Part of our 2011 SSCP Annual Advent Devotional — “The Best Christmas Gift”
BY LINDSAY DOLIN
On Christmas in 2006, I had been in Thailand serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer for a few days shy of one year. I was aching for home and familiarity. A group of my fifth grade hill tribe students had invited me to celebrate Christmas in their Akha village. After understanding fragments of the service, conducted in the Akha language, the congregation had a potluck lunch to celebrate. Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly eat another bite, the poorest woman that I have ever seen approached me. She had one baby strapped to her back, another to her chest and one in each hand. They were all wearing rags with dirt smudged on their faces, bodies and clothes. The woman asked me, through broken Thai, how I was enjoying the party. I explained that I was having a wonderful time celebrating, but that the food was significantly spicier than Thai food. Her face lit up! She had made something that was not spicy, something that my foreign tongue could easily eat. She took my hand, led me over to her platter, and proudly presented me with a bowl. It was a dish of cubed congealed pork blood garnished with scallions and cilantro. I have no idea how it tasted, because while I was chewing and swallowing, my heart was filled with Christian love. Even though my family was on the other side of the world, I was right at home with Jesus. My students, their community and this particular woman had opened their hearts over the past year, and on this holy day, they invited me into Christian fellowship. Her joy in sharing this unexpected gift of blood salad reminded me that Christmas is not about celebrating with an exclusive group, but anywhere that kindness and generosity reign. In Christ we are not only always at home, but we become one together.
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SSCP BLOG SERIES — 2011 Advent Devotional: “The Best Christmas Gift”
We will be accepting essays throughout the month of December. This year’s Advent focus is on “the best Christmas GIFT” you’ve ever received or given. Maybe there was a cost. Perhaps it was free. It took a lot of sacrifice. Or it was effortless. How was God a part of this gift? It does need to be a gift, not a moment or memory. We will upload new essays periodically, so please check back often. (tag: advent). If you feel moved to share the story about your best Christmas gift, please email it to Wendy Hudgins at communications@silverspringumcp.org. To stay up-to-date with activities and opportunities during advent, please visit our FB page.
CLICK TO REVIEW OUR PREVIOUS ADVENT DEVOTIONALS:
2008AdventDevotional
2009AdventDevotional
2010AdventDevotional
Blessings and peace as we begin the Advent journey to Christmas. See you Sunday!
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