This Christmas update is brought to you with two perspectives...
(Daniel)
Well, once again it’s Christmas Eve. I’m sitting here at the computer listening to the smooth sounds of some Christmas jazz while drinking a Root Beer. As the lingering sounds of “Oh Holy Night” float through the room my mind is taken back to other times and other places. Memories of smiling faces, loving looks, warmth, family, peace, candle light, bright eyes, excited shouts, and a true understanding of good will to all men. I can’t help but have my mind head out on its way wandering around back home to Kansas where the tree would always stand, decorated by my siblings and parents. In the background there was maybe some Barber Shop Christmas music playing; in the kitchen you could smell Jesus’ birthday cake cooking. You knew that later in the evening after you had all gone to bed, dad would be up for hours on end trying to get that new bike of yours put together. The thoughts in his head probably were not “Ho ho ho” or “peace on earth” as he crashed his knuckles against the frame every time the wrench slipped. Hey, it’s the thought that counts.
Thoughts…
Yeah, thought’s of Christmas. That’s what I’m thinking right now. But along with thoughts of Christmas and my family there also come thoughts of the rest of you. The rest of you faithful and loving people who have been praying for us each and every day during our time here in the field. There is no feeling in the world like knowing that there is someone who loves you and is thinking about you. Christmas gifts can help you feel that way but so does the spirit of comfort that comes when people are praying. I can’t even begin to tell you all how many times I’ve felt that spirit. When things were going bad and when it seemed that the whole world might be falling apart it was at those times when I felt it the most. The smooth and complete peace that comes when you know people are praying. You have a power against Satan’s kingdom that you would not otherwise have. Because of you we are able to do our work here. Because of you we are able to have a truly merry Christmas this year! May God give you His warmest blessings and bring you the gift of true peace this Christmas. May He be faithful to you in the same way you have been faithful to us. God bless you and keep you and may His mighty radiant light shine upon your family this year!
We all serve a truly awesome Lord. There is not like him, nor will there ever be. So many nights ago He came to earth to bring us life by giving His. Our prayer is that we would be able to remember that sacrifice in the following year as we too strive to sacrifice for the children of Taiwan. The light that we all know and feel burns dimly in the hearts of the people of Taiwan. There are a few bright lights here and there but most of the people here go though a Christmas full of “things” and “parties” but no peace. Please pray that this would be a great opportunity for us to share that light with the people around us. Although we love the feeling that Christmas brings, it’s our responsibility to share that light with as many people as we can. May God give us the chance and opportunity to do just that this year.
God bless you this Christmas and thank you so much for your continued prayers for the team. We couldn’t do it without you!!! Really…
(Joshua)
Now I wish I could say I’ve been looking forward to Christmas in fact in some senses I’ve been wishing it was already past and I wouldn’t have to think about it this year. I didn’t it think it would be this hard being away from the people I love. In fact it’s been really hard.
I’ve asked God why is it that the only thing I want for Christmas is something I can’t have. After all God everyone else is getting what they want for Christmas. This is a question that’s been running through my mind this last week.
Something God showed me two days ago was through one of my students. I was spending the evening with kids in Si Paw my school in the mountains. Now the kids put on a wonderful Christmas play/concert. Near the end of the evening it came time for them to have there dance party. (if that’s what you call it) Now I’m not someone who can dance let alone one who wants to but I found myself attempting to with the kids.
Christine this evening wouldn’t leave me alone for the life of me. If I could give her all the money in the world she still wouldn’t have left me alone. You see she kept pulling at me then would try to tickle me but it ended up hurting and even with my persistent attempts to have her stop she kept on going.
I finally gave up and said God what is up why won’t she leave me alone? It was as if he said... “Josh, why don’t you stop being selfish… how about you try loving her?” I finally sat there and allowed her to mess with my hair and make my face into whatever animal she could think of. As I sat there God gave me glimpse into this whole thing. No one takes the time to listen to her let alone shows her any attention. After my heart was broken she all of a sudden stopped and said … Josh teacher, I love you; Merry Christmas.
You know in all the hustle and bustle of our lives during this holiday season we find ourselves searching for the perfect gift whether its an Xbox’s to a big plasma TV or a new book to a diamond ring. We get caught up in the selfishness of getting what we want.
Christ over 2000 year’s ago didn’t come to earth so that we could turn this season into getting what we want. Yes it’s great to get gifts I’m not discounting that but we miss the greatest gift ever given, Jesus Christ. The reason he was born over 2000 years ago was to bring life, peace on earth, hope and love. Through Christine God has reminded me once again the purpose of this season. I don’t know if any of this makes any sense to you but although I didn’t get what I wanted this Christmas I was able to give Christine what she wanted most… love.
So this morning after spending Christmas Eve shopping and staying up to make the changes to the website I found myself with joy inside my heart. Yes the fact still remains that I love and miss those dearest to me and I wish I could be with them right now but I’ve been reminded of God’s great love for me in sending His son. After all he also came for me and you.
Who are we that the Lord above the earth would care to know our names? Who are we that He would choose to send his Son born of a virgin to be the savior of the world? Not because of what we’ve done but because of who He is and what he’s done we have life, hope, peace and love.
May the Lord richly bless you and your family this Christmas, and amongst all the joy you have this morning and through out the day, may you be reminded of our dear Saviors birth.
We love you all,
From Daniel, Joshua and the Light2taiwan team
Merry Christmas
