To my friends and family,
Merry Christmas! This year, Christmas means more to me than it ever has. I’m writing this letter to you from a hostel in Vietnam as we get ready to go to dinner at the home of local believers. In this country, everything is running business as usual today, and many people have never heard the meaning of Christmas. My eyes are welling with tears as I think about you waking up in just a few hours, brewing coffee, and starting a fire in the family room. I just want to hug you! The second Christmas away from home is a bit harder than the first. Who knew a year ago that I’d be in Vietnam today? But the truth is, there’s not a better place for me to be right now than here. Here in obedience, carrying the Gospel of Jesus, and sharing with everyone that I can. How will they know unless they are told? I have found the treasure in a field, and I must share Him.
As my heart aches this week, Holy Spirit has continued to comfort me with this reminder, and I wanted to share it with you, too. Jesus Christ left his heavenly home for me. He left the Father, he left his comforts, he left heaven. He did this for me, for you, for the travelers in this hostel, for the Vietnamese people, and for the world. And while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. There is no greater love than this. So I am comforted today, because to leave my earthly home for a season is a small opportunity to share in the suffering of Jesus. He is worthy. He’s worth our everything! He is King.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.
So, I love you and I miss you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May God bless you and keep you and shine his face upon you and be gracious to you and give you peace today. Let’s celebrate the one who left His heavenly home to bring joy to the world!!
With love and joy,
Kara Grace
