If… Then…
"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:31-32
 Jesus came to us in the Holy Land, more specifically in the village of Bethlehem. It is a real place and a real event of history.
Every trip to the Holy Land is unique. While there are some sites that are always visited, every pilgrimage is an opportunity to see new and fascinating places where Biblical history comes alive. One of those “must see” sites is the Garden Tomb. While there is no good historical or archeological support for it to be the place of Jesus’ burial, it provides a sense of deep reverence and awe. The hill with caves that give the appearance of a skull (Golgotha), the ancient garden and vineyard, and the tomb carved out of the limestone hillside with a track for a round stone across the opening all combine to give the pilgrim a sense of holy ground. If you are fortunate to be there on a Sunday and join in a worship service, it is an awesome experience with the open tomb in the background. Most groups have a private communion service and then go into the open tomb and look around.
On a recent visit to the Garden Tomb we found it very busy with groups from all over the world. Familiar hymns and praise songs in different languages provided a Pentecost feeling and the elements of communion seemed to be more relevant than ever. One of the men who served my group was celebrating his one-year anniversary of accepting Christ as his Savior. It was an emotional moment. When we went to visit the tomb the line was long, and so I decided to watch from above and take pictures of my people as they emerged from the tomb. As I watched I became aware of my name being shouted: “Duane, Duane Eastman!”I scanned the crowd below and spotted a woman waving her arms. It was Carrie, a friend from my teen years, a girl who had influenced my decision to go to Bible College where my journey in ministry began. She and her husband were in Israel as a gift from their children. We had a grand reunion; aware of the way God touches our lives through other people.
My wife, Myrna, began thinking in “If”/“then” constructs: If Carrie hadn’t influenced me to go to Bible College, then I wouldn’t have met Myrna. If I hadn’t gone, then I wouldn’t have been in ministry…. then I wouldn’t be at that church… wouldn’t have put together a trip to Israel… wouldn’t have been there at that moment. 
Advent is a divine If/then event. If Jesus had not come, then there would be no Calvary. If He had not been born in Bethlehem, then he would not have died on a cross outside Jerusalem. If he had not come as mortal man, then we would have no hope for immortality. If he had not died as a sacrifice, then we would be without hope.
Advent is about His coming. If Jesus came as a babe in the manger in his first Advent, then surely he is coming again, as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Advent is a time to celebrate the if/then of God’s love and care. As you go through the events of the season, be reminded that the divine construct remains in operation.
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for sending your Son. We know that if you had not sent Him we would be extremely lost. Thank you for your love. Amen.
Dr. Duane Eastman
Interim Pastor
First Baptist Church
Lamar, CO
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