"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel"
As our family has celebrated the season of Advent throughout the years, our hearts have been drawn to different themes. One year it was reflecting on Christ’s birth through Mary’s eyes, another year was focused on the Prince of Peace. This year’s theme is IMMANUEL, GOD WITH US. This theme resonated with us throughout the holiday season, whether through school chapel, family devotions, or church events. God was WITH us and we share Him WITH others.
We had multiple holiday events last month. One of the highlights was celebrating WITH all 4 of our children home. This was Elie's first Christmas at home since she graduated high school. Lizzy also returned after her first semester at college. We LOVED spending time with them and seeing them reconnect with our community-team, church, school, friends, etc.
At our church ladies’ Christmas party, we celebrated the shepherds’ profound joy and evangelism as they celebrated the long-awaited Messiah, a savior who came to be WITH them. Our largest ladies’ gathering in the years we’ve been here, we pray for non-believers and those young-in-faith to understand and rejoice in a God who loves them so much that he descended from realms of glory to live on earth with us.
We hosted our annual Christmas barbecue where we enjoy feasting together on moo ping (Thai style barbequed pork on a stick), sticky rice, fresh fruit, and other goodies as we fellowship together.
As the children Cool Shade of Life performed their Christmas play, I was reminded of not so long ago, when our own children were young, playing various roles over the years. Another reminder of the goodness of God as HE is WITH each of our children and each child in our congregation.
Here's a throwback to Sam as a young Joseph
PRAISE/PRAYER:
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Praise God for the ministry events of the last month. Pray for the Spirit to continue to draw His people closer to be WITH Him. Pray for opportunities to share this Good News with others.
- Praise our heavenly Father for our special time WITH both Elie and Lizzy home with us for about three weeks! Pray for them as they begin their semesters back at university.
- Pray for the conflict on the Thailand/Cambodian border that has been going on since July to come to peaceful agreement. (We are safe and monitoring the situation.)
As we celebrate Immanuel this season, we are also so grateful for your prayers and support and praise God for the ways that you are able to celebrate Immanuel in your own cultural context with friends and family. MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year!!
