out next semester and show support. Even if you don’t like it instead of saying something negative think about the work that went into it and try to appreciate the participants. I would like to say a personal thank you to the Campus Ministries team especially, Jordane Smith and Pastor Adam. Pastor Adam we see up front a lot but he also does so much work behind the scenes and he’s always willing to sit down and speak with students, thank you for always making time for me. Jordane does a lot of background work too, she plans many vespers and Power Ups, makes sure everyone knows their part and makes the programs run smoothly. I’d also like to say a big thank you to the Student Association for all of the amazing work that they have done this year and all of the support they have given us. I would especially like to thank Nisha and Atalia, Nisha has proven to be an amazing SA president! She organized getting their amazing website going and has planned incredible events around campus as well as making our school proud at the NAD convention. Atalia is in charge of communications, she not only gets the word out about events but she is also a support for the paper, working between us and SA. I’d also like to thank Jr Ferrer, our sponsor, who helps us with layout, budget , organization, content, basically anything we need. So Christmas is nearly here and you’re going home, you’ll find great content this paper to get you in the spirit. I hope you enjoy and while you’re in the festive mood think about how you can be a support to you friends on campus.

HIGHLIGHT CHRISTMAS

Christmas Eve 1975 Christmas Coyotes Mexican Posada Childhood Christmas Music for the Elderly

CREATIVE

Christmas at the Coroners

LIFE

Recieve and You Shall Give Devotional 21 Ways to Spend Your Break Adulting DIY

MEDIA

Christmas Album APP What’s Playing

Calendar

Sunday

Monday Tuesday Wednes- Thursday Friday Saturday day

6Urban Mission Trip 7 5:30 Fall Fest

Reading Break

Reading Day

Exams

EXAM WEEK

11:45 am Pastor Adam 7pm Silverwinds Band Concert

BREAK!

Christmas!!!!

BREAK!

New Years Day

BREAK!

4 BREAK!

Classes Resume

Events

HASHTAG YOUR PHOTOS #CUCAURORA15 TO APPEAR HERE

Events

Highlight

Christmas Eve 1975

BY DR. MARK HAYNAL

I will never forget Christmas Eve, 1975. Uncertain of what to major in, I had interrupted my university education to spend two years as a student missionary in Pakistan. That Christmas Eve I found myself hiding on the roof of my neighbour’s house. It was during my second year in Pakistan that I met fellow student missionary Kris Chapin. Although she would in time become the lovely Mrs. Haynal, she was at that time engaged to a young man of good judgment but a bleak romantic future back at Andrews University. I was smitten by Kris from the moment I first laid eyes on her. That she was engaged meant nothing to me because, as they say, all is fair in love and war! Smitten though I was, it took Kris several months to finally warm to my romantic advances. By December it looked like I might finally convince her to cast aside the young fellow back at Andrews University. However, because we were in Pakistan, out of respect to the local culture and to avoid getting summarily fired and sent home, our courtship had been a platonic one with absolutely no physical contact. That Christmas we decided to pool our money and purchase a large grocery basket full of goodies for one of the married students at the school at which we were teaching. Having sneaked our large gift onto their front porch we became worried that the stray dogs that roamed the campus would find and pilfer the gift basket. And so, armed with a long stick, we quietly climbed onto the flat roof of the house, crept to the edge, and used the stick to knock on the front door. After several whacks to the door, the student and his wife opened it and discovered the food basket. Although we did not understand a single word of Bengali, we could tell by the tone of their voices that they were absolutely thrilled with their surprise Christmas gift. Soon the couple had gone inside, locked the door and turned off the porch lights. I found myself alone on the rooftop with Kris. The black sky above us was overflowed with a million bright stars. We were filled with that great feeling you get when you do something kind for another person. While I’m sure Kris was thinking lofty thoughts about peace on earth and the true meaning of Christmas, as a typical male, I was thinking only, “It’s time for some physical contact!” I reached over and held Kris’ hand. Fortunately, in addition to lofty thoughts, Kris was also thinking, “Goodwill to all mankind, including Mark.” She held my hand right back! At that moment I knew Kris was destined to become the lovely Mrs. Haynal. At that moment I also knew I would never forget Christmas Eve, 1975.

