The Christmas Struggle

This time of year there really isn't much different around here. 

The weather is still hot.

Most schools don't have holidays. 

Christmas decorations are hung up in random stores or car dealerships, but aren't prominent. 

Traditional candy, trees, decorations, the outward evidences of Christmas, is all western influence and exists mostly to get foreigners to spend money. (But then again, that's what malls in North America are all about, too. haha)

It must be confusing for the Khmer people. Many know Christmas exists because our God was born as a baby. (which might say more than main-stream North Americans!) However, here, the God Incarnate is not special, nor significant to them, since reincarnation is a natural part of their belief system. 

Why celebrate the birth of a baby if reincarnation/incarnation is not special? And why celebrate it by putting up a plastic tree with lights on display in your house? (hmm, the whole tree thing confuses me, too; but it's tradition, so I do it. ;) ) I feel like, when we live in a country where many people are struggling to make enough to survive, spending money on ornaments for the tree and gifts to fill under the tree, when we already have so much in comparison, really conflicts with the message we are trying to communicate: God's immeasurable love, His sacrifice, His victory over sin & death, His power, His plan to return!

These homes are right outside the gated community where we live. Poverty is in our faces every day. Why sell them on the fact that they need a Christmas tree to celebrate the birth of our God? See what I mean about the perplexity of our traditions?

And why make such a big deal about His birth? In order for the message to make sense, we really need to share the rest of the story. His death. His resurrection. His return. Not just that he was a tiny baby with a humble beginning, but that he is a MIGHTY KING who is returning to REIGN and JUDGE and RESTORE. Why can't I find any Christmas tracts to pass out to our neighbors that talk about this?

I wish there was a way to separate the "bling" from the "birth" so we can still celebrate our traditions and people don't confuse our silly customs with the significance of God Incarnate

I like Briana's facial expression here. I snapped this in the tuk tuk while we were driving by the bamboo huts (shown above). It looks like she's contemplating the same things I am!

Despite these thoughts inside me, I still want to give my children traditional Christmas memories! And I love Christmas...the whole package of it. The songs, the decor, the special events, the traditional foods, the memories made.

Last weekend Briana and I left the boys behind and we went to a fancy schmancy hotel for a Holiday Craft Expo! 

Yes, a chance to spend lots of money on things that reflect the very war that wages within me. However, one unique aspect of Cambodia is that often people are rescued from particular lifestyles and given life skills. It's their handiwork that is on display and sold to support their work. So, even if I buy a few things, I know it's supporting a great cause that I fully support! :) So, shopping we went! :)

We went with my friend, Shirley, who is also a teacher at PPBS! We always have fun together. She's from China, so is very patient as I try to muster up conversational Mandarin with her that is gradually getting worse and worse! We laugh a lot together. :D

A very authentic Christmas experience! Complete with carolers!

She's a little young to fully appreciate our girly day, but it'll be fun for Briana to look back at photos someday and know she has a mommy who LOVES hanging out  with her!

Later on that same Saturday, Joe and I got dolled up for a date! We had arranged for Kim to come over in the early evening so we could go out for dinner and then a Christmas concert! Wow, what a treat for us! The only time we get dates in the evenings is when family comes to visit us, or we're with family! Tonight was worth celebrating!

 

Although our evening was cut short at intermission due to an inconsolable Wesley melting down and Kim calling us in desperation, we had an amazing time together! :D

We dressed up for Anna's wedding, but the photo kinda looks Christmas-y!

blooper 1: oops, her headband is over her eyes!!! oh my!

blooper 2: trying to get a mommy/kids shot -- Wes...you're on my hair!

blooper 3: whoops, get back here, you! Bless you, Briana!

Ah! We got the shot!

So, although it's been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you! 

love you all!