So I have been thinking a lot about Christmas this past week.  I have come to realize that my Christmas’s have gotten progressively challenging in the past couple of years:

Christmas 2004 was a two week holiday at the beach in South Africa with Ben, Janeen, and some SA friends. Warm Indian Ocean waters, 90 degrees, and the best sea food I have ever eaten! Pure Paradise?

Christmas 2005 was at Pastor Walter’s mother in-laws house. That day we had a rural Swazi family feast! It was loud, and hilariously entertaining, and the meat flowed like the swallows of Capistrano.

Unfortunately, some of that beautiful beef must have been a tad underdone as it continued to flow all Christmas night long back out of my mouth. Eissh! Started off really good, but crashed and burned on the landing.

So now we came unto Christmas 2006 – “Back(pain) in Buffalo,” a suggested title? 3 bulging discs as well as being separated from the love of my life by the Atlantic, and not a snowflake it sight. Come on, if I am going to be all the way back in Buffalo shouldn’t Christmas be white? What a tragedy!  This years holidays didn't pan out the way I planned.  Nevertheless, you won’t find me crying “Bah humbug!” It’s not my ideal situation by ANY means but I am actually thankful this Christmas.

Before you take me as a self assumed saint, know that I haven't been what you would describe as a “happy camper.” I have struggled A LOT with my current position and have done a lot of complaining, especially about that whole “being separated from my girlfriend by the Atlantic” thing.

This Christmas I am so thankful for Greatly reduced pain, Cheap phone cards to Swaziland :), 

 a great KAC church family, and the fact of Immanuel – that God would send His only Son to this Earth, and that Jesus would suffer and die so that I could be free of my sin forever.  I am also so thankful that He loves me so much even when I haven’t been a “happy camper.” He has shown himself to be Immanuel even when I least deserve it.  He is with me!  I can only continue because of that truth.  Without Him and his presence I am nothing.  I am so glad His grace, which came at such a terrible cost, is free to me if I simply choose to humble myself and receive it. Thank you Jesus! May your Name be forever praised!

Thank you so much for your continued love and support to me. Please continue to stand with me in the coming year. May God bless you and your families in abundance. May the truth and reality of Immanuel greatly encourage all our hearts this holiday season!