Bethlehem - Emmanuel

The bell I am sharing today is one that I believe I bought while in Bethlehem the time I was in Israel participating in an International Handbell Festival.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem.  His parents had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem because there was a census being taken close to the time that Mary was to give birth.  Joseph was of the lineage of David and Bethlehem was David's city.

Luke's gospel tells us that the first birth announcement was made to the shepherds out in the field around Bethlehem.  They were told to go to Bethlehem to find the baby born in a manger.

My bell shows the nativity scene carved inside the bell. I keep this bell on my curio shelf rather than hang it as an ornament on my tree.

Instead of packing it up with the rest of the Christmas decorations and putting the boxes away till next year, it reminds me that Emmanual - God is with us all the time.

Jesus is God with us. Jesus came to show us the Father. The creator God who loves all his creation. As the angels said to Mary and Joseph and the shepherds, Do not be afraid.

God is with us. May you know Hope, Love, Peace and Joy in 2022. Happy New Year!

# living life abundantly   # published author