A few weeks ago, I was grumbling that I wasn't getting a Christmas this year. I've been away from home before on Christmas, but it is a strange feeling to live in a predominantly non-Christian country during the Christmas season. There are no lights, no Christmas music, no signs or mention of the holiday season around the city; a strange contrast to the fact that I am living just a handful of miles away from where the Savior was born. And even though I know I can focus on the true meaning of Christmas, I still missed the sentiment and the traditions of the season back home.
After a few days of self-pity, a few things started to happen. An American family offered to let me borrow some Christmas lights, a friend gave me a Christmas music mix to play on my computer, I re-memorized Luke 2. And then today I was walking home from the lab when I came across the most random object on the side of the road. I am still not quite sure what it is, if it is a baby pine tree cut down or a branch of a very large pine tree. I paused, a little surprised and not sure what to do, looking around to see if it came from a tree close by. Then I made up my mind - this was going to be my Christmas tree. I alternately carried and dragged the tree home and set it up with my Christmas lights. It is perfect for my room, my little Christmas miracle. And I learned a very important lesson: ask and ye shall receive. Or every once in a while complain, and God will throw you a bone.
After a few days of self-pity, a few things started to happen. An American family offered to let me borrow some Christmas lights, a friend gave me a Christmas music mix to play on my computer, I re-memorized Luke 2. And then today I was walking home from the lab when I came across the most random object on the side of the road. I am still not quite sure what it is, if it is a baby pine tree cut down or a branch of a very large pine tree. I paused, a little surprised and not sure what to do, looking around to see if it came from a tree close by. Then I made up my mind - this was going to be my Christmas tree. I alternately carried and dragged the tree home and set it up with my Christmas lights. It is perfect for my room, my little Christmas miracle. And I learned a very important lesson: ask and ye shall receive. Or every once in a while complain, and God will throw you a bone.
