December 16, 2009
One of the most amazing opportunities I have ever had, is in being the mother of a missionary son. My eldest child, for the past two years has been with the good people of Germany. It's been a wonderful thing to share in his growth and experiences. Sunday nights, my writing time was spent writing to him, and it was sweet.
We recently returned with him back to Germany to share in the adventure! We met the people he came to love, and experienced their rich culture. Germany has an amazing history that stems far back beyond imaginings. The people are wonderful. The food is amazing. There is nothing like Germany at Christmastime.
I love the sweetness of Christmas. That special magical feeling spans villages and cities everywhere all around the world. In Germany, homes and churches display an advent creation, a set of four candles either in a wreath, on a wooden holder, or maybe mixed in with a floral design... They count back four Sundays before Christmas and each week they light another candle. So the first Sunday, one candle is lit, the second two candles, the third Sunday three candles glow, and by Christmas all candles are burning bright.
On Dec 6th, St. Nicholas fills the good children's shoes with candy, and he could be seen at the Christmas Markets, donning his rich crimson robe, reminding children to be good.
Christmas Eve is a very busy day in Germany, for it is when families bring a tree home, decorate it, exchange their gifts, Santa comes Christmas eve. And families have their Christmas dinner that night as well. On the actual 25th and 26th of December, families visit their extended family enjoying one another.
I loved getting to share in the Christmas Joys of another land, and have brought some of this home with me. it's so fun to learn about and embrace tradition, wherever it might come from.
I wish all my friends here a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy traditions old and new, and the love and joy of family and friends. Happy Holidays!
Love and Peace to you all.
~Lori
