Noel

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through Greater Grace church a buzz of activity and Christmas cheer floated about. Emmanuel and Debora were laughing and dancing about as a chatter of adult conversation and greetings filled the church. They had prayed fervently for presents on Christmas and anxiously waited to see if Jesus answered their prayers. A feast was being prepared in celebration of Jesus’ birthday. Friends, old and new, were gathering to sing Christmas carols and read the Christmas gospel. The American team reenacted the Christmas story to laughter and applause but when they sang “Deck the Halls” what a clashing cacophony arose! At last, an answer to prayer were gifts all around for community was here to bless God’s family at Christmas.

 

‘Twas a little past midnight on Christmas and all through Greater Grace a hush fell over Shekinah as they lay huddled around a small computer screen awaiting the showing of Home Alone. Shortly after the start of the movie, Austin and Sam peaked around and noticed all of the girls had drifted off to sleep. With cookies and milk laid out for Santa, the anticipation rose as Santa’s elves worked ’round the clock to complete their Secret Santa gifts.

‘Twas Christmas morning and all through Greater Grace an excitement was rising as Shekinah greeted each other with a cheery “Merry Christmas!” Papa Austin read the story of the birth of baby Jesus from Luke 2, as they reflected on the reason for Christmas. Santa’s gifts were revealed as each elf arose and presented their gift – Sam-made shoes for Brittany, headphones for Sam, a new journal for Monica, a tuner for Austin, Scrabble and Sudoku for Brenda, song and art journal for Rebecca, and an umbrella and booties for me – what a blessing to us on this Christ’s birthday. An extra bonus from Papa Austin, stockings we did receive filled with candy and thoughtful treats. In God’s provision, a bountiful brunch was served of apple cinnamon pancakes, kofte
sausages, deviled eggs, potato wedges, and fruit.                                                       Team Shekinah with our Christmas stockings

‘Twas Christmas afternoon and all through Greater Grace a chatter was stirring as other teams arrived to share in the celebration of Jesus’ birth with tea and cookies. As we greeted each other, “Merry Christmas!” a smile and a hug, the cheer and jubilation of Christmas extended to our J-squad family. With merriment and laughter, conversations and fellowship grew and games begun of Bananagrams and UNO, while others worshiped with hymns from Austin’s new songbook. Soon each scattered to Starbucks and other places to Skype their families and friends at home as they arose on Christmas morn.

 

‘Twas Christmas night and all through Greater Grace church all the people were worshiping, their hearts stirring. Voices raised to the heavens, hearts crying out, praying in the Spirit, and shouts of celebration were heard throughout. Language was not a barrier as each worshiped the Lord, thanking God for sending Jesus to earth to provide a way for us to reconcile with God through His death and resurrection. Arms lifted high or bowed low to the ground, we worshiped Him whose birth the angels sang about more than 2,000 years ago in a lowly stable in Bethlehem. Celebrating Jesus and family, each drifted off to sleep. Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Stan, Sam, Gabriel, Austin, Jack, and Gift