A Polar Farewell

This past week has been full of "See you later" moments as I find myself refusing to say "Good-bye" to so many dear friends in DC.

It's become a DC tradition for our friends to gather before we all scatter for the holidays and enjoy a reading of The Polar Express.  In fact, this was the seventh time we have done it!

The theme of the Polar Express can be defined as believing even though others are skeptical.  The reason I love this book is that it reminds me in a child-like way that there is more to hope for than just presents under the tree and more to believe in than the idea of Santa Claus and the North Pole.

This past Sunday at church, we had our yearly service of scripture reading and songs.  The passage that encouraged me the most was an old favorite: Isaiah 9:6-7:

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

This Christmas passage make me long, wait and want the second coming of Jesus.  It is designed to point Believers to the reality that we have more than nostalgia--we have true hope and more than tradition--we have salvation--to look forward to.

Just as I was feeling full of hope, but also nostalgia of completing the final reading, our friends surprised us.

 
They signed a special copy of The Polar Express and Jordan put together a movie filled with hundreds of photos from the past 6+ years that we have spent in DC.  I wanted to cry, but chose to laugh, and it was hilarious watching along with our friends as we recalled memories and experiences that we have shared. When I moved to Washington a month after graduating from college in 2008, I never dreamed that I would have the experiences and most importantly the community that I found here.  I will carry these memories and friendships with me for the rest of my life.

So that's it, folks.  Time to head back south now!

Note: If you're having trouble with the video, click here.