Tuesday, December 11, 2012

This Little Light of Mine

One night late in November, we peeked out through our bedroom curtain and looked across our narrow street to see all our neighbours placing small tea-light candles around the perimeters of their houses.
It was the main night of Loy Krathong (the festival of lights) and we had been hearing hours of fireworks and crackers going off for the past several days and nights.
Other years, we have joined in this festival by letting a lantern go off or by driving around the city to watch the festivities but this year we had chosen not to.  
Our Thai teacher explained that it would send a confusing message to our Thai neighbours if we were seen participating in this Buddhist event when we are actually Christians.

And so it was.  Our street congregated.  Firecrackers went off  and we watched on as they celebrated.


Not even two weeks later, and our family began putting up lights.  We set up a Christmas tree, strung up some tinsel and decorated our house in celebration and remembrance of the birth of Christ.  
Now our neighbours are having their turn at looking on and watching us as we begin to celebrate this Christian holiday.  
To them the few decorations and trees they see in the shopping centers represent the coming New Year, but for us these symbols mean so much more.
We are so excited here in the Cross household.  
This is one of the reasons why we moved house!
We are face to face with the reality that we are different.
Not just in the way we look or because we are the only ones celebrating Christmas, but in what we believe to be the Truth!   And this holiday season, we get the opportunity to explain just why we believe what we do and how that information has been so life-changing for us.
Last night we finished off the goodie bags that we have made for each household in our street. Complete with a gift as well as the Christmas story in Thai.
Over the coming days, please pray for us as we attempt to make contact with each family in our street; that we can continue to build on the relationships we've already established, begin friendships with those we've not yet had the chance to get to know and especially for ways to share our faith.

"This Little Light of Mine" is a gospel children's song written by Harry Dixon Loes (1895–1965) in about 1920.
Depending on the source, the song may take its theme from Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heaven".
(Wikipedia)

4 comments:

yufamilythailand said...

So encouraged by you guys! God has gifted you with so many talents and with boldness in Him to not only draw others to you, but for you to share about our Savior too. So wonderful to see you using your gifts for His glory. Praying.

Mrs M said...

Good luck, and wishing you a Merry Christmas.

Cross Family said...

Thanks Mandy. Merry Christmas to you too and those three sweet children of yours. x x x

Cross Family said...

Oh Ester, you are such an encourager. Thank you. We'll let you know how it goes!!