One of my friends asked me what it's like to celebrate Christmas here. On the outside, I think most people would be surprised. Because of all the lights and decorations used for December 2. National Day, it looks like Christmas. The colors are all white, green and red, even. If you're from Dallas..it could be compared to an entire city dressed up like Highland Park or Swiss Avenue. :)The Malls have lights and decorations as well. This year we even hear carols in the stores sometimes. In fact, we see and hear Merry Christmas a lot. (It's actually ok to say that here..go figure. )
Our church is having all kinds of events as well. We'll be attending a Walk thru the Christmas story at church and we hope our neighbors from Australia will join us. Tonight we are going to the desert to sing carols and have a picnic. We have invited our friends from Serbia and Japan. I hope they can come.
So, all in all, the season is dressed up like Christmas. But it isn't.. it just doesn't feel the same. Eventhough there are lights on all the buildings we know they aren't there for Christmas..It's an empty substitute.
As I write about the things going on here , I realize that the real meaning of Christmas is in our choices, our actions, our reflection of our Saviour... What is my focus? Am I settling for that empty substitute?
If we could get a true glimpse of Christmas, we would swallow hard at the reality of what Christ began on that starry night. It is summed up in Hebrews 12:2: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning the shame, and sat down at the right of the throne of God." Ron DiCianni
So, tonight, when many of our good friends are gathered around the fire, under the desert stars, singing "Silent Night", I'll think about that. The real meaning of Christmas. Maybe you will, too. Love,
Mattie
