Presence of Jesus this Christmas

Published on 24 December 2023 at 15:40

This is our first Christmas in Taiwan this year.  The minimalists always said that stuff distracts you from what is truly important.  Well, this year God removed all my distractions.  There is no Christmas tree, lights, decorations, parties, meals to prepare, house to clean, gifts to give or receive, and my kids are in another country.  But I am focusing on Jesus' presence this year and being grateful for all that He did.

 

It has definitely been different moving from a 4-bedroom house in the US to a tiny apartment in Taiwan.  There is very little room for storage, so everything has to earn a right to be there, either functional or much loved.  The process was long and painful.  I didn't know I had gotten attached to all my things until I had to get rid of them.  Thankfully, God was with me in this process, and I didn't have to hurry, but I did have a deadline, the day I got on the plane.  And I made it.  I carefully selected my favorite things in and fit them in two luggage.  At first, I felt poor and in need, like the psalmist said in the Bible.  The first week I got here, I purchased most of my necessities for the apartment.  Some necessities I had to think twice about because there is so little room in the kitchen.  My counter space is about 2' by 2'.  But after much consideration, I decided to buy a Britta water pitcher, so I don't have to keep boiling and filtering water daily.  I considered that water filter my Christmas present because it was expensive here.  I bought Ted a coffee maker and good coffee grounds.  Those were not easy to find because most people use these tea bag coffee things.  That was Ted's Christmas present and he enjoys it very much daily.  That took care of the Christmas gifts.  For the first time, there is no Christmas tree, very limited decorations, no shopping, no parties, no meals to prepare or house to clean.  The weather is not even cold.  Actually, there is no holiday stress which I do not miss, but it all felt very weird.  What I do have is two Christmas sweaters which I wear and I listen to Christmas music on Youtube all day.  I miss my kids and my friends in the US terribly.  But I am grateful this year that God removed all of my holiday distractions so I can focus on Him, the real reason for Christmas.

 

I always knew that Christmas isn't all about the snow, the decorations, the meals, the tree and the gifts.  But I've always had those things during the holidays until now.  While it felt very strange, I have to admit feeling deep gratitude for the Lord inside because I can now focus on His presence and love for me.  What's truly import is unseen and it's often what I forgot to appreciate during Christmas.  I had a prayer shed in the US which I escaped to for a while, but soon the long to-do list would be calling me back to busyness.  This year, I get to spend so much more time with Jesus.

 

We were able to celebrate the birth of Jesus with our church family by attending a few events.  There was a Children's Christmas celebration that included singing, dancing, musical performances from different age groups.  The gospel message was clearly presented there.  I enjoyed it quite a lot though I didn't know any of the Christmas songs they sang, the message is the same:  God loves you and me so much He sent his only son to become man and born for us this day.  I needed to be reminded of this truth and hear the scriptures in so many different forms.  That night, I was blown away by the importance of music in a young Asian child's life.  Music is such a priority in Aisa that even the poorest parents will prioritize music lessons for their kids.  There were such amazing musical talents present in just the Sunday School kids at church.  Sunday morning we attended a grand celebration at church where the choir sang many beautiful songs and small gifts were given to all attendees.  That afternoon, we attended a CR celebration at another church that included heartfelt sharing from each member and good food.  I am grateful we could spend this special day celebrating with our believer families.  Even in Taiwan, there were many believers who are shining brightly for Jesus.

 

In the quiet of Christmas eve, Ted and I shared what we are most grateful for this year.  He is amazed at the friends that God provided for him to guide and help him get settled here in Taiwan.  I am grateful for the nature trips that I was able to take before leaving and God's grace in transitioning from US to here.  We ended in praying and giving thanks.  What's truly important this Christmas?  for me, it's receiving Jesus' love and knowing He is with me wherever I go.  Emmauel God with us.  This truth has never been more comforting.  God is with me when I am in the US, and God is with me here in my little apartment in Taiwan.  That's reason to celebrate.  Merry Christmas!!

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