FiveKennys: Advent and the Gift of Friendship

The Third Sunday of Advent 2016

"Out of His fullness, we have received grace upon grace." John 1:16

As Christmas approaches, we are thankful for the joy and light of friendship in our lives.

This coming week wraps up the fall semester at Rosslyn Academy. We have been looking forward to Christmas break with our family and time with good friends.

Tristan and Emma both had a busy semester with classes and extracurricular activities. Most days after school have been filled with the preparation and production of Twelve Angry Men and then rehearsals for the April performance of Annie. Ava has also had a full fall with gymnastics and intramural sports. Fourth grade has been an exciting time as she has made new friends and is getting more involved in music -- Fourth grade is the year of the recorder at Rosslyn.

But in all the busyness, we are most thankful for the gift of friendship.

In John's Gospel, we are told of the coming of Jesus as the light of the world. Through His relationship, we are brought into new relationship with God and one another. The way we love one another is an expression of our love for God.

Making room for others in our lives is at the heart of the story. Advent and Christmas call us to be generous with our lives. To see others as a gift from God.

All three of our children are blessed with such a rich group of friends. Nairobi is not the most secure place to travel at night, so often our kids are sleeping over with friends (at our home or their friends). December is the end of our short rainy season and so returns our tradition of evening campfires and yard games. We are so thankful for the intimacy that living here creates.

Celebrating Advent under the stars

Last evening, we shared in an advent potluck with the families of some of our children's closest friends. Soon a guitar appeared and the teenagers started leading songs around the fire. Carols, Christmas songs, Disney themes, and even a little John Mellencamp.

As the years go by, we are so thankful for the friendships that have blessed our family. Along with our wonderful Canadian Baptist Ministries colleagues and relationships with our national partners, our family has been enriched through the international community living here. Nairobi is a very transient place as people come and go with Christian missions, non-governmental organizations, and the diplomatic service, but God has continually brought such amazing people into our lives.

We pray that you too will experience the joy of community this advent. That God will bless you with dear companions on the journey of life.