Less than 200 km south of Tiberias is Bethlehem. Two thousand years ago, while shepherds kept their flocks by night, "... a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" Luke 2:13-14
Bethlehem today is no longer the "O little town" in the carols. It is now a city located in the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. Normally, the city is bustling with tourists. One of the most popular sites to visit is the Church of Nativity. Beneath the altar of the Church of Nativity is a cave "traditionally" believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. It is not quite a shed or barn we used to see in Christmas manger scenes. Susan and I were blessed to have visited this site in 2022 (pictured to the left).
Other than dealing with the chaos associated with the surge of tourists and visitors, it was relatively peaceful then. Who knows what it is now, with news of tension running high due to the conflict in the area. In fact, latest news has it that the Christmas festivities in Bethlehem have been canceled.
What is this peace when war dominates our news today?
The angel's message to the shepherds was never a promise of peace for all the people. There will always be "wars and rumors of war". Humanity's sinful nature will always get us into conflict and strife. The angel's message is a message of hope and peace for those who have faith in God; true peace can only be found through a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
As we remember Jesus' birth this Christmas, let's honor this season by being peacemakers to the world around us --- to our family, our friends, our neighbors, our community --- and then to the next village.
May you have a joyous Christmas and a blessed 2024 --- "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
And for our friends who supported us these past years, a big Thank You!
