[Today's Prayer] Jordan Begins Full-Scale Preparations for the 2000th Anniversary of Jesus' Baptism

The Jordanian government is accelerating efforts to revitalize religious tourism by preparing a large-scale international festival to commemorate the 2000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ.

As the historic milestones of Christianity approach their peak in 2033, preparations are accelerating ahead of the first major event, the 2030 'Jesus Baptism Commemoration Day.' This commemorative day is scheduled to be held at the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Bethany Beyond the Jordan,' known as the place where John baptized and Christ's public ministry began.

King Abdullah II, who rules the Hashemite Kingdom and is pro-Western, is actively supporting the event to make it a festival for Christians worldwide.

Emad Hijazin, Jordan's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, stated, "The Baptism Site Committee, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Royal Court will soon announce a comprehensive commemorative program," and expressed expectations to attract pilgrims by cooperating with international Christian leaders, including the new Secretary-General of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), Pastor Botrus Mansour. Pastor Mansour also emphasized, "WEA is seeking ways to work closely with Jordanian authorities."

Michael Nazzal, Chairman of the Jordanian Senate's Tourism and Heritage Committee, said, "Under King Abdullah II's leadership, infrastructure is being strengthened, pilgrimage services expanded, and visitors from all denominations welcomed," adding, "The baptism site is a cornerstone of Christian heritage, and this event will reaffirm Jordan as a trusted sanctuary of sacred Christian history."

(Omitted)

According to biblical archaeologists, Jordan has over 100 sites mentioned in the Old and New Testaments. In particular, the baptism site, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015, matches the 'eastern bank of the Jordan River' recorded in John 1:28, and has long attracted Christian pilgrims.

The Jordanian government and officials have stated their goal to welcome millions of visitors through this commemorative event while reaffirming the national commitment to religious coexistence and the protection of Christian heritage.

Source: Christian Today

"Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." (2 Peter 1:4)

Lord, we hear that the Jordanian government is preparing a large-scale international festival to mark the 2000th anniversary of Jesus Christ's baptism.

We pray that through this event, Jordan will reaffirm itself as a trusted sanctuary of sacred Christian history.

God chose and loved Jordan so that Jesus was baptized on this land and revealed Himself as the Messiah.

May the Jordanian government preparing the festival and all the Jordanian people participating in it experience the power of the gospel and understand the love of the cross as they see the history of Jesus.

When many churches and denominations unite through this festival, may this opportunity lead to unity through the gospel and the cross, and be used as a channel to spread the gospel.

Awaken the Christians in this land to rise, and like John the Baptist who prepared and waited for Jesus' coming, may they wait for Jesus and become a people preparing the way for His return.

May Jordan not live for the perishable things of this world but hold fast to the precious and very great promises given to it, waiting only for the returning Jesus.

Thus, in the last days, may Jordan rise as a people who do not conform to the age but proclaim Messiah Jesus among all nations like the voice crying out in the wilderness!

May it become a people who pave the King's highway and be the first to welcome the Lord's return!