Bread House

I've been thinking about bread a lot lately. I know it sounds strange, but stay with me. One of the great things about Guatemala (but not so great for my waistline) is the abundance of bakery's. Just about every other store in our town is a bakery; stocked everyday with fresh, warm bread. Along with their beloved corn tortillas, pan Frances (French bread) is practically a staple in most Guatemalan homes. And while I love this bread, it still leaves me empty and unsatisfied.

During this season of Advent we are anticipating the birth of The Bread of Life. He is the bread of Heaven that we can feed upon everyday and will satisfy our souls.
Did you know that Bethlehem means "House of Bread"? It makes me smile to see God's goodness in that. The Bread of Life born in the Bread House. God knew our great need and provided His only Son. And 33 years later, he broke bread with His disciples foreshadowing the breaking of His body for us.

This is the message we want our communities to grasp. As we've held several Christmas parties in the villages, our goal was always Jesus.  As fun as presents and cake are, I pray they would recognize the significance of Christ's birth too and that these sweet people will realized just how much God loves them. That The Bread of Life came and can satisfy them.

Tomorrow Mitch and I will fly to the States. We will go from a culture where the over-materialized aspect of Christmas is a sin, to a culture that celebrates the over-abundance of commercialism. While we are excited to be with family and friends, the simplistic way celebrating this holiday as they do in Guatemala will be missed. No matter where we are for Christmas, seek The Bread of Life. Only He can feed our hungry souls. He is our Enough.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!