CHRISTmas Delights

Where would I be without Christ? If you're like me - you have those days when you wonder if you really are a devoted Christian - or is it all a hoax perpetrated on mankind. Whenever I get in that frame of mind, I remember that my assurance comes from the written Word and is enhanced by all the times that I actually encountered Him in the daily living of my life.

Well, I had another one of those fruitful experiences this past week. It started with Breanne and Scott's wedding on the 20th. It was so very lovely and so Christ focused that I began recalling all the changes that He has brought into our marriage. Too many to try to share - but so real. Then we moved on to Christmas Eve at our church.

We are not a 'with it' church - the 'it' being all the trimmings of the contemporary church - band - drums - praise singers - pastoral jokes etc. We really are a very traditional church with a small congregation - wonderful choir and small orchestral ensemble - reading of lots of Scripture and singing the old Reformed Hymns. On Christmas Eve, we were really drawn back to the miracle of the incarnation. "God became flesh and dwelt among us..."

Our Christmas celebration was festive and fun. The dinner that followed, thanks to the cooking magnificence of Mrs. Chris (Jihae) was a wonderful turkey and ham dinner with all the goodies. But best of all was the warmth and relational interaction of parents to children,- brother to brother - sister to sister - and everything in between. We thank God for all of our loved ones. What a gift he has given us in them.

Watching Justin throw the babies up and down endlessly was hilarious. Meeting one of Chris's police buddies was enlightening. Reliving the wedding while we looked at the pictures that Susie had thoughtfully put into two albums was great. Watching the Suns lose their Christmas Game in the last four seconds was.......Well - you fill it in.

So now we face the start of a new year. It looks like it could be a difficult one in some ways. But - here again - we have to remember that our citizenship is not truly in this world, though we are challenged to participate as if it were. We are reminded again to pray for our leaders and our nation - and for the peace of the world. Maranatha.

Thank God for the Christ that became flesh and dwelt among us.