Profound Thoughts this Christmas

Last night after the exceptional service at Christmas Lutheran Church, I joined some friends outside. One of my new best friends, Mr. Monroe -- Allison's father, visiting from the great state of Texas, told me that he liked my website. Then he reminded me to remember that this website might be the only Christmas that some people have this year. Wow. That thought sort of shocked me, and so I started thinking about some wise words to share with everyone this Christmas.

I walked home in near silence, waiting for that divine jolt of Christmas spirit message to strike. I gazed at the Bethlehem sky. Nothing came to me. I recited the ten Christmas scriptures I know by heart. Nothing. Dadburn pressure. I thought about the day spent with friends and how I felt during Mitri's message. I think I nearly had a really great thought --I was so close -- the feeling -- the words -- the candles -- the friends present -- I could feel something happening in my head -- almost ... almost...but then it escaped me. (Darn elusive profound thoughts.) So instead I read my email.

Even though I didn't come up with any profound thoughts for you this Christmas, some of my friends did. I'd like to share with you this Christmas season what some better-inspired friends wrote.

My neighbor Ramzi said that although he hadn't been very good about keeping up correspondence, he would not allow himself not to write to special friends on Christmas. Great! That was a good message. Wish I had thought it. Then I read one from Arlene in the UAE, who said that her friends are what make her a special person! Beautiful. Nidal and Fida wrote wonderful Christmas verses. Liz shared her Christmas prayer. Luay wrote from Sweden wishing a new year of world peace. Another friend met a girl -- who could be the one! (Now, that's a profound Christmas experience.) Yasser promised that this coming year would be better than the last -- to forget the bad and remember the good. Kay visited an ill relative. Gayle prayed for "God, who watches over us and sees all our injustices, bring you a peace of the heart." Excellent! My brother Keith sent a photo of one of my favorite three-year-old nephews opening a gift. That was touching -- and made me miss home like heck. Arlene added that Christmas isn’t just about material gifts. Christmas is and will always be about God’s gift of love. That's a great message to leave you with -- God loves you.

Bethlehem Christmas Eve -- morning

Israeli soldiers offer a warm welcome to Bethlehem

Christmas wall construction -- don't these guys ever take a break?

Bethlehem Procession of Santa Drummers

Bethlehem Christmas Eve -- evening

Christmas Lutheran Church service

Daniel and his electric Christmas Noah's Ark tie at Manger Square!