I
‘m in Israel. The
real Israel. I almost have to pinch
myself to believe I am in the Holy Lands in December- a month all about the
birth of Christ.
But I am so ignorant.
I didn’t realize I was coming to a desert. I didn’t think to look up verses in the Bible
for places I should know about. I didn’t
recognize how much of my Christmas back home was wrapped up in trees &
lights & presents. I didn’t research
any of the Israeli-Palestinian history.
myself for not being able to have the Christmas I’m used to. Sad for so many people who think the Bible is
just made up when I can see it come to life right in front of me. Sad for a nation ripped apart by hatred.
Then I wonder…
Where would I have been when Jesus was born? Would I have hunted down his manger to get a
glimpse? Or would I have encouraged my son to hunt down all boys under 2 years
old so that my earthly king wasn’t threatened?
Where would I have stood when Jesus came through my
hometown? Would I have wanted to just
get near him because I knew his healing power was true? Or would I have mocked him & clucked my
tongue at his challenge for something more than just laws?
Where would I have sat at Jesus’ trial? Would I have cried & screamed & wiped
his brow & tried to ease his pain?
Or would I have laughed & urged my husband to throw rocks at him?
But then I stop wondering, because I have chosen. I have chosen to believe the Bible. I have chosen to follow Jesus. I have chosen to be a Christian.
So the question becomes what if Jesus meant all that he said…
What if I am supposed to follow him wherever he wants me to
go? (Matt 4:19) Would I still follow even if it wasn’t a
place I wanted to see? Would I still
follow if it put me in danger?
What if my anger at another really is like murder? (Matt 5:22)
Would I willingly forgive anyone of anything they’ve ever done against
me? Would I give up being angry at
people I don’t understand?
Would I love my enemies? (Luke 6:27) Would I give freely to those who steal from
me? Would I choose to do good to those
who hurt me?
So many thoughts… so many reflections… so many questions…
It is my hope & my prayer that I can be a better
example, that I can choose to follow wherever I am sent, that I can give up my
anger for forgiveness, that I can love those I find it really easy to hate,
that my actions alone will show others who I believe in.
Jesus Christ. Whose
birth we celebrate this month. Who lived
a perfect life. Who loves each of us
without exception or cause. Who asks nothing
more than for us to follow.
