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A Real Reason for Celebration
By Jason | December 16, 2009
A couple of Sundays ago our small group took a field trip for our meeting time. We decided we would go to the “Journey to Bethlehem” at a local area church. This was one of the coolest things we have done in a long time.
We began our journey by going back in time about 2000 years and being “adopted” into a Jewish family. We had to travel to Bethlehem for the census of the Roman government. So we began our journey into the wilderness. Along the journey we encountered wise men that were following a bright star, Roman soldiers who would search our group and ask for “papers”, which we had to carry everywhere we traveled. We saw live camels, horses, livestock, and other various farm animals. We ran into robbers and bandits who attempted to steal our possessions. And we met up with some shepherds tending their sheep. While speaking with the shepherds an angel appeared and gave us news of the birth of a King in Bethlehem. We hurried on our way to the town of Bethlehem. In Bethlehem we encountered a market with people selling food, jewelry, animals, playing games and more. It was getting late so our “adopted father” took us to an inn, which of course was full. So we headed out back to a stable. It was there where we encountered Mary, Joseph, & Jesus who had just been born. While we were listening to Mary and Joseph tell their story, the shepherds from our journey showed up and they began worshipping Jesus. It was an amazing sight. The reality of our adventure hit home and we realized the power and importance of our journey. And together we praised God.
Our family plans on doing this again next year. It was an impactful night that put to life the story of Jesus’ birth. It’s easy this time of year to get wrapped up in gifts, parties, and things. Just the other day I was shopping and overheard a conversation of two ladies at a checkout counter. She was basically saying “it’s Christmas you should buy even more things”. My thought went immediately to Jesus, and instead I thought, “It’s Christmas I should be remembering Jesus birth all the more than I normally do.”
Enjoy this time of year, and don’t lose focus of the real reason for our celebration: Jesus.
Topics: Family, Ministry, Parenting, Teens |