Read our latest community newsletter to learn about news and activities at Royal Atrium Inn Assisted Living!
DECEMBER 2024 Life Style ROYAL ATRIUM INN
Life at Royal Atrium Inn A Message from Rick VandenBerg
Celebrating Christ’s birth is a time for Christians to reflect on the core message of Christianity: love, humility, and salvation. The nativity story underscores themes of peace and goodwill, which are echoed in traditional Christmas carols and hymns sung during the season. These songs, such as “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night,” not only narrate the birth of Christ but also evoke a sense of reverence and joy that permeates the holiday. In addition to religious observance, Christmas is marked by various cultural practices that enhance the celebration. Churches often hold special services, and nativity plays, which bring the story of Christ’s birth to life, while families might gather for readings of the nativity story or participate in Advent calendars and prayers leading up to Christmas Day. These activities help to center the holiday on its spiritual significance amid the more commercial aspects of the season. The tradition of giving gifts, while often associated with Santa Claus and holiday shopping, also has roots in the nativity story. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh presented by the Magi symbolize the
Love, Humility, and Salvation at Christmas Celebrating the birth of Christ at Christmastime is a tradition steeped in profound significance and
rich cultural practices. As Christians around the world observe this festive season, the celebration of Jesus’ nativity becomes a central theme, intertwining spiritual reflection with joyful festivities. The essence of Christmas revolves around commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, a figure central to Christianity. According to the biblical narrative, Jesus was born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph in humble circumstances, marking the arrival of a savior who would bring hope and redemption to humanity. This sacred event is described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, which recount the nativity story with vivid details, including the angelic announcements, the star that guided the Magi, and the simple yet profound setting of the manger.
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www.RoyalAtriumInn.com (616) 772-1248 | rai@provlife.com | 400 Parkside Drive | Zeeland, MI 49464
recognition of Jesus’ divine kingship and his role as a spiritual leader. In this sense, the act of gift-giving during Christmas can be seen as a reflection of the broader theme of generosity and the spirit of giving that Christ exemplified. Christmas decorations, including nativity scenes, lights, and stars, further enhance the celebration by creating a festive atmosphere that reminds people of the nativity story. These symbols serve as visual reminders of the reason for the season and help to focus attention on the spiritual aspects of Christmas amid the seasonal merriment. Celebrating the birth of Christ at Christmastime is more than a religious observance; it is an opportunity to embrace and share the values of love, peace, and generosity that Jesus represents. Through religious traditions, cultural practices, and personal reflection, the celebration of Christ’s birth continues to inspire and uplift people around the world, making Christmas both a deeply meaningful and joyous occasion.
At the Table The Origin of the Candy Cane
The origin of candy canes is thought to have originated in Germany in 1670 by a choir master who sought to quiet children in church. He shaped candy sticks into hook shapes to give it religious symbolism. These represented shepherds’ hooks of the nativity, thus legitimizing the sweets as appropriate for use in church! White symbolized the purity of Christ, and red stood for the blood of Christ. Candy cane popularity spread, and they were given at events celebrating the nativity throughout Germany. By the early 19th century, the confections appeared in America, and by 1882, they were hung on Christmas trees.
Comedy Corner From Tom Haveman (The man who changes your lightbulbs) What do you call a
snowman with a six-pack? An abdominal snowman, of course!
www.RoyalAtriumInn.com (616) 772-1248 | rai@provlife.com | 400 Parkside Drive | Zeeland, MI 49464
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Life Enrichment Activities for December
4 th
Dollar Tree Outing 1:00 p.m. Bus Departure
18 th Christmas Lights Tour Outing 6:30 p.m.. Bus Departure
19 th Food Talks with Jessica 3:00 p.m. — Activity Room
5 th
Catholic Communion 1:30 p.m. — Upstairs dining room
8 th
Faith Ref. Church Carolers 4:45 – 5:15 p.m. Outside of the dining rooms on both floors
20 th Linda’s Piano Program 2:00 p.m. — Activity Room
21 st Cookie Decorating Party 2:00 p.m. — both dining rooms
10 th Zeeland Girl Scout Carolers 6:00 p.m. — Atrium Garden
23 rd Resident Walker Parade 1:30 p.m.
13 th The Stories Behind our Beloved Christmas Songs with Nancy B. 2:00 p.m. — Activity Room 15 th Hamilton High School Women’s Chorale Carolers During lunch hour on both floors
27 th Monthly Birthday Party 2:00 p.m. — Activity Room
www.RoyalAtriumInn.com (616) 772-1248 | rai@provlife.com | 400 Parkside Drive | Zeeland, MI 49464
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Chaplain’s Corner
through the darkness, eventually arriving at our cabins. When morning arrived, the van drivers surveyed the situation and discovered that there was another road leading to the cabins that ended right by the cabin doors. This road was unmarked and, therefore, couldn’t be seen in the darkness and snow of the night before. You can easily guess where the vans were parked at the end of the retreat when all the bags and suitcases had to be reloaded for the trip home. What a difference the daylight can make! In this Advent season, we await the arrival of the light of the world, Jesus. His arrival was prophesied in Isaiah 9:2, which says: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” John 1:4–5 verify that this light of the world is Jesus. “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” As we journey through Advent toward Christmas, remember to walk in the light! Blessings this Advent and Christmas!
When my son Adam (who is now 23!) was in fourth grade, I helped chaperone a group of fourth- through sixth grade students on a weekend retreat to a camp a few hours away. Our group of sixty students and leaders arrived at the camp well after dark, during the first heavy snowfall of the winter season. Our vans were guided to the base of a fairly steep gravel hill, which was blocked at its base by a locked gate. We were informed our sleeping quarters were at the top of this significant incline. By the light of a very dim flashlight, we unloaded our bags from the trailer. Each student and chaperone carried a large garbage bag with their sleeping bag and pillow in it, along with a duffel bag containing their clothes. Up the hill, through the mud and snow, we trudged
—Chaplain Cindy
www.RoyalAtriumInn.com (616) 772-1248 | rai@provlife.com | 400 Parkside Drive | Zeeland, MI 49464
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Announcements
Christmas Fun Facts 1. The first Christmas trees: Germans in the 16th century first introduced the idea of decorating trees. Back then, trees were adorned with fruits and nuts. Soon after, ornaments began to include paper cutouts and candles. 2. One big tree: The tallest Christmas tree ever erected was a 221 foot Douglas fir. The tree was displayed in downtown Seattle in 1950 and cost $19,000 at the time. 3. Baby Claus: In many Latin countries children don’t receive gifts from Santa Claus. Instead, their presents are from the baby Jesus himself! 4. X marks the spot: The X in X-mas actually represents the Greek letter Chi, which means Christ in Greek. 5. Traditional Christmas drink: The first eggnog was made in medieval England from a mixture of spices, curdled milk and ale. The drink known as posset would eventually become the eggnog we know today when egg was added to the mixture. 6. Happy and merry: Did you know It used to be more common to say Happy Christmas? It wasn’t until Charles Dickens published his much-loved novel, A Christmas Carol, that Merry Christmas became the standard holiday greeting.
The Royal Atrium family extends its heartfelt birthday greetings to all of our residents celebrating in December.
Last month we welcomed Bonnie S. , John L. , Judy L. , Ken V.B. , and Lila B. Extend a joyful greeting to these newcomers and give them a Providence welcome!
www.RoyalAtriumInn.com (616) 772-1248 | rai@provlife.com | 400 Parkside Drive | Zeeland, MI 49464
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Christmas Crossword Puzzle
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