31 Days in December #16: Freiburg

We spend the afternoon in Freiburg, Germany, visiting a Christmas Market. As the day draws to a close, we eat with a family a half hour away. The husband is ill, so we visit with the wife and children. It's dark when we cross the open border back to Switzerland and home.

Freiburg

Entry to the Christmas Market

The altar in the church

Holding up the walls

Many points of meditation

Typically German wood ornaments

Night falls over the market

As we see the beautiful buildings among the hills and valleys, we are astonished at the partnership of God and his creatures. What we've noted so far:

1. God has people everywhere who love and serve him.
2. God's people are creative in their worship and work.
3. Every group in the world has its own ideas of beauty and adapts to its environment.
4. God's story is told in traditions and his offer of friendship with us extends to everyone who will listen.

What thrills you travel?

Read more:

*You bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover them with favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:12 ESV

*Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor. Proverbs 21:21 ESV

*Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 ESV

*And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name. Luke 1:46-49 NIV

*Take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16 ESV

Moravian Prayer: God our Defender, your love offers us spiritual resilience from that which would harm us. May we find sanctuary in it always.

Merciful One, may we accept that the standards of human societies differ from the standards of your kingdom. Renew our calling to act justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with you. Amen.