The picture above is allegedly the location of Jesus' birth in Bethleham. When you go to visit this location many people bend over and kiss the spot. A church is basically built on the location.

I lived and studied in Jerusalem for one month in January 1992. This was an amazing experience. It was an intense learning experience with a lot of work and fun. We lived on Mount Zion and around the corner from the alleged location of the upper room where Jesus had his final meal with His followers.

One of our stops was in Bethlehem where we went through an armed check point. It was a much different picture from the song "Oh little town Bethlehem..." or "Silent night." I encountered armed security and scrutiny. It is amazing to think that Jesus was born in a location within a walk from where we visited. It is bizarre to grasp the fact that we stood where the walls of Jericho tumbled and where Nehemiah led the people to rebuild the wall. It is moving to stand on the steps where Peter preached to the masses and where 3,000 people became followers of Jesus. Real places. Real stories. Real people.

Sometimes I forget that the stories of the Bible include flesh and blood imperfect people. Christmas involved a real man, a real young girl and a real baby. Christmas also involves real people like you and like me.

The Deurs are now healthy and we'll pray that it stays that way.
sd

PS - had a great time away with Autumn and also had a fun night with family tonight. I rollerskated!!! It has been a long time!