This year, Christmas just wasn’t the same.
Christmas Eve did not bring a candlelit service, where my local church family celebrated the Savior’s birth and shared sweet rolls and apple cider. Instead, my World Race family went out to dinner at a Pakistani restaurant and shared naan.
Christmas Eve did not bring a slow car ride around the neighborhood, looking at the luminaries and thinking about the Light of the world. Instead, my World Race family took a walk in the tropical night, looking at the stars and celebrating when we found one house with a strand of Christmas lights hanging from the courtyard overhang.
Christmas Eve did not bring hot chocolate and opening Christmas pajamas by the fireplace. Instead, my World Race family gathered around our miniature tree and exchanged simple gifts like chocolate, new pens, and snacks. Then we walked to a place we call the white tent and got hot Milo (a very popular chocolate drink).
Christmas Day did not bring younger brothers waiting on the stairs in anticipation, calling the family dog up to wait for Dad to give the okay to come downstairs. It did not bring a quiet family celebration of carols, the Christmas story, and the culmination of the Advent candles. Instead, it brought an 8am service with my World Race family and our contacts where we sang carols, heard a testimony, and received a message about redemption and restoration.
Christmas Day did not bring a meal with extended family, playing games and enjoying time together. Instead, it brought a wonderful Indian meal prepared by our contacts and eaten with our fingers.
Christmas may not have been the same this year, but then, neither am I. Even though I missed my family, our traditions, and all the trappings of an American Christmas, I loved my World Race Christmas. God really brought home the real reason for Christmas, and I was blessed to have the opportunity to experience it. The Gospel story in all its magnificent simplicity reigned on Christmas. And as I worshiped God for His provision, I knew that I will always have an amazing Christmas, no matter where I am in the world.
