Julie Ellerbrock, Director of Children’s Ministry

Romans 5:5
“and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” 

Reflection:
As I prepare and think about the possibilities and plans for Christmas 2020, no doubt it will be unique or different. I have tried to envision how to carry out some of our beloved family traditions. Yet, I find myself sometimes thinking “different” means disappointing or hard or lonely. Then, I remember my family’s 1994 Christmas experience and was reassured that the hope I find in Christ brings goodness and joy to my “different.” 

In early 1993, we were transferred to Dubai. We were uncertain about many things; yet, also hopeful for new experiences, a new community, and a new church home. While there were tough days in the beginning, Jesus led us to find all three. The hope we had for a joyful life in a new land had happened. 

Fast forward to December 1994. We made the decision to stay in Dubai for Christmas. Most expats headed for their homeland as soon as school let out. That included all of our friends, except the Walkers. We worried about how to make Christmas “normal” and “uniquely special” all at the same time. We bought a Christmas tree, decorated our home, made sugar cookies with our neighbors, and visited the Christmas display at the mall—although Santa photos were not on our children’s agenda! All of that felt “normal,” yet the joyful chaos of our family Christmases in Texas was missing. Yes, for sure, Christmas was going to be a new and different experience.

I vividly remember feeling lonely and worried that we had made the wrong choice to stay. Yet, Romans 5:5 helped me understand that I was worried about things, and not trusting in God to experience the hope that Christ’s love is greater than any of my worries.   

After attending church, we decided to do something completely different on Christmas Day.  We made a reservation to attend a lunchtime “typical Christmas celebration” at one of the local hotels with our friends, the Walkers. The celebration turned out not to be my “typical” at all. The ballroom looked like we walked into a New Year’s Eve party, complete with party hats, balloons, noisemakers, and a live band.  There were no Christmas trees or Christmas carols. Red and green was replaced with black, gold and purple. Yet, we found ourselves laughing about it and enjoying it for what was right in front of us. A special day to spend with our family and great friends. Guess what? We even made some new friends! 

Although that Christmas was 26 years ago, I will always remember it as one of my favorites. While I missed my family and friends in Texas immensely, I realized that Christ’s hope comes to us in ways that we least expect. So, this Christmas, I pray my focus remains in Christ’s hope.  Hope for a joyful celebration of Jesus’ birth. Hope for new experiences. Hope for loving relationships drawn closer. Hope for healing hearts that are broken. Hope for a rainbow. 

Prayer:
Let us pray. Gracious God, we are grateful for your everlasting love. During this Advent season, may we experience your hope so we may bring light to others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.