Well, I’ve been rather busy since my last update; sorry it’s been so long! Guess this means my update will be in book form, hahaha. Where to begin??? The family I live with has moved outside of Jerusalem to a small settlement of sorts that is literally in the desert. I never knew the desert was so beautiful! The weather out here is basically perfect every day during the winter. We get very little rain and it’s warm enough to wear your summer tank tops. I doubt it will be so perfect come summer, but right now I’m not complaining. When we go into Jerusalem though, we have to take all the warm hats, scarves and jackets along since it’s not quite so pleasant there this time of year.
I was able to celebrate Chanukah in Israel for the first time this past month! It began on the 12th of December and lasted for 8 days. The purpose of this holiday is to commemorate what God did during the Revolt of the Maccabeus. The Romans had desecrated the temple by sacrificing pigs on the altar which caused the Maccabeus (Jewish family) to lead a revolt to regain control of the temple etc. They succeeded for a short while, but they only had enough oil to light the Menorah in the Temple for one day. Miraculously the oil multiplied and lasted for 8 days (the number of days it takes to make the specific oil used in the temple Menorah). So it is a festival of lights and oil, lots of oil. During this holiday they eat lots of things fried in oil, donuts being at the top of the list. They also give little gifts on each of the 8 days. I took an evening and walked through the Jewish quarter of the Old City and down to the Wailing Wall during Chanukah to enjoy the lights. It is a really special time in Israel; the kids even stand outside and sing Chanukah songs. Someday their eyes will be opened and they will understand and receive the Light that has come for their salvation.
Last time I was in Israel it was not possible to get into Bethlehem due to all of the fighting (spring of 2002). So, on this trip I really wanted to make it over there, and I had thought it would be really special to do so during the Christmas season. I had been unable to find anyone to go in with me, but on Christmas Eve I was informed by a friend that they would be taking a group into Bethlehem the next morning. On Christmas morning I was able to sit in a field just outside of Bethlehem that would have been used by shepherds in Jesus’ day! We had a wonderful time singing Christmas carols and worshiping possibly in the very place where the angels showed up 2000 years ago to declare the greatest news the world had ever heard. I love that God gave the honor of being the first to hear the news to some of the lowest people in Israel’s society. It could be that God has had a soft spot for shepherds ever since David looked over his flocks on the same hills. If for no other reason, He certainly wanted to let the world know that His Son had come for all mankind, regardless of your station in life. I think God was a bit excited because He knew that soon man would be reconciled to Him again. He had been longing and waiting for the day when He could enjoy the same relationship with each of us that He had enjoyed with Adam and Eve in the garden; this is why we exist. Joy to the world, freedom has come!!!
I pray that all of you have a wonderful new year full of exciting experiences with God and deeper revelation of who He is. Let’s dive in all the way this year! Blessings, blessings, blessings! Please continue to stand with me in prayer for my finances. I will need around $2000 in order to stay here until May as planned. I believe that God will provide for everything that He puts before us to do, so I look forward to giving praise reports in this area too. Much love and hugs to all of you!
~Lydia
Pictures: #1 – Me sitting in the Shepherds' Field in Bethlehem
“If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth – if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.” Psalm 137:5-6
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