I had the incredible fortune to visit the Holy Land this summer, and that remarkable trip included a remarkable day in Bethlehem. Along with our guide we stood at a distance overlooking the town and the broad, rolling valley below, and she pointed out where the shepherds had been when they heard the news and followed the star to the babe. The path they traveled was much closer than my mind’s eye had always held it; the town of Bethlehem, and the spot of Jesus’ birth, rests at the crest of an impressive hill that feels very close to the heavens. Now, as I consider that wondrous night, it’s rather amazing to visualize it all with a little different perspective.
I think about those shepherds and what comes to me is this:
Awe. Wonder. Glory.
What it must have been like to be a shepherd in that valley, to climb that hill to find—of all things—a tiny, newborn baby. How humbling it must have been to feel the complete surround of everlasting, unending love.
It reminds me of the card my sweet friend Julie Marr sent last year, which bears repeating, and repeating, and repeating.
I wish for you the gift of astonishment this Christmas morning, and I pray you know deep in your soul you are truly loved. Deeply and truly loved.
You are His beloved.
XXOO
30 Days of Joy
Your writing is as beautiful as you are. I hope you and your family had a Merry Christmas!!
Oh, Jan. You are so kind. Thanks for reading, for commenting, and for being precious YOU. XXOO
Love and blessings on this day and always
You, too, sweet friend! XXOO