“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you…” John 13:34 NASB

One of the more delightful aspects of living in Thailand was the Thai’s absolute commitment to partying. It did not matter whose holiday it was the Thais would adopt it as their own and find a way to celebrate to the fullest, complete with decorations, music, and school closings. Josiah’s school celebrated not one but THREE New Years, (Thai, Chinese, and Western) and TWO Thanksgivings (Canadian and U.S.) Imagine our delight to be able to find Christmas trees and hear carols being played in the malls and markets all through December.

Every Thai church plans for months to hold a huge outreach service for their neighborhood, complete with music and skits, testimonies, decorations, prizes and gifts for all, food, food and more food all day long.

The Nativity story is shared, and the gospel, the Good News, preached to this largely non-Christian group of revelers. It is precious, and we have seen time after time, people responding to the invitation to come and give their lives to Jesus. To know the true Reason behind the Season. The Love of God given freely to us, in the gift of His Son.

It is a captivating story: A young family, mother heavily pregnant with no where to shelter to have her baby having to stay in the humble setting of an animal shed. Angels and shepherds attending. Songs coming from heaven. Joy to the World, the Lord is Come. Let Earth receive her King.

This upcoming Christmas season we may experience difficulty in finding the gifts we want to give our loved ones. One more problem to deal with. One more disappointment.

Before our hearts to become too acquainted with disappointment, let us remember that the birth of Jesus was the event that turned the tide of history. Love came down and rescued us.

We can embrace this as an opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with the simplicity of that first Christmas. Perhaps our celebrations can be more about the joy of being together and rejoicing in other’s well-being. Perhaps this will be the season that we are able to share our testimony with someone new. Have the neighbors over for cookies and hot chocolate and carols?

For we are rescued. We are redeemed. We are loved. We are known. We are blessed. SO very blessed. God in His mercy sent us His best.

Have a blessed, safe and meaningful Christmas. Friends, it is time to rejoice.

~ Debbie Ecker