12/24/2023
Christmas looks a little different for me this year. For many reasons but in particular, having the opportunity to go to Israel this past May.
Specifically Bethlehem! It was a highlight of the trip and also a low point.
Entering into the Church of the Nativity is breathtaking and visiting the very spot that is believed to be where Christ was born was something so spiritual that I can’t find the words. I will never forget it and I will tell you I feel a daily pulling in my spirit to go back there.
And yet,
Many may not realize that Bethlehem is in Palestine which is under endless persecution. It is surrounded by a giant wall that limits their ability to visit family, friends etc. additionally you will see refugee camps and houses and buildings that are in ruin due to effects from war.
In Bethlehem , we visited a camp, we walked that wall and we learned of what these people have been and continue to live through. The pictures posted of innocent lives lost, it was the pictures of the children that affected me most. The cries for peace written in either words or art form on the wall is endless The sadness and heartbreak is palpable and our group walked around in reverence. I remember by the end of that day we all were broken and exhausted with emotion.
But there was light!
And joy. Kindness, warmth and love. It came from the people of Palestine! We had dinner with families and were welcomed into their homes with hugs and smiles. We were taught to make food by beautiful smiling and loving Palestinian men and women. A Palestinian man made tea for us and sang happy birthday to me in English and Arabic!
We met so many beautiful Palestinians. Their message was simple. “Come and see, then go and tell.
This Christmas is different for me. My heart breaks for Bethlehem and its beautiful people. I lift up my prayers not just for Palestine but for all of Israel and those people that do not want war but wish to live peace.
This Sculpture is by Banksy. It’s titled, “the scar of Bethlehem.