December 19 - Bethany

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Advent Greetings, Friends!

Bethany is a village on the Mount of Olives, and a place mentioned frequently in all four Gospels. It was the home of Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus, and the miracle of Lazarus's resurrection took place there.

It was also in Bethany that a woman poured a bottle of expensive perfume over Jesus' head while he was dining in the home of Simon the leper.

Jesus was good friends with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Lazarus is referred to as “the one You love…” Jesus also lodged in Bethany during his final days in Jerusalem, the Palm Sunday procession started out from there, and after Jesus had risen, he appeared to his followers and he then led them on the road to Bethany.

Also on that road, he blessed his followers, and then rose up into Heaven. Bethany is the place of Ascension.

As we prepare for a baby in a manger, God Immanuel, we might also be reminded of all that the Messiah was to live out: born in Bethlehem, crucified at Golgotha, rose again, appeared, and ascended from Bethany.

May God bless you and keep you, as you journey this road of Advent, and as we await our God Immanuel.

Blessings, grace, and peace,

Pastor Peter Mannoja
Tanum Forest Lutheran - Sturgeon Bay 



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