12-8-06
Hello Family and Friends,
We sit here coming up on Christmas. Oh what we
wouldn’t give to be back in the northeast of the USA
with our families, in the snow, sledding, and getting
ready for Christmas. As those of you who travel
around Christmas may agree, It’s hard to be away from
family and friends especially at Christmas. We have
made some decorations: snowflakes, paper angels, had
some Christmas lights given to us when a peace corps
worker left the country, and have lit the “spiced
apple cider†candle. We are playing Christmas music.
The temperature doesn’t match up for us! Its 85 in
the day and 65 at night. It’s hard to get in the real
spirit of Christmas. Though as I look at the
surroundings, it is very much like I would expect what
Bethlehem was like. Dry, dusty, cool at night, hot
during the day. Cattle, sheep, donkeys, goats roaming
over the landscape with little boys “shepherdingâ€
them. Most of the animals mangy from roaming around
in the dust and foraging for food. It is similar to
what I imagine it may have been like back then.
What are you thinking of at this season? How to make
ends meet to buy the presents you “need� Who to get
gifts for and who to leave out? Who will be offended
if I don’t give them a gift? Though Christians in
general are pretty sure that Christ was not born on
Dec. 25th, that is what the season is all about. What
are you giving to HIM this Christmas. Are we
remembering Him or everyone else, and our wants. Do
you have a neighbor in real need? Do you have a
neighbor with much less than you? Who will you help
at this season? Remember all that Christ has done for
you, as you plan for this season. Please pray for us
also as we spend a special holiday away from you all!
In His Service, Shanks
Shanksteps of Faith #51