Well, not so much in Sudan, but it IS beginning to feel like Christmas. I decided last Sunday was the official start of the Christmas season - clearly far after American Thanksgiving and on the eve of the start of advent. So, I decided to begin the celebrations by watching the classic - Christmas Vacation (love that movie!) and listening to my most favorite Christmas album in the history of Christmas albums - Alabama Christmas (it brings me back to so many childhood memories).
Living in Sudan for the second Christmas season, it made me realise how, at home, I easily lose focus on the meaning of Christmas. I get caught up in gift giving, sweater-wearing, fire-starting, hot chocolate-drinking Christmas activities. I love all the festivities - the Christmas parties, the decadent food, the TBS 24-hour marathon Christmas Story, the egg nog and Christmas lights. As I am sitting in my office with close to 100 degree temperatures, these things don't really apply and I'm forced to really go back to the meaning of Christmas and focus on Jesus' birth. Clearly, the birth of Jesus is fundamental to our religion and important in so many ways. However, what I often forget is the Christmas story's message of Faith. How faithful were Mary and Joseph? Will my faith ever be as strong as Mary's? When things go right or I feel that I can handle everything on my own, I am not too faithful. Often times, only in desperation do I listen for God. To be in Mary's shoes would have been both extraordinary and terrifying at the same time. I'm so thankful for her faith and her part in the Christmas story. As Christmas is upon us, my wish is for increased faith this season.
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HI Sara! I like reading your thoughts! You are an amazing person. I am so proud of all you have be doing in Sudan. We continue to enjoy your dad here in Birmingham! Love ya! Susan
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