Bethlehem

It was about 2700 years ago that an ancient Hebrew prophet, Micah, spoke prophetically to his people about a Messiah who would be born into their midst. Several centuries later, a child was born in Bethlehem whose life and life’s work and wise teaching changed the world. In the biblical book attributed to the prophet Micah, he prophesied: “But you, Bethlehem . . . though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come one who will be ruler over Israel.” The child whose birth was foretold was Jesus. During his lifetime, his role as king was rejected by the leaders in Israel. His messianic/prophetic role was judged illegitimate by the important Hebrews who were ruling Palestine in cahoots with their overlords, the Roman occupiers. However, a small band of disciples gathered around Jesus during the years that he lived, taught, and performed miracles. The biblical accounts of Jesus’ teachings, the historical records of his miracles. . . and his suffering a criminal death before being raised from death. . . were later documented in the Bible. The biblical account of Jesus’ birth, life, death and Resurrection can be found in the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If you can believe the gospel writers, then you are a person whose faith has been completed by the birth, life, death, resurrection and salvation of Jesus Christ. In every Christmas season, Jesus’ miraculous birth in Bethlehem is recalled and celebrated all around the world. Bethlehem is a fascinating place; We visited the city when we were in Israel, four years ago. We entered the church that is traditionally thought to be the spot where Jesus was born. Having been raised Catholic, I was not surprised by my visit to the Church of the Nativity. it is, visually and spiritually, an ecclesiastical wonder, a tribute to the majesty of the King of Kings. Bethlehem was a pleasant city; the merchants are helpful and eager to sell their wares, which included fine clothing that we Americans do not typically wear, although the merchants were eager to amend our yankee clothing prefaces by draping their fine garb over our shoulders.

As Americans, however, we were quite aware that we were strangers in a strange land. We weren’t in Kansas any more, or Baltimore, or Charlotte. . . As we were leaving Bethlehem, we encountered a few features of Bethlehem that revealed just how different the place is from say, Charlotte. Crossing what appeared to be the main street, we heard some gun shots from somewhere not far away. We did not know what was happening, but one member of our small group became quite resolute about scooting away from there, getting out of Dodge, so to speak. So it seems Peace on Earth is not exactly the order of the day in Bethlehem. I mean, it is on. . .you know, the West Bank. Nothing wrong with the West Bank, of course. But most of the Jewish citizens live in Tel Aviv, or in some kibbutz, or Jerusalem. The West Bank is understood to be pretty much Arab territory. Driving back to Jerusalem on the main highway, we noticed that the Jewish settlement we saw from afar was completely enclosed by a high wall, with elaborate security hardware roundabout. I’m not complaining or criticizing; Israel is what it is. But I do know that all these Israelis—be they Jew or Muslim—are men and women who were saved—if they are willing to accept it— by the Prophet who had been born in Bethlehem. . . who lived, taught and performed miracles for three years before being crucified to death and raised back to life on the third day.