In the spirit of Christmas

Being away from home during the Christmas season it's easy to get homesick and not fully appreciate what the season really means. At least that's how it's been for me the past three years. But somehow this year is different...

As I've mentioned before we've had plenty of discouraging moments that seemed to really beat us down. Though we haven't stopped facing discouragements, through it all I've learned to cling to God even more than I have before. Which in turn has given me a deeper hunger and thirst for Him, and has me thinking about Him and what He's done for us more often.

Then one morning I just woke up with a new song in my head wanting to sing praises to Him. Then that same day I started thinking about the next few days and occasions to come, which was Thanksgiving, then the Mslm Big Holiday, then Christmas. I began thinking about what I am thankful for, and the main thing that keeps coming to mind is how thankful I am that my salvation was not up to me, and that I don't have to make a sacrifice ever year hoping that it will be good enough to forgive my sins, and give me a relationship with God.

I started working on my Christmas card that day and I ended up writing a Christmas prayer; praying that those who don't know Jesus will receive the best gift ever this year, the gift of salvation. And that those of us who have this gift will be able to share it with those who don't.

Days leading up to the Mslm holiday all our friends and neighbors were getting excited and getting ready, in a similar way most of us would get ready for Christmas. During that time we got to share why we celebrate Christmas and what it means in terms of our salvation.

On the day of the Mslm holiday I woke up like it was Christmas day. I had my Christmas music playing, we got all dressed up like everyone else around us did, and we went to visit many of our friends and ate lots of food. The difference between us and them was I was celebrating because I was already saved. I am certain of my hope and joy, and my future, whereas they are happy because they have new stuff, and good food that day, and they believe their chances of being forgiven is greater on that day. Oh that they may know the gift of salvation, how much greater their joy will be.

In keeping with the spirit of Christmas we went in to the capital for a weekend, and it started out with a Christmas decorating party, followed by a birthday party, and visiting with friends and eating lots of treats. We also had an early morning shopping (almost like black Friday) for gifts and goodies, and getting new Christmas music, it almost felt like we were back in America... almost.

This year, though I will still miss my family and being home for Christmas, I'm thankful that God has reminded me what Christmas is all about even before Christmas day. Because really if we think about what God did that special day, and for those of us who accepted that gift He offered - well we should be celebrating everyday!

I pray you're already celebrating with me. Merry Christmas! God Bless!