Christmas Coyotes BY BERNICE LEVITT

I was 19 years old; home from the big city for the holidays. “Home” was a small farm in Central Alberta, where Mom and Dad raised crops and beef and money was tight. Aah, but the scenery was worth every dime we didn’t have. Our building site was on the top of a substantial hill, with pastures and fields spread out in the valley below, tucked in between huge groves of fragrant-smelling spruce and pine. This particular late December morning, I had been elected to go find us a Christmas tree from an obliging forest so, axe in hand, I headed down into the valley, looking for that perfect little tree. About half an hour into my search, an unwelcome sound nudged itself under my big, furry hat and as I looked out over the adjoining pasture, I saw a pack of seven coyotes headed my way. Now, ordinarily, coyotes don’t bother me. They’re nervous, skittish, shy creatures that generally don’t attack humans, but there was something about the way they were coming my direction at a dead run that made me decide to scrap theory and embrace reality. I took a better grip on my axe and swung myself up into the nearest climbable tree. Meanwhile, Mom was working at the kitchen sink when she heard the familiar sound of coyotes on the chase. Now, coyotes bark and howl, but they also have a specific song when they’re on the chase – it’s called kayaying and Dad had also heard it from the living room. Coming into the kitchen, he asked, “Where’s Bernie?” Taking one look at Mom’s face, he pulled on his boots, grabbed his trusty old rifle, and headed out the door. As he reached the edge of the hill he could see the coyote pack below, running across the pasture toward the trees; he could see me slowly climbing my way to safety, and he knew he’d never make it down there fast enough to be of assistance. So he did the only thing he could think of: he started yelling and firing his gun at the sky in an effort to create a distraction. Coyotes, as it turned out, don’t like being yelled at and they came to an abrupt halt, trying to see where the sound was coming from and whether or not the stalker had just become the prey. As Dad kept calling, and I started calling back, the coyotes decided to go in search of a smaller, quieter dinner. They were last seen skulking off into the bush. In short order Dad talked me down from the tree and up the hill to his warm hug. Needless to say, after I stopped shaking, we headed back down the hill together, axe (and rifle) in hand and we did indeed find that perfect little Christmas tree. Somehow, I think that was the prettiest little tree I ever decorated. We all have our Christmas memories. Christmas is about family; whether our own or one we have “borrowed”. I pray this Christmas will be a happy-memory-making season for all. God bless.

Highlight

MEXICO: Mexican Posada BY ATALIA TREJO

One of my most memorable traditions about Christmas from when I lived in Mexico was Posada. A posada is basically a neighbourhood party where kids enjoyed breaking piñatas, adults get to socialize, and everyone enjoys special traditional food and drinks. A posada is a symbol of Mary and Joseph finding shelter; it all starts when the neighbourhood starts singing carols. You don’t really have to be invited. If you are walking by and you see a group singing with candles you can just join. The crowd sings carols to different houses working their way to the house of the person hosting the posada. Often someone from the crowd will dress up as Mary. After caroling at the right house, the person hosting the posada opens their door symbolizing Mary and Joseph finding shelter. Then the fun begins as everyone enjoys the food, piñatas, and social games. Usually there are several Posadas 9 days before Christmas, depending on how many people from the neighbourhood are willing to host a posada. I remember one year we attended about five every night the week before Christmas. In poor neighbourhoods, sometimes the government hosts a big one for several neighbourhoods to attend and take part in this unique Mexican tradition.

