Big news coming out of Rome, Caesar Augustus is going to tax everyone in the Roman Empire. They are saying that everyone will have to go have to go to the city of their birth to register. It is the rainy season in Israel. The roads are impossible, but everybody has to go. King Herod has for now finished building on the Temple. His chief architect has said that the Temple is as complete as they can do. In business news the shekel is up against the denarius. Trading has been stiff in the markets. New caravans are coming from Egypt. They say there are exotic goods on them. The traders are talking about new spices for the Far East. The market seems right for a new influx of goods. On the home front, the zealots are making trouble for us and the romans. The roman governor has promised swift justice for these lawbreakers. There is a new stir in Jerusalem. They say that 3 Persian kings have come to the city. King Herod invited them to his palace. They say Herod was surprised. He didn’t know about their visit until they showed up. They say these kings are richer than Herod. It has been another year in Israel but the people are hopeful that the messiah will come. I have to be careful what I say about the romans and the chief priests. Everybody wants their country back. We have been occupied for some 60 years. Everyone is praying for deliverance. Ever since those Persians arrived in Jerusalem, the mood of the people has been somber. There is something happening. I don’t know what, but I will find out and report the news of the day here in Jerusalem. I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
http://www.joseph1637.com
joseph1637@juno.com