This year, as first year "guests" of a foreign country and culture, it is much reversed. Georgians don't celebrate Christmas like we do. It's a quiet day, like any other. The kids go to school. They go about business as usual. It is the exact opposite of busy, but Christ, for whom we celebrate, is still missing. As it is our first year, we don't have a bunch of ministry events going on this time of year. Quite honestly, our "schedule" is totally clear, except for Georgian lessons. We have no plans, no people to visit, no parties. It would be easy to miss the festivities of Christmas in the States.
But I don't.
Indeed, though I miss family and friends (and especially singing/music around the piano,) this Christmas is ours to claim, like a gift from the Christ child Himself. It feels like a breath of fresh air to be able to enjoy a quiet Christmas. We have time for each other, time for the boys, time to reflect and think on Jesus.
Honestly, I am LOVING getting decorations and making Christmas cheer with my boys; but the quiet Christmas makes me wonder. What do I want my boys to think of when they remember Christmas? If my focus is on festivities, the boys will join in that fun, for sure. There's nothing wrong with that. But, if my excitement is over JESUS, and how and why he came, that will be my sons' joy as well. How much better would that be??!! I DO want my boys to know what Christmas is about - to know the Christ of Christmas - and to celebrate His coming to earth for to redeem mankind. This is my desire.
Now, to teach toddlers about Jesus' birthday; the reason we have Christmas at all.
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