This Nativity Scene Under Construction

They will rebuild the ancient ruins  and restore the places long devastated;they will renew the ruined cities  that have been devastated for generations. Isaiah 61:4 With Christmas upon us, I’ve been thinking back to my most recent visit to Bethlehem this past February. The Church of the Nativity marks the traditional location of Jesus’ birth. It’s one of the oldest church buildings, having survived where others were destroyed during invasions. Nevertheless, time continues to take its toll on the structure. The church is undergoing a multiyear restoration, set to be completed by December 2019. I can imagine those who visit […]

Christmas 2013

For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given,    and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Of the increase of his government and peace    there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne    and over his kingdom,  establishing and upholding it    with justice and righteousness    from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the LORD Almighty    will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7 People gathered again at the Church of the Nativity, the traditional place of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Although […]

Moving Mountains

Our next excursion was to Herodian, the mountain that Herod the Great moved. He built it by chopping away at a nearby hill, looking like a volcano with its flat top. Visible from the Mount of Olives, it stands as a testament to the drive of Herod. Who builds a mountain? Because of difficulties of driving a rental car into the West Bank (our rental car company, like most, only cover driving on 2 main highways in the West Bank), we decided it would be easiest to get there via bus. The Egged bus system covers the country. We took […]

The Land of the Shepherd

He tends his flock like a shepherd:  He gathers the lambs in his armsand carries them close to his heart;  he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 It was a very full and very fun weekend. I am falling in love with this land all over again. I’m hearing old lessons that I thought I understood, yet I am seeing them in a fresh light. If you stand in Jerusalem and look to the east, the Mount of Olives dominates the close, eastern horizon, rising above the city and blocking the view to what lay beyond. What is […]