Merry Chr1stmas and Happy New Year! I woke up to a beautifully decorated living room with paper snowflakes filling the air and Chr1stmas lights strung all along the walls. In the center was a small Chr1stmas tree with gifts wrapped creatively (primarily cut up grocery bags :0). Our socks were nicely arranged bursting with candy and encouraging notes. Preston, was dressed as Santa and greeted everyone with a Ho Ho Ho! We then read the Chr1stmas story in Luke together and opened our gifts from one another. We enjoyed banana pancakes and scrambled eggs for breakfast, before heading to church. During the service, the pastor invited the “Americans” to come up and share a Chr1stmas song. So, we did. We sang Joy to the World. Complete with a false start, and minor-ish hesitation upon initiating the second verse (because let’s be honest, how many of us really know the words beyond the chorus?). None the less, it was fun and a great way to share the Chr1stmas spirit. The children sang after us, which was delightful, and also humorous. Afterwards, the pastor preached about the coming of Je5u5 and His zeal for His children in Isaiah 9. Preston disappeared partway through the service, and then Santa arrived. He delivered gifts to all of the children. We finished the day by enjoying Jordanian coffee and American chocolate chip cookies and rice crispies. Everyone at the church loved the treats, and it was fun to be able to share a little bit of our culture with them.
Chr1stmas is a special day. We celebrate the greatest gift to the world, the birth of Je5u5. The Wonderful Counselor, Mighty G0d, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
“Glory to G0d in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14.
Christmas Takeaways
G0d is good. Persecution is real. Freedom is a gift.
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Isaiah 42:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
