Clarks: Christmas Day - Sharing the GIFT

To tell the truth, I (Jason) have a pretty "humbug" attitude about being bothered on, or even around, Christmas. Usually, if anyone wants to visit, I'll say no. And that goes for everyone - Christian and non-Christian alike. How's that for a mission field confessional?
What's more, if there's any one person here in Hangzhou (and there is) who I especially try to avoid seeing, I must confess, it's this Chinese Christian named George. For some reason I really have had trouble being patient and friendly to him. I know, it's terrible. He's a brother, after all. He's had us out to his hometown; he's taught us Chinese; he's always been very nice... It's the perfect storm as far as guilt goes - he's done nothing wrong, yet I can't seem to tolerate him!
So, when Cecely came to me with the news that George would be coming over, on Christmas day, it was assumed I would not take it very well. After all, we'd already agreed to break with our usual policy and host three girls for a Bible study Christmas Eve. Now we were looking at having guests both days! But, without much complaint, I agreed to George's visit.
Well, as it turned out, we and the girls had to reschedule for Christmas Day - meaning that all four guests would converge on our apartment at once. And so they did.
And it was great!
It turned into a very, very long Bible study and discussion that did a lot to teach and challenge the girls and stretch and strengthen our own faith. George - as I had already known but not experienced firsthand - has a passion and gift for patiently and thoughtfully explaining the gospel. He and I and Cec all took turns, as it were, adding to the conversation, and each of the girls were also fully engaged. Cecelia (middle) is the closest to saving faith - PRAY FOR HER. Her roommate, Katrina (far right), has now come over twice as Cecelia's invitation. And Ashley (aka, Ice, nearest George) has also been over maybe two or three times with Cecelia. George and a sister, Joanna from Wuhan, have talked to her before. [Joanna also recently bought and sent to us a Chinese copy of Purpose-Driven Life to give to Ashley; Ashley and Cecelia have both read The Secret, which, if you don't know, is more-or-less the anti-Bible.]
Anyway, it was a productive and meaningful Christmas.
The gifts of God - the message of salvation, brotherly love - were enjoyed by us all.