On this frosty morning, I am veering from the usual tea option and celebrating the first week of Advent with Trader Joe’s delicious spiced apple cider.
While sipping this delicious mixture garnished with a cinnamon stick, my mind returns to a special time in Bethlehem:
In January of this year, Jim and I had the honor of leading a group of pilgrims to visit Israel. One chilly morning our guide Mickey led us to Bethlehem. After a short walk, we followed him down some steps and into a grotto, or cave. Being claustrophobic on occasion, I was unsure about entering this space. To my surprise, I found it to be broad and comfortable, warm and cozy. The entrance could be closed off at night as the shepherds would lay brush there to secure the sheep inside who were birthing their lambs. There was space to make a fire and plenty of room for our group to sit and sing "Away in a Manger" as we took time to reflect and worship.
Photo by Pawan Sharma via Unsplash
I learned that the shepherds mentioned in Luke 2:1-20 were Levitical shepherds, appointed to tend and protect the flocks destined for sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem, just 5 miles away. As we sang our simple carol in this humble and safe place, the vastness of God's plan of redemption expanded my heart. I tasted afresh the wonder of Perfect Love breaking into earth from heaven to address the sin, fear and estrangement of mankind. In Bethlehem, the Lamb of God was announced to those responsible for temporary atonement. The message of the angel signaled the upcoming end of animal sacrifice since Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and Savior, had come.
This birth announcement of all birth announcements came with an angelic visitation, the shining Glory of God and a heavenly host praising God and His provision of the Prince of Peace, the Lamb of God. Verse 10 of Luke 2 tells us more about the birth announcement:
Do not fear - God is giving us good news!
This news is the most joyous ever!
This news is for ALL people!
I began 2020 pondering the beauty of this birth announcement and I am choosing to return to it at the close of 2020, clinging to what is true and eternal and finding my purpose within this marvelous proclamation. May we return to our lives as the shepherds did, glorifying and praising God for His love and His perfect provision in Jesus Christ. There is a world waiting to hear this good and joyous news.
Firefall International Israel/Jordan Tour 2022
In case you have an interest, Firefall International will be returning to Israel in late January of 2022. For this tour, we will spend the last three days in Jordan, touring Petra and Mt. Nebo.
For more information, check out our Special Events page. We would love for you to join us!
