Feliz Navidad

"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

I love realizing what Christmas is really about. I've been taught all my life that it's not about gifts or Santa or decorations or carols or cookies... I think many would insist that it's "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays" because it's about Christ. But I'm coming to see that it's so much more than a baby in a manger. The Word became flesh. It's Emmanuel. It's God with us. That's life-changing. That's eternity-changing for those who believe.

My dad doesn't really like Christmas. Because of that, it's never been a big deal in our house... One aspect that I've come to enjoy in relation to that is that we don't feel tied to December 25th. It's not uncommon for us to exchange our few gifts on a different day. In fact, I would say it's uncommon for us to open presents on Christmas day. We decided yesterday afternoon to forego the time, effort, and materials for wrapping - and to just trade our gifts last night... That was really fun because (of course) I had been stocking up on things from Honduras for them, and I was excited to share the things I had chosen. I also received not one, but five Cubs shirts. I am now an official fan, thanks to my mom's talent for thrift store bargains!

Anyway... I enjoy the fact that we exchanged gifts before many people had even finished their last-minute shopping. For me, it took an emphasis off of those things. We by no means consider our holiday to be over just because the presents have been received. Instead, we can move on and focus on things of much greater significance.

Mom, Logan, and I spent a few hours at Children's Hospital today. Apparently much of the hospital shuts down on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The families who are stuck there over the holiday are often forced to eat food from the vending machines because the cafeteria is closed. In response to this, a few families who know what it's like to face a terrifying diagnosis, an uncertain treatment, and extended time in a very small hospital room have gathered together to organize the delivery of holiday meals to any and all patients, families, and staff members that they can find and feed.

It was an incredible experience to see God meet needs through this ministry. Many of us fought tears as some of the survivors tried to share faith and hope and the real sight of life after cancer and hair after baldness. One mom wept because of her son's recent diagnosis only to find out he has the same name and cancer as my sister and to feel the support and encouragement of other parents who have been there and want to help. I couldn't even count how many people were blessed with a hot holiday meal today in all areas of the hospital - on 4-Tower (the cancer floor), in the bone marrow transplant unit, in the ICU, and in other areas. Even though there are many strict regulations in healthcare these days, I hope and pray that things like this will continue to be allowed because I know they are important to all who are a part of that community.

Sidenote: As we entered the hospital, my sister said, "I hate this place..." The memories that she associates with that building are not positive. However, I see it differently. Every time I step foot on the premises, I can't help but dream of working there. Some see it as a place of sickness and death, but I see a place of healing and hope. Sometimes I wonder if I should go back to school to be a child-life specialist...

Tonight was the Christmas Eve Service at church, and I thoroughly enjoyed a simple time of worship, hearing the Word, and taking the Lord's Supper. I love the way that I feel perfectly at home at a worship gathering there, even when I'm in a room with almost 2,000 people that I don't know. And I love that in the last year and a half, I have gotten to know and to love many people there...

So while many children spend tonight thinking and dreaming of presents or staying up to track Santa online - my family will sleep soundly. But tomorrow does not bring disappointment. With it comes an abundant feast, a time of family worship, possibly a movie, and hopefully a lot of cooperation and productivity in the area of turning this house back into a home.

Have I mentioned the house looks great?!?! I definitely love the new flooring and the wall colors. I'm excited that my mom has a functioning laundry room once again... This has been and still is a lot of work, but I am praying that a day of completion and rejoicing is just around the corner. :)

Good night all!

"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6