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| The first tree lighting festival in Israel |
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| Estella is thrilled by all the Christmas trees and decor we see around Jaffa |
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| About as close to Santa as EV is willing to stand |
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| Decorating the tree |
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| Adding her own personal style to the tree... all of her bracelets are now seasonal ornaments! |
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| Mini Santa loves playing at the park |
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| Arab-Christians all over Jaffa proudly display their Christmas trees |
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| EV helping decorate the tree at the Bistro |
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| She was having the best time |
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| Santa's little helper |
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| Ornamental headwear |
The month of December was much different than it is in the States. Though not even close to being as celebrated as we are accustomed to, it was a nice surprise to live in a neighborhood that seems to have more local Christians than many other places throughout the country (We never made it up to Nazareth, but that seems to be the largest concentration for Christmas celebrations in Israel).
On December 2nd, we attended the first Christmas tree lighting ceremony right here in Jaffa. Later that same week, the owner of the local Bistro we frequent showed us his mom's store as well as took us to his church where a Christmas market was held. Between the two, we were able to decorate for the holiday. Beyond the festive atomosphere, we were pleased that our big Russian grocery store carries pork and other food items needed to make traditional holiday meals here. These holiday "necessities" combined with the frequent get-togethers with our HP family, made the holiday season feel more like home.
All in all, December has been magical for Estella. Seeing her excitement every time we passed lights or a Christmas tree was a constant reminder about the true spirit of the season. Estella's joy and the connection I finally made when I read Matthew 2:1, was powerful. For the most part, it kept our focus on this wonderful opportunity we are living and helped ease the long-distant pangs we were feeling being so far from our family and friends.
The scripture referenced above:
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem." Matthew 2:1
Ok.. I know we are living in the Holy Land and I try to wrap my mind around the deep history and signifigance of all the places we've visited and seen while here... but for some reason it finally clicked when I was reading our advent calendar. The scriptures that reference places we've been are finally sinking in and it's blowing my mind!! ☺️
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| Herod's place in Ceasarea |
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| Masada |
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| Jerusalem |
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| Jerusalem |
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| Jerusalem |
