Donna:

The blessed month of December has come and gone, nevertheless, the gift freely given remains to be enjoyed all year round! Here in the mainland there is very little outward evidence that people are worshiping the newborn king. Actually, the authorities have made it illegal for institutions to celebrate the holiday. However, I do believe that there are millions here who are singing the praises of the One who came to set us free from the law and whose grace is sufficient for our salvation in this life and in the next!

Although we understand that by most accounts and scriptural analysis, our Saviour was not born in December, we have decided to appropriate the artificially created date of December 25th as a time to celebrate the coming of Jesus into our world.  There is so much depth and meaning to the simplicity in which our Lord became one with humanity and so many prophecies fulfilled, that it deserves more than a month of contemplation and study. Also, it is a golden opportunity to pass down to the next generation the seeming incompatible idea that the King of Kings was born to be a servant and the fact that both heaven and nature were involved in the reception of baby Jesus to a lowly stable on planet earth. What a joy to see the wonder on my granddaughter’s face as she observes the Nativity scene and smiles at baby Jesus in the manger. Her eyes sparkle as she sees the big star in the sky, the angels and the animals and their faithful shepherds. The grandchildren dressed up as shepherds and Philip, Julie and baby Riley reenacting the blessed birth are engraved memories. This is Christmas joy!

Our family Christmas celebrations were wonderful! The highlight is always the Christmas Eve caroling, heartfelt worship at its best. The old classics seem to tell the story the best! This year we were also blessed with the traditional Portuguese style Christmas Eve dinner prepared by Top Chef Su Zuo Zhi (alias JorgeJ) and the traditional “What a Wonderful Life” film.

Family and friends were present to celebrate the birthday anniversary of Gabriel Soares on the 23rd. We prepared the annual BBQ and the annual rain that usually accompanies it held off till after the cake was served! Gabriel is such a blessing to us all and we are praying that he has many wonderful years to come.

The good weather held out until the end of the year. Gradually, the temperature decreased, yet we increased our winter apparel and joined together for our Candlelight Service. This traditional ceremony represents the fact that Jesus is the light that lights every man that comes into the world. As we light our candle to the Light of Jesus, we bring to Him our thanks, prayers, resolutions and hopes for the New Year.  We quote scripture as it is the truth upon which we stand. The encouragement we receive from  seeing last year’s  prayer requests answered serves as a reminder that the Future is as Bright as the Promises of God!:)

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Isaiah 43:18-19