Tag Archives: Bethlehem

Traveling to Bethlehem for Christmas

If you are traveling to Bethlehem this Advent season expect a lot of company. According to travel experts, the West Bank area has seen (and expects to host) more tourists this year than in any holiday season since Israeli-Palestinian fighting broke out seven years ago. Bethlehem’s mayor speculates that the relative calm between Israelis and Palestinians has helped persuade Christians that it’s safe to visit. The onslaught of new visitors is a stark contrast to years past when heavy fighting and continued violence frightened many away. Government officials are expecting around 65,000 tourists to visit the traditional site of Jesus’ … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: Glad Tidings of Great joy

Walk with me, if you will, through an imaginary world that thankfully never existed. Imagine that, after your death, the devil rose up and claimed your soul with evil glee. “But,” you insisted, “I tried. I learned from my mistakes. I tried each day to do better. I served God with all of my heart and intent. I wasn’t perfect, but I was the best person I could be.” And the devil said to you, “It does not matter. The first time you sinned, you became mine.” And he dragged you down into a pit of despair and endless misery. … Continue reading →

Activities for “Escape to Egypt”

In my previous entry over the story of Jesus’ family fleeing to Egypt and eventually settling in Nazareth, I expressed how surprised I was when the students I teach in Bible school class thoroughly enjoyed the lesson (which I thought would be somewhat boring to them). I was also surprised by how much my kids enjoyed the very, very simply craft and corresponding class activity I did with them relating to the story. I thought I would share these ideas with you. The first thing I did in class is what I would call an activity. To prepare the activity, … Continue reading →