Tonite I sit at choir as we begin to work on advent music. We are singing of the unexpected grace, hope and peace that God granted us in the Christ child. There is a line in our anthem that goes “when midnight sky is clear…” And I don’t know why it hit me at this point, but it did – in a week I will be in Israel. I will be standing under the same stars that shone down on the Christ child. I will be in Jesus’ backyard.

For weeks friends and acquaintances have been asking me if I was excited, and I haven’t been able to say yes. Not because I’m NOT excited, but because I am a terrified of flying (ugh) and there has just been so much else to deal with before I would be ready to go. But now I have finished the biggest things on the to-do list and the final preparations have begun.

And yes, I am excited. I can’t believe that the time is almost here. I can’t believe I get to have this experience with friends and colleagues in ministry. And I cannot believe that I get to go as advent begins.

My hope and intention is to blog daily while I am away. I would love it of you could pray for me and for the others on the trip – pray that our travel goes smoothly and that God speaks boldly to each of us on our travels. Pray that we come back enriched and ready to tackle the bustle of this busy season with renewed faith and vigor. Thank you in advance for your prayers!

The waiting is almost over, my friends!

For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. Psalms 91:11, 12 NLT