Celebrating The Holidays In Unexpected Ways

In 2006 John and I had the privilege of visiting Jerusalem, Israel.   Although we did not stay at The American Colony Hotel there, we paid it a visit and looked at its lovely pictures and momentos in the lobby and in the hallways. 

One of the first owners of the property was Horatio Spafford, a successful Chicago businessman and real estate owner in the 1800's.  He lost much of his property in the great Chicago fire.  He had slowly begun to build back his fortune, when he and his family planned a trip by ship to Europe.  At the last minute, he had unexpected business to attend to in Chicago, and so he sent his wife and daughters on ahead of him.  He intended to board another ship and meet them in a few days. 

On the way, their ship collided with another ship, and all of his daughters died.  Only his wife lived.  He immediately left to join her. On the way, he asked the captain of the ship to show him the approximate spot where his daughters had drowned.
As he passed over the spot, he began to write the classic Christian
hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul."  

Several years later the family, along with a small group of friends, moved to Jerusalem and were known as "The American Colony."  They had a wish to live simply as Christians and do good to their neighbors. 

At the hotel we heard the story of Bertha Vester, the Spafford's daughter. In 1925 or so, she was on her way to Bethlehem to lead carol singing.  On the way, she met a young couple with a newborn son.  The mother was obviously very ill, and Bertha arranged for her to be admitted to a hospital.  During the night the mother died, and the father of the baby begged Bertha to take care of the baby and she agreed. 

Bertha probably never made it to the carol singing, but the 'adoption' of the baby boy, led her to a ministry of caring for sick children in Israel.

May we all renew our caring nature and experience and share goodness this holiday season!  May we experience joy from unexpected places.

Sarah and John