As Christmas approaches, we can see from afar the holiday intensity building. Schedules and shopping first described as "hustle and bustle" have progressed with momentum.  After building and building, it is almost Christmas Day.

Here in Romania, some things are very different. Celebratory activities only began some days ago and will continue through New Year's Day. Shopping is on a diminutive scale, if at all, and decorations are limited. However, many things are exactly the same.

Good food and gatherings abound! Christmas carols prompt us to worship and raise our spirits! Family relationships, even if usually strained, relax for a while, because, well....it's Christmas.

But it seems every year, in the midst of all the happiness, someone close to each of us is grieving.  A loss at Christmas time seems to hurt even more and will be a reminder in Decembers to come of memories with someone special. Such a contrast causes us all to stop and look toward heaven with thankfulness.

A few years ago, we were in the same hustle and bustle, hurrying down Highway 82 toward Paris, Texas, excited to arrive at our family Christmas gathering. We were running late, along with everyone else on the road, and clearly the patience of the travelers was wearing thin. Suddenly we topped a hill and noticed that cars were screeching to a halt and pulling over onto the shoulder. We quickly did the same, and watched silently as more cars pulled over behind us and a long funeral procession slowly passed.

Eventually, we resumed our trip with all the other "hustlers and bustlers" but there was a difference. Each car pulled out gradually, slowly falling in line behind the others, and seemed to continue with reflection and reverence.

We arrived at our destination in plenty of time, and with more thankful hearts than before. God often reminds us like this that life is short, but Hope is found in Him. He tells us in the bible that we can have ETERNAL LIFE. Jesus said in His high priestly prayer to the Father, "Now this is eternal life - that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent." John 17:3   He knows us and he knows our needs, even before we ask.  And He loves us so much that He gives, and gives and gives.

From Another Planet.... 

My little friend, Petra, recently reminded me of this. She often treats me at church on Sunday morning by shyly coming over to sit with me. Then we try to converse, which is limited by my Romanian language skills. She usually tries out some English words she's learned,                                  

which amounts to "yes," "good morning," and "thank you" and I ask her about her cat or eating pizza! But last Sunday, in the middle of a conversation about her cat (or so I thought), she burst out with "I LOVE YOU!" in English. I was surprised and happy and thankful all at the same time. I needed that sweet gesture and God used little Petra to bless me! 

(God knows our needs even before we ask...)

Later, as we enjoyed an outing with Petra's family,  her Mom shared that Petra recently inquired about me, "Is she visiting from another planet?"   Her Mom explained, "No, sweetie, not from another planet, from another country!"  

I had to think that sometimes here in Romania, I feel like I could be from another planet. But for the most part, it is quite comfortable and peaceful to be here serving where God has placed me, even when I don't exactly  fit in.  

The truth is, as believers, we are not "from here," wherever that may be. And our time on earth is short. "...our citizenship is in heaven - and we also await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3:20  Hard concept to grasp but the truth remains.

We pray that in this season, God grants you whatever you need, with extra blessings of peace, joy and comfort to you and your families. And may you in turn, be a blessing to others.  

Always know that Christ came for US, eventually went to the cross for US, and will someday return for US!  And THAT is the Hope of Christmas.

"Merry Christmas!"