CHRISTMAS ... Remembering the Reason...

I’m sitting under a brilliant blue sky, enjoying the warm sun. Huge birds are flying overhead. A donkey just made its funny noise and children are playing a game of soccer in a nearby field. A light breeze brings smells of spices and roasting coffee.

 

 

 

Is it really the Christmas season????

 

Having grown up in the mid-west part of the USA, the Christmas season was in full array by this mid- December date. Temperatures would now be cold. Stores decorated in reds and greens. Houses displaying colorful Christmas lights. Stores would be bustling with shoppers and Christmas music helping to set the atmosphere. Special hot chocolate drinks and coffees and candles, candies/pastries would be tempting.

 

 

Are these the things we now most associate with Christmas?

 

Many love the season and the generosity and hospitality that seems more evident.

 

But what is the true meaning of Christmas and why do we celebrate? Has the real message, the real meaning been lost?

 

Christmas is when we remember and celebrate the greatest gift ever given. A gift from God to us, the gift of Jesus, His son, paying for sin. We were separated and condemned, unable to reconnect with God and unable to be free- to live in relationship with God and live into our life purpose.

 

But God did the unthinkable. Creator entered creation to redeem us, a people, a family, for His own and His glory.

 

 

What an undeserved, unfathomable gift!!!! But do we remember He did this?

 

Can people still see that He came? Can they still hear this amazing story and truth as they enter churches this holiday season? Past the decorations and lights, can they hear the story of what was done, can they see the evidence of this gift being given? 

 

It won’t be the lights, the food, the coffee, the decorations- that will tell the story. For God’s family is not a building decorated. It’s a people- whose lives have been altered by the life-giving and life-changing power of Jesus Christ. It’s the people whose lives will reflect their King and His gift.

 

Can people see Him in us? May it be so!!!! And may this love, this change, be so attractive, that others will want the gift too!

 

In ten days, I will travel home for Christmas. As I pass through the hustle and bustle of airports and holiday traffic, I will be remembering Jesus. I'm so thankful for Him. For giving His life for mine. For giving me a purpose and a place in His family. The chance to know Him and love Him and serve Him and spend forever with Him!!! May we celebrate Him and honor Him this holiday season.  May we not forget He is the gift we celebrate!!!!

 

This writing helps give perspective...

 

ONE SOLITARY LIFE…

He was born in an obscure village

The child of a peasant woman

He grew up in another obscure village

Where he worked in a carpenter shop

Until he was thirty when public opinion turned against him

He never wrote a book

He never held an office

He never went to college

He never visited a big city

He never travelled more than two hundred miles

From the place where he was born

He did none of the things

Usually associated with greatness

He had no credentials but himself

He was only thirty three

His friends ran away

One of them denied him

He was turned over to his enemies

And went through the mockery of a trial

He was nailed to a cross between two thieves

While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing

The only property he had on earth

When he was dead

He was laid in a borrowed grave

Through the pity of a friend

Nineteen centuries have come and gone

And today Jesus is the central figure of the human race

And the leader of mankind's progress

All the armies that have ever marched

All the navies that have ever sailed

All the parliaments that have ever sat

All the kings that ever reigned put together

Have not affected the life of mankind on earth

As powerfully as that one solitary life

by Dr James Allan Francis © 1926

 

 

Let's not forget Jesus this holiday season. He changed and is changing EVERYTHING!

 

Luke 2:10-11

Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!

 

Prayer Requests

-Please pray a strong finish for me for my ETC semester. I have two exams to give this week and final grades to turn in. What an honor it has been to be part of the ETC staff and team and to get to help build the current and future church leaders of Ethiopia.

 

 

-Please pray for me as I continue teaching at Hope- that I can handoff my teaching load and prepare students for my return in January- and that God will also help me with a good finish to this semester in late January. I've loved my time helping with Student Parliament and also with my Bible study students! 

 

Culture Day, November 2016

-Please pray for my travel- for safety for the holidays.

-Please pray for my time at home with my family. Though the time will be short, please pray we can rest and enjoy each other as we celebrate Jesus and this past year, 2016.

-Please pray for support I need to raise while I’m home for supplies and airfare. If you’d like to give to that, let me know.

-Please pray for my return in January. Quickly I will be starting a new semester at ETC. Please pray that I can be ready. Also, I will have to process my work permit the day after I return, please pray for that process.

 

Hope to see and/or connect with you many of you while I’m home!

 

Thank you for helping me continue here with your support and prayers!!

 

With a grateful heart, from Ethiopia…  BLESSED HOLIDAY TIME TO YOU!