The White Christmas

Almost Christmas (if you count the Christmas is on Dec 25), or we can say it is Christmas time. This is the 3rd year I spend my Christmas in this country, America, away from home. The firt "white" Christmas was on 2004; I spent that Christmas with my ex-girlfriend and my Indonesian friends in Chicago.
It was really WHITE Christmas, because there was a lot of snow in Chicago, and it's very cold there. We went to a Christmas celebration at Willow Creek church, well I guess around 20th or sometimes before the Christmas eve.
I was really new with the American Christmas tradition. I learned that on Christmas eve and Christmas day American people usually time with their family. They'll busy since 24th morning, preparing the meal for dinner, big meal for the whole family; and in the Christmas morning, they once again gather together, surrounding the Christmas tree; the kids are busy openning their gifts under the tree.

My second white Christmas was Dec 2005,I spent the Christmas in Atlanta. It was a little different since there was not a lot of snow in Atlanta, infact it was quite warm for American :P I went there with my ex-girlfriend and one Indonesian family (Martus family). Fortunately, I could spend Christmas those year with some Indonesian in their Indonesian Christian fellowship. It was very nice that I could sing Christmas songs in my own language. I still could remember that we had a big Indonesia meal after the service. We also spent wonderful times with some Indonesian families there. They invited us for dinners, lunches and showed their love to us. At that Christmas I learned how the warmth of family and friends make the Christmas different.

So, Dec 2006, my 3rd "white" Christmas; it's not nearly white Christmas, because right now, in Louisville, there's no snow. I broke up with my girlfriend this year, so we won't spend Christmas time together. My roomate Justin has gone back to home few days ago to spend time Christmas with his beloved family; and James, my other roomate will drive home tomorrow.
Last week, I and my roomate had a little quarrel about Christmas. I critisized how American celebrate their Christmas. I said that they have swithced the real meaning of Christmas from the birth of Christ into Santa, gifts, family gathering, bla bla bla.... Justin tried to explain why; but I guess at that time I did not really asking for explanations, I just merely threw up my frustration; because I am away from my country, my family, my old friends.
I guess I hurt Justin's feeling by critisizing his Christmas. Well, I am truly sorry; I don't mean that; infact I guess I am learning that family and friends are very important, and Christmas is the best time to show your love to them.

This evening, I went to Southeast Christian church, they're having a weekend Christmas service. It was so simple, not like in Indonesia, churches are always busy at Christmas, and I used to be busy too, preparing Christmas events at church.
I sat between two family, on my left were two old couples and one old lady who was their sister; and on my right were a young couple who was holding hands during the service. However, I could feel the "warm and fuzzy" feeling of Christmas there. A lot of Christmas song were sung, and the preaching was wonderful. It reminded me that Jesus Christ is the gift of Christmas; and the wise-men came and delivered their gifts to Christ. People can be caught up with Christmas tradition; it can be different for American, Asian, African, etc - but those are still traditions. The only thing that make it different is the heart. The heart that celebrates Christmas; the heart which willing to give their best to God, and to others.

I will be here on Christmas eve, mostly alone; but I won't complain. It is time for me to appreciate the things that I can't have now. Appreciate the friendship with my beautiful friends here in America (Justin,Ajeen, Will,Camly,Nick,etc), how they show their love, understanding for me as a foreigner. For my family back home who love me so much; my parents and my sisters - they are always in my heart.
Bunch of my Indonesian friends here in US or back home whom I cannot contact all the time; I aprreciate their prayers, even though I can't hear, but God can; and for each time we had spent together in the past; the meaning of friendship, the love, the caring - all has left marks in my heart and in my life. And I am sure that God will lead your life and you all can be a blessing for many others as you've been a blessing for me.
Last but not least; during my time alone in Christmas eve; I know that I'm not lonely, because I know He, who came in the quiet Christmas night in the manger, also came in my quiet heart. He whisperes to me that He loves me so much; and He wants to stay with me; give the warm and fuzzy feeling in my heart, and to make sure I know that I will be alrite; because Christmas is living in my heart.

Merry Christmas everyone; Emmanuel - God be with us.