Highlight

BULGARIA: Childhood Christmas BY MARIANA KOLEVA

I remember growing up all of the members of my family would gather together for Christmas. My grandmother would work hard to prepare eight different vegetarian meals for us. We would put logs into the wood stove to warm the house and then everyone would wait for my grandfather. He would always have something special to say for Christmas. After we would eat, share out special wishes and receive our Christmas presents. Then we would eat Banica, a traditional Bulgarian pastry made with feta cheese and eggs. It is a very delicious meal that I still make every year. I loved the warm atmosphere and the special feeling I would get on those Christmas nights. Merry Christmas and God bless everyone!!!

Highlight

2011

CANADA: QUEBEC

Christmas Music Blessing for the Elderly

2012

BY ELIZABETH ENYA ROY

Every single year, since December 2011, for Christmas my friends, my sister and I present a Christmas music concert to the elderly people at the Manoir Sainte-Marie in Gatineau, Quebec. The elderly people enjoy the music so much, during every concert joy is seen on each of their faces. It is a joy for my friends, my sister, and I to make these people happy. Instruments played include violin, flute, piano, and saxophone. There is sometimes also singing, fiddle, and Step Dancing. Some people will share a few words and explain the true meaning of Christmas. From top to bottom, the elderly people enjoy our concert each Christmas. After the concert, everyone shares refreshments together and snacks provided by my mom. The performers of the concert will spend time talking and sharing with the elderly people. It is such a special moment with the elderly people and to hear what they have to say about their Christmas experience and what is most memorable to them. What I have heard the most is them saying that they miss a family Christmas meal with home cooked food. When I go back home for the Christmas break, it is in the plans to do a concert again this year for Christmas. I cannot wait the see the happy faces of the elderly people!

2013

Christmas at the Coroner

BY JOHN HENRI RORABECK AND JOHN RORABECK This poem was written by my father, John Rorabeck, who worked as a deputy coroner in Lake Forest County, IL for 25 years. This is what he wrote about the background for this poem: “We did have a person die who had been so enamored with playing Santa at Christmastime that he had his name legally changed to Santa Claus. He died in June and some years after I wrote the poem. There was a Christmas morning that I was oncall and eating at a friend’s home when I was called to a local hospital ER to do an external exam, photograph, and sign a death certificate on a large white-bearded man that had died of natural causes. There was much discussion among the ER nurses that “Santa” had worked himself to death overnight. I suppose a good forensic investigator would have photos of hoof prints and sleigh runners in the snowy parking lot (the vortex from take-off probably blew that away). Fingerprints (no, Santa wore gloves). Like Ebenezer Scrooge’s visitors, it was likely and undigested piece of beef. But the results were just as lasting. I have never doubted that Santa was alive on Christmas Eve.” Christmas at the Coroner By John Rorabeck ‘Twas the night before Christmas at the Coroner’s lab. Not a creature was stirring as they lay on their slab. The test tubes were hung on their dry rack with care, The work was all finished, that’s why they were there. The last Deputy out was one John Rorabeck, Having given his instruments one final check. But just as he locked the back door with his key, The strangest thing happened that he ever did see. The vehicle came off of South Genesee, All decked out in red for its mid-winter spree. It plowed through the snow on Washington Street, And it came to a stop – at the Deputy’s feet. On the front to propel it were eight tiny reindeer, But behind in the sleigh there was no one to steer. As if on a signal the morgue door flew open, And poor John stood frozen, just prayin’ and hopin’. A large white-bearded man then emerged from the cooler, And he mounted that sleigh like some glorified ruler. He checked all his bags to be sure of his freight, And he shifted them slightly to balance the weight. He arched his large back to shake off muscle stiffness, Took hold of the reins like nobody’s business. The reindeer pawed snow in anticipation Of landing on rooftops all over the nation. Before flying away though, guess what he said: “Smile, Son! It’s Christmas! SANTA CLAUS ISN’T DEAD!”

