Advent Twenty - Christ for All Nations

 20) Turkey

Theotokos in the Apse (Source: Hagia Sophia Research Team)
Credit: Harvard University

2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet.  Then Paul said: 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. 4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, Acts 21

The Turks were mostly in Central Asia when the events of the New Testament were taking place. 

My Greek friend at work told me he and his girlfriend were going on holiday to Asia Minor.  I knew my bible, and knew he meant "Tourkia" or Τουρκία. (As opposed to "galopoúla" or γαλοπούλα - the bird.)

Asia Minor has had a major part to play in the Gospel story.  This is where the first communities of faith grew up.  This is where the Status Quo of the Roman Empire was rocked.  Slaves and rich people began to see something higher that defined them.  Paul was well placed to be a role model.

PRAYER:  We thank you for Turkey and it's history.  We thank you for it's people today and ask that they may continue to be radical members of your family.