This last week, I got to visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Israel. My wife and I were on a cruise for our 25th anniversary. Israel was one of our stops. Being in the Holy Land this time of anticipation was awe inspiring. You see, we also got to visit the Mount of Olives. The place where Jesus ascended and will one day come again. Both places carry a sence of Advent. Bethlehem, the place of His Birth and incarnation and The Mount of Olives, the place of His return and our inspiration. When I say inspiration, I mean it this way. Jesus who was Spirit, became flesh so that we, as flesh, can be made into spirit. Bethlehem was the birthplace of our redemption, our return to God.
“Bethlehem” by Chicago
“Bethlehem Morning” by Morris Chapman