Bethlehem Bible College Update January 2025 – Advent Greetings
The Advent season calls us to reflect on the four foundational virtues of our Christian faith: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. These pillars resonate uniquely with each of us, shaped by our spiritual journeys, lived experiences, and cultures. Yet, it is in the most challenging times that these virtues shine brightest, revealing the beautiful work of God’s Spirit within us. Our ministry partner, Bethlehem Bible College (BBC), has shared with us profound reflections on the meaning of Christmas/Advent from their students and staff amidst the ongoing war. These reflections are powerful testaments to their unshakable faith—faith that has been tested but not broken. In the face of war, suffering, violence, and overwhelming uncertainty, BBC’s students remain steadfast, filled with hope, love, and longing for God’s peace and joy to saturate their society, country, and the world. Rather than being consumed by fear or despair, they stand courageous, rooted in the steadfast love, faithfulness, and providence of God. Their lives are a living witness to the enduring promise of Emmanuel—God with us.
As we give thanks for the resilience and courage of BBC’s students and staff, we also lift them in prayer. We invite you, dear supporters, to join us in honoring their powerful testimonies this Advent season. Together, let us celebrate and support their work, trusting that God’s light shines brightest in the darkest moments.
Here is one of the powerful Christmas reflections shared by Bethlehem Bible College:
“Be strong and let your hearts take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24).
How many times have we forgotten God in this never-ending war? And we have begun to blame Him for the death of the great and the small! But He does not forget us, nor does He blame us, and His promise is true, faithful, and steadfast for us. God promised us that He would give us peace; He is the one who said you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world. In the coming of Christmas amidst the war, it is as if God is telling us to be strong and let our hearts take courage, O children of the Lord, for I am the Lord your God calling you, My children. And can a father abandon his children? Love the Lord because He is worthy and just. We love Him because He will intervene and save us from the agony of war and bring peace to our land and hearts; the Lord cannot leave His beloved without salvation. The Lord is faithful; He does not forget or change, and is faithful in every covenant, so be assured that the Lord will fulfill His promise, and there will be peace on earth and goodwill toward men. The person who lives under sadness, distress, and sorrow, I encourage you to take courage in the Lord and wait for the Lord, for you will find resurrection and joy and peace. Love the Lord and trust in His hope, for He is the only one who does not betray us. In Christmas, there is a renewal of the Lord's promises and a renewal of our relationship with God, where we find the miracle of the incarnation and that He dwelled among us; Christmas is the presence of the Lord among us in the midst of Christmas. Our God is just, merciful, true, a God of peace, holy, and good, and everyone who seeks the Lord will not be disappointed. So, will we seek the Lord in the spirit of Christmas?
THE OPPORTUNITY
Thank you for standing with BBC as they seek to bring Christ’s hope, peace, and love to a broken world. The Outreach Foundation seeks gifts to support the mission and ministry of Bethlehem Bible College. All gifts of any size are welcome. You may make a gift by sending a check to The Outreach Foundation; make an online gift via the link below.
Thank you for being part of this movement of grace, compassion, and unwavering faith.
