The 2000s

I know, I know...the third post in less than a week. :) What can I say? Christmas and the end of a year are always very reflective times for me. And what more so at the end of the decade.

I started January 1, 2000, as a college student. I lived with three other girls who I'm blessed to still be friends with today. Little did I know then the adventure God would have for me. Later that year I went to Europe for the first time -- on Summer Project with Campus Crusade. Hands down one of the best experiences of my life. I've since been on two other trips to Europe as well as a vacation to the Caribbean and Hawaii. I would have never dreamed all of that 10 years ago.

I also would not have predicted my current career. Or the fact my husband is Chinese and I disliked Chinese food until I met him. Or that I live in a large metro area. An area that gets snow. I used to hate snow, but the dumping we got this past weekend didn't seem to mind me much.

I've learned not to tell God that I won't do something. God has made me eat my words so much in the past 10 years, but they have been good times. God has changed and opened my heart. After that summer project I had a heart for Eastern Europeans. Now I feel a kinship with Asians when I meet them. Like I'm part Asian because my husband is Asian.

I've lost some loved ones this decade. But gained a husband, parents in-law, two sister-in-laws, a brother-in law, and a niece. I know those loved ones who passed on would have loved these new loved ones, too.

I don't know what the next 10 years holds. Lord-willing children for us and more nieces and nephews. Lord-willing health for our families. And Lord-willing more adventure with God. I could not have imagined this life 10 years ago. But it is so good. God is so good.

Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel

It's Christmas morning and, frankly, I'm (Allison) in a bad mood. My manageable cold that appeared 9 days ago has morphed into something that makes me feel miserable. My husband is sick as well, so we missed Christmas Eve service, which we both were so disappointed to miss. I haven't even finished wrapping presents because, well, I don't even have the energy to do so. What compounds this misery is that I also was sick at Thanksgiving. Both times I served or am serving as host. God's also revealing some other disappointment that's played into my attitude as of late.

So I went to God about it, realizing this should be a joyous day for all believers like me -- God sent his son in the form of a baby -- this son who would later die for my sins. So how do I reconcile my desire to be joyful at this religious holiday with my expectations for the day itself -- like health and good time with family?

The good news about today is that Emmanuel -- this God with us -- is coming back. We are not left here to illness and frustration and unmet desire. If your Christmas doesn't look like you wanted it to remember that when Jesus does come back there will be no more disappointment, frustration or let downs. This is temporary. And when we celebrate Jesus in heaven -- wow -- that will be one party that won't compare to anything on Earth. So today I'm singing, "Oh come, oh come Emmanuel."

Christmas Thoughts

Frankly, I'm not sure if anyone will read this post. But here's to all of you who have patiently waited -- or have Google Reader.

As I (Allison) was driving home this afternoon -- watching the precipitation change from snow to sleet to rain to freezing rain -- I thought about how meaningful this Christmas season has been to me. Maybe it's because we now live in a neighborhood that's all decorated for Christmas. Or maybe it's because we've hosted family already and will host more in the coming days.

But I think the main reason this Christmas season has been more meaningful to me is because I've been reflecting on how much Jesus is worthy of all our worship. Not only is this baby in a manger our friend, even our Savior to those who have surrendered our lives to Him, but He is the Son of God -- worthy of all our praise. Our pastor has been speaking on Revelation lately and I've personally been studying Isaiah, which have increased my sense of awe and reverence for Jesus.

It makes me think about my favorite Christmas song, "O Holy Night." I get chills every time I sing the line, "Fall on your knees...oh hear the angels voices."

I pray this Christmas would be a meaningful one for you -- that you would be in awe and wonder at the birth of this King -- predicted for centuries -- this Jesus who came to die and who will come again. Oh come, oh come Emmanuel.