Advent Advert - Christ for all Nations

 

The Abuhav Synagogue in Safed, Galilee
(Itamar Grinberg/Wikimedia Commons)

12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8

It seems preposterous to claim that the birth of one little baby, and his subsequent reasonably short life remains significant for the entire planet.  Humanity may have existed in a recognisable form for 300,000 years.  For all who know Jesus and believe in a just and loving Creator, the story is eternal.  We believe that Jesus has lived with creation from the beginning of time.  This same Jesus came and lived in one small and insignificance location on the earth, at one precise moment in history. 

Against all the odds the life of Jesus of Nazareth, has been shared across the globe,  Rulers and dukes have embraced this gospel.  History say the first was Tiridates III of Armenia in 301, then Constantine in 312, and for Britain, Alfred the Great, and William, duke of Normandy.  True lives of faith have been few and far between, and the gospel has run counter to much of what has happened in history, including the religious wars, slavery and the holocaust.

I have found 24 countries which are linked to the good news story as related in the Bible.  The connections are admittedly tenuous as many people groups have moved around.  Often, the only things that remain the same are the shapes of the hills.

But is gives me an excuse to travel around the Mediterranean, and pray for 24 counties as we prepare for the significant celebration of Christmas.

PRAYER: I believe you are just and loving, and care for all living things.