Ho! Ho! Hot Christmas!

I must say it was hard to get in a Christmas-y mood in such a warm climate! What few decorations I put up threw me into a sweat! Our local mall caught a little of the flavor of it with their beach-themed Santa scene! I guess it underlines how much our Christmas views are formed by cultural and geographical traditions. It's given us the opportunity to become more aware of the baggage we carry and focus on the message of Christmas.

A definite highlight for us was Christmas caroling with a group from church to some families at a low-income apartment complex the church has been ministering to the past year. In addition to singing, we gave the families gifts of rice and cooking oil, and brightly wrapped candy packets for the children. Volunteers who had worked with the children on English explained the meaning of Christmas and prayed for families of mostly Hindu background. It was truly special to watch the faces of parents and children light up at our arrival, clap along with our music, and relax in peace to the strains of Silent Night.

We also partnered with a group of friends to host a Christmas party for students from the many universities surrounding us. We arranged a room to meet in at our apartment complex and the rest of the team did all the work! About 35 students came, representing a wide array of  countries. We had snacks, played games, took pictures, sang carols, and heard the Christmas story--something new for many of our guests, who see the commercial side of Christmas in the stores, but may never have heard what it's really about.

As I thought about some of my counseling experiences before Christmas, I was struck by how the goal of counseling fits the Christmas season--helping to reconcile people to God and to one another. What a privilege to be involved in bringing peace where there has been strife.

As we look ahead to the new year, we have much to look forward to! We're both gradually getting more involved at church. Tom preached his first sermon here in November, and will continue to do that periodically. Janet has been helping with children's sermons and book-readings at the church's Children's Library, as well as giving a parenting seminar. She'll also start helping lead a women's small group in the new year. Tom will begin a new term of teaching Jan. 14. Besides teaching, he is looking forward to helping facilitate both a book club and film club at his university. And Janet is excited for the 21 students from Malaysia who have enrolled in CCEF's online class--something she was recruiting for throughout the fall.

So there is much to keep us busy, following a long-awaited visit from our kids, Jen and Joel, the first half of January!

Wishing you peace and joy in the coming year,

Tom & Janet