Christmas Letter 2008

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8

I admit, it's not usually a verse I think about at Christmas. But, being here, it has been the one that has come to mind the most often during this Christmas season. Day to day life, traditions, cultural norms, and socially acceptable behavior here are not the same as they are at home in the U.S. And Christmas definitely isn't the same. In fact, here it's just another regular old work day. But as I helped children prepare for a program, as I shared my Christmas plans with those curious inquisitors, as I did some Christmas shopping, as I taught people how to make Christmas decorations, as I baked Christmas cookies with first-timers, and even as I drank coffee, I have realized that though so many things about my life are different this Christmas, one thing--the most important thing--remains the same: the reason for celebrating.

The story of our Savior's birth is timeless. Unchanging. Enduring. The baby born in Bethlehem was born in a simple place to common people. His first visitors were regular people, shepherds in fact. But here's where things are different. His birth announcement was spectacular! I don't know about you, but I certainly don't know anyone whose birth was announced twice by angels. First the angel Gabriel came to tell Mary that she would give birth to the Savior. Then, when he made his appearance as a baby on that night in Bethlehem, an angel told the shepherds the good news and was then joined in chorus by a whole host of angels. WOW!!!

For me the biggest joy this Christmas is knowing that around the world there really are people celebrating for the same reason. I think of Emily, myself, and our friends here. I think of my parents and David and the rest of my family at home. I think of my aunt and uncle and cousins in Grenada. I think of a high school friend who now lives in Zambia, Africa. I think of college friends who are in China. I think of other friends in England, Thailand, and Australia. I think of friends and family around the United States. All of us are celebrating the same thing no matter what time zone we're in or what culture currently surrounds us. The news of our Savior, his birth, and his work will never ever change. Not in my lifetime nor throughout eternity. What he did started when he was born a tiny baby, just like you and me. Praise God for that little life born to Mary on a silent night in Bethlehem!

So to all of you around the world, I send my love and wishes to you all for a very merry Christmas from Albania. :)