We know Christmas is coming. Jan was in a local grocery store today and heard several lovely Christmas Carols being played. Our apartment building is offering a special gift to any Vietnamese who purchases an apartment during this season. The sales brochure features a Christmas tree, so two weeks ago, before the end of October, a three meter Christmas tree, well decorated, was placed in our lobby. Christmas is coming to Hanoi.
Of course most Vietnamese will not celebrate Christmas at all. They may dress their children in Santa outfits, decorate their stores and crowd out into the streets on Christmas eve. But unless they are Roman Catholics or Protestant believers, they will celebrate nothing on Christmas Day. (They do not exchange presents at this season.)
On the other hand, I've been reading in Luke 1 the past couple of days and quietly celebrating the Christmas events. Again I am awe struck by the Christmas account. Gabriel insulted by Zechariah's unbelief; Zechariah struck speechless; Mary given the most amazing announcement and assignment; Elizabeth's baby leaping for joy while still in the womb. The list goes on and on. I have not yet, after countless readings over many decades, become bored by reading this amazing story again and again.
As we approach the Christmas Season (yes, it is getting cold here - temperatures at night are now going down to almost 20 degrees!) may we all marvel and worship again; when alone with God and when we are surrounded by fellow worshippers. And may we in small ways and large, seek to share the Good News of Christmas with those who need our Saviour.
Of course most Vietnamese will not celebrate Christmas at all. They may dress their children in Santa outfits, decorate their stores and crowd out into the streets on Christmas eve. But unless they are Roman Catholics or Protestant believers, they will celebrate nothing on Christmas Day. (They do not exchange presents at this season.)
On the other hand, I've been reading in Luke 1 the past couple of days and quietly celebrating the Christmas events. Again I am awe struck by the Christmas account. Gabriel insulted by Zechariah's unbelief; Zechariah struck speechless; Mary given the most amazing announcement and assignment; Elizabeth's baby leaping for joy while still in the womb. The list goes on and on. I have not yet, after countless readings over many decades, become bored by reading this amazing story again and again.
As we approach the Christmas Season (yes, it is getting cold here - temperatures at night are now going down to almost 20 degrees!) may we all marvel and worship again; when alone with God and when we are surrounded by fellow worshippers. And may we in small ways and large, seek to share the Good News of Christmas with those who need our Saviour.
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