Life

DEVOTIONAL

The Glory of the Ordinary BY PASTOR ADAM DEIBERT

Receive and You Shall Give KAITLYNNE WINSOR

After decades of church skits and plays depicting the evils of consumerism during the Christmas holidays, the concept starts to wear a little thin. As students, we’re generally grateful just to have enough money to cover buying a package of Mr. Noodles, let alone to worry about spending too much money over the holidays. Time and time again, we are warned not to lose sight of what really matters by becoming obsessed with material possession, rather than putting our focus and extra holiday time into strengthening relationships with friends and family. The real problem, however, is not an obsession with consumerism; it’s distractions like school anxiety, irritation with friends or co-workers, or simple fillers that take up hours of our time and prevent us from recognizing the effort others put into giving to us. The spirit of Christmas is an attitude of thanks, and the fact that we set aside a specific time every year to acknowledge this is what gives it importance, and this holiday only means something more than a simple break from work or school because of the effort that is put into letting others know that they matter to us. When it does come down to the number of presents you receive, the ability to graciously receive from others is just as important as the act of giving itself. The giving of gifts is a social art form, and a personal challenge to yourself to see if you can find that special present for the people you care about. This is something that can take years of practice and close listening to become proficient at. Considered to be a “love language” for many people, gifts come in either the material fashion, or in the form of spending time with the person. The inter-personal relationship created by giving and receiving is not disrupted by obsession with how many presents you received –most of us are now rather elated when we receive a package of socks for Christmas. Rather, it is disrupted by distractions from whatever it is that life is demanding of us at the time. While it still holds true that we should abstain from the greed of material possession, the true cost of Christmas comes in not acknowledging the care that other people put in giving to you. Receive that Christmas gift, recognizing the time and effort behind it, and you give back to the one who gave it to you.

One of the most familiar passages in the Christmas narrative is the story of the angel’s appearance to the shepherds. Recited often at Christmas pageants and church services at this time of year, it’s a story we’ve all come to know, for some by heart. Yes, we’re familiar with it; but I want to look at it from a different angle this year. One of the lowliest estates in the Ancient Near East, both then and now, shepherds were not given much attention; nor, in most cases, would they have sought any. Spending most of their time in the fields away from town, their only companions (aside from each other) the sheep and lambs under their care, shepherds lived on the fringes of “decent society”. And, to be fair, they probably preferred it that way – after all, as someone once observed, even the most obnoxious of sheep make better company than some human beings one can think of. And yet, as removed from society as they are, it is to the shepherds that the angelic host make their first appearance. Speaking of the shepherds outside of Bethlehem that night, we are told that all at once, “The glory of the Lord shone round about them” (Luke 2:9). An oft-repeated expression from the Gospel narrative, perhaps we’ve heard the story so many times that we fail to catch the significance of it. But if we stop and reflect on the shepherds for even a moment, we are struck by the awesomeness of it: Glory has touched the ordinary. C.S. Lewis once noted i that in Scripture, “Glory” carries a two-fold meaning. First, it is the acknowledgement of God, of being known by Him, of receiving His divine affirmation in one’s life. Second, it is the brightness of His presence – a Presence which He invites us to partake of; no, more than that, which He invites us to unite with – as Jesus put it, “Abide in Me, and I in you” (John 15:4). To shepherds – lowly, unnoticed, ordinary shepherds – we are told, the Glory of the Lord was revealed on a Bethlehem hillside. As we consider the awesome privilege they were given, we might be inclined to ask, “Why them?” In answer to our query, Heaven would answer, “Why not?” The presence of the shepherds reminds us that there is none so lowly, none so “on the fringes”, that they are beyond the reach of God’s glory. More than that, they remind us that in our own sense of lowliness, of marginalisation, of feeling like we’re “on the outside looking in”, that to us also the Glory of the Lord might be revealed, if we would but be open to receiving it. Who knows, one day it might be said of us, “The glory of Lord shone round about them”. And, lest we cloud our vision with questions of “Why me?” let us remember that looking upon us is the Father who in His love asks, “Why not?” i

C.S. Lewis, “The Weight of Glory”

