This Christmas, I was gifted a trip to Texas so I could spend the holidays with my family. My brother lives and works in Waco, and my parents drove down here so we could be together and see what his life is like. I actually decided to take this time as a vacation (like many of my coworkers at the Nehemiah Center) and just focus on time with family and recharging.
Part of me has been struggling with what seems like too many trips in one year, but then I have reminded myself of some things, such as the importance of holidays with family in North American and Nicaraguan culture, and that this trip was a gift to be celebrated. Being here with my family is not something I should feel guilty about, but grateful for. Being present with them reminds me of what God did for us...
Jesus moved far away from home. He left heaven and became part of the earth. He was fully present in a particular time and place to people who needed him. Sometimes those people were his family members. Sometimes those people were the sick and crazed. Sometimes those people were hungry and tired. Sometimes it was crowds, and sometimes it was just one person. The point is, Jesus was present to the people he was with. He came to be with us.
Some people do not enjoy the holidays. It reminds them of what they are missing. Holidays are a time of nostalgia and melancholy and pain and loneliness for some. Or it just means nothing to others. Not everyone gets excited about Christmas or New Years.
Nevertheless, Jesus came to be with us. And at Christmas we celebrate the event in history that means we are never alone, and we can always have a new start. This year, that is what I'm celebrating. I have the tangible reminders of family and friends, but I have the more important hope and assurance that Christmas and New Years bring... Jesus is here, God with us.
Part of me has been struggling with what seems like too many trips in one year, but then I have reminded myself of some things, such as the importance of holidays with family in North American and Nicaraguan culture, and that this trip was a gift to be celebrated. Being here with my family is not something I should feel guilty about, but grateful for. Being present with them reminds me of what God did for us...
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Jesus moved far away from home. He left heaven and became part of the earth. He was fully present in a particular time and place to people who needed him. Sometimes those people were his family members. Sometimes those people were the sick and crazed. Sometimes those people were hungry and tired. Sometimes it was crowds, and sometimes it was just one person. The point is, Jesus was present to the people he was with. He came to be with us.
Some people do not enjoy the holidays. It reminds them of what they are missing. Holidays are a time of nostalgia and melancholy and pain and loneliness for some. Or it just means nothing to others. Not everyone gets excited about Christmas or New Years.
Nevertheless, Jesus came to be with us. And at Christmas we celebrate the event in history that means we are never alone, and we can always have a new start. This year, that is what I'm celebrating. I have the tangible reminders of family and friends, but I have the more important hope and assurance that Christmas and New Years bring... Jesus is here, God with us.
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