Did you know that in Finland, it is tradition to have a sauna bath before Santa’s visit? After the semester we’ve had I’d say that sounds like a great idea. Merry Christmas bathing!!!

I was thinking the other day about my friends around the world whom I have been blessed to meet and wondered what they would be doing to celebrate Christmas this year...

Some will be getting together on warm beaches and celebrating Jesus’ birth with a dip in the ocean. Others will huddle indoors by the fire after a day of fun in the snow. And still others will meet inside a thatched roof building on top of a mountain to sing their hearts out to the Lord of Lords.

Six years ago I had the opportunity to live with and serve alongside our brothers and sisters in Papua New Guinea for 3 months. It was a time like non other in my experience and one that I will never forget. Their gracious hospitality and boisterous singing filled my heart with thankfulness, joyfulness and humbleness. Most didn’t have many material things in the eyes of the western world, but boy oh boy, did they have a treasure! Their lives were rich with the love for God and their communities. They would meet for hours at night talking about anything and everything – be it God’s goodness, the struggles of the church in transition to simply laughing at one another’s jokes. They were a people full of  life and interest in one another; a wonderful reflection of the God we serve.

Today, 6 years later, I find myself in yet another such place. It is a blessing to be able to work at VISIBLE SCHOOL where the heartbeat of daily life is worshipping and serving Jesus through our interactions, community worship times, our work and our studies. We look to reflect the heart of the Heavenly Father – unity in community – locally and worldwide. Like my friends in Papua New Guinea, we come together with open arms and open hearts looking for connection to the invisible God by connecting with one another. It is not like any other school or work place I have ever been and, after being a part of it for 5 years, I am still thankful for the Lord leading me here in order to learn more about what it is to be a part of His family in this neck of the woods.

I pray that as you celebrate Christ’s birth with your family and friends this year God would continue to bring fresh revelation of what His family is like and that you would find new ways to express your adoration for this King of Kings who is called Immanuel, God with us.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Brittany