Starlight Star Amerasian Christian Academy Student Newsletter December 2012 The Humble Birth of Christ By Maryam Malik (11th Grade) An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall ACA Student Newsletter Issue No. 67 1 conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. ~Matthew 1:20b~21 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~Isaiah 9:6 A s Christmas season has begun, people all over the world start decorating their houses with colorful adornments and planning for their Christmas parties; children start making their Christmas wish lists and schools get ready for their Christmas performances. While all this Christmas fuss takes (Continued on page 2) Inside this Devotion Inside ACA Interviews Pictures issue 1 2 3 4-5 7
Devotion Starlight Staff Members Writers: Justin Chang Danny Choi David Choi Sergey Churkin Daniel Kim Tom Kim Elina Lee Dawer Mir Maryam Malik Beyker Muente Artom Newell Minkie Porter Juhyun Son Daniel Sinclear Hajung Yang Paul Yu Editor: Mr. Hamby the fanciest hotel in Bethlehem, he was born in a manger; rather than being surrounded by the enchanting celebration of the new- over, the world easily overlooks the only true reason why Christmas should be celebrated. Approximately 2,000 years ago, a baby came into this world for one mere born King, he was surrounded by the crying of the barn animals. This is the humble birth of our Christ. As His name, Immanuel, defines, God literally came down from reason to die on a cross as a ransom for God literally came down from heaven in heaven in flesh to be with us, even if it flesh to be with us, even our sins. He entered caused Him His death. if it caused Him His the world not with the He made himself death. names described in nothing, took the form Publisher: Mr. Kang -McCann Kyonggi-Do, Dongducheon City P. O. Box 22, Republic of Korea Tel:031-868-2579 amerasian@mac.com Isaiah 9:6, nor did he have any likeness of the so-called King of kings and Lord of lords. Instead of being born in of a servant, and was born in the likeness of men (Phil. 2: 6~7) and that is the sole reason of the existence of Christmas. 2
Inside ACA By Elina Lee (10th Grade) K orea International Fine Art Exhibition which is being held throughout the month of November and December gave special opportunities to many artists including the students of ACA to show their works to others. ACA has participated in this art exhibition since 2011. 12 works of art from our ACA students were exhibited. Jojane Alazas (10 th two works of art to the Exhibition. She expressed how happy she was when she received the second place award. She said, I felt like I was dreaming! I didn t expect that I was going to win anything. I am so thankful to God and everyone who allowed me to have this Grade) submitted wonderful opportunity. She added, This award encouraged me to connect my life to art and set my goals related to the field of art. Another participant was Sun-jung Yang (9 th Grade) who was always very interested in art. Her art work was displayed at the Exhibition last year and this was her second time participating. She was able to show the people her work again this time. She was glad with her improved art skill and the result she got this year for the art exhibition. She confidently said, I have talent in drawing and also I feel happy when I am drawing animation characters so I will be an animator. Our senior Anya Marchenko (12 th Grade) also was given the opportunity to exhibit her work again. To the question, Why do you think your art was chosen by the judges to be displayed?, she said with a smile, I think it s because my drawing was good and had a bright and delightful feeling in it. Anya is planning to have a future career in the art field. She said, My best is art, and I would love working in that field. Lastly, Jenny Han (10 th Grade) who was one of four Best of Best Award winners, said, I felt excited and surprised when I received this award because I did not expect it. Although I don t want to major in the art field, I still like to draw and paint as a hobby. Korea International Fine Art Exhibition had started to encourage the ACA art students to be more creative and will continue to positively influence the future Picassos, Rembrandts, and Monet of ACA. 3
Interview Kindergarten Interviews Ju Hyun Son: What do you think about Christmas? Shawn: Playing games with friends. Ju Hyun Son: Do you believe in Santa Claus? Shawn: Yes. I m waiting for him. Ju Hyun Son: What kind of present are you expecting? Shawn: Star Wars and Ninjago lego! By Ju-Hyun Son (10th Grade) Ju Hyun Son: What do you think about Christmas? David Singh: Presents!! Lego!!! Ju Hyun Son: Do you have any plan on Christmas? David Singh: Yes. I m going to India with my family. I get to have a dog and an eagle back in India. Ju Hyun Son: How do you feel about going to India? David Singh: Very exciting! I can t wait. Ju Hyun Son: Do you believe in Santa Claus? David Singh: No. Ju Hyun Son: What do you think about Christmas? Steffani Ezeanya: Santa Claus. Ju Hyun Son: What do you want from him? Steffani Ezeanya: I want a Barbie house. Ju Hyun Son: What will you be doing for Christmas? Steffani Ezeanya: My mom is thinking of inviting my friend Soha to our house. Ju Hyun Son: What else do you want? Steffani Ezeanya: and, and I want to have a snow fight. First Grade Interviews By Danny Choi (10th Grade) Danny: What does Christmas mean to you? Robin : It s when me, my family, and my friends celebrate Jesus birthday! It s also when I play with my family and friends, get- 4
