In the spirit of the Christmas season, I would like to share some nativity photos taken on my recent trip to the Holyland. Located inside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is the Grotto of the Nativity, the traditional site of Jesus’ birth. This fourteen-pointed silver star embedded in white marble marks His birthplace.

Jesus Actual Birthplace – Bethlehem

Located inside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is the Grotto of the Nativity, the traditional site of Jesus’ birth. This fourteen-pointed silver star embedded in white marble marks His birthplace.

Altar of the Manger – Bethlehem

Opposite the altar of the Nativity where the star is located, a visitor need only take three steps to see the Altar of the Manger, the place where Baby Jesus was laid after He was born.

Nativity Mural located in The Church at Shepherds’ Fields, Bethlehem

“Christians awake, salute the happy morn
Whereon the Savior of the world was born
Rise to adore the mystery of love
Which hosts of angels chanted from above
This day hath God fulfilled His promised Word
This day is born our Savior, Christ the Lord”

Written by John Byron, England, 1745

This photo of the nativity mural was taken by Hannah when she visited the Church at the Shepherds’ Fields located in Bethlehem. This is believed to be the site where the angel appeared to the shepherds.

Luke 2:8-10: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

From all of us at W2WSoul, we wish you and your loved ones, a joyous Christmas Day!
Merry Christmas!

CHRISTmas in general has become highly commercialized and its true meaning is easily lost amidst the noise of extravagant gifts and food binges that at the end of the season will only amount to excess debt and excess weight – both of which require much effort to lose.

I’m sure many of you have seen the bumper stickers that tout “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” A simple, memorable message and while obvious to some of us, seems to escape so many of us.  I can’t begin to tell you how many cards or personal greetings I have received over the years that X out the CHRIST in CHRISTmas. Some do it intentionally; others nonchalantly, oblivious to the significance of what they are omitting.  Merry CHRISTmas is quickly being replaced by Happy Holidays and while I respect the fact that we live in a diverse society with diverse beliefs, as CHRISTians, we must remember that we celebrate CHRISTmas.

John 14:6: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”

Jesus CHRIST was born so that we would one day have eternal life with Him – this is the greatest gift of all – a gift that is free to all and a gift that will forever keep giving.

As you write your CHRISTmas cards, plan your CHRISTmas parties or spread CHRISTmas cheer; let us keep close to our hearts the true meaning of why we celebrate this season.

If you want to X out something, let it be the Xcess debt and the Xcess food; but please, CHRIST is a must in CHRISTmas.