I’m pretty sure your Christmas trees are still up and we’re all still enjoying what’s left of the Christmas season (and the leftover sugar cookies). So I’ll just go ahead and finish this Christmas greeting I started drafting the day before Christmas, just before everything went full-on crazy I totally forgot about posting it.
That’s just how merry and special this particularly Christmas had been—two hands full, and no time for anything else other than wrapping gifts, adjusting to New York’s holiday rush, spending quality time with family, and chasing giddy toddlers who’ve had way too much stateside chocolates.
It’s my first Christmas away from our family in Manila and therefore have been missing them a lot, but even in the strangeness of this city it’s impossible to not feel home. Maybe because we’re surrounded by Filipinos who still very much uphold pinoy Christmas traditions. Perhaps because we are surrounded with so much love from our family here who have generously stretched their hearts, homes, budgets and schedules to accommodate us.
And then of course, home is wherever I’m with my crew.
This past week is filled with countless of moments where I just stop and marvel at God’s goodness and faithfulness that cushioned us on all sides, amidst the cold weather, the chaos that comes with living in suitcases all month, and the backlog of work I know I have to deal with later. ;) (Sorry for the unanswered emails, you guys.)
Truly there is no better way to celebrate this most wonderful time of the year than resting in the peace that comes from the Giver of all gifts, the baby in the manger, the King of all kings.
I pray that wherever in the world you are, you have seen and tasted and breathed Christmas for everything it should be—marveling at the wonder of God’s love, the big and small moments to be treasured, the gift of family, and the love that’s meant to be shared and given away.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Eastern Standard Time. (Still late, I know.)
With love from New York,
David & Rhiza, Dawn & Rain
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