Life

21 Ways to Spend Your Holiday BY TALIA SMITH

We all can’t wait until Christmas break, because, let’s face it, none of us have had any time to get caught up (or stay caught up) on our favourite t.v. series or tackle that stack of books we’ve been meaning to read. So, I’ve complied a list of 21 things to keep you busy, relaxed, and entertained over break. Hopefully, by the time those three weeks of Christmas break are done, you’ll feel refreshed and hopefully ready to take on the winter semester. SLEEP! Or at least for the first few days so you can prepare your body for all the binge watching of Netflix you’ll be doing. Choose your top three t.v. series that you want to watch, and watch them all at once (be sure to take an hour nap each day so that you don’t completely resemble the Walking Dead). Go outside and enjoy the snow, or if you’re vacationing someplace hot, the glorious sun. Your body will love the fresh air and you. Have a family game night. Get the folks and siblings together, and bring out those good old board games. Make yourself a reading list that you can get through during the break. Taking time for yourself is essential, and this is one of the ways you can do just that. Go and buy some ugly Christmas sweaters with your family, then go to the mall or to a restaurant wearing them. Let’s be honest, everyone loves seeing a dorky family. Make some homemade decorations for the Christmas tree. Try out some new recipes, especially those that are cavity inducing. Throw a Christmas party for family and friends. Christmas is meant to be fun, so embrace the warmth of community by bringing it to your home. Go sledding. You’re never too old. Blast your favourite christmas songs and don’t be afraid to dance along. Go collect food donations for your local food bank. Help put food-hampers together for people who may not be as privileged as you, and ask if you can deliver them personally. Introduce yourself to someone new. Get to know them, their story, and maybe invite them over for Christmas dinner if they have no where else to go. Build a snowman, maybe a snow fort. Have a snowball fight too. Get some friends together, or your church, and go christmas carolling in your neighbourhood. Discover new music. Eat lots of good food. Go on a road trip with friends. Start a journal. And lastly, DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT SCHOOL.

HOLIDAYS

Let’s be honest Holidays are hard. There are so many moving parts, so many things that have to happen, so many things that must not, under any circumstances happen, so many opportunities to hurt so many feelings. Holidays, in short, are a time to summon every bit of adulthood you can bring to bear. Holidays are a time when you can mess up spectacularly, or -or!- you can come out, in the immortal words of Britney Spears, stronger than yesterday. Step 445: Take everyone’s wishes into account, then set your own schedule. Particularly if you live far away, this may be the only part of the year your parents get to spend quality time with you. If you live far away, this also is probably your only chance to see your really old friends. Ask in advance when it’s really important for you to be with the family, then decide how much time you should/want to spend with them and let them know when you’ll be around and when you won’t. Maybe you’ll be with the family in the earlier evening, but leave at 9PM to meet your old friends. Step 446: If you are a child of divorce, do not twist yourself into knots to make everyone happy If you can make it to both Christmas dinners, great! If you don’t want to, that is your right. You can go to both, or one, or neither. You’re a grown-up. Grown-ups get to set their schedule and make decisions for themselves. The paradigm for decision-making does not have to be, “What will leave everyone feeling least hurt?” Step 447: Figure out how to make yourself an adult part of the celebration Bring something for Christmas dinner, something you make a killer version of, something that people will happily anticipate in the years to come. Arrive for Christmas with all your presents already wrapped, so you don’t have to hit your mom up for wrapping paper. Don’t pick fights with yout ornery relatives. Go with the flow, and make people happy you’re there.

WITH MOST PEOPLE GOING HOME TO HOMECOOKED MEALS THIS CHRISTMAS WE DECIDED TO DO A DIY PROJECT INSTEAD OF A RECIPE

WHEN DRY YOU CAN BRUSH PAINT THE EDGES WITH GOLD PAINT OR SPRAY PAINT THEM WITH GLITTER.

