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christmas writing contest gives food for holiday thought

Story and photos by LIZ QUIRIN
Messenger editor

The Messenger sponsored a Christmas writing contest and invited all Catholic youth in the diocese from first through 12th grade to submit an entry. After many hours of reading the more than 700 entries from across the diocese, winners were selected.

It was very difficult to choose just one winner, but we finally did. All of the entries expressed what we believe is the “spirit of Christmas,” the willingness to give, to share, to be mindful of others. Often the young contestants said this should not be a “Christmas only” time to practice the giving, sharing and mindfulness. This should be a way of living every day all year long.

Winners were selected in four categories: first-third grade, fourth-sixth grade, seventh-ninth grade and tenth-12th grade. Each of the winners will receive a cash prize of $25.00 from The Messenger.
And the Winners Are:

Elena Rolves
Albers Elementary School, Albers, Grade 2
St. Bernard Parish, Albers
I live the spirit of Christmas when I remember that Jesus was born on Christmas day and it reminds me that Christmas isn’t all about presents it’s about Jesus being born. Jesus is the one who brings light, happiness, and joy to the world on Christmas day. We make Christmas a special holiday because Jesus was born on that day. God made Christmas special just for Jesus’ birthday. That is why everybody who is Catholic should know Jesus’ birthday. Jesus should be proud of when he was born because he was the first present to the world.

Rachel Kirsch
St. Mary School, Mt. Vernon, Grade 6
St. Mary Parish, Mt. Vernon
I live the spirit of Christmas when I deliver presents to people who need them. When my family and I are delivering them, I feel like I am making a difference in their lives. Once they open the door to us they look sojoyful and thankful, that sometimes I think they want to hug US. Normally, when I do this, I do it with my family. It includes my mother, father, two sisters and my brother. I hope I can continue to deliver presents and that the people who receive the gifts will enjoy them.

Holland Hempen
All Saints Academy, Breese, Grade 8
St. Dominic Parish, Breese
“I Live the Spirit of Christmas when I see others sharing their time with friends and family; I see a father show unconditional love for his children. Showing the spirit for others is just like following Jesus in his ways. The spirit shows me people are poor and they need the help of others and me. The spirit tells me, I live the spirit when I help a child in trouble, or when I just give a simple, warming smile to a hurting neighbor. It’s more than just seeing the kind acts, its doing the acts and believing in them.”

Kelsey Barbeau
Gibault Catholic High School, Waterloo, Grade 11
St. John the Baptist Parish, Red Bud
I live the spirit of Christmas when I “Pay it Forward.” I thank God each day for all the special blessings that I have received in my life. Therefore, I pay my blessings forward to those in need by donating my time, money, or just someone. It makes my heart feel that I am working in the image of Jesus. I thank God for the opportunity to do this. HOPE is something I believe in. I hope that everyone will live the spirit of Christmas by reaching out to do good for someone.

Honorable Mention

Chloe Graff
Immaculate Conception School, Columbia, Grade 2
Immaculate Conception Parish
I live the spirit of Christmas when I make presents for my family and friends. I pray for the less fortunate, and I wrote Santa Claus a letter asking him to give some of my presents to them too.

Sarah Sebenoler
St. Clare School, O’Fallon, Grade 5
St. Nicholas Parish, O’Fallon
I live the spirit of Christmas when I go down the stairs on Christmas morning. My parents and brothers are all so happy to see the tree. But even better is choir on Christmas Eve. We sing all the Christmas carols I ever learned. I always sing as long as I can. Christmas isn’t just about presents. Underneath, there’s a feeling of something deeper and more holy, but many people don’t dig that far under presents. There’s more to Christmas than decorating with lights, but decorations are still what makes it look like Christmas.

Katie Liefer
St. John the Baptist School, Red Bud, Grade 8,
St. Patrick’s Parish, Ruma
I live the spirit of Christmas when at home with my family, when at school with my friends and when in church with Jesus.

Christmas is a special time of the year when we get to celebrate the birth of Jesus. As Christmas comes closer we prepare for his birth and celebrate it. Sometimes people forget what the real reason or celebration of Christmas really is. It’s not about receiving gifts; it is about Jesus giving us the gift of life.

Some people think that Christmas is only for a day and then you’re done and it is over, but it really isn’t. Christmas should continue all year long. Celebrating what Jesus has done for us is a gift worth giving to others.

Emily Flake
Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville, Grade 10
I live the spirit of Christmas whenever I join my family members gathered together in unity. Last Christmas, I experienced the miracle of two of my uncles putting aside a long-time fight and joining the entire family for our Christmas celebration. This special reunion was a true blessing for our family and bonds of love were strengthened.
The miracle of the season and God’s love entered the hearts of my uncles and allowed them to begin the processes of reconciliation and forgiveness. I discovered that supporting, loving, and forgiving others is the best way to live the Christmas spirit.