Reflecting on the season

This year marks our second Christmas in France and also our second Christmas away from where we grew up and family. Last year we went to Strasbourg, France right before Christmas which was such a treat to see Christmas lights decorating that beautiful town and to visit all the Christmas markets that lined the squares and streets. This year we are staying in Paris, but we are all settled in our apartment, which feels more and more like home (although home feels like a less clear concept these days). Paris is lovely this time of year. All the main streets have lights running across them, each street’s display is unique in color and design. And there are large Christmas markets the whole month long in several locations. There is mulled wine, bratwurst & sauerkraut, oysters, Champagne, chocolates, and all kinds of gifts. It’s been a pretty full Christmas season, more so than we anticipated, since we have met several new friends in recent months and have been interning at a church in central Paris. Tonight we will go to a candlelight service with some friends, and tomorrow will be a low key day at home as we rejoice and reflect on Christ's coming, eat good food, Skype with loved ones, and open some presents as well. 

We’ve started observing Advent more and more the last few years and it really helps me to remember each day what it means that Christ came and what it means that he will come again. This year the word Immanuel or “God with us” has been my focus. Tim Keller’s message on God with us was really helpful for me. The message is about: “The meaning of Christmas is that the Creator of the universe has become a human being. It means that the terrifying God who appeared in the Old Testament as a whirlwind and a fire has become a vulnerable baby in order to be close to us. What, in turn, will we do in order to be close to Him?” It is really worth a listen if you want to better prepare your heart this season or if you just want to better understand what Christians believe.

Merry Christmas and may God’s loving and merciful presence draw you closer and closer to him.