Christmas With the Abrahams

Our family began celebrating Christmas a few days before the 25th as Dileeni baked many cakes and we gave them to six of our neighbors for the first-time. We met one Vietnamese, one Cambodian, and three Aussie families and a ninety-three year old, who is “not interested in religion.” We believe the visits opened the way for deeper relationships. A few invited us to come back. PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FUTURE RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEM.

On the 24th Sunday we joined Niro in her church, in CROSSWAY Cranbourne as she directed the church’s Christmas drama. They had a marvelous way to incorporate the drama and message into the full length of the worship service. There were many visitors present. I heard from the pastor that there were three first time commitments.

That evening, I proclaimed the gospel at the Dingley Anglican Church. It was a refreshing experience to join the angel(s) bringing, glad tidings, “"Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket lying in a manger!" Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God: "Glory to God in the highest heaven," they sang, "and peace on earth for all those pleasing him." (Lk. 2:10-14)

It rained that evening (and no one complained, as Victoria, our state, has had a severe drought this year). The bleating sheep were brought inside by the shepherds. It was exciting for me to proclaim the gospel to about one hundred and fifty people. I asked people to quietly pray in their hearts. I am still learning how to work with the Australian culture.

After being in the Philippines for twenty-one years, I am being careful not to second guess another culture. So not imposing my view of, “Evidence (in the gospel always) demands a verdict.” If I had my way, I would have given an invitation.

On the 25th we had my mother, brother and sisters, their children and some
of their friends in our home: a total of thirty-one. My brother Mohan was not feeling well and couldn’t join. Devi, Dharshi and Niro worked really hard to transform our home into a beautiful place. They have matured in more ways than one, in this case as ladies with good interior decorating skills.

The morning of the 25th was the coldest in Victoria since 1935! 14.5 Centigrade or 58 Fahrenheit. It is Summer here and it snowed in the mountains! We had heavy hail fall in our garden. The Age headline read, “No, you’re not dreaming…it’s a white Christmas.” Yes, when the hail fell, we all danced singing, “I am dreaming of a White Christmas.”

Dileeni worked very hard on the cooking with all of us assisting her (a little) trying to relieve her painful shoulders. The girls also came up with some delicious and colorful dips. My main task was to help with getting the outdoors ready.


Along with the eating and trying to listen to each other in the midst of the cacophony of loud Sri Lankan voices we sang a couple of carols and had a prayer. Probably one of the high notes was having two Hindus and a Buddhist amongst the friends. Basically, the Lord heard our prayer to keep our home open in no uncertain terms. This was our second Christmas with extended family and we thank God for giving us this opportunity.