Interview ting presents from Santa, making a Christmas tree. Precious: It s when I have fun with my friends and family. I like Christmas because Santa gives me a gift, me and my family make a Christmas tree, and I can eat a Christmas cake. I also love when me and my friends sing and dance together to celebrate Jesus birthday. Anthony: It s when Santa gives me a new gift, snow fight with my dad. I like Christmas also because I do not have to come to school and study. David : It s when I play with my family and friends. I can get some gifts from Santa, and we can eat good foods! Gurjot : It s when me and my family have fun playing games. I also get gifts and my family make good foods like bulgogi! Brian : It s when we celebrate Jesus birthday and have fun! Second grade Interviews By Beyker Muente (12th Grade) Christmas Interviews Gurnoor: My family celebrates Christmas sometimes, and I like it because it is fun and it snows and I get presents. At school we are going to celebrate Christmas, and a Christmas program. Do you like Christmas? Why do you like Christmas? Ashley: Yes. I like Christmas because at night, when I go to sleep and I wake up, I start to look for Santa and presents. I like Christmas because I get presents. Why do you like Christmas? Maida: I like Christmas because I get gifts from Santa. I play with snow and make a snowman, and also eat yummy things. And sing songs for Jesus and everyone. What does Christmas mean to you? Gift: Christmas means Jesus birthday, to me. And thanking Jesus, and loving Him, praising Him, worship Him and make snow ball, and snow-man. I like Christmas because I get gifts from Santa. In Christmas make everyone be healthy, pray to, love Jesus, loving God, and loving mom and dad, and loving everyone. Isaac and Sydney: Santa and snow. What is Christmas? By Artom Newell (11th Grade) E very year most of the world celebrates Christmas, even though, many of them do not believe in Jesus as their Savior. Parents continually put presents underneath the Christmas tree to keep up with the western tradition. We do not know the day when Jesus was born, but the first ever celebrated Christmas was on December 25, 336 by the Roman Catholic Church. Many people ask why we put gifts underneath a Christmas tree, where did this come (Continued on page 6) 5
Inside ACA from? A man named Saint Nicolas. The westerner culture made him as Father Christmas who visited kids at night and put gifts under the tree. People sometimes forget the true meaning of Christmas, but how do our ACA students celebrate this unforgettable event in history. We asked four of our 6 th graders what does Christmas means to them, and they all had interesting responses. Richard said It is Jesus birthday, I do not wish for any presents. I would just like to have a special day with my family and friends. One thing that I hope for is that it snows on Christmas, because it would be nice to play with the snow outside. Didi and Amasi, who are brother and sister, had similar responses. This is what they had to say, We celebrate Christmas by staying home drinking hot coco and watching movies about Christmas. Also we open gifts that our parents put underneath the tree; we both want smart phones this Christmas. Over all, it is almost like a regular day. We do almost the same things every day. Well, except that we get presents on Christmas. For Esther s family Christmas is very special. She said, We celebrate this day by having a Christmas dinner with family and we also invite close friends. This day is special because Jesus was born; this is a very meaningful day. But, I look forward for the presents underneath the tree in the morning. People across the world sometimes forget the true meaning of Christmas, and focus this day on themselves. Let s celebrate this Christmas for the right reason. How would you feel if nobody of your birthday party acknowledged it was your birthday? Therefore, let s have a meaning Christmas, and even though we might not get any presents, remember this verse: For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6 :23). More than 2000 years ago we all have received the greatest gift mankind will ever receive and that is, Jesus Christ. 6
Pictures K-League soccer player, Soo-il Kang (middle), visits ACA. Ms. Estrada s 3rd and 4th grade class Crystal and Sabina Hassan, with Santa Claus beard, being interviewed by Sergey. Beyker interviewing 2nd graders 2nd graders, Gurnoor and Sidney 6