Christ MAS


Being retired has its benefits.

This past summer, retirement meant I got to spend 7 weeks working in Nicaragua in the community of San Benito to help install a water system.

It was GOOD WORK.  Rewarding for me.  Life changing for the people in that small community...  And as we get ready to head into the last week before Christmas, I find myself thinking of the people there...

In Nicaragua they speak Spanish.  Sadly, I do not...

However I DO KNOW that "mas" means more.  And so as I sit in my house this morning drinking coffee and thinking about the word Christmas - I suppose it might translate to MORE CHRIST.

I like that.

I like it for the simple reason that the people in San Benito - actually, the people I've met THROUGHOUT Nicaragua, seem to have a better handle on what happiness looks like than many of us here in the U.S. do.

In the U.S. I believe folks often look to what's under the tree to bring them happiness at Christmas.  But no matter how grand the gift...even if it is something you've hoped for all year - chances are, after the novelty has worn off you will soon be looking for something else to make you happy.

That's where Christ comes in.  He is the gift we all have been searching for.  He is the reason for the season!

The people I've met in Nicaragua understand that.  While they lead lives that are "meager" by U.S. standards, the people I've met are rich in love, joy, peace, and hope.  Family and community are valued, and "loving thy neighbor" is something that happens all the time.  

This Christmas I want to remember to focus on the "MAS", and recognize the more I look to HIM this season, heck the more I look to Him in EACH season of my life, the happier I will be.

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people!'" - Luke 2:10




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