Why camels ALWAYS smile

I have a fascination with camels. I always have. In fact, every time I see one, the child within me is awakened with a thrill of wonder. What an amazing creature! So tall. So cute. (Unless, of course, they are the angry, spitting type of camel, then I digress!) But there is something about them that makes me happy. Symbols of resiliency and perseverance. For centuries, they have been a lifeline in the desert. In some countries you can even find chocolate made with Camel's milk!

Have you ever noticed that every time you see a camel, he is smiling?

Truly. They can't help it. It's how God created them. They are ALWAYS smiling. Perhaps that's where the cuteness factor comes from?

Recently I was in the desert of the Arabian Peninsula and this young girl came wandering up to us. She was gentle, affectionate, and actually seeking for us to pet her cheeks and chin. Obviously, her herdsmen have treated her with great kindness.

Did you know that in Islam, there are 99 names of Allah? The Holy Bible also lists hundreds of Names of God. These Names give us a picture into the heart, nature, and character of God. We are encouraged to learn them and use them often whenever we pray to Him and speak about Him. I love learning about the Names of God. It helps me to grow in my understanding of Him and, consequentially, increases my faith.

There is an old anecdote in the Muslim world about this:

"The reason the camel always smiles is because he knows the 100th name of Allah...but he's not telling!"

It makes me smile every time!

Light of the World

Christmastime in Germany is enchanting, to say the least. Trees and Light posts throughout the streets are draped in beautiful lights. The thrill of bundling up in coats and woolen wear to walk for hours in the snow and rain, sipping creamy hot cocoa in stocking shaped mugs as you wander through Christmas markets filled with delectable treats and fanciful wooden decorations that fill your heart with wonder. I wish everyone could experience it at least once!  

One of my favorite decorations that I’ve encountered is the wondrous Moravian Star! This starburst light is usually red, white, or a mixture of both that dates back to the nineteenth century. They say the star was developed in the 1800s, as an exercise in geometry at a Christian boarding school! Since then, it has become an enduring symbol of the Moravian Church.

For us, the star reminds us of John 1:1-5

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it. “

At Christmas time a major part of the world takes time to pause and remember the Birth of Jesus Messiah. In the Gospel of Matthew 2:2 we read about the Star of Bethlehem, a bright and shiny start that guided the Magi from the east to the place of the birth of the promised “Anointed One”.  His name is Jesus Messiah, Isa al Masih, Yeshua Hamashiach, Yesu Masih. He is also called, “Emmanuel, God with us”.

 In the Gospel of John 8:12, Jesus says, “

“I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

It is within this Light that we may find Hope, Peace, and Life- if only we will believe.

Merry Christmas!

Great, indeed!

"My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty." – Malachi 1:1