My little brother Jakes is out on this sort of epic journey around the world with four or five other people. They are experiencing a lot and telling people about Jesus. Last I talked with him he had just finished a scavenger hunt through the streets of downtown Hong Kong. Since then he has taught english in a chinese boarding school and climbed the great wall in China. Now he is with this pretty amazing tribe of people in africa call the Turkana people. I googled them and found some pictures. Looking at them first made me think of the "its a small world" ride at magic kingdom: just the thought of people who look so different, with such a different experience of the world...it's a neat reminder that they're out there. But then I was struck by their smiles. Their smiles look familiar. People all over the world smile the same. 

Lately I have been looking at pictures of past Christmases. My wife smiles so well in every one and I look goofy in every one. I have been thinking a lot about why we smile at Christmas. I mean there is always a lot of stuff packed in to this time of year, but what do we mean by "the spirit of Christmas."

I haven't figured out exactly why yet, but I do like this season...it makes me smile.

ben hoyer