During one of these times, we realized that Jesus was a baby just like Lilli (well, almost just like Lilli) and Mary was a mother just like Laura. Jesus most likely cried when he was hungry, tired, or bored. He probably liked to shove things in his mouth and loved to just soak up all that was around him – just like Lilli. Mary most likely threw her hands up in frustration at times, fed and changed Jesus’ diaper, put him down for naps (probably not while singing “Jesus loves me” like we do), held him and wondered at his tiny hands and feet – just like we do. We wonder when Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus wasn’t just like the other babies. Perhaps, he was a content baby and didn’t cry much – but then again, Lilli is a content baby as well. Perhaps, it wasn’t until he started talking that Mary and Joseph realized he was different. And for that matter, did Jesus start talking earlier, walking earlier – these are just things that are fun to think about. We wondered where human nature stopped and where our sin began and what significance that would play in the life of Jesus as a toddler. Did Jesus always share his toys with other children? Did he always have kind words to say to his mother? The Bible doesn’t go into detail about this part of Jesus’ life, but the Bible does clearly state why Jesus came to Earth. Jesus was here for a reason and that was so that “[God] made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him, we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor 5:21). Baby Jesus had a purpose in life before the foundations of the world just like Lilli and just like all of us. As we reflect on the reason for this season, we must reflect on the reason for our lives as well. Why did God send his son to die on the cross for our sins? So that we could continue living our lives as before without the fear of death? Hardly. God intends for us to use our lives glorifying him with the gifts and talents he has given us. Does this mean we should all quit our paying jobs and go into ministry? No way. This means that wherever God has planted you, find ways to serve him and to tell others about him. Let Christ’s birth, death and resurrection change your life this Christmas.

This Christmas we are thankful to God that he has used you to allow us to serve Him in Germany and through out Europe. God has called us into full-time ministry and we intend to stay as long as he wants us. At times, we want to throw up our hands in frustration and just give up. But then, Christ’s life, his suffering, his service and selflessness reminds us that we aren’t alone in this struggle. We have to continually remind ourselves that life isn’t any easier outside of full-time ministry if we are living Christ-centered lives. God didn’t call us to the easy life – but he did promise to be with us every step of the way and even to carry us along when we’re too weak. We hope you feel Christ’s strength and are encouraged to keep working for the Lord even when you’re weak and worn out. We hope you find refreshment and nourishment while worshipping Christ in your church today, tomorrow, on Sundays and all of 2010. Merry Christmas to you all and a very Happy New Year.

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