On the Saturday before Christmas , we invited several dozen friends to our home to celebrate the Savior's birth. Our little apartment was packed with people. We sang Christmas carols, and munched on snacks. Together with several other believers, we put on a simple but effective play recounting Christ's birth. I was a Wise Man, and Becky played the piano. Afterwards, a Chinese Christian brother shared the Gospel of the significance of Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection. Lastly, we had a "white elephant" gift exchange, which everyone enjoyed. We were the happiest sardines in Beijing.
The next day we took several of our brothers and sisters to another celebration with a couple of other groups in the banquet room of a restaurant. Once again, we sang Christmas songs and ate a delicious meal. Several brothers shared with us some thoughts from the Bible. Toward the end we played some hilarious games. The fellowship was sweet.
On Christmas day we made our annual trip to Outback Steakhouse for lunch. Every year we meet together with a group of our foreign friends on Christmas. This year Becky organized it. Everyone brought a gift for one other person. I received a much needed leather wallet. Josiah and Amelia busied themselves with the other kids sharing presents. Becky and I have enjoyed each time we have been able to enjoy Christmas with our wonderful friends. While the steak was good, the fellowship was even better.
When we got home, it was time to open our gifts. I do not know how the Lord did it again, but there under our little, fake Christmas tree was a huge pile of gifts representing the love of Papa and Nana Maricle, Grandma and Grandpa Tatum, Auntie Tricia, Auntie Bethany, Aunt Debra and Uncle Ron, and each other. Becky, being Becky, wanted to dispose of the wrapping paper each time a gift was opened. William, being William, thought it would be more fun to let the paper pile up throughout the gift opening process so as to create an exciting mess. My ever patient wife indulged me strange desires once again, and soon our living room was strewn with paper, presents, boxes, and fun. Once finished, we now had to clean our beautiful mess. Then we enjoyed a warm, cozy evening as a family putting together new toys and marveling at the blessings of God on our life.
