We are trying hard to get into the spirit of Christmas but it isn’t easy. We are just mixed up. No cold weather, no shopping to do, no Carols playing on the radio, no Christmas cards, no lights on any houses, no live Christmas trees, no Christmas movies on TV, no chance to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life”, no presents to wrap, no surprises or activities to plan, and no family! See? How could it be Christmas???
There are signs that tell me some people are preparing for the big day. The malls are decorated and crowded and we saw a friendly Santa visiting with children last Saturday.
There are wreaths on the office walls announcing the season and there is a tree in the entry area. BYU TV (which we thankfully receive) is playing Christmas programs and the Seniors keep having socials to celebrate together.
But all these symbols still can’t seem to stir the bubbly spirit I usually feel inside by now.
I finally put up a little tree on Sunday afternoon and I have my Tabernacle Choir CD’s playing. We were watching a Christmas special on Sunday and we took a picture of the snowy scenes while the choir sang White Christmas. That helped.
I have acquired two nativities, one from Uganda and one from Zambia. They are very simple and as I set the little figures in place the quiet, reverent feelings that the season always brings easily surface.
Our gratitude for the birth of Jesus Christ is expanding even more as we see the blessings that come into the lives of those who turn their hearts to Him. Yes, we are missing the traditions and activities of Christmas at home, but as others are doing all around the world, we are celebrating His birth and are grateful to be here because, after all, TIA . . . This is Africa
5 comments:
It doesn't feel quite like Christmas without our grandparents and village and caroling and nativity pageant and everything here either! We look forward to our African pajama moment tonight though. Open our little package to get a little of what you're missing :-)
love,
Anita
It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags.
I know you are missing the familiar but this will be one of your most memorable. I'm still remembering one of my "unfamiliars" and it has definitely come to be one of my most memorable....the Christmas Eve spent with Gawain at LDS Hospital at this moment is bringing tears of gratitude to my eyes. You are missed....but that means you are loved. Nothing better in this whole world. Merry Christmas.
Amen Jillyn, Anita, Jed. You ARE missed and ARE loved.
Your nativities are fantastic. You will treasure those forever.
Thank you so much for including us in your emails. Its wonderful to hear of your adventures. We have our whole crew plus Mark and Marian with us today. Its loud and crowded but we are very happy. Have a wonderful Christmas and know you are always in our thoughts and prayers.
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