It is difficult to describe how thrilled we were to be able to celebrate Christmas this year with our families… most importantly, our children. Honestly, the last 3 Christmas holidays didn’t seem very thrilling at all as we observed them in Eastern Europe. This is not to slight the Eastern Europeans but an reality brought about by the separation of our family. Celebrating a “family” holiday overseas while separated from your children is one of the sacrifices you might make if you serve as missionaries. Some with younger children are blessed to have them under roof but in our case that was not so.
This year we made up a bit for the last 3 years of missing these special family gatherings. I know that I started getting into the “Christmas Spirit” much earlier than usual and had the tree up and decorated earlier than ever and started buying a few simple gifts to place under the tree at a pace that surprised my whole household. I just couldn’t stop myself! I was at home in Tennessee with my children nearby and one of them under my roof at that! Christmas music soon started flooding the house and grown children started shaking packages. It was Christmas!
Ok, before you think that I have lost my mind in the whirlwind of commercialism, I also had the true Spirit of Christmas in my heart. The celebration of the birth of the Christ child… singing carols at local nursing homes, leading a special musical at Antioch Baptist Church. Yes, Jesus was also a focus of my heart and efforts. How could I forget to honor the One who came to save me? I am thankful to have these opportunities to show the love of Jesus to the public in general, the church, and my community. I pray that you had an excellent Christmas season and that you renewed your focus on the Babe who was born to save a sinful word… amen.
