Travel has changed my life. It’s taken me near and far and I’ve missed a few family functions and holidays because of it.
I’ve missed Thanksgiving twice by being out of the country.
I missed Mother’s day this year.
I missed my cousin’s graduation.
I’ve missed birthdays and get togethers.
But one thing I’ve never missed before is Christmas.
It’s not easy being away from home this holiday season. Especially since a lot of family that I don’t get to see often came to celebrate Christmas this year. Thank God for technology so I can see their faces through the screen as I sit in my hostel here in Thailand.
There are Christmas decorations and Christmas music all around the city but the spiritual atmosphere is dead. No one is celebrating Christ. It’s all business. Buddhist temples surround me where ever I walk and it definitely doesn’t feel like home.
But then I think “where would Jesus be on Christmas?”
He’d be with the orphan who has no parents to cuddle up to next to the Christmas tree.
He’d be with the widow shut away in her home without visitors to say Merry Christmas.
He’d be at the bar comforting the dad who hasn’t talked to his son in years, who’s been drinking away his sorrows to forget that it’s Christmas.
He’d be sitting next to the beggar on the street that doesn’t have a place to call home.
Jesus would be anywhere but home. He’d be a comforter and shelter for those who want nothing to do with Christmas.
I’m here to be a light and spread Christmas cheer by telling others that God sent Himself in the form of Jesus to be a sacrifice that was necessary from the covenant made by Abraham in the beginning (Genesis 15). He did it because he loves us in an insurmountable, immeasurable way that we will never truly wrap our minds around.
Christmas is about celebration.
Celebrate is synonymous with “remember” and “memorialize.”
So to celebrate Christmas means to take a pause in our life. It’s to remember what the God of the Universe, the Creator of all people and all things did that literally changed the trajectory of this world.
With Christ everything changed.
And so while I’d love to be at home sitting around the tree with my family this Christmas, there’s really no place I’d rather be than half way across the world serving the Lord who made Christmas possible.
Many blessings and joy to you this Christmas. Cherish the memories that you’ll make with family.
With love,
Erica
Please help me to be fully funded by Christmas; I’m only $356 away from being funded! Prayerfully consider contributing to God’s bank account (donate here) to continue sending me to the nations.
Being away helps to discover what is really important to you. The fact that you can focus on where the Lord would be is huge. It’s so easy to talk about how sad you are…..the Eeyore conversation. But the truth is….you’re celebrating from within your heart that’s bursting with his love. You’re not distracted with all the westernized traditions. Don’t get me wrong, they’re fun! Just not necessary!
I am so happy that your team will spend Christmas day together….sitting together, singing, laughing and making memories! This holiday season will definitely be different, but, I think, it just might be one of the most memorable!
God rest ye merry world race team,
Let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior
was born on Christmas Day!
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray
Oh tiding of comfor and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
In Bethlehem, In Israel,
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
The which his Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Fear not then, said the Angel
Let nothing you affright
This day is born a Savior
Of a pure virgin bright
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan’s power and might
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy!!
Merry Christmas to Amazing team ABunDance!
Dearesr Erica-
First of all, Merry Christmas! I pray for your Christmas to be filled w/all you hope for in others, for others, because your heart is huge! I know this has to be hard on you, as well as your parents! I spoke w/your Dad yesterday-your journey has changed his spiritual journey, as well! And your mom’s too, I ‘m sure! And your point is so well taken-Jesus Would be w/the homeless, downtrodden, drug-stricken, lonely soul on Christmas-after all-He wasn’t even in his own home on his birth, but in a strange stable in Bethlehem, w/animals and strange men! And what a gift to the world! There is a wonderful song that Faith Hill sings a Christmas song called, “A Baby Changes Everything.” Hope you can listen to it sometime. Christ certainly changed things after Hewss born. And when you were born, your parents thought so, too. ??
Feliz navidad Erica! You are so right…Christ made His home anywhere there was a need! What you have seen and experienced is something that more need to see and experience! Most live oblivious to the great needs of this world! Blessings! You continue in our prayers! Mark
Merry Christmas! So glad you can represent all of us as a messenger of Christ’s love to all who need it there and wherever you’ve been and have yet to visit! Blessings to you this season and in the New Year!??
Love from Ann & Mark and family!
Much Love, Light and Laughter this Christmas!
Dearest daughter,
It’s hard to put into words my feelings of not having you home daily let alone the first Christmas apart since your birth , but I know it’s far more important for you to be where you are with the lonely , broken spirit, giving hope and comfort to the lonely, homeless and hungry which is the true meaning of Christmas. I’m so proud of you and miss you everyday. Enjoy this time in your life. Everyday is a gift. Love momma.
There’s no better place on earth than the road that leads to heaven. Merry Christmas to you, Erica. And to team ABunDance and all of X Squad.
Erica – Thanks for sharing. Although I’d love to have you home sitting around the tree with family this Christmas, there’s really no other place I’d rather have you be than serving the Lord who made Christmas possible. There is no other place I would rather have your heart and soul, as it has found the right place-at home and at piece, with Christ at any location.
Merry Christmas. Luv Dad
Merry Christmas Erica!! We miss you and love your commitment to your mission.
I will get a few videos for you and post them in “FAmily” that your dad set up. Love you!!
Merry Christmas Erica!! We miss you and love your commitment to your mission.
I will get a few videos for you and post them in “FAmily” that your dad set up. Love you!!
Merry Christmas Erica!! We miss you and love your commitment to your mission.
I will get a few videos for you and post them in “FAmily” that your dad set up. Love you!!
Merry Christmas Erica! We are waiting at church, for Katie &Ross so are saving seats for Christmas Eve Mass. I’m not savvy enough to post my video! Will have Uncle Mike help me!!Maren and Ryan are already at his family Christmas and will join us later for dessert and dice game! Safe travels and may you bring Peace Hope and Love to those you’re with today and always!??????
So good!!!!!! Love this post friend and LOVE you!!!
Merry Christmas my sweet Erica!! I too wish we could all be together this Christmas. But remember, we will all be together this September for Uncle Michael’s wedding. Let the craziness begin!
I’m so proud of you, Erica! Your living the true meaning of Christmas. May God continue to watch over you and protect you as you spread His Word and love. I love you, miss you and can’t wait to see you again!
Aunt Michelle.
Christmas reminded me this year that we love Him because He first lived us and that we do stuff for him because of that!
Even go across the world!
Erica – you are truly an inspiration to all. You obviously are right where you needed to be for Christmas, changing lives forever. Although your parents missed you immensely, they know you are doing what you need to do in this crazy world we live in. You make them proud! Love ya and I keep you in my prayers. Happy New Year xoxo Darcy
Happy New Year from my side of the world. I’m David’s dad, and I’m excited to follow you and your new team. You are indeed correct that Jesus freely goes everywhere he is invited and it’s exciting to know you are offering your life as an example of the open invitation… reaching out to those who desperately need to hear it. Grace & Peace.