I suppose what we DO have for Christmas is a reason to celebrate. We do have a cause to make us pause and give praise for the most amazing grace gift ever offered. While we may not have many 'things' here, our reason for celebrating during the holidays does not change. We are humbled even more by His gift to us as we watch how His love is ignored and pushed aside within this region. His written word is considered an invalid tampered-with historical document. Those who chose to accept His grace and mercy also make a choice to abandon a life they currently know and understand. Yet, He continues to pour out Himself for all peoples and nations. Now that is love. To continuing giving when few seem willing to receive what is freely given.
The other day I helped a friend sale Jordanian handicrafts at a Christmas fair. Before the afternoon of festivities began, Santa Claus had to make his grand entrance. Did he come in on a sleigh with reindeer leading the way? No...see for yourself! Boys and girls, now we know how children who live in this part of the world receive their gifts from Santa. He stops by their homes while riding on his trusty camel, Abu.
C called an hour ago to say that he just found out that he WILL have Christmas day off! I'm so thankful. He will have the week prior to Christmas off due to the Eid Holiday. What? Two Eid Holidays in one year? Yes. The first Eid follows the end of Ramadan. The second Eid comes approximately 6-8 weeks later. This is the time of year when lambs are sold for slaughter in atonement for their sins. It is also a reminder of what their Father Abraham did for his son--Ishmael. Sound familiar to anyone? s
Points to Ponder:
-C...teachers, you know better than anyone else how to lift up C and his work. Not only is it his first year teaching, he is working with a large numbers of students who do not converse easily in English. He continues to pour into all students, no matter the barriers.
-E...throwing a Christmas party for local and expat women this month. Ladies I've met are being invited to our home for one evening. To my knowledge, none of them haver ever been to a Christmas Party and most of them are curious and excited about coming. Several expat ladies will be joining me as well.
-C/E..thankful for 6 months of marriage, family & friend encouragements, and care packages from family!
-C--thankful that OU beat Missouri (couldn't resist typing that one in for C and all Sooner fans!)
- Thankful--for the physical healing of many manual labor workers in one night. Truly miraculous to hear how the Father poured out His healing and power for those in need.
