The Folded Napkin

Brent told me something that he learned this week that neither of us knew.
We knew that when Jesus left the tomb, he left the linen cloths there. Now this is the meaning what we did not know and where it gets really interesting. John 20 records that the cloth that covered Jesus' face was folded and laying separate from the other clothes.
In Hebrew society, during meal time if a man got up from the table and threw his napkin down, it meant he was finished with the meal. BUT if he got up and folded the napkin and laid it down, that was the signal that he was coming back and not to remove his plate.
I LOVE IT! Jesus wasn't even out of the tomb before He was leaving a promise of His second coming! He's coming back!
I don't know about you, but I think that is awesome.

Happy Easter!

Christmas

I am unusually excited about Christmas this year. I have been for awhile. This is unsual because Christmas is not my favorite holiday. I would much rather celebrate the fourth of July. But this year, I can't wait to enjoy each Christmas party.
We received an email update this week from some friends who are adopting from Ethiopia. In their email they highlighted some Christmas traditions in Ethiopia. I thought that was a good idea, so I went in search of some traditions in Peru.

This is what I found (from the random websites that I came across):

First of all it is the summer season.

Peruvians have midnight mass or they wait up till midnight - Noche Buena - and then the celebration really begins. Feasting and dancing with neighbors, friend, and family can last till early morning. Lighting fireworks add to the festivities.

Some communities perform plays.

The Nativity may be set up for a month before Christmas, but Jesus is not placed in the manger until after midnight on Noche Buena. Symbolizing that He has been born.

Another Christmas tradition in Peru is the chocolatada. A chocolatada is usually organised by churches, businesses or shops. The people there give hot chocolate, some bread or biscocho (a sweet bread with dried fruits inside), some sweets or maybe a toy to poor children (some websites included elderly people too)

Hmm.....Jesus, fireworks, and chocolate :) I think I will fit in.