It's Christmas

It’s Christmas!  Well, barely – 12:34 a.m.  Since it’s only me I didn’t see any sense in waiting until the morning to open gifts – I’ve waited this long!  The box came from Chris and family yesterday, so I had lots under my little tree.  It was fun to open them because there were lots of surprises and goodies.  One was the Polar Express DVD which I promptly put in and watched.  That’s why I’m still awake.  It’s a really sweet movie.  So, Christmas in Latvia…it’s not so bad.  People are very loving and kind to me.  I got a few gifts from unexpected people and many hugs tonight at the Christmas Eve service.  Last was our corps Christmas party.  Our small group did a little drama, which I let them put together without me and told them I’d do anything they needed.  Wrong thing to say – I had to be the devil.  I’ll try to put some pictures up later.  The party was great – we had a very funny drama from the Russian ministry group about Jonah.  I can’t begin to explain it but I’ll also put some pics from that here.  There are lots of people home from all over the world and many of them were in church tonight.  That was nice.  The Sunday School did a pageant complete with dancing angels.  It was great.  

Yesterday I had one of those ‘catch my breath’ moments.  I was walking to the Christmas Market in Old Riga and not really feeling very Christmasy.  The shops were full and the streets were dirty with most of the snow gone.  Then I walked into one of the city parks and it was as if I walked into another world.  There was clean, white snow everywhere and the trees were all frosted over and beautiful.  I had to stop because it was so amazing.  I had my camera and pulled it out (more pictures to put here).  Everyone in the park was walking around as if they couldn’t believe it was real.  Wow – another beauty of the Lord scene.  

Ieva bought me a ticket to see the Chronicles of Narnia with her yesterday.  I loved it!  No, it wasn’t as technically impressive as Lord of the Rings but it is the best story and the actors were good.  Even though I knew what would happen, I got a bit emotional a few times (I won’t say anymore in case you haven’t seen it.)  As we were leaving, Ieva said, “It’s great that so many people are in the theater to see this.  I just wish the knew the real message.”  I pray that somehow they do hear the real message of redemption and new life through Jesus Christ.  Or at the least, that it makes them seekers after the truth of the gospel and that there are people prepared to share this truth.  

Isaiah 9 - [2] The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. [6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.