Reflections on Christmas

Around Thanksgiving in 2019, my mother-in-law arrived at the Chicago O’Hare airport. Since leaving Korea in August 2015, I have experienced both challenges and accomplishments with my husband. My mother-in-law’s faithful prayers have supported us. After spending a busy spring and summer and after finishing the harvest season, my mother-in-law, a farmer, was able to rest only in the winter. Then, she came to visit us.

How could my husband and I welcome my mother-in-law? How could we express our love to her? What would make her happy? My husband cleaned the house and baked an apple pie (the only pie he was able to bake). I decorated her room, prepared some items that she might need, and wrote a welcome card. What else?

When she entered our parsonage, she looked around the house and said that she was pleased that we were living in a comfortable and warm house. She reminded us, “I know what a busy and important season it is in the church now. Therefore, do what you have to do and don’t try to do something special for me. It hasn’t sunk in yet where I am or with whom. Yet it is clear and true that I am so happy to be with you.”

I came to ponder Jesus’ coming through my mother-in-law’s coming. Why should we celebrate the birth of Jesus? Because Jesus came to the earth for me, for you, and for us. Jesus came here to be my friend, counselor, and supporter. We have all experienced challenges this year, so we should welcome Jesus’ coming wholeheartedly. Jesus, the Lord of all the world, wants nothing except to be with us.

Beloved siblings in Christ,
How can you celebrate Jesus’ coming? How can you express your love for Jesus? Glorious God came down here to live with us, to be friends with us, and to save us from the darkness. I invite you to share your thoughts about Christmas throughout the season of Advent.

Rev. InSun Lee is the pastor of Darlington United Methodist Church & Fayette United Methodist Church in Wisconsin.