Visits to Bethlehem

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manager.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2: 8-20 NIV

Pilgrims stared at the hills near Bethlehem. From a restaurant’s patio, our group imagined shepherds on the barren hills. In the cool, silent night, they tended their flocks.

Modern homes and businesses disappeared from my view. I saw shepherds trudge between rocks searching for lost sheep. Caring for injured ones. Wrapping themselves in warm cloaks. Waiting for the sun to rise.

Stars twinkled in the clear sky. Distant lights of Bethlehem glowed. A long, boring night awaited them. 

Reluctantly, my mind switched to the present as our leader led us to the Church of the Nativity. We wound through clogged sidewalks filled with vendors trying to entice visitors to buy trinkets, post cards, and other souvenirs from the holy city. 

Christian and Muslim sellers, trying to make a living, capitalized on the mass of pilgrims. Crumbling buildings revealed poverty and the evidence of skirmishes. Cut off from the rest of the country by a gigantic wall, citizens endured long lines to enter and leave their city. Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim, struggled to live there. 

Prejudices and distrust abounded. In the town of Jesus‘ birth, the Christian population dwindles. 

I tried to ignore the current problems and imagine the scene in Jesus‘ time. But long lines in the Church of the Nativity, made it difficult. Tradition says that it was built over the cave of His birth. 

With incense burners, all sorts of religious adornments and a marble star imbedded in the floor, it hardly seemed appropriate to me. Nothing like the humble stables of my nativity sets even though I know they aren’t accurate either. 

Away from the mass of people, our leader led us to the Catholic Church of St. Ann next door. The beautiful, quiet sanctuary contrasted with the dark, busy one we left. 

Down a narrow, stone stairway, we entered a series of small caves. Asian worshipers filled the first one. We continued to a small one at the back. 

That tiny room soothed me. A long wooden table and with a beautiful painting furnished the room. Folding wooden chairs held us. Calmness settled over our group.

Scriptures took us to the stable. Larry, our leader, led us in a time of reflection. 

A grieving mother sat next to me. I took her hand. With eyes closed and tears streaming, we joined the group and sang of Jesus’ birth. 

In that  simple cave, the Holy Spirit comforted my new friend and me. He knew our losses and pain. 

I imagined a young couple far from home. Scared and nervous but trusting God. Holding her tiny baby, Mary felt Immanuel--God with us. They marveled at the birth and knew they weren’t alone. 

Gone was the pain and uncertainty of childbirth. Praise filled the young couple. A new life of promise.

Footsteps on the stone steps. Heads peeked into the dark room. Mary motioned for them to enter. 

Outcasts of society came inside. In awe they stared at the sleeping infant. Their rough manners, smelly clothes, and lack of education didn’t matter. They heeded their special angelic invitation.

They went immediately. They didn’t stop to take a bath, buy special clothes, or comb their matted hair. Each was accepted as he was. 

Afterward, the shepherds ran through the streets of Bethlehem proclaiming the Good News. Lives were changed. 

None who experienced that marvelous night remained trouble-free. All faced obstacles and trials. But God was with them.

In that quiet cave, some of my grief lifted. The Holy Spirit reminded me that I wasn’t alone either. He intentionally seated my new friend and me together and wrapped us in His loving arms. 

I longed to remain in that safe, serene place. But a sense of peace filled my heart as we left. I knew I would be able to continue my grief journey. 

Sadness filled me for Bethlehem and its chaos. Harsh conditions. Isolation. Despair. If only they could all experience the love of Jesus.

Heavenly Father, be with those who live in your holy land. Help them experience the love, promise, and hope of Jesus. May each Christian shine Your light to the world. Amen

The Cardboard Box

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9: 6 NIV

Tucked in the corner by my front door, a cardboard box leaned against the wall. The shape didn’t fit the size for the recent order I placed online. 

As I sliced through the tape on the mysterious box, I wondered what was inside. The outside gave no clues. 

Two flaps of the box opened to reveal a white paper from Costco. There was no

name of the sender.

I picked up the object nestled in the box. When I turned it over, I caught my breath. The picture I had taken of my gorgeous vista stretched across the canvas. 

How special it was to receive the gift. It was like gentle arms enfolded me as I stared at the picture. 

Every time I look at my lake, I am thankful for what God has given me. I marvel at the changing scenes and peacefulness it brings. Its beauty provides comfort and encouragement.

My photo blessed me every time I saw it on my phone or computer. A third blessing came when I held the gift in my hands knowing that someone cared for me. 

Often blessings keep giving and giving. When I am open to God’s leading, I can be part of a blessing chain. 

I finally solved the mystery of the present. I knew it had to be someone who was a Costco member and who was computer savvy. I asked my brother Joe if he knew anything about a canvas from Costco. He had seen my picture online and had it made into a lovely canvas picture. 

Creator, thank you for the blessings you give and keep giving. Help me to share my blessings. Amen

Anticipating the Launch

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29: 11-13 NIV

Excitement built. After years with no manned launches from Florida, the test for the Mars exploration revived space fever. 

Newscasters expressed heightened anticipation. A revival of the space program would bring jobs, visitors, and a sense of patriotism. 

In past years, I watched rockets etch the clear sky. Across from the launch pad, engines roared and vibrations from the powerful boosters formed waves on the river. Plumes of smoke rose with the spacecraft. Rockets could be seen rising into space all across Central Florida. The recent mission brought back memories of when space travel excited the world. 

Newscasters gave accounts of the countdown, crowds, and excitement. The clock stopped. A boater strayed into restricted waters. Then a booster problem needed attention. 

The boater moved and the booster was fixed. The clock moved forward. 

It stopped again. Wind gusts prevented a lift off. Another mechanical problem surfaced. With the window of opportunity closing, thousands waited expectantly. 

Viewers from around the world and local residents assembled along roads, beaches, and camp sites. Some spent the night in the area. Others arrived before dawn. All wanted to witness the historical event as the gigantic rocket rose and circled the earth.

Space center officials worked to solve mechanical glitches. Security personnel contacted the errant boater. But only God controlled the wind.

Everyone else waited. A moan arose as the announcement was relayed to visitors. Plans changed. Some complained. Others resigned themselves to the disruption. All hoped for a renewed countdown. 

At the end of the launch window, another announcement came. Officials decided to try again the following day. Disappointment replaced expectation. 

My life is often like the aborted launch. I make plans. Unexpected circumstances alter them. Anxiety and stress arise when I try to take control because I seem to think my way is best.

When I release my hold and accept God’s plan and timing, peace and contentment return. 

Heavenly Father, help me to accept Your plans and remember Your ways are best. Amen