The Christmas season is an awesome time of year. It's the time of a few birthdays in my family (including Jesus',) vacation time, rest, Christmas specials, amazing food, snowboarding, singing, and reflection on the Messiah. I had a milestone birthday recently which was a lot of fun. It's the kind of age that really does make me feel different, with new responsibilities, privileges, and question marks. Who am I going to be? What am I going to do with my life? Is it going to be all about me and getting as many toys as I can before I die, or giving myself to others for the sake of Christ?
In Cairo, Egypt on New Years Eve, 20 Christians were killed and 100 lost the ability to see due to a strategic car bomb outside of their church building. I have heard of numerous accounts of similar tragedies thru International Christian Concern, but this one hit me in a way that I have not experienced before. Over the Christmas break I have learned more about Jesus; Who He was on earth, what He did, and how that defines who I am today. I am sad to say that though I love Him with all of my heart, His life does not influence mine as it should, considering the magnitude of what He did. Hearing about these Christians who knew Who Christ was and were so in love with Him that they continued to live for Him, go to church, and do ministry despite threats from the corrupt government and persecuters in Egypt, convicted, humbled, and broke me. Would I continue to be public about my faith in Christ if my parents were victims of a car bomb and my eyesight was ruined? I am incredulous at how apathetic we Christians are in unpersecuted nations, while those whose lives are in danger are more bold in their faith than we.
On a lighter note, I went to a retreat up north where several churches gathered for some good ping pong, singing, devo's, improv, swing dancing, games, and preaching. I was challenged not just to go out into the real world and do amazing things for Christ, but to know how amazing Christ is and then go out into the real world and live for Him. "Will this make me a better Christian?" is a question introduced to me at the retreat that I have often since implemented in my own life. Perhaps better understood to mean "Will this honor Christ best?", the question reminds me to think with an eternal perspective of the choices I make with respect to my words, thoughts, and actions.
I met so many awesome people at retreat! I learned that looks can be deceiving, and it's good not to judge others before you get to know them. People can be unimpressive on the outside, but completely surprise you on the inside. And vice versa. But we won't go there
It's going to be hard to go back to real life after Christmas vacation, but instead of surviving the beginning of the year, I can now thrive with all the rest, fellowship, and good teaching I have enjoyed the past month.
2011, watch out
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