Noel. Emmanuel. Merry Christmas.

Wow, I haven't written in almost two months, and when I did it was to talk about my last trip. Since then, I've gone on another (amazing!!) trip, sola, and been wrapping up with goodbyes, not presents.

I was going to start my annual end of the year post, but I thought, why rush things, we still have the birth of our Savior to celebrate, so behold, a Christmas post.

I'm actually semi getting our house decorated for Christmas. Around Thanksgiving I put out our mini tree and the lights up. When you leave in January, it's never too soon to decorate. Christmas just don't feel like Christmas this year. Not only is it not cold or snowy, but even more so, I'm not going to be with my parents. This time last year I was anticipating their arrival. I'm not super sad to not be with them given that in less than a month we'll be together again, but it will be the first time ever to not wake on the 25th with them. Praise God for the families He's given me here at my side.

Another reason it doesn't seem like Christmas is because we haven't sung any Christmas carols at church yet this year! So, I'm counting to fit them all in tomorrow. Haha. It's been me on my own listening to a variety on youtube to get my caroling and Christmas hymns in.

One in particular hit really close to heart this year as I was listening one morning that I'm sure you know. O Holy Night in first few stanzas says:

O Holy Night

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth

Long lay the world in sin and e'er pining

'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

I was wonderstruck when I realized what we're singing about a thrill of hope. Imagine the scenery. The Jews are living under Roman control waiting desperately for this Messiah. It was a weary world they lived in, paying taxes (can I get an Amen?) and submitting to a government you are not in agreement with? (double that Amen) Then comes this Angel to Mary saying she will give birth to a Savior! What?! That is cause for rejoicing!! 

Is it not the same today? Don't we live in a weary, weary world?? Troubles at every trouble. I mean every corner you look I see restless people. BUT. The message of hope is the same. There is hope. Because Jesus Christ is the same. Yesterday. Today. Forever, his word promises it! And he cannot change. He cannot break his promise. Look it up! Hebrews 13:8.  

This Christmas season I've had two friends I've been watching walk through terrible awful familiar situations, and in one, God healed completely. The other, God has showed his power and grace in other ways. I think of them as I write this knowing that God is sovereign in ALL things, good and bad, to receive the glory for all. While we don't always understand this side of heaven what we go through, we can be sure He doesn't allow us to go through any trial that isn't without benefit for He loves us as his children. 

With that same prayer and confidence, I enter into this next week remembering that Christ our Savior entered this world with a mission, to be God with us, teaching us (because we're so fallen and hard headed) but with patience and loving us to the cross. We too need to love our neighbors, with patience, pointing them to the cross.