The covered dish casseroles smelled wonderful as we entered the church hall.  Voices, laughter, tinkling Christmas music all wafted to add to the festive feeling I had.  With our dishes placed on the long serving table, we made our way to a table and joined some folks already seated. Our first holiday event of 2018!
A rousing game of "Name that Christmas Tune" and a team scramble of biblical prophecies and fulfillment of the Messiah proved to bring the competitive natures out in this group of NCEM missionaries!  When the formal part of the evening was over, we lingered with a few and played board games.  It was a lot of fun!  Spending time together without the responsibilities of ministry made me appreciate these faithful folks all the more.
A few days later, I was sitting at a round table with nine other ladies, basking in the candles and dimmed Christmas lights that created a relaxing ambiance.  My sister, her daughter, my daughter and I dashed over to the archway and bench and took pictures together.  Although our step-mom, Dinah was to come with us, she was in the hospital.  So we sent the pictures to her and let her know we missed her!  The theme of the evening was "Choosing Joy" and I know it could have been so meaningful for Dinah, who has been struggling for several months with kidney-related issues, in and out of hospital.  The speakers, two women who happen to be cousins, shared their experiences: one with cancer and the other, loss of a spouse at aged 30.  Their testimonies were of needing to make joy a choice in order to cope and to overcome the difficulties in their journeys.  Jesus is the true source of lasting joy and the evening brought that truth out in a meaningful way.
Two days following this lovely evening, Walter and I entered a downtown Regina restaurant for yet another holiday party.  Our team from Healing Hearts Ministries in Regina and area, gathered for a meal, cheesy Christmas jokes and the ever-popular gift exchange game!  With over twenty of us together, it was a fun and joyful time, even though each carries some burdens and recent personal losses.  I am thankful we are not alone, but can support one another.
Most mornings I try to spend time by the stove and Christmas tree, letting my heart soak in the spirit of the season.  More than that, the Spirit of the season, who is the Lord! 
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17
Let us take the opportunities to enjoy the Spirit of the Lord and reflect on the wonders of Jesus Christ, come as a baby, as Saviour, Lamb, Redeemer, King!