Christmas Eve visit to the Orphanage.....
Making bubbles
Making sure everyone had their fair share
We were so blessed to spend Christmas Eve with several Jerusalem Branch members in Bethlehem.......first visiting the Orphanage for several hours playing with the children and holding babies........ giving gifts....... We then met for dinner and gift sharing at Sahar's house. Her family had worked hard to have 30 guest over for such a lovely meal. have 3 members living in Bethlehem.....two brethern who have not been able to come to Jerusalem for church and our dear friend Sahar.....our Jerusalem Branch Relief Society President. Because of her job with the UN she has a special permit that allows her to cross the border and attend Church. Our "twig" in Bethlehem was recently organized under the direction of Elder Porter after he and several others including Pres. Allen visited with these two brothers and determined it was time for them to be blessed to meet together and having the blessings of the SacramentAfter the Priesthood brethern made their visit.....they decided it was time to allow these wonderful members the opportunity to have the Sacrament and to bring it to them in the land of the birth of our Savior......Bethlehem. Two of the brothers have not been able to attend Church in Jerusalem because of the separation wall and the only women, Sahar has a work premit which has allowed her to come to Jerusalem for church. Sahar is our RS president in the Jerusalem Branch and because of her work with the U.N. she has permission she to come to Jerusalem to our meetings. The meetings in Bethlehem are held on Sunday which makes it easier for Sahar to attend in Bethlehem and lend her strength, support and understanding of the Gospel. We have been able to attend several of the meetings also, what a spiritual feast. Sahar never knows when her job might
change and also her status for coming into Jerusalem, so having this meeting in her home town is a real blessing.The song, "O little town of Bethlehem" brings a new meaning with the Lord's supper being offered the saints after all these years.....Bethlehem.......house of Bread, the Lord's Sacrament.......Bread representing His body, the blood, his great sacrifice. It's only fitting that the Sacrament would be offered by the "Bread of Life" in Bethlehem...........We love this following youtube........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PURToRRq7gM
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