A Better Christmas

It's that time of the year again! Less than a week until Christmas day! In just a few days children will be waking up before the sun to see what presents await them under the tree. A quick glance at the crumbs on the cookie plate and empty milk glass will be reassurance to the little ones that Santa was really there. Children all across the world will be reminded that parents don't wake easily at 4:00 in the morning, and that a couple more hours can seem like days. As has been tradition, this is likely to be exactly how Christmas morning will start at the Land house, and though I'm as excited as ever, this Christmas just feels a little different to me... in a good way, of course.

This could partially be due to the fact that we will likely be spending Christmas in Rwanda next year. It could also be that, if, God willing, we sell our house, this will be the last time we will celebrate Christmas in the home we celebrated it in for the last 9 years. These are definitely not bad things... I'm very excited to see what God has in store for us as he leads us into the next chapter of our lives. It's just... different, but I don't think these are the REAL reasons why.

I think the real reason why this Christmas seems so much more exciting to me is because I am closer to Jesus Christ than I have ever been before. I feel like I am celebrating my best friends birthday with Him, and not just showing up to a party I was invited to to celebrate a persons birthday that I didn't really know too well. Does that make sense?

Many of you already know, but this last year has been huge in my spiritual growth. I can attribute this to many people and things, but it was all kick-started (using jet fuel) by the trip to Costa Rica and the people I was surrounded by (including my family). I have learned that, up until this year, I had been hearing and seeing, but now I am listening and believing. I believe that this isn't by coincidence, but that God has a plan for us all that was set in place a long time ago. I also learned that God is persistent... even if you don't listen right away, He will find a way to get through to you. For me it was Costa Rica... I thank God for that, and I thank all off you for your support.

So this Christmas, I urge all of you to invite Jesus in your home and celebrate with Him. After all, what's a birthday party without the birthday boy?

And please don't forget to keep those less fortunate in your prayers this Christmas as well.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Regan

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  - Romans 12:2