Merry Christmas!

Dec. 25, 2016
10:00 pm
Beijing, China

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Do you know what’s my favorite part about Christmas? No, it’s not the presents under the tree or the stocking over the fireplace. My favorite part of Christmas is the joy that surrounds us as we celebrate the gift of Ch—st J—s. But, yeah, opening presents also is a personal favorite moment of mine. It’s just so much fun to watch people open gifts. Their eyes light up and there’s a big exclamation. I especially love watching kids. Even if they made a list for Christmas and know almost exactly what they’re going to open Christmas morning, there’s just this excited happiness that bursts from them every time they tear off that wrapping paper.

This year for Christmas, I was amazingly blessed to be able to spend the day with the Fagg family. Taylor and I woke up around 7:45 to a house bustling with noise. The kids were so excited when we came out. They were already asleep when we arrived last night and I think Asher and Trevor had been wanting to wake us for a while. Cathy was wonderful and made both of us stockings with teacher presents (a planner, some pencils, stickers, etc.) and candy. It was so sweet and very unexpected. After everyone opened their stockings, we sat down to breakfast. I had a moment of homesickness when we first sat down. Every year for Christmas, my family eats homemade cinnamon roles and breakfast casserole. You’ll never guess what the Faggs eat on Christmas morning. The only thing missing was the Cheese and Sausage Crap. The moment passed quickly, though, and I enjoyed getting to talk and catch up with all the kids around the table.

We left for ch—ch around 9:30 and had a great service. I want to quickly share with you the passage we discussed. I don’t remember it ever having been used as the focal point for a Christmas service before, but I really enjoyed it today. Isaiah 9:1-7 is one of the most widely known prophecies of the coming messiah. In it, Isaiah talks about the coming of a king who will save Israel from its oppressors. Verse 6 is one often used this time of year, “… his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” During the service, the pastor spoke for the context of this time period and the struggles that Israel was experiencing. He said that the people of Israel had been living in darkness, not because they were forced to, but because they chose to. They chose to live in their sin, just as we sometimes do, even when we know what the outcome will be. Additionally, the people had always believed that the coming king would be like King David. He would control the government and rule over Israel, leading them into a time of ever lasting peace. Instead, Abba sent down His son as a child, the most innocent and fragile being to save us from our sins. How crazy is that?! Finally, we looked at the last verse, “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end… the zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” The rule of J—s will never end, in fact, it continues to grow. We did a quick mic pass and found out that the people of that congregation came from 55 different countries, 10 of which I had never even heard of. It’s a bit insane to think that this one teeny, tiny country spread the news of JC so well and so far that it has reached the entire world. It’s even crazier to know that evidence of that growth was sitting in that auditorium with me. But Abba certainly has a plan, and I know He will see it through.

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After ch—ch Taylor and I went back home with the Faggs. We opened the rest of the Christmas presents. Again, they were so so nice and gave each of us a couple more small gifts. It was such a wonderful surprise. I certainly hadn’t expected anything, but it was such a blessing to receive. The kids enjoyed opening their various presents, carefully wrapped and placed under the tree. Again, I had a small burst of longing as I watched them open the presents and knowing that I wasn’t going to be there for that with my family this year. I didn’t have long to dwell, though, because Asher or Trevor were always there with a quick smile or a funny story.

Taylor had to leave soon after presents were finished, but I was able to stick around for a couple games and a quick movie. It was amazing to spend the day with them and I will be forever grateful for the extraordinary gift they gave me. I’m not talking about the physical presents. I mean the gift of time. The gift of letting me into their home and their lives for this glorious holiday. I can never repay them for the joy and happiness they brought into my life today. I cannot think of a better way to spend my first Christmas away from my family.

Tonight has been a bit harder. Leaving the Faggs’ house was difficult. Coming home to an empty apartment was a bit jarring. I’m alright, though. It’s hard, but Abba has this and I know that this is where I’m needed. Plus it makes it a lot easier knowing that I will be FaceTiming the family in a few hours to say hi while they have Christmas brunch. I’m looking forward to seeing them and spending a few minutes of their Christmas Day with them.

I actually kind of hope you didn’t read this today and are instead reading it on Dec. 26. I p—y that you all have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. Praise Abba for the gift that He gave in the sending of His son and praise Him for the other gifts that He gives you every day. Be safe and Abba bless.

Merry Christmas,
Kristen