“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10

We were reflecting how many Christmas’s we have spent overseas. (18 for me.) When we first moved to Thailand in 1999, Christmas ornaments were nearly impossible to find. We (the foreigners) all had the same skinny little tree and would give each other tips anytime we saw ornaments in a mall or bazaar… We bought plain green and red wrapping paper, and often made homemade baked goods to share. It was lovely, and simple. We gathered in the cold evenings and sang carols. We loved on each other’s children.

But, the Thais ALWAYS love a party, and a reason to celebrate a holiday. They seemed to awaken to the more joyous aspects of Christmas: the lights, the gifts, the singing, the food! The PRESENTS!! Suddenly the Thais were nearly as excited about Christmas as we were, even though most of them had not a single clue what it was originally all about.

I remember shaking my head in wonder as I walked through our local mall, marveling at the 4 story tree that shot up through the the center of the place. Elves perched everywhere one looked. Listening as ‘It Came Upon a Midnight Clear’ was piped through the mall sound system. The local Starbucks selling Peppermint Mocha coffees! Wow. Christmas had definitely arrived in Thailand.

Still, there was the disconnect for the ‘Reason for the Season’ so to speak. Not surprising, really. Many would say that we in the west have long ago forgotten what all the celebrating was supposed to be about.

“For, unto us a Child is born. Unto us, a Son is given. His name shall be called; Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father. The Prince of Peace.”

It was a marvel to see that joy, that happy celebratory spirit come upon a country, a culture, crossing the language and religious barriers. Something of the “Christmas Spirit” was being imparted. And it made our hearts warm.

An angel told those shepherds long ago: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy, which will be to ALL the people.”

Never underestimate the power of the Good News to infuse humanity. Christ’s entry into the world was a sign that God was with us. “You shall call his name ‘Emmanuel, God with us.’” What a joyful thought. God so loved this tired and broken world that He gave us His greatest gift: Himself, to be with us forever. May the glad tidings of Christ infuse YOUR heart with joy and peace this holiday season.

~ Debbie Ecker