Wednesday, December 18, 2019

When NOT in America for Christmas




The other day I was in my kitchen cooking breakfast while Christmas music played in the background. When the song "Here with Us" came on, I suddenly found myself in a full blown worship session as I was flipping french toast. The words of this song stirred me so deeply as God reminded me that He is here with us. 

I also couldn't help but be thankful for a Christmas season here in Uganda where there isn't all the hype and distractions that come with Christmas in my home country. There was no crazy Black Friday shopping, no Santas, and no pressure to have the most beautifully decorated house or cookies. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with those things. But those things can detract from what Christmas is truly all about.
   
Instead, this year, all we have is a simple Christmas tree and Advent Calendar. For our Advent reminder each day we have a reading we're doing together every morning after breakfast and then in the little box is a piece of paper that has a family Christmas activity to do for the day. Some examples are: bake Christmas cookies, sing Christmas carols by candlelight, or drink hot cocoa while sharing past Christmas memories. 


Please understand. I'm not trying to say our Christmas "traditions" are better than anyone else's. But I've had several American friends tell me this Christmas that they're jealous of me because I'm not caught up in the chaos and flurry of the Christmas season. And it hit me. So often missionaries really struggle during Christmas time because they miss the snow and cold weather, or the Christmas shopping and of course the family. And yes we do miss our family and friends especially deeply during this season. BUT what a special gift to be able to focus on the TRUE MEANING of Christmas and marinate in that rather than all the hustle and bustle. 

Click on the link below to listen to the beautiful song I love called "Here With Us"


2 comments:

URGENT LOAN OFFER said...

Emergency Cash Loans Hello Everybody, My name is Mrs. Phyllis Sue South. I live in UK London and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of $350,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 2 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of $350,000.00 U.S. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs. Phyllis Sue South that refer you to him. contact Dr. James Eric via email: financialserviceoffer876@gmail.com Whats-App +918929509036

Belti Boss said...

Hello everyone my names are Lisa Kelvin I am a single mother from California without taking much of your time I want to say thank you to Mr. Walter who helped me in getting me a loan without worries I got an Christmas loan of 10,000USD and his interest rate is low as 2% for more information contact walterrlooaninvestments@gamil.com and tell him Lisa referred you. Thank you Mr. Walter

Eli's sermon

  Eli got to preach at our church a few weeks ago. Feel free to fast forward through the music and announcements to his sermon. https://vime...