Thai Christmas Caroling

I finally went Christmas Caroling with my roommate's Thai church this year. Well, actually I went caroling for half the night- I had been sick earlier in the week and couldn't make it until 5:40am!

The Thais go caroling all night long! They go to peoples' houses who know that they are coming, so they are prepared with food and drinks. They either give them something to take with them or invite them in the house.

We met at someone's house at 7:30pm - actually we arrived there at that time, but no one else really showed up until closer to 8:15pm. We had 3 pick-up trucks to pile into as we drove around the city. Now I know to Minnesotans- 50s isn't cold...but in the back of a pick-up truck going 50-60 mph it gets a little cold! 

At the houses we sang and then the pastor would pray for the people at that house.  Then it was eating soup and drinking coffee or collecting a gift and going on. I went around until midnight when we stopped at my friend's house who also attends the church. I was encouraged to stop while I still felt good :) Best advice of the night! She took me home and the rest of them continued on. My roommate got home at 5:40am!!

For me I got to have the "best" of both worlds, because my other roommate was going to be the last stop for her church's caroling group that same night. I stayed up a little later and helped serve them meatballs, bread and cookies. Of course there was also hot chocolate to drink. At about 2am I was in bed...a late night for this old person :)

What a neat way to celebrate Christ's birth here in Thailand. A different tradition and way of doing things yet worshiping and celebrating the same Lord! I am always so moved every time I sing in Thai with other believers- we serve such an amazing God. One that loves each one of us and knows all our languages but even more than that....our hearts!