The house is pretty empty and silent as of this morning, with the final two of our crew heading to their families for Christmas. I live 30 minutes from G-ville, and am working a seasonal retail job for the holidays, so I am sticking around. Kim will be here as well, but two in the house will be a change!
Before all this leaving commenced, we had some fun holiday cheer as a community. We spent our last family night all together decorating the house. Thanks to AIM for a borrowed Christmas tree and decorations! There have been many opportunites for community as we have gathered to enjoy the twinkling lights, mugs of hot beverages, and even an aloud reading from Mother Teresa. We culminated the season together with a pretty kicking White Elephant Christmas party. Each one of us made a dish and we invited some of our AIM community to join in. There were lots of laughs, eating, and stealing of the coveted gifts. My personal victory was the apprehension of the pirate gear, which may show up at another W.E. party near you this coming season!;)
I hope this is a refreshing time for my community and we can come back in 2009 ready to welcome four new family members and continue to walk this community living thing out.
I hope each one of you, my blog readers, has a most blessed Christmas with your loved ones. Take a step back from what we have made Christmas-the gifts, the running about, the craziness and remember what we are anticipating and celebrating. Our King came into this world 2,000+ years ago, and He is coming again. Sometimes I forget that. Sometimes you forget. May we give adortation where it is due this holiday season.
O Come, O Come Immanuel
And ransom captive Israel
Who mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel…
great pics – Merry Christmas!
I love you Jess! It’s been a blessing walking this community thing out with you. Thanks for your lov, grace and prayers. I’m praying for you while we’re all apart from each other as always. Have a great break!
Looks like fun. hope your Christmas is a great one too, Jessica!