Selamat Natal! Merry Christmas from this beautiful country!
What is Christmas like here? I don’t think I can totally describe it with words. My heart has been so full this year for so many reasons, but most of all because a new version of Christmas has emerged.
I’ve always loved Christmas. Growing up with a Kindergarten teacher Mother and a Christmas light extraordinaire Father left little room for any sad faces during the Christmas season. Our house was filled to the brim with trees and decorations and lights and all kinds of happiness. The Grinch (for those of you who know me well) was always, always playing. You could have called us all the Holiday Cheermeister. I have a new appreciation for putting lights on the house with gloves because my fingers are so cold, and I really did miss it more than I thought I might this year. Being in this far from cold country during this season has really changed a lot about how I view Christmas. It’s not cold here, but people still drink coffee and tea like crazy. It’s highly unlikely that we’ll ever see any snow. There are a lot of things that are different, but mainly, my family ain’t in this country…well not at least my blood family.
Immanuel, God with us.
That’s it. He came. And I’ve been overwhelmed this Christmas season that Christmas is, in so many ways, the beginning. Of course, the Redemption story began before the foundation of the world. But the baby in the manger is the beginning in so many ways as well. It’s new this year because when I look at the manger I can’t help but look at the Cross. And I see that although I’d rather be hangin’ with the family, I know that He’s worth it. And to be honest, I’ve been filled with a really unexplainable peace and overwhelming joy this season. Of course, there are ups and downs, but I know that He is always good in all of it.
I would’ve missed this:
Long time ago in Bethlehem
So the Holy Bible say
Mary's boy child Jesus Christ
Was born on Christmas day
Hark now hear the angels sing
A new king born today
And man will live forevermore
Because of Christmas day
I got to Skype with the family so much over the holidays, what a blessing! It doesn’t look all that different than the videos above! I am so, so, SO blessed!
What is Christmas like here? I don’t think I can totally describe it with words. My heart has been so full this year for so many reasons, but most of all because a new version of Christmas has emerged.
I’ve always loved Christmas. Growing up with a Kindergarten teacher Mother and a Christmas light extraordinaire Father left little room for any sad faces during the Christmas season. Our house was filled to the brim with trees and decorations and lights and all kinds of happiness. The Grinch (for those of you who know me well) was always, always playing. You could have called us all the Holiday Cheermeister. I have a new appreciation for putting lights on the house with gloves because my fingers are so cold, and I really did miss it more than I thought I might this year. Being in this far from cold country during this season has really changed a lot about how I view Christmas. It’s not cold here, but people still drink coffee and tea like crazy. It’s highly unlikely that we’ll ever see any snow. There are a lot of things that are different, but mainly, my family ain’t in this country…well not at least my blood family.
There’s more, as there always is. This country’s weather reflects it’s people. Warm. I have never been welcomed into so many homes, invited to so many Christmas services, received as many Christmas “SMS'”, and given so many precious gifts. I’ve been asked by bule and local alike how I’m doing, how my family is, if I need anything, if I want to hang out, and on and on and on. I feel and felt so loved and cared about by so many. And you know? Even if that wasn’t the case, He would still be enough. But these people have shown me what Christmas is. That’s the message of Christmas right there. We’re never alone. Even in the darkest night, we are never alone, because He came.
Immanuel, God with us.
That’s it. He came. And I’ve been overwhelmed this Christmas season that Christmas is, in so many ways, the beginning. Of course, the Redemption story began before the foundation of the world. But the baby in the manger is the beginning in so many ways as well. It’s new this year because when I look at the manger I can’t help but look at the Cross. And I see that although I’d rather be hangin’ with the family, I know that He’s worth it. And to be honest, I’ve been filled with a really unexplainable peace and overwhelming joy this season. Of course, there are ups and downs, but I know that He is always good in all of it.
I would’ve missed this:
Some of our sweet neighbors came to our house for a Christmas party!
Long time ago in Bethlehem
So the Holy Bible say
Mary's boy child Jesus Christ
Was born on Christmas day
Hark now hear the angels sing
A new king born today
And man will live forevermore
Because of Christmas day
I got to Skype with the family so much over the holidays, what a blessing! It doesn’t look all that different than the videos above! I am so, so, SO blessed!
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