"Said the Shepherd Boy to the Mighty King, 'Do you hear what I hear in your palace wall, Mighty King?'
'A child, a child, shivering in the cold, let us bring Him silver and gold.'" 1
So many seasons ago, when there was a star shining brightly in the sky, shepherds wondered the reason for Angels appearing in the fields at night. I wonder, were they scared? How long did they ponder this sudden shock? Did they truly understand the meaning of the child they were to bring gifts to? In today's world, with the story given to us each Christmas, I wonder if we really take the time to observe our own behavior. If we celebrate as a people who know why Christmas is special. I know not everyone celebrates Christmas and there are many different people, belief systems, faiths, and reasons for living and believing as we do. As one who cherishes Christmas, I must say that spending the holidays without my loved ones this year is hard, but I am certain this has a purpose, as well. As one who holds that God gave us the best present of all centuries ago, I am always determined to celebrate by giving as much of myself as possible. Sure -- sweaters, scarves, iPhones, glittery lip gloss, and pretty cookie tins are nice, but there's more. I want to give each day, but it is so easy not to. I want my family and friends to know the love I hold for them every day of the year. Getting a letter from my sister is so much better than receiving a well written instruction manual (even if it does come with a brand new Macbook pro). Being able to hear my family's voices on speakerphone for Thanksgiving just one month ago. These are a few of my favorite things. Christmas reminds me of the many blessings in my life.
Years after that very first Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of this special child, there are all sorts of questions we may still have. I still marvel over the celebration of a little baby boy. I have faith that this child is the reason I have the capacity to love so many others, that my heart bursts with the anticipation of seeing, hearing those I love. Now that I am far away from many, I have the joy, the anticipation of when I can be writing and be written to from those I love. God gives me this - this faith, this reason for living. I have a strong belief that I am taken care of no matter where I go because of this faith. Not only this relationship I have, but also the relationships I have here on Earth. What if I had never had the mom and dad I have today? What if I wasn't blessed with the friendships, the tears, the joys of the last twenty eight years? I might have turned out so differently.
It is such a miracle I am in Hong Kong this Christmas and get to share the gift of language to little children. How did I get here? Why was I chosen to give so much? To learn so much? And how did I end up in a Santa suit? These are all questions I wish I could answer. (haha) I still can't believe myself sometimes. Yet, here I am. There's no denying it. I am enjoying so much out here, and yet missing all of my sisters and brothers at home. I know how corny these sentiments are, but every once in a while, clarity of mind is a cliche. The one thing that may never be cliche, though, is an artistic expression that can communicate vividly through a medium bigger than words. Language is not always enough for expression. I leave you with a simple love letter addressed to you, in photographs, and with the soundtrack of my favorite Christmas song, "O Holy Night," that the sound might speak to the depths of your heart.
And so, I pray for peace and love for all of you this Christmas and every day of the year.
"Said the King to the people everywhere, 'Listen to what I say. Pray for peace everywhere....He will bring us Goodness and Light.'" 2
1 "Do You Hear What I Hear?", The Carpenters http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWiA_79feKs
2 Ibid.
