Christmastime in Prague is full of life. The cold and stoic people I thought I knew so well have overwhelmed me with their warmth. My students have written me cards, baked me cookies, fixed me tea, drawn me pictures, and most importantly poured out their hearts to me over the past weeks. This may all seem very normal to many of you, but those of you who know a lot of Czechs know what I mean when I say that I wonder at times if they really have hearts at all, rather than a second mind lodged in each of their chests. (This is not meant to offend anyone, in fact the Czechs I know would probably laugh approvingly at that remark).
The snow has been falling for days, the Christmas markets are charming, the lights are shining all over the city, the medovina is hot, and I am learning and experiencing so much. I've had some excellent conversations with my new friends here on topics ranging from the latest action movies to the true meaning of Christmas. Actually, during my time here I've discovered how valuable a long, honest conversation can be.
I wish you all a happy Christmas season, and thank you so much for keeping me in your hearts and your prayers. It will be difficult to be away from home during this time of year, but it's ultimately for the best and I am in great hands.
As Christmas approaches, I am reminded how incredibly blessed I am. Not only because of my comfort, my safety, my health, my opportunity to live overseas, my amazing family, or my endless support from all of you, my friends back home. I am blessed because I'm loved without deserving love.
The main character in the book I'm reading struggled with the idea of undeserved love, insisting that "One must deserve love." Another character challenges him, "So I see you really fancy there's something in you that makes you worth loving." Frankly, whenever I search within myself for something, I come up empty. At the end of the chapter, the main character's mother reminds him what true love looks like. "Christ," she says, "will forgive everything...He will forgive your blasphemy and will forgive even worse. He will never fail us, and His light will reach us even in the blackest night." This time of year, it helps me to remember that the greatest love story of all time began with a little baby in a manger.
Merry Christmas
Richard
