I write you from Jerusalem, privileged to be part of a Seminary
Class diving deeply into the heritage Christians enjoy in the Holy Land. As I consider the glory of the eternal Son of God, who walked on these very stones and looked at the same night sky I look at now, I cannot help but more passionately love God who came to us.
Twenty centuries ago, an old man named Simon was urged “by
the Spirit” to go to the Temple (Luke 2:27). On that same day,
a young couple, traveling with their newborn on the road from
Bethlehem, entered the walls of Jerusalem through the Dung
Gate at the bottom of the city and walked past the Pool of
Siloam. The broad expanse of the Ceremonial Walkway
stretched out before them, packed with thousands of travelers
and city merchants scurrying from place to place.
Nearly lost among the jostling crowd, they took in the sights
before them and pondered all that had brought them to this
place. They were filled with wonder, recalling the message given nine months earlier, when the angel Gabriel told Mary, a virgin, that she would conceive. They were blessed by the dream Joseph had, affirming that Mary was indeed a virgin, and that the child would be no ordinary child, that He would be “Immanuel…God with us” (Matt 1:27). They were overwhelmed by the testimony of the shepherds who had rushed in with their astounding news shortly after their baby had been born that angels had visited them in the night sky. As Mary pondered these things in her heart, it must have been clear that they were, quite literally, carrying the precious promise of God. Yet all around them, tens of thousands milled about, paying no notice as they made their way toward the Temple.
But the old man, Simeon, had been waiting for this moment. God had revealed to him that “he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:26). While many passed by without knowing the magnificence of the moment, Simon’s faith carried him to the young family. He took the babe in his arms, blessing God, saying, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:28–32).
I long to be like Simeon rather than the crowds. To live filled with hope of an eternal King who listen and cares. Yet so many walk through this life like so many in the past who scurry from crisis to crisis. Many live without hope. But hope it what fills my heart as I write. These ancient stones surrounding me here in Jerusalem are living testament to the fact of God’s reality and never–ending care for His people.
It may be that you learned of Wyoming Family Alliance because you care about the work that we do in standing for Life, Religious Freedom, and Families across our state. All of that is good, and we are so glad to stand together with you. But at Christmas, as we celebrate the greatest gift ever given, God’s son, our greatest hope is that you have received this gift and come to know our Savior. He is the reason behind everything that we do.
I want you to ask yourself this simple question, “If I were to die right now, where would my eternal soul go?” If you are not sure of the answer, would you please call us? Yes, we care about our country and applying eternal values to our state policies, but we care far more about your eternal soul.
May God bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon your during this glorious season, and may He give you peace.
Sincerely,
Nathan Winters
Executive Director
