Christmas
Pt. Two
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Galatians 4:4-7
When visiting home, I heard two sermons on the text above. I was in tears both times. The Christmas message is one of hope, of adoption. This Christmas, I understood God’s love more deeply. Living with children who have been abused and abandoned, who have no earthly father, or no father who has given them anything good, to reading about our Heavenly Father who spared NOTHING, but gave EVERYTHING, to offer us the highest rank, becoming an heir with Jesus, created a striking opposition.
The Christmas spirit for the Christian is a call to be like Jesus, who made adoption possible for all, even the most unlovable of us. As J.I. Packer says,
The Christmas spirit is the spirit of those who, like their Master, live their whole lives on the principle of making themselves poor — spending and being spent — to enrich their fellow men, to give time, trouble, care and concern, to do good to others.
This reminder was pertinent for me as I went home and was reintroduced to all that I love in the US. I still don’t know what the future holds, but I know I am in the training grounds, learning to spend myself for love.
If you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.
And the Lord will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of paths leading home.
Isaiah 58:10-12
I am clinging to this promise and know God will be faithful to it, now and throughout, and hopefully beyond, my short life.
Going home brought lots of outward blessings but also reintroduced the inward battle I had before leaving for Bolivia: living far from everyone and everything I love is hard. I don’t know if it’s what I am called to for life, but it’s what I’m called to for now. So, I enjoyed the gift while trying to live with open hands, holding everything loosely.
I started break on the coast with my best friends! It wasn’t long enough, but laughing and sharing with them was life-giving.
Though I didn’t get to see everyone I love in SLO, I did spend a quality week with Beth and Tom. I was constantly holding back tears because of the love they showed me (notice the THREE stockings hanging on the wall) and how much I miss sharing life with them.
Leading up to Christmas and on Christmas day, the whole family gathered together. We rarely feel COMPLETE, but having everyone: Emily’s joy, Josh’s energy, Beth’s adventure, Tom’s humor, Abby’s quirk, Mom’s kindness and Dad’s love, gave us a lot to celebrate.
Privilege followed privilege, and my last few days in the US were spent in Texas with Abby. She took me to some beautiful nature that almost had me changing my opinion of the vast and barren state.
I returned to Bolivia January 2nd and was immediately reminded of all I love here. These girls are so precious to me. What I have to give up feels so small compared to the privilege of knowing and loving them.
Break was a wonderful rejuvenation. Christmas was a timely reminder. And now, I’m back to the work some would call humdrum. I think it’s anything but. (Last night the girls and I shot off rockets while one of the puppies tried to eat the fire. And while writing this, I have been interrupted no fewer than five times by little girlies bringing in bugs or tattletale-ing on others.)
“I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.” AMEN
Prayer Requests
Contentment. My first few days have been beautiful and joyful, but pray I can stay thankful for the gifts God has given me without focusing on what I don’t have
Garden and Tutoring. This month I am starting the garden program as well as tutoring kids who need a little extra push before restarting school. Pray for both to be times of teaching love
