We found a tree at the local supermarket and were very excited! It just doesn't "feel" like Christmas without the cold, snow, and family. It is very revealing to see how much of what I think Christmas is; is wrapped up in a culture and a climate. So, we are looking forward to the learning opportunity that this is in experiencing and thinking about Christ and his birth in different ways this season. Sweating under the plus 30 sun far from family makes us think more about what Christ did for us. He left His heavenly home and came and dwelt amongst us as a man. His obedience, sacrifice and supremacy call us to obedience. Christmas should remind us that we are called to lives of obedience to Christ. Bonhoeffer writes, " The call to follow implies that there is only one way of believing on Jesus Christ, and that is by leaving all and going with the incarnate Son of God."
I've always thought that for me the hardest part about living somewhere warm would be to celebrate Christmas without the snow and family as well. We will be praying for you guys lots this season. We know that the true reason to celebrate can be done in any place, but it is always nice to be able to be with family. I wonder how Mary felt that first Christmas, being far from home with a new baby. I'm sure that this experience will help you guys truly appreciate the season in a new way.
ReplyDelete