Merry Christmas to you from Hong Kong. Those are words I never thought I’d write or say, but this year we are in Hong Kong to celebrate our daughter’s marriage. She married last April, but they are having a reception for her husband’s Hong Kong family and we were invited.

This is my first time outside the United States and it’s been amazing. The city is huge, but very welcoming. The people are so nice and the food is fabulous. 

On our first day here, we were taken on a tour of Kowloon, the northern part of Hong Kong. As part of the tour, we were taken to the offices of the Young Life ministry. It was fascinating hearing about their outreach to junior high and high school youth. I was impressed with the many facets of their ministry and how they were able to interact with the young people to tell them about Jesus and His love for them. The young woman in charge said they are rarely in the office because they are out working with kids and reaching out to them at the schools.

On Christmas Eve, we attended church with our son-in-law’s family. The church youth put on a very entertaining program with a godly message. It was so fun. The worship and message reminded me of my church back home. The enthusiasm for Jesus shone in that church. 

One of the things that’s impressed me most with this culture is their way of taking time to eat together, to share their thoughts and experiences over food, not being in a hurry. I am reminded of how often Jesus broke bread with people in the Bible and taught lessons during the meal. 

Twice, Jesus taught and then had the disciples break up fish and loaves to give to the people. He ate and taught at Mary and Martha’s house. Even at the end of His ministry, He sat down with the disciples and shared important teachings during the last supper.

Maybe we should consider a meal together as more than just the food we’re eating. Yes, the food can be great nourishment and tasty, but the conversation is more important than what is on our plate. What are we conveying to those who are sharing our meal? Are we complaining about circumstances? Are we talking about worldly things that don’t really matter? Consider those conversations and what is being said.

Yes, we can talk about those other things—maybe not the complaining so much(smile)—but we can talk about sports, or books, or movies, etc., but we also need to bring up Christ and the gift He’s given us. We should be excited to share Him with those around us, even when sharing is hard. A meal together is a great time to touch on Jesus and who He is.

We don’t have to wait to travel somewhere to share Jesus. Here in Hong Kong, I’ve been considering John 3:16 and that God so loved the whole world that He gave His only begotten Son. The whole world. We have the opportunity to share that wonderful message whether we’re at home or some amazing destination like Hong Kong.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and let someone know how much Jesus loves them.