Merry Christmas

For the first time since we've had kids, Kathy and I are not celebrating Christmas at home. Instead we're visiting my parents and brother. It's about as different a Christmas as we've experienced as a family since both my parents and my brother and his wife live in Malaysia.

For one thing, it's hot - 85 degree temperature with humidity is not we're used to for Christmas. It also feels different because of the absence of the family traditions we've enjoyed together. Also, Malaysia is a muslim country which means most of the population doesn't observe Christmas even though there is a sizeable Christian population in the cities - so most shopping malls and stores were open - business as usual.

Without the traditions, frosty weather and cultural reminders of Christmas, it's giving us an opportunity to observe afresh what Christmas is truly about - the birth of our Savior, the Son of God come in human flesh to dwell among us.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

John 1:14