S-a Nascut Cristos

 Christ is born!

Sweet little Hana

Oh Christmas day, you have come and gone so quickly. Yet, your fragrance lingers still. For Christmas is not just a day. It is a celebration of the glorious gift of God's very own Son. And that celebration deserves MUCH more than a day. In fact, it deserves our thanksgiving every day of the year.

For if Christ had not come we would not have the freedom that has come by His name. For He fulfilled the prophecies, lived to show us the perfect way, died a willing sacrifice for our very sins, and rose again in triumphant defeat of death and sin! Oh the marvel of His unending love!

Laughter, Joy, Love! 

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Throughout the last couple weeks leading up to Christmas I was at times tempted to feel sorry for myself. I wanted to give myself an excuse to be sad about being away from my family at Christmas.

Yet, I didn't get much chance. As soon as these thoughts began to cross my mind I only had to look around and see my new friends here. Many of my new friends grew up in orphanages. I couldn't exactly complain to them about missing my family! I have had the wonderful blessing of 24 Christmases with my loving family. Many of these girls have never experienced Christmas like I have. Not a single year.

So, what business do I have whining about being away from my family for Christmas? What do I have to complain about? Well, now that I think about it, NOTHING.

What I have is a heart full of thankfulness. Thankful that my parents worked so hard to create wonderful Christmas memories for our family. Thankful for our fun and silly family traditions. Thankful for my little brother, Alex. Thirteen years ago he was the best earthly present we've ever received! Thankful for technology that allows me to talk "face-to-face" through a computer screen with my family on Christmas. Thankful that I was able to sing happy birthday to Alex. Thankful that I got to see the smiles and hear the laughter of my family on Christmas day.

A few of us after Christmas Eve service

I'm also thankful for my Romanian Christmas. I'm thankful for the wonderful family who welcomed me  into their home. Thankful for the laughter, smiles, hugs and joy that we shared. Thankful for the children's program at the Christmas Eve service that brought me to tears; I watched with awe as little children displayed the WHOLE story of our loving Savior. Thankful to learn Christmas songs in Romanian and worship my Savior in a new language. Thankful to go caroling to the elderly, needy and heartbroken. Thankful to come home to a warm home and yummy Romanian food. Thankful to learn new Romanian words about Christmas. Thankful for a cuddly dance with little Hana. Thankful for silly tickle fights with Maria. Thankful for cards games with Ada. Maybe even thankful for the boys that are always picking on me, haha. And OH so much more!

Christmas caroling!

However, most of all I'm thankful that I was able to celebrate the birth of our Savior with my brothers and sisters in Christ! Thankful I was able to worship my Savior who is alive and active all around me. May our Savior be lifted high as the worldly Christmas bustle fades, may our joy and celebration stay strong as we seek to bring our Savior glory each day before us!

S-a Nascut Cristos(Christ is born), Allyssa