SUPPLIES

Paint Containers

Pinecones Wax paper

FILL A CONTAINER FULL OF THE PAINT AND WITH GLOVES DIP THEM IN SO THAT EVERY CREVICE IS FULL. THEN LAY ON THE WAX PAPER.

SECURE RIBBON WITH A PIN. THE WHOLE PIN WON’T GO IN SO CUT IT DOWN.

LEAVE THE PINECONES TO DRY. THEY MAY CLOSE UP DEPENDING ON THE THICKNESS OF THE PAINT. THEY WILL REOPEN IN TIME. YOU CAN ALSO STICK THEM IN THE OVEN ON FOIL AT 200 TO DRY.

TIE WITH A BOW AND HANG IT WHEREVER YOU FANCY.

NOW PLAYING

COMING SOON

Must Have App CHRISTMAS!!

The only Christmas app you’ll need this season. Complete with: Countdown to Christmas Day • Advent Calendar with free gifts everyday • Gift list • Toys • Games • Festive Jokes • Christmas Songs • Wintery Wallpapers

Media

Pentatonix wows again this Christmas, their renditions of “Silent Night” and “Mary Did You Know?” have quickly gone viral with over 2 million and 14 million views respectively. Their remixes will reignite your love for the tunes an get you in the holiday spirit.

Brings together various artists from Katy Perry to Cobie Callait to sing covers of your favorite Christmas themes. The title song by Ingrid Michelson and Sara Bareilles will definitely become your new favorite holiday tune.

It’s Christmas at Downton Abbey! What more could you ask for? This album delivers a festive experience akin to the 1920s including the Christmas story as told by butler Charles Carson. It will definitely put you in the traditional Christmas mood.

Because how could we not, this one is perfect no matter the occasion. You’ve probably been listening to it every year since it came out and you know it will bring a smile to your face when you hear it playing in your mom’s car this Christmas. Its Michael Bublé, enough said

Jack Johnson brings together his friends for an indie Christmas party. You’ll find renditions of your favorite Christmas tunes as well as some new favorites. Perfect for a cozy night in, setting up decorations and watching the snow fall.

Christian artist Paul Balonche, who sings Loved by You among many others, has a great Christmas Worship album. He’ll be touring this album in Red Deer Dec.14 at Crossroads church, tickets are $15. I’m jealous I won’t be here so if you are and want an evening of great Christmas worship you should totally look into it.

Staff

Editor-In-Chief Assistant Editor Media Event Staff

Word Search CHRISTMAS

Rebekah Maurice Emily Cortez Cody Shearer Bianca Baston Codrina Baston John Henri Rorabeck Kaitlynne Winsor

As the semester ends we’d like to hear your feedback on the paper. What did you enjoy? What would you like to see more of? Would you like to get involved next semester? Please send questions and submissions to: sachronicles@cauc.ca The deadline for all articles and advertisements for the next paper is January 18.

Remember to Hashtag your photos Advent Alleluia Angelic Angels Announcement Astrologies Babe Baby Bethlehem Birth Camel Ceremonies

Christ Child Donkey Immanuel Epiphany Flocks Frankincense Gifts Gloria Gold Goodwill Holy Incarnation

Inn Jerusalem Jesus Joseph Lord Magi Manger Mary Miracle Myrrh Nativity Pageant

Prince of Peace Proclamation Prophecy Sacred Saviror Shepherds Stable Star Wise men

#cucaurora15

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Submit answers to sachronicles@cauc.ca for a prize

The content of this newspaper represents the views, opinions and interests of the students on the Aurora Chronicles (The Inquirer) Editorial Team. Readers should not assume that what they find in this newspaper is automatically endorsed or supported by the CUC Student Association, Canadian University College, its Administration or its employees. What you find here may very well be one student writer’s opinion. While we, the Editorial Team, do our best to ensure that the information provided is correct, mistakes do occur and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the material. If you do notice any mistakes or you disagree with the appropriateness of any of the content please contact the editorial team directly at sachronicles